4597 research outputs found
Sort by
In search of a sea-life balance in an adverse environment : understanding seafarers’ life, work and turnover : phase one: interview results
No full textThis report constitutes the qualitative part (i.e Phase One) of the research project “Work & Health Balance at Sea” (WHEAB). It explores the experiences of 20 officers and engineers, primarily from the United States, across eight core areas.https://commons.wmu.se/lib_reports/1107/thumbnail.jp
Improving onboard training for deck cadets: an analysis through the lens of learning theories
No full textAs a critical component of skill development and identity construction for prospective seafarers, onboard training has played a central role in Maritime Education and Training (MET). Each Maritime Education and Training Institution (METI) implements distinct onboard training arrangements based on its environmental, socio-cultural, and historical context, as well as the learning theories that inform its approach. However, the absence of a rigorous examination of the factors influencing national variations in onboard training creates challenges in establishing legal norms at the international level. Furthermore, the literature has identified a wide range of issues and challenges in the implementation of onboard training, including insufficient training quality and limited availability of training berths for students. According to the Seafarer Workforce Report (BIMCO & ICS, 2021), the shortage of seafarers—particularly at the officer rank—is projected to reach 25,000 by 2026. This significant shortfall in the international shipping workforce may worsen if young cadets are unable to access essential onboard training opportunities. Additionally, an apparent lack of a sufficient level of quality of training further compromises seafarer competence, ultimately affecting the long- term safety and productivity of the shipping industry. The competence development of seafarers is highly contingent on the quality of onboard training, as it provides cadets with direct exposure to the real work environment. The ongoing discussions at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) regarding training quality and berth availability underscore the urgency of addressing these challenges, which pose a threat to the sustainable development of the shipping industry.
This study employed an exploratory sequential approach to identify an effective model of onboard training underpinned by decision theory. First, a systematic literature review was conducted to establish the theoretical foundations of onboard training. Subsequently, mixed data collection methods—including survey questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and focus groups—were applied in a sequential process. The data were analysed in three stages: first, to determine the current practices and their rationale through convergent data analysis of survey questionnaire and semi-structured interview data; second, to identify the issues, challenges, and influencing factors affecting onboard training through qualitative analysis of the data from semi-structured interviews and focus groups; and third, to identify the elements that inform effective onboard training models in use through qualitative analysis of survey questionnaire, semi-structured interview and focus group data. The various onboard training arrangements identified were then evaluated using the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) analysis, with criteria derived from the rationale behind training arrangements, implementation challenges, and influencing factors. By integrating the qualitative and quantitative findings with an in-depth interrogation of learning theories relevant to the onboard training context identified through the systematic literature review, this study proposes the Statistical, Theory-informed and Expert Input Model (STEIM) of onboard training.
The study makes contributions to theory with its critical examination of the learning theories underpinning onboard training of deck cadets, to decision-making theory and to the practical policy domain by its proposal of the STEIM of onboard training. The model is put forward as one to be aspired to and to be considered in the development of international law regarding the training and certification of seafarers
The future of shipping at the biodiversity-climate nexus : round table report
Full text linkThis report presents the outcomes of a cross-disciplinary Round Table hosted by the World Maritime University (WMU) from May 13-15, 2024, in Malmö, Sweden. The event brought together 51 experts from academia, industry, NGOs, and international organizations, including the IMO, to explore shipping’s role at the biodiversity-climate nexus. The Round Table had a particular focus on the impacts of shipping that are currently unregulated or under-regulated, and opportunities to address biodiversity loss and pollution as the sector decarbonizes. The report highlights the need to apply comprehensive, ecosystem-based approaches to effectively manage shipping\u27s impacts, including cumulative impacts, on the environment, people, and ecosystem services. It calls for strategies to break down governance and management silos. It identifies important knowledge gaps to be filled across disciplines, and over 100 environmental, social and governance indicators to track progress. It presents opportunities for stakeholders to take early action to address biodiversity loss and pollution, now, as the sector decarbonizes. It emphasizes the critical role of indigenous peoples and local communities, and includes a roadmap for the sector from 2025-2040.https://commons.wmu.se/lib_reports/1100/thumbnail.jp
The Arctic Ocean region : biodiversity, governance and protective measures
No full textEXECUTIVE SUMMARY • The Arctic Ocean region stands at the forefront of global environmental transformation, serving as a harbinger of climate change and a frontier for emergent geopolitical and economic interests. • The Arctic region\u27s economic potential, particularly in shipping and resource extraction, appears to offer shorter trade routes, reduced fuel consumption, and increased access to high-value resources. However, this analysis largely ignores the complex geo-physical, environmental and geographical limitations of the region. • The fragility of Arctic Ocean ecosystems – characterized by slow ecological recovery, specialised biodiversity, and extreme environmental conditions – renders them especially vulnerable to anthropogenic disturbances. • Indigenous communities who have sustainably inhabited and stewarded the Arctic for millennia, face existential threats to their food security, cultural continuity, and territorial sovereignty. • The expansion of industrial-scale operations, often undertaken without sufficient Indigenous consultation or inclusion, risks marginalising these knowledge systems and exacerbating socio-environmental inequities. • As the Arctic Ocean confronts unprecedented environmental, geopolitical, and economic pressures, the imperative to develop a cohesive and adaptive marine protection strategy has become increasingly urgent. • The Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA) mechanism, while primarily concerned with mitigating threats from international maritime activities, possesses significant potential as a cornerstone of Arctic Ocean marine governance. • Given the multiplicity of threats and actors involved, there is an urgent need for an integrated governance strategy drawing upon existing designations (i.e. Ecologically and Biologically Significant Areas), and consideration of new PSSAs and Marine Protected Areas (under the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement), to create a next-generation of Arctic Ocean-specific agreements following the Central Arctic Ocean Fisheries Agreement. • The development and implementation of such tools, co-ordinated under a unified vision for Arctic Ocean resilience, offers a viable path forward. Through such an integrated regime – anchored in precautionary principles, ecological science, and cultural respect – the Arctic Ocean can remain not only a repository of biodiversity but also a space for peace, collaboration, and sustainable development.https://commons.wmu.se/lib_reports/1105/thumbnail.jp
Manning annual review & forecast 2024/25
No full textManning Annual Review & Forecast Annual 2024/25 provides one of the most complete annual assessments of vessel manning costs available in a single source. Seafarer cost assessments, trends and employment terms are provided for 38 representative ship types, spanning the chemical, container, dry bulk, general cargo, LPG, LNG, offshore, oil tankers, reefers and RoRo sectors. The report also examines current and projected supply and demand for seafarers and the likely impact on skills requirements and wage costs. Benchmark crew wages and employment terms - Officer wage rates 2014-2024 and voyage length/leave by nationality covering container, dry bulk, LNG, tankers and offshore support vessels Crew budgets - Crewing budgets including wage, victualing, travel and miscellaneous costs, for 38 different vessel types & sizes covering the chemical, container, dry bulk, general cargo, LPG, LNG, offshore, oil tankers, reefers and RoRo sectors Employment terms & 5-year cost forecasts - Trends in terms and conditions of service, including voyage length and leave, as well as manning cost forecasts covering the period 2025-2029 Seafarer supply – Latest trends and projections for seafarer supply, including assessments of key drivers such as occupation and wage rate attractiveness relative to shore-based roles, with forecasts of officer supply to 2029 Seafarer demand – Latest trends and projections for seafarer demand, including assessment of key drivers such as fleet development by sector, on-board numbers and backup ratios, with forecasts of officer demand to 2029 Global seafarer supply and demand – Complete analysis and projections for seafarer availability, together with implications for different vessel sectors and overall wage levels, as well as forecasts to 2029 Country analysis - Seafarer supply 2017-2024, 2024 wage rates breakdown across 10 pay grades, premium rates, pay relative to shore-based roles, seafarer reputation and market sentiment. Data covers Bulgaria, China, Croatia, India, Latvia, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Russia, Ukraine and UK Rising seafarer supply regions/countries: Analysis of emerging sources of seafarer supply in Africa and South East Asia. Data covers Indonesia, Myanmar and Vietnam Macro risks to seafarer supply and possible solutionshttps://commons.wmu.se/lib_reports/1099/thumbnail.jp
Developing a model of lifelong learning and investigating its application in maritime education and training
Full text linkHuman capital development: bridging the skills gap in the maritime administration of Namibia
Full text linkEvaluating the performance of port state control in the implementation of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006: a case study of the Philippines
Full text link
