ABS chief calls for adequate training of seafarers to cope with digital challenges, says an article published on their website.
Pace of digitalization
The coronavirus pandemic has considerably sped up the pace of digitalization in the shipping industry that had been too slow due to conservative nature.
Now is the time to address the issues related to digitalization. A crucial factor is the impact of digitalization on the human factor, which is the driving force of the shipping industry.
2020 Day of the Seafarer campaign
ABS Chairman, President and CEO, Christopher J. Wiernicki, addressed the occasion of the 10th annual United Nations Day of the Seafarer with a call to give crews the support they need to succeed in the digital era.
“Shipping’s digital revolution must have its roots in the human factor. Expecting today’s shipboard crews to adopt a digital mindset without the right skills puts them in an untenable position and risks safety for everyone.”
Tribute to seafarers
The 2020 Day of the Seafarer campaign pays tribute to seafarers, acknowledging their sacrifice and the issues they face.
Travel restrictions and designation
This year the seafarers all over the world faced unprecedented challenges as they were unable to carry out crew changes due to COVID-19 related travel restrictions.
Industry bodies and shipowners urged for the designation of seafarers as key-workers and also to exempt them from the restrictions in order for mariners to return to their homes.
Is the crew repatriation smooth?
Wiernicki says No. Despite some port states and governments being able to push crew repatriation forward in line with the IMO protocols, a systemic and comprehensive solution is yet to be found. Many countries are still reluctant to address the issue.
According to Wiernicki, the shipping industry still views crews with a 20th-century mindset and to approach their challenges with 20th-century attitudes. At the same time, loading them with the burdens and responsibilities of 21st-century technologies.
The key driver of Industry 4.0
“We can — and should — do better as we apply digital technologies to drive safety and efficiency; we must also deliver a step-change improvement in the quality of life at sea and career opportunities for shipboard crews.”
Wiernicki added that digitalization, often called “the key driver of Industry 4.0” is actually not the one. According to him, “the key driver of Industry 4.0” is the development and dissemination of digital skills and qualifications among the labor pool.
Why is digitalization a challenge?
Digitalization remains a challenge because seafarers are typically sourced from developing countries where digital penetration is low.
“As we build out the technology of Industry 4.0, we must always check our progress by asking whether our seafarers are being adequately trained to use and cope with the advanced digital tools they’re given.”
Wiernicki believes that “only by fully accounting for the welfare of seafarers can shipping meet its sustainability goals.”
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Source: ABS
