From Seafarers to E-farers: Maritime Cadets’ Perceptions Towards Seafaring Jobs in the Industry 4.0

Sohyun Jo, Enrico D’agostini and Jun Kang
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Sohyun Jo: Division of Maritime Transportation Science, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, 727 Taejong-ro, Yeongdo-gu, Busan 49112, Korea
Enrico D’agostini: Department of International Logistics, Tongmyong University, Busan 48520, Korea
Jun Kang: Division of Marine Engineering, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, 727 Taejong-ro, Yeongdo-gu, Busan 49112, Korea

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 19, 1-18

Abstract: Efforts to implement the concept of autonomous transport in the shipping industry are currently underway with the introduction of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ship (MASS), which is expected to usher in a new paradigm in maritime trade. However, this requires a stable supply of highly qualified seafarers. Predicting the changes necessary for seafarer education and training in the MASS era is pivotal for the safe and efficient development and operation of autonomous ships. The present study conducted a survey using Q methodology on fourth year students of the Korea Maritime and Ocean University (KMOU), to examine their perceptions towards changes in ship organizations, and the competency of seafarers required in the MASS era. From the analysis, we extracted three unique clusters of cadets’ perceptions towards new competencies with the introduction of MASS: “the traditional seafarers’ centric role retainer”, the “ship organizational structure domain achiever”, and the “new technical competences builder”. The emerging findings can predict the educational needs and new competences of seafarers in the MASS era, as well as support managerial implications. These results are expected to serve in establishing the future direction of seafarer education and training in both private and public organisations.

Keywords: Industry 4.0; Maritime Autonomous Surface Ship (MASS); seafarer; maritime competence; e-farer (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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