The European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) has released the TRAINALTER study, a comprehensive effort to identify and address the training needs of seafarers as the shipping industry transitions towards alternative fuels and energy systems for sustainable operations.
Decarbonisation and Training Challenges
The maritime sector’s shift to alternative fuels such as LNG, biofuels, methanol, ammonia, hydrogen, and hybrid systems like fuel cells and batteries introduces new operational challenges. A key hurdle is the lack of specific training provisions in the existing STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping) Code to cover these advanced technologies and systems.
Study Objectives
- Competence Identification:
- Pinpoint essential knowledge, understanding, and proficiencies for safe operations of ships using alternative fuels and energy systems.
- Training Programme Design:
- Develop training methods, programmes, and syllabi for both seafarers and instructors.
Impacts of TRAINALTER
- Safety Assurance: Provides the necessary skills for handling and maintaining alternative fuel systems, minimizing risks onboard ships.
- Operational Efficiency: Equips seafarers with the expertise to ensure the effective functioning of innovative energy systems.
- Alignment with Sustainability Goals: Supports the decarbonisation targets by fostering a workforce capable of operating low-emission technologies.
The TRAINALTER study serves as a crucial step in bridging the gap between evolving maritime technologies and workforce capabilities, ensuring that seafarers are prepared for the green transformation of the shipping industry.
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Source: EMSA
