Identification of specific competences for seafarers: alternative fuels and energy systems

EMSA has published a new study (TRAINALTER) aimed at identifying the specific competences and training areas for seafarers as the maritime industry moves towards greater sustainability.

The decarbonisation of shipping involves a technology transition towards different potential alternative fuels and energy systems. At the same time, one of the main challenges of this transition is the additional training that seafarers on board ships using alternative fuels and systems need to undergo to ensure their safe and efficient operation and maintenance.

Currently, the existing training and competence standards in the STCW Code do not specifically cover all aspects of the new fuels/fuel systems being adopted, including LNG, biofuels, methanol, hybrid electrical battery systems, fuel cells, ammonia, and hydrogen.

The first part of the TRAINALTER study aims to identify and describe specific competences and training areas in terms of knowledge, understanding and proficiency for seafarers to ensure safe operations of ships using alternative fuels and energy systems. The second part of the study aims to identify and justify methods for demonstrating competence and descriptions of training programmes and syllabus for seafarers and instructors.