As the maritime industry undergoes radical transformations driven by technological advancements, the need for a workforce equipped with strong soft skills becomes increasingly vital. Panelists at the 2024 Crew Welfare Week emphasized that investing in soft skills training is essential for fostering adaptability, communication, and teamwork among crew members.
These interpersonal skills will empower workers to navigate the complexities of an evolving landscape, where collaboration between humans and technology will be key to maintaining safety and operational efficiency. By prioritizing soft skills development alongside technical training, the maritime sector can ensure that its workforce remains agile and responsive to the industry’s future challenges.
In a panel discussion, moderated by Capt. Andre L. LeGoubin, President, The Nautical Institute, the following experts elaborated on the importance of soft skills development and their numerous benefits: Dr. Angelica Baylon, External Relations Director, Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP); Panagiotis Kourkoumelis, Training and Development Manager, Kyklades Maritime Corporation; Adam Lewis, Head of Training and Development, Zodiac Maritime Limited; Capt. Nicolo S. Terrei, Managing Director, Augustea Ship Manning Phils. Inc.
Key considerations for the future workforce
With many developments unfolding as we move toward 2030, soft skills—including emotional intelligence, decision-making, and conflict management—have been highlighted as crucial for maintaining crew members’ motivation, productivity, and engagement. Capt. Andre asked the panelists what aspects of the maritime workforce are likely to remain the same and what changes can be expected in the shipping industry.
Based on current trends and technological advancements, we anticipate some significant changes in the coming years,” noted Dr. Angelica Baylon. She highlighted,
Certainly, the human element will remain central, with skilled and experienced crew members needed both in the short and long term.
She added that certification requirements for seafarers will continue to ensure that all crew members possess the necessary skills. Regulations related to crew qualifications, working conditions, and safety standards are likely to remain in place.
However, in terms of maritime education, new technologies are transforming learning and development,
…commented Adam Lewis.
AI content creation, in particular, is reshaping the landscape, especially within the realm of soft skills. ‘’When it comes to technical skills, it often makes sense for us to outsource that training. However, for soft skills, a more company-driven approach is essential. We need to embed these skills into our culture by leveraging this technology. I believe that in the coming years, the focus will be on how to effectively utilize these advancements,” said Lewis. Capt. Andre agreed, adding that the next level is to look at the implementation of that technology onboard.
Continuing the discussion, Panagiotis Kourkoumelis shared his hope for a more diversified workforce, with increased participation of women seafarers. He anticipates a shift toward data-driven crew management by 2030, which will help optimize the employment process for seafarers. As awareness of health and wellness issues grows, Kourkoumelis expects a healthier and happier crew in the coming years. Furthermore, he agreed that technology will transform learning, noting that Virtual Reality (VR) is gaining traction and enabling more effective simulation training.
Amid the upcoming technological changes, a significant challenge for the future will be maintaining seafarers’ nautical skills. Capt. Nicolo, drawing on his experience, referred to the traditional profile of the maritime industry and noted that the acceleration of change has radically transformed shipping as we once knew it. This transformation can make it difficult for stakeholders to keep up with these developments. He added,
In addition to this, there is a variety of training available; however, it remains challenging for crews to stay updated on the latest advancements.
Dr. Angelica Baylon also agreed that increased automation will accelerate the shipping industry’s evolution, leading to a shift in the roles and responsibilities of crew members.
More tasks could be automated, reducing the need for some traditional roles while creating new ones focused on managing and maintaining automated systems.
She also anticipates greater efforts to promote diversity and inclusion, which may result in changes to crew composition and management practices.
Moreover, as the maritime industry increasingly prioritizes sustainability and environmental responsibility, crew training will need to incorporate new content related to green technologies, emissions reduction, and environmental regulations.
The impact of AI on people onboard
Starting the discussion on how technology, especially AI, will impact people both onboard and ashore, Adam Lewis highlighted two ways that AI can benefit the maritime industry.
In terms of AI, there are multiple advancements. As an industry, we often delegate many tasks to our personnel without necessarily assessing their strengths and weaknesses beforehand. Firstly, AI can enable us to evaluate these strengths and weaknesses and identify areas where people require additional training.
Adam Lewis went on to add, “Secondly, AI will facilitate content creation. It is very difficult to go onboard a vessel and film a video. Now, with AI, we can develop a quality program that is tailored precisely to our needs.”
Regarding vessels, Panagiotis expects to see AI systems that support decision-making in navigation and other maritime operations. However, he does not believe we will see automation in the near future, especially for core operations such as cargo handling or navigation. In that regard, he stressed the importance of maintaining situational awareness and critical thinking.
As we introduce new technologies, it is essential to understand how they work,
…Panagiotis Kourkoumelis stressed.
AI can also support connectivity onboard. According to Capt. Nicolo Terrei, there is now programs where the vessel can be fully controlled by shore and enhance the communication between ship and shore.
Moving forward
Considering the technological surge, seafarers will need strong technical skills to operate and maintain modern equipment and systems. In that regard, training programs must be updated to include the knowledge necessary for crew members to become proficient in using these new tools. As the maritime industry continues to evolve, crew members should remain open to embracing change and upgrading their skills to keep pace with these developments, Dr. Angelica Baylon highlighted. “Crew members will also need to have a strong awareness of cybersecurity,” she added.
In light of this, Capt. Andre highlighted the need for seafarers to remain adaptable and open to change, as well as for the maritime industry to make efforts to become more attractive to potential recruits. He emphasized that by fostering a culture of innovation and inclusivity, the industry can appeal to a new generation of professionals.
Additionally, investing in career development, promoting work-life balance, and enhancing training opportunities will be essential to attract and retain skilled personnel. Ultimately, the industry’s ability to evolve in response to technological advancements and workforce expectations will determine its future success.
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