A Ranking of Critical Competencies for Future Seafarers in the Scope of Digital Transformation

Abstract

The effects of Industry 4.0, which caused a paradigm shift in many industries in the light of digital transformation and autonomous systems, began to be seen in the maritime sector as well. Both the academy and the pioneers of the industry accelerated the studies on autonomous ships and started their sea trials. Accordingly, with the proliferation of autonomous ships, it is expected that the current competencies of seafarers will not be sufficient, and they will need new competencies in accordance with the digital age. Aim of this study is to rank critical competencies to contribute to the literature about the competencies that will be required in the digital era. Firstly, key competencies and sub competencies were extracted from literature. Then a fuzzy analytic hierarchy process was utilized to rank competencies with the data gathered from a survey designed to collect expert opinions. Results revealed that cognitive skills such as reasoning and decision making, problem and conflict solving, and critical thinking are expected to be most important competencies of seafarers in digital era. They are followed by operational skills, individual skills, and social skills. Study demonstrated that seafarers would need to be prepared new skills and competencies through Industry 4.0.