Awareness and Attitude of Maritime Students Towards the Introduction of Autonomous Merchant Ships – Preliminary Results

Abstract

Autonomous merchant shipping has become a topic of discussions and studies as the available technology enables it to become a possible alternative to conventional ships manned with seafarers. The present study reviews the results of a survey conducted worldwide amongst the students of maritime universities. The students were asked about their understanding of autonomous merchant ships and an attitude towards them. The study finds that the vast majority of interviewees claims to have an average or below average knowledge of the topic, and perceive automation as a factor increasing safety at sea, while threatening seafaring jobs. The results suggest that the topic of autonomous shipping should be more touched upon in curriculums of maritime universities, as the students appear to have a limited understanding of what can potentially become a future of their prospective occupation.

Keywords

• autonomous vehicles
• autonomous merchant ships
• maritime autonomous surface ships (mass)
• maritime education and training (met)
• attitude of maritime students
• awareness of maritime students
• questionnaire
• student's project