The maritime industry is evolving rapidly with alternative fuels, new propulsion technologies, and autonomous shipping. During a working visit to STC (Shipping and Transport College) in Rotterdam, the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) engaged with students and faculty on the future of maritime training.
A key moment of the visit was an interactive college tour with vocational (mbo) and higher education (hbo) maritime students. In this discussion, the Secretary-General, Arsenio Dominguez, addressed the skills maritime professionals will need in the future and how training programmes can adapt. Students shared their perspectives on digitalisation, sustainability, and the evolving reality at sea.
The Secretary-General also toured STC‘s advanced simulators, which play an increasing role in seafarer training. The discussion emphasised the need for a balanced approach between simulator-based training and onboard experience, as well as the necessity of greater investment in simulation technology.
Also read: ‘Seafarer training needs overhaul for decarbonisation’
‘Training methods have to be continuously innovated’
STC is a leader in modernising maritime education in Europe. Through collaborations such as MET-NET (from the European SkillSea project) and the European Maritime Skills Forum (E-MSF), knowledge is shared to develop innovative training methods. E-MSF has three working groups addressing key industry challenges: alternative fuels and sustainability, digitalisation and automation, and leadership and social safety on board.
‘With the rapid developments in the maritime sector, we must continuously innovate our training methods,’ said Sven Tump, Executive Board at STC. ‘The IMO Secretary-General’s visit highlights the importance of collaboration between education and industry to ensure maritime professionals are well-prepared for the future.’
Also read: New European Maritime Skills Forum to tackle skills gap
