New systems, automation, enhanced connectivity and digital tools are becoming part of our everyday life at sea. Technology evolves quickly but training and competency pathways do not always keep pace with the real world onboard.
This space is for seafarers and maritime industry professionals to talk freely about how technology impacts the skills needed at sea.
Do training, certification and learning opportunities truly support safe operations with current and emerging technologies? Do you experience skills fade with using technology more for everyday tasks?
Competence today is increasingly including the management of complex systems, alarms and data, making decisions when technology fails, and continuously updating tech skills.
We want to hear real operational perspectives, including:
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Are training courses preparing you for the technology you actually use onboard?
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Are you concerned you do not have training needed for certain upcoming or existing technologies?
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What skills are becoming more important and are there any you think the industry is not addressing?
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How do you best learn how to use new systems: e-learning, reading manuals, on-the-job mentoring and familiarisation from colleagues or even tutorials on YouTube?
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Is blended or digital learning helping you upskill or is it adding pressure alongside workload and fatigue?
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Are junior officers and ratings gaining enough hands-on experience with technologies onboard?
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Do you find technologies onboard are different to the ones you were trained on?
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What skills will future seafarers need that we are not teaching yet?
This forum welcomes experiences from all ranks, departments, vessel types and regions — from trainee ratings to Masters, Engineers to ETOs, Environmental Officers to Catering staff.
The aim is simple: we want seafarers’ views to be heard to understand how training and competence must evolve so technology genuinely supports safety, skills and wellbeing at sea.
Your experience helps shape the future of maritime competence.