Preparing for the future of remotely controlled and autonomous shipping

The rise of remotely controlled and autonomous vessels demands a re-evaluation of the human operator’s role. The REFRAME project explores how digitalization and remote ship operations are reshaping knowledge, skills and competencies. It examines the technical and non-technical skills needed by shipboard officers and remote operators under degree 2 automation, drawing lessons from aviation and aquaculture. By focusing on human factors and technical expertise, REFRAME highlights the need to adapt educational models and strategies to meet evolving industry demands and prepare the future workforce. 

New tech, new risks, new skills needed

The shift to new navigational technologies requires operators to be trained for remote operations, which will reduce ship sense and introduce new cognitive demands. Traditional seamanship, training and competence frameworks will become less applicable, and maritime roles such as captain and first officer will be redefined. Current STCW Codes and MET model do not yet address the needs of future operators managing various levels of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS). Skill analysis and educational reform are essential to managing these changes and reducing operational risks. Despite some studies on competence issues, research on skill shifts and preparing the future maritime workforce remains limited.

Secondary objectives (SO)

SO 1

Produce research-based knowledge and policy recommendation that can contribute to societal resilience of educational challenges introduced by fast-paced digital transformation. 

SO 2

Enhance knowledge transfer and interaction between different industrial sectors (i.e., aviation, maritime, aquaculture)to increase the breadth of human factor knowledge in remote industrial operations.

SO 3

Obtain a critical and constructive understanding regarding the broader impact of digitalisation and remote technology on professional education, subsequent recruitment and qualification. 

European Autonomous shipping Research Forum

20-21 November, 2024, Høvik, norway

Workshop on Maritime horizons: Research Opportunities

1 feburary, 2024, tromsø, norway

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