LR: Maritime education and training must evolve rapidly to keep pace with the rate of change

The challenges are numerous, as a recent report revealed, highlighting that these new fuels require tailored safety measures, procedural modifications, and competency-based training. However, as both experts emphasize, the key priority is to listen to seafarers. Their perspectives on the energy transition and the safety of handling alternative fuels will significantly influence the rate of adoption, which, in turn, will have a ripple effect on profits and revenue.

SAFETY4SEA: What are some of the most significant challenges that the maritime industry faces in achieving its decarbonization goals? What are your suggestions to turn these into opportunities? 

To effectively move towards a decarbonised future, it is estimated that 800,000 seafarers may require additional training within the next decade to operate vessels that run on zero or near-zero emission fuels.  Maritime education and training must evolve very quickly to keep pace with the rate of change, whilst also being aware of the risks of creating skills gaps between seafarers in comparatively wealthy or poorer regions. Addressing this skills gap poses an immense challenge to keeping pace with current decarbonisation goals. However, there is a huge opportunity for emerging maritime economies to become regional hubs and leaders in these new green skills, diversifying the seafaring workforce and bringing about the economic benefits associated with job creation. That is why the Maritime Just Transition and its developing training framework is so important. As it gains more and more traction in the wider decarbonisation agenda, we have a real platform to ensure decarbonisation is delivered in a way that is safe, fair, equitable and one that empowers local voices throughout the maritime value chain. 

S4S: Following the recent MJTTF study on ammonia, methanol, and hydrogen as alternative fuels, what were the most surprising or unexpected safety risks identified for seafarers when dealing with these fuels? 

Across all three fuels, there is a clear and urgent need for tailored safety measures, procedural modifications, and competency-based training. This stems from the fact that while ammonia, methanol, and hydrogen have long been transported as cargo, their use as marine fuels introduces new operational challenges. Ammonia’s extreme toxicity necessitates advanced emergency response training, upgraded personal protective equipment (PPE) standards that would also account for gender inequalities, and enhanced process safety protocols. Methanol’s high flammability calls for improved fire detection systems and reinforced PPE requirements, while its toxic and corrosive properties demand specialized training. Last but not least, hydrogen’s correlation to near-invisible flames, requires innovative flame detection technologies and enhanced fire safety systems.  

S4S: How should seafarer training programs address these hazards to ensure safe and effective handling of these alternative fuels? 

A modular training approach is essential, combining standardized baseline courses with specialized modules tailored to different fuel types and vessel operations. Simulation-based training will also be key, enabling seafarers to navigate real-world scenarios within a controlled environment. Additionally, fostering a robust safety culture, one that prioritizes through life learning and continuous competencies’ assessments, and looks into embedding best practices into daily seafarers’ duties and operations onboard is key. In summary, safe handling of alternative fuels will require a major shift in training programs, calling for a combination of both technical and behavioral competencies that spread in the areas of risk management, emergency response, and occupational health. 

S4S: What are the biggest challenges you foresee in transitioning from conventional fuel training to training for zero and near zero GHG emission fuels? 

The challenges are both quantitative and qualitative. First and foremost, the scale of upskilling required is sheer with current estimates to suggest that up to 800,000 seafarers may need additional training by the mid-2030s. To meet this demand, a structured approach is evident, comprising revisions to the STCW standards, simulation-based training, and comprehensive onboard familiarization programmes. Deepening the discussion to include the quality check-in points, the transition to training for zero and near-zero GHG emission fuels will mandate new technical competencies for safe handling of fuels such as ammonia, methanol, and hydrogen, including the operation of advanced support systems and automation designed to mitigate exposure to hazardous substances. Additionally, training frameworks must integrate process safety management, risk assessments, and emergency response protocols tailored to the new molecules and emerging fuel technologies. 

S4S: How critical is it for the STCW Convention to be updated, and what timeline would you recommend for implementing these changes? 

It is common knowledge that the industry is advancing rapidly, with alternative fuel technologies outpacing current training standards. Nevertheless, a goal-based standard is essential to align training requirements with emerging safety risks, ensuring the harmonised application of training frameworks and the mobility of seafarers serving different ship types.  In response to the above, the primary focus of the IMO has been the ongoing Comprehensive Review of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW Convention) and the STCW Code with more than 500 regulatory gaps being identified at the last HTW 11 Sub-Committee. However, it is only until 2031-2032 that substantive development of amendments to the Convention and the STCW Code will be finalized and adopted.  In parallel legislation chart a course towards a harmonized set of provisions for seafarers training by the IMO, with HTW11 approving draft Generic interim guidelines on training for seafarers on ships using alternative fuels and new technologies. The specific guidelines address the unique characteristics of certain alternative fuels and the risks linked to their use in seafarer training. 

S4S: With ammonia, methanol, and hydrogen each presenting unique safety challenges, what new standards and advancements in safety systems do you envision? 

A holistic approach to safety is imperative and balancing all tasks under that umbrella will be critical; technological advancements, human-centric design, strengthened operational protocols, enhanced cybersecurity resilience, redefining emergency response strategies, to name a few. Moreover, the route to implementation will be a decisive factor for success, calling for innovation and collaboration of amongst the triangle of regulators, industry leaders, and training institutions, who will be the ones upholding the highest safety standards. Essentially, the ask is an overhaul in safety protocols and operational systems. Dealing with ammonia’s toxicity, methanol’s flammability and hydrogen’s combustibility, implies advanced mitigation strategies, which shall be supplemented by enhanced personal protective equipment (PPE), including specialized breathing apparatus and gas detectors. Automation and process control to minimize human exposure to hazardous areas will be the finishing touch in creating a new model of operations. Within this context, training frameworks are also evolving, with initiatives such as the Maritime Just Transition Task Force (MJTTF) drafting detailed competency standards and instructor handbooks to upskill seafarers and shore-based personnel. 

S4S: How can maritime stakeholders collaborate to prioritize seafarer training and safety in this critical period of change? 

Safety is something that should transcend financial and operational targets. Working at sea remains one of the most dangerous occupations in the world. Increasing geopolitical tensions, rapid technological development and a looming climate crisis seem to be placing more physical and mental strain on the global seafaring workforce. We can’t understate the role of cross sectoral, impartial, evidence-based organisations such as that of the Lloyd’s Register’s Maritime Decarbonisation Hub and the Maritime Just Transition Taskforce. Their merit in convening diverse stakeholders and championing safety on the international stage is fundamental to ensuring key industry actors work together with a spirit of collaboration, rather than competition. By applying some of Lloyd’s Register Foundation’s existing work on the value of safety to a maritime context, we can create a value proposition for maritime stakeholders. This demonstrates the importance of safety frameworks for seafarers, and we can also show that getting people right during this period of transition will give organisations a competitive advantage. 

S4S: Looking ahead, do you see other technological or regulatory shifts that will further transform the role and training of seafarers? 

New technologies, such as hydrogen fuel cells, wind-assisted propulsion, and real-time digital monitoring, will require a deeper understanding of energy efficiency and risk management. Additionally, autonomous systems will serve as decision-support tools, reinforcing the need for adaptability, technical proficiency, and continuous learning. As shipping embraces automation and big data, seafarers must develop new skill sets, from advanced alarm management to digital systems operation. From a design perspective, Human Factors Integration (HFI) will be pivotal alluding to intuitive vessel design and fleet-wide standardization; that will effectively aim at streamlining the training requirements and reducing the risk of human error. 

S4S: What needs to be considered in order to keep pace with the emerging technologies and maintain a balance between safety and innovation? 

Technological developments are rapidly reshaping the maritime industry. The pace of innovation is challenging for regulators, who need to maintain agility and flexibility to ensure that rules stay relevant. Across all sectors, prioritising safety as a fundamental aspect to technological developments is essential for organisations to  innovate effectively and sustainably. Implementing a variety of regulatory approaches is likely to be a very important part of innovation. Effective regulatory designs are likely to combine a number of characteristics: using systems thinking; souring ideas through a diverse and inclusive approach (to avoid siloes) and adopting an adaptive leadership style that acknowledges uncertainty, anticipates issues and adjusts responses accordingly. This might also include the adoption of fixed-term regulatory exemptions, such as regulatory sandboxes. 

S4S: What can the industry do to help engage the maritime workforce who feel like they may not have a voice in the energy transition? 

Listen to seafarers. Their views about energy transition and the safety around handling alternative fuels will significantly impact the rate of adoption, which in turn will have a knock-on effect on profits and revenue.  Additionally, the expertise of seafarers will be vital in ensuring that training of current and future workers is fit-for-purpose. As an international community, we need to establish effective forums and routes for seafarers to share their voice. This could be done through anonymous reporting platforms, such as HELMEPA’s VIRP platform and by the work done by CHIRP Maritime. These platforms allow seafarers to challenge industry trends or regulations without fear of retribution, or promote the role of try ambassadors who can advocate for workers on the international stage and in decision-making processes – something which is being spearheaded by the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) at a global scale. 

S4S: If you could change one thing across the industry from your perspective, what would it be and why? 

The maritime system is an extremely complex social, technical and physical system. To have a positive impact on safety, we need understand how the various aspects of this system operate and interact holistically.  By encouraging maritime stakeholders across the industry to adopt whole systems thinking, and by making certain that all voices are heard, we can accelerate the just transition to zero carbon fuels without unintentionally creating alternative safety challenges elsewhere. 

S4S: What is your key message to industry stakeholders regarding their role in supporting the safe and effective transition to zero and near zero GHG emission fuels? 

Decarbonisation is a shared goal that urgently requires our collective attention. To drive the decarbonisation agenda effectively, measurement frameworks that track progress of organisations are critical.  The maritime industry must practice leadership by investing in green skills, being accountable for performance against sustainability goals, and responding to new regulations in a way that inspires confidence among the seafaring workforce and the public at large. 

The views presented are only those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of SAFETY4SEA and are for information sharing and discussion purposes only.