AMC Search, the training division of the Australian Maritime College, is developing a course to prepare mates and masters for the transition to autonomous shipping.
In a paper published on Tuesday, AMC Search posed the question of what seafarers will need to do to evolve with the advancing maritime industry.
It forecast significant changes over the next decade as autonomous and remotely operated vessels are integrated into the industry, however expects most changes to be procedural and regulatory.
“The largest uptake of these vessels will be in support of small operations, such as surveying and scientific research,” AMC Search said in its paper.
“Ocean going ships will likely use this technology to help resolve industry’s fatigue problems by autonomously or remotely navigating open water while the onboard navigation team rests.”
However, AMC Search said there is no international standard of training for navigators to become remote vessel operators.
The International Maritime Organization has reportedly committed to developing a MASS Code which will include training requirements, but the code is not expected to come into force for at least six years.
“In the meantime, it falls upon industry and commercial training providers to ensure seafarers are adequately trained in this new age of technology,” AMC Search said.
“By keeping on the forefront of technology, AMC Search is doing just this with several projects running, including the development of a Maritime Autonomous Surface Ship (MASS) Mate/Master’ course.”
According to AMC Search, remote vessel operators will require skills in computer networking, data communication and transfer, data analysis and management, proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controls and theory and science of autonomous maritime systems.
Applications for the Maritime Autonomous Surface Ship (MASS) Mate/Master’ course are scheduled to open in 2023.
