Title

Digital training and regional gaps in seafarer upskilling

Creator

Piperaki, Aikaterini

Abstract

This thesis illustrates that the digitalization of the maritime sector is being accelerated at a rate beyond the capacity of many global training systems, leading to the continued expansion of disparities in the upskilling of seafarers. The comparative study of the countries at various levels of Human Development Index reveals that inequalities in digital infrastructure, simulator access, and training of instructors, and financing directly impact the quality and uniformity of Maritime Education and Training (MET). Such structural variations determine the capacity of seafarers to satisfy the emerging competency demands, affecting career development and general safety in the industry.
The evaluation of contemporary learning technologies, such as e-learning, simulation-based training, and VR/AR, indicates that these technologies can contribute greatly to the involvement and skill acquisition provided that they are integrated successfully. The results indicate that the global digital skills gap can be narrowed with the help of aligned investment, with the enhanced application of the STCW, and the creation of localized blended learning strategies.

Keywords

maritime training and upskilling

digitalization in maritime shipping

regional gaps

Date Available

May 28, 2026

Type

Oral presentation

Course

MG 4880 L6 Seminar in Shipping

Instructor

Kokosalakis, George

Session

Oral presentation

Location

Art Center Auditorium

Event

Year 2026 | 10th Annual Student Research and Creative Arts Symposium