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student we need to attract will have to this coming transition be smoother and arise. In addition, the need for qualifed possess the ability to learn and master safer than our past efforts. mariners at sea will not disappear, it will skills that will be in high demand across Key points to remember are that real- grow. The next generation of mariner will numerous industries. However, we do world vessel operations are complicated need to not only possess the traditional not need to see that purely as a negative. and there will still be human error. It is skills of good seamanship, but also the

Instead, we can look at the future skills just where in the process that error will new skills of the automated work place. needed in the maritime sector that will be useful elsewhere, as giving fexibility to individual career paths. We can attract people to sea by offering them a place to learn a skill that will help them transi- tion to a job ashore. They will not have to sail for 30 years, offering an easier transition ashore may be able to help us get people to work at sea.

A key point, however, is the need to identify the skillsets and training needs required for the immediate, medium term and long-term future of the shipping in- dustry. As an industry, we must drive this discussion and help steer innovations so that they help us operate safely and more effciently. Keeping the status quo is not a viable option, nor is just looking to be “Grandfathered” in.

From the Marine Insurance Risk Man- agement view of this situation, a key issue is the need to develop methods of assessment of automated and autono- mous vessel transportation systems. In

Marine Insurance, we look to the past to help predict the future. In some regards we have faced these challenges before when looking at the shipping industry.

We have dealt with changes in propul- sion from sail to steam and from steam to diesel. We have also dealt with the issue of unattended engine rooms and reduced manning levels. The key though is to learn from our past mistakes and make

The Author

Kinsey

Captain Andrew

Kinsey is the

Senior Marine Risk

Consultant at Allianz

Global Corporate & Specialty. www.marinelink.com 15