FNC partner in European research project steering maritime education innovation

This is the result of a European research, carried out by SkillSea, into making and keeping the maritime sector future-proof.

The research report examined the main trends in the shipping sector including:

• education
• technological developments such as autonomous vessels and clean energy
• collaboration between clusters and digitisation.

The report shows that more training should be given in sustainability, greening and digitisation.

Future seafarers also need to develop soft skills in leadership and management. In addition, there is a need for transition programs that make the shift from working at sea to working on shore easier.

Finally, the researchers recommend that the STCW training (the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) be extended to include maritime law, corporate finance, autonomous shipping and other new technology-based skills.

The research report is input for other Work Packages of the SkillSea project of which Fleetwood Nautical Campus will be involved as part of its ongoing curriculum development.

Social partners and educational institutions in Europe work closely together in the SkillSea project to ensure that maritime education better and permanently matches the needs of the maritime sector.

Technology and digitalisation are transforming the shipping industry. ‘Smart’ ships are coming into service, creating demand for a new generation of competent, highly-skilled maritime professionals. 

Europe is a traditional global source of maritime expertise and the four-year SKILLSEA project is launched with the aim of ensuring that the region’s maritime professionals possess key digital, green and soft management skills for the rapidly-changing maritime labour market. 

Visit www.skillsea.eu for more information about the project.