Skills for a safer, human-centred and sustainable maritime future

Captain John Lloyd, of The Nautical Institute, explores how the industry can prepare itself for the future

The maritime industry is navigating major change. Digitalisation, automation, decarbonisation and new operating models are transforming every aspect of how ships are designed, operated and managed. The ongoing review of the STCW (International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) represents a significant opportunity to redefine what competence looks like at sea - but it is important to ensure that the updates take the needs of the crews themselves into account, rather than focusing solely on developments in technology.