Search Results (50)

Maritime pilotage is increasingly shaped by decarbonisation, digitalisation, and wider sustainability pressures, yet the integration of sustainability thinking into pilotage training remains insufficiently understood. This study addresses that gap by examining sustainability thinking not simply as an issue of awareness, but as a problem of training integration in a safety-critical professional context. Using an exploratory, theory-informed quantitative design, the study reinterprets primary survey data from 39 active maritime pilots through a deductive analytical framework combining sustainability pillars, integration domains, sustainability thinking sub-competencies, composite analytical conditions, and structured interpretive synthesis. The findings show that sustainability-oriented thinking is already present in pilotage practice, but that its integration into training remains uneven. It appears strongest where it is embedded in operational judgement and socially established professional norms, and weaker where it depends on pedagogical reinforcement, institutional consistency, and digital credibility. The main challenge is therefore not the absence of sustainability awareness, but the inconsistent translation of that awareness into trainable, repeatable, and professionally reinforced competence. By deriving barriers, enablers, drivers, and risks, the study offers a more applied framework for understanding sustainability thinking as a training and professional development issue in maritime pilotage. Full article

This study addresses the question of how augmented reality (AR) technologies can be designed and integrated into maritime navigation systems to meet the needs of young navigators within contemporary socio-technical bridge environments. The article is based on a qualitative, literature-based research methodology involving a structured analysis and synthesis of peer-reviewed journal articles and conference proceedings related to AR interfaces, human performance, decision support, and maritime training. The reviewed studies indicate that AR can enhance perceptual and situational awareness by overlaying navigational information directly into the navigator’s field of view, thereby reducing head-down time, improving spatial alignment of information, and supporting performance in low-visibility and high-traffic conditions. The literature also shows that AR-enabled visualizations and shared displays can support individual and team-based decision-making by facilitating real-time, context-aware information exchange on the ship’s bridge. Safety-related benefits are identified as indirect outcomes of improved perception and cognitive support rather than as isolated technological effects. Simultaneously, the findings highlight that these benefits depend strongly on human-centered interface design and appropriate training. The study concludes that AR has significant potential to enhance maritime navigation for young navigators when integrated as part of a balanced socio-technical system combining technology, human factors, and structured education. Full article

Background and aim: Hemoglobinopathies have become an important public health problem due to global migration. The aim of this project was to address the problem of hemoglobinopathy among immigrants living in Türkiye, Spain, and Italy, in addition to training health managers and Syrian family physicians at immigrant health centers in the southeastern provinces of Türkiye. Material and methods: A three-year international project, named EQUALITY PLUS, was supported by the European Union Erasmus Project. We planned transnational meetings (TPM), vocational education meetings (VET), and Practical Implementation Meetings (PIEM) for the education program. Results: Four TPMs were held in Türkiye, Spain, and Italy, involving a total of 49 professionals. Two VETs were held in Spain and Italy. A total of 23 professionals attended both VETs. Six PIEMs were held in the southern and southeastern Turkish provinces, such as Adana Mersin, Hatay, Gaziantep, Kilis, and Sanliurfa. A total of 442 people, including 373 Syrian family physicians and 69 provincial health managers, were educated in six provinces in Türkiye. Discussion: While the immigrants to Italy and Spain come mainly from Central and North West African maritime routes, immigrants to Türkiye predominantly come from Syria. Among a total of 4 million Syrian immigrants to Türkiye, 200.000 were found to be carriers of thalassemia. In the refugee camps where Syrian immigrants live, the fertility rate is high and the number of sick newborns is increasing, and birth control, genetic counseling, and prenatal diagnosis methods are not sufficient. This project was intended to serve as a guide to prevent hemoglobinopathy in Syrian immigrants. Further projects are needed to address the fertility rate and increased number of sick newborns in these refugee camps. Family physicians at migrant health centers received training on the prevention of hemoglobinopathies. This training included providing detailed genetic counseling to families and providing prenatal diagnosis and preimplantation genetic diagnosis opportunities. Because of the major earthquake that occurred in this region after the project, the work could not continue and preliminary data could not be obtained. Public health services will follow the results of project and the registered number of sick newborns with hemoglobinopathies. Full article

This integrative literature review synthesises five strands of recent scholarships on port city regions (PCRs): (1) their multidimensional transitions, (2) skills foresight and future competences, (3) challenges and reforms in vocational education and training (VET) systems, (4) social inclusion and equity in skills development, and (5) innovative VET methodologies in port-adjacent sectors. Drawing on the interdisciplinary academic and policy-oriented literature, this article adopts a qualitative, integrative review approach to examine how the twin green and digital transition is reshaping port city regions and their associated skills ecosystems. The review demonstrates that PCR transitions are not only technical but socio-institutional: while Onshore Power Supplies (OPSs), alternative fuels, and digital platforms are transforming operational landscapes, the success of these innovations depends critically on the adaptive capacity of workers, training systems, and governance arrangements. The article further examines emerging pedagogical approaches in port-adjacent VET, including work-based learning, micro-credentials, and immersive training methods. Taken together, the evidence converges on a central claim: the resilience and sustainability of port city regions depend on integrated skills systems that combine foresight, inclusivity, and pedagogical innovation. Without such systems, decarbonisation and digitalisation risk exacerbating social and spatial inequalities rather than fostering sustainable growth. The article concludes by outlining implications for research, policy, and practice, calling for integrative performance metrics, longitudinal evaluation, and quadruple helix collaboration to support inclusive, competitive, and sustainable port transitions. Full article

The Atlantic slave trade was one of the most significant and violent processes in global history, and the Iberian empires played a central role in its development. Yet in Spain and Portugal, the historical and public memory of slavery remains fragmented, producing silences that contrast with its historical magnitude. This study examines these silences through two complementary lenses: the academic preparation of future history teachers and the heritage narratives presented in Iberian museums, adopting a mixed-methods design. A total of 138 pre-service teachers from eight Spanish and Portuguese universities completed a questionnaire providing quantitative data to assess how the Atlantic slave trade was addressed in their university training and which didactic and heritage resources they consider most appropriate for teaching it. In parallel, exhibitions and institutional discourses were analysed in seven national and regional museums related to America, colonisation or maritime expansion, drawing on qualitative data from written interviews with museum professionals. The findings reveal limited curricular attention to the Atlantic slave trade, uneven valuation of heritage resources, and highly variable museum narratives. These results highlight the need for coordinated educational and heritage strategies that strengthen historical understanding, support democratic and intercultural competencies, and contribute to a more inclusive and critically informed public memory. Full article

The maritime sector is undergoing a profound transformation driven by disruptive technologies and global decarbonization objectives, placing new demands on Maritime Education and Training (MET) systems. Equipping maritime professionals with competencies for low-carbon shipping is now as critical as technological advancement itself. This study examines how disruptive technologies can be effectively integrated into MET frameworks to support environmental sustainability, using Panama as a representative case study of a major flag and maritime service state. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining a structured literature review, expert surveys, and a multi-criteria decision-making analysis based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The findings reveal a significant misalignment between existing MET curricula and the competencies required for decarbonized maritime operations. Key gaps include limited training in alternative fuels, emissions measurement and reporting, energy-efficient technologies, digital analytics, and regulatory compliance. Stakeholders also reported fragmented training provision, uneven access to emerging technologies, and weak coordination between academia, industry, and regulators, particularly in developing contexts. The results highlight the urgent need for curriculum reform and stronger cross-sector collaboration to align MET with evolving technological and regulatory demands. The study provides an applied, evidence-based framework for MET reform, with insights transferable to other systems facing similar decarbonization challenges. Full article

Effective communication in English is a critical behavioral competency for seafarers in a multilingual maritime environment, directly impacting operational safety. However, a gap exists between current Maritime English (ME) training in China and the actual communication demands of global seafaring. This study aims to identify the specific ME skills including linguistic, behavioral, and sociolinguistic dimensions that are most important for on-board performance and safety management from the perspective of pre-service maritime students at Shanghai Maritime University. A mixed-methods approach was used, combining structured questionnaires (n = 313) with in-depth follow-up interviews (n = 10). The results identified 24 highly needed ME skills, particularly focused on areas governing safety-critical behaviors, such as wireless communication, security protocols, and emergency procedures. In addition, based on learner profiling, the study depicts two different learner characteristics: exam-focused and work-focused students, each with different views on the importance of skills. Work-focused students place greater emphasis on the practicality of their skills. The interview data confirms and enriches these quantitative research results. The research findings emphasize that ME courses must be more closely aligned with real-world communicative scenarios and behaviors, prioritize scenario based teaching and practical operations, and tailor differentiated teaching based on learner psychology and behavioral preference. This study offers references for maritime education institutions with similar learner profiles to optimize ME curricula, prioritize secure communication skills, and strengthen industry-education collaboration, thereby enhancing pre-service maritime students’ safety behavior and professional competitiveness in China. Full article

Maritime transportation accounts for approximately 80 percent of global trade volume, with modern vessels increasingly reliant on Software-Defined Radio (SDR) technologies for communication and navigation. However, the very flexibility and reconfigurability that make SDRs advantageous also introduce complex radio frequency vulnerabilities exposing ships to threats that jeopardize vessel security, and this disrupts global supply chains. This survey paper systematically examines the security landscape of maritime SDR systems through a threat modeling lens. Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, we analyzed 84 peer-reviewed publications (from 2002 to 2025) and applied the STRIDE framework to identify and categorize maritime SDR threats. We identified 44 distinct threat types, with tampering attacks being most prevalent (36 instances), followed by Denial of Service (33 instances), Repudiation (30 instances), Spoofing (23 instances), Information Disclosure (24 instances), and Elevation of Privilege (28 instances). These threats exploit vulnerabilities across device, software, network, message, and user layers, targeting critical systems including Global Navigation Satellite Systems, Automatic Identification Systems, Very High Frequency or Digital Selective Calling systems, Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems, and National Marine Electronics Association 2000 networks. Our analysis reveals that maritime SDR threats are multidimensional and interdependent, with compromises at any layer potentially cascading through entire maritime operations. Significant gaps remain in authentication mechanisms for core protocols, supply chain assurance, regulatory frameworks, multi-layer security implementations, awareness training, and standardized forensic procedures. Further analysis highlights that securing maritime SDRs requires a proactive security engineering that integrates secured hardware architectural designs, cryptographic authentications, adaptive spectrum management, strengthened international regulations, awareness education, and standardized forensic procedures to ensure resilience and trustworthiness. Full article

This study investigates Egyptian seafarers’ perceptions, barriers, and adoption intentions towards renewable and low-carbon energy technologies. Recognizing the maritime sector’s significant contribution to global emissions and Egypt’s strategic role via the Suez Canal, the authors conducted a cross-sectional survey of 120 seafarers covering masters, engineers, and cadets. A questionnaire gauged familiarity with renewable energy, perceived relevance to maritime work, preferred energy sources, and factors influencing choice and perceived enablers, and results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Fisher–Freeman–Halton exact tests. Respondents showed moderate–high awareness of renewable energy. Climate change was primarily associated with sea level rise, rising temperatures, and flooding. Most participants considered renewable energy highly relevant to maritime operations, with stronger endorsement from masters and second mates than from first mates. Solar, wind, and hydrogen were viewed as having the greatest future potential, while availability and cost effectiveness were critical selection factors. Advanced technology and better training were the most valued enablers, whereas high investment costs, limited infrastructure, safety concerns, and training gaps were key barriers. The findings suggest that, although Egyptian seafarers recognize the importance of renewable energy, the main barriers consist of establishment cost, needed infrastructure, safety, and necessity for training. Full article

Marine pollution from plastic pellets, small granules used as a raw material for plastic production, is a growing environmental problem with grave consequences for marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and human health. This form of primary microplastic is increasingly becoming the focus of environmental policies, owing to its frequent release into the marine environment during handling, storage, and marine transportation, all of which play a crucial role in global trade. The aim of this paper is to contribute to the ongoing discussions by highlighting the environmental risks associated with plastic pellets, which are recognized as a significant source of microplastics in the marine environment. It will also explore how targeted education and awareness-raising within the maritime sector can serve as key tools to address this environmental challenge. The study is based on a survey conducted among seafarers and maritime students to raise their awareness and assess their knowledge of the issue. Given their operational role in ensuring safe and responsible shipping, seafarers and maritime students are in a key position to prevent the release of plastic pellets into the marine environment through increased awareness and initiative-taking practices. The results show that awareness is moderate, but there is a significant lack of knowledge, particularly in relation to the environmental impact and regulatory aspects of plastic pellet pollution. These results underline the need for improved education and training in this area, especially among future and active maritime professionals. Full article

Despite navigation advancements in enhanced sensor utilization and increased focus on maritime training and education, most marine accidents still involve collisions with high human involvement. Furthermore, navigators’ knowledge and application of the most often misunderstood Rule 10 Traffic Separation Schemes (TSS) according to the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREG) represents the first focus in this study. To provide insight into the level of understanding and knowledge regarding COLREG Rule 10, a customized, worldwide survey has been created and disseminated among marine industry professionals. The survey results reveal a notable knowledge gap in Rule 10, where we initially assumed that more than half of the respondents know COLREG regulations well. According to the probability calculation and chi-square test results, all three categories (OOW, Master, and others) have significant rule misunderstanding. In response to the COLREG misunderstanding, together with the increasing density of maritime traffic, the implementation of Decision Support Systems (DSS) in navigation has become crucial for ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks and enhancing navigational safety in general. This study presents a structural approach to vessel prioritization and decision-making within a DSS framework, focusing on the classification and response of the own vessel (OV) to bow-crossing scenarios within the TSS. Through the real-time integration of AIS navigational status data, the proposed DSS Architecture offers a structured, rule-compliant architecture to enhance navigational safety and the decision-making process within the TSS. Furthermore, implementing a Fall-Back Strategy (FBS) represents the key innovation factor, which ensures system resilience by directing operator response if opposing vessels disobey COLREG rules. Based on the vessel’s dynamic context and COLREG hierarchy, the proposed DSS Architecture identifies and informs the navigator regarding stand-on or give-way obligations among vessels. Full article

Amid structural changes driven by the greening and digital transformation of the maritime industry, the demand for career transitions of seafarers with onboard experience to shore-based positions—particularly ship superintendents—is steadily increasing. However, the current lack of a systematic education and career development framework to support such transitions poses a critical challenge for shipping companies seeking to secure sustainable human resources. The aim of this study was to develop a competency-based training program that facilitates the effective transition of seafarers to shore-based ship superintendent roles. We integrated a developing a curriculum (DACUM) analysis with competency-based job analysis to achieve this aim. The core competencies required for ship superintendent duties were identified through three expert consultations. In addition, social network analysis (SNA) was used to quantitatively assess the structure and priority of the training content. The analysis revealed that convergent competencies, such as digital technology literacy, responsiveness to environmental regulations, multicultural organizational management, and interpretation of global maritime regulations, are essential for a successful career shift. Based on these findings, a modular training curriculum comprising both common foundational courses and specialized advanced modules tailored to job categories was designed. The proposed curriculum integrated theoretical instruction, practical training, and reflective learning to enhance both applied understanding and onsite implementation capabilities. Furthermore, the concept of a Seafarer Success Support Platform was proposed to support a lifecycle-based career development pathway that enables rotational mobility between sea and shore positions. This digital learning platform was designed to offer personalized success pathways aligned with the career stages and competency needs of maritime personnel. Its cyclical structure, comprising career transition, competency development, field application, and performance evaluation, enables seamless career integration between shipboard- and shore-based roles. Therefore, the platform has the potential to evolve into a practical educational model that integrates training, career development, and policies. This study contributes to maritime human resource development by integrating the DACUM method with a competency-based framework and applying social network analysis (SNA) to quantitatively prioritize training content. It further proposes the Seafarer Success Support Platform as an innovative model to support structured career transitions from shipboard roles to shore-based supervisory positions. Full article

Fully immersive engine room simulators are increasingly recognised as prominent tools in advancing maritime education and training. However, end-users’ acceptance of these innovative technologies remains insufficiently explored. To address this research gap, this case-specific pilot study applied the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to explore maritime engineering students’ intentions to adopt the newly introduced head-mounted display (HMD) virtual reality (VR) engine room simulator as a training tool. Sampling (N = 84) was conducted at the Faculty of Maritime Studies, University of Rijeka, during the initial simulator trials. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) revealed that perceived usefulness was the primary determinant of students’ behavioural intention to accept the simulator as a tool for training purposes, acting both as a direct predictor and as a mediating variable, transmitting the positive effect of perceived ease of use onto the intention. By providing preliminary empirical evidence on the key factors influencing maritime engineering students’ intentions to adopt HMD-VR simulation technologies within existing training programmes, this study’s findings might offer valuable insights to software developers and educators in shaping future simulator design and enhancing pedagogical practices in alignment with maritime education and training (MET) standards. Full article

Background: The maritime industry is undergoing a profound transformation to meet global decarbonization goals. As Industry 4.0 advanced digital technologies are increasingly integrated into shipping operations, the role of the human element is evolving significantly. This intersection of decarbonization, digitalization, and human element/workforce transformation lays the foundation for more structured initiatives such as Green Digital Shipping Corridors (GDSCs), a strategic solution to scale zero-emission, smart maritime routes. Methods: This paper explores the interconnected roles of decarbonization, digitalization, and human capital development through a systematic literature review. It examines how these pillars converge in the implementation of GDSCs, drawing on academic and industry sources to identify challenges and opportunities in workforce readiness, policy integration, and technological adoption. Results: The findings underscore the necessity of coordinated action across the three pillars, particularly highlighting the importance of structured training programs, cross-sector collaboration, and standardized regulations. GDSCs are presented as an applied framework to align these transitions, enabling scalable, digitally enabled, low-emission maritime routes. Conclusions: There is a significant gap in current research that holistically connects the human factor with technological and environmental imperatives in the context of maritime transformation. This paper addresses that gap by introducing GDSCs as a strategic outcome of integrated change, providing actionable insights for policymakers, industry leaders, and educators aiming to advance sustainable shipping. Full article

This study examined the impact of molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) addition as a filler in epoxy composites reinforced with chopped basalt fibers (CBF), maintaining the basalt fiber content at a constant 40 wt. %. The investigation focused on physical, microstructural, mechanical, and sliding-wear properties. Testing revealed that tensile, impact, compressive, and flexural strengths improved with MoS₂ content from 0 to 8 wt. %. However, at 12 wt. % loading, these properties declined due to uneven dispersion and particle agglomeration. An increase in hardness was observed with rising MoS₂ content, with a maximum value of 98 HV at 16 wt. %. Wear testing was conducted using a Taguchi L16 orthogonal array, evaluating the effects of multiple parameters. The results indicated that MoS₂ content had the most significant influence on wear rate (WR), followed by applied load (P) and sliding distance (D), while sliding velocity (V) had minimal impact on specific wear rate (SWR) and coefficient of friction (COF). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to analyze wear mechanisms, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) confirmed the optimal conditions. Full article