82% of crews unprepared for digital ships, survey finds
Survey reveals 82% of maritime professionals say current training models are inadequate for modern operations.
A growing disconnect between maritime training and digital ship operations has left crews struggling to adapt, according to two recent industry reports. Surveys conducted by leading organizations reveal systemic shortcomings in preparing seafarers for modern technological demands.
A study by OneOcean and maritime consultancy Thetius, conducted in October 2026, found that 82% of maritime professionals, including shipboard and shore-based staff, believe current training fails to equip crews for digital operations. The findings echo a separate World Maritime University (WMU) report from June 2026, commissioned by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, which surveyed 532 professionals across 64 countries. That report revealed that over 80% of crew members acquire digital skills “rarely” or “not at all,” while only 13% said shore-based training aligns with real-world equipment.
Alex Mangan, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at OneOcean, described the issue as “twofold.” While technologies like automated navigation and data-driven systems advance rapidly, training programs remain outdated, relying on traditional methods that no longer reflect operational realities.
Training lags behind digital advancements: maritime training gap
The reports identify a “tick-box” compliance mentality as a key obstacle, with 56% of respondents in the OneOcean survey citing it as a factor in the competency gap. The WMU report also highlights limited funding and a shortage of digitally skilled instructors as barriers to updating training modules.
The consequences are clear: 52% of professionals reported that skilled crew frequently struggle with practical digital operations. To address this, the WMU urges global coordination to establish updated training standards, secure investment in modern curricula, and push regulators to take initiative. While some education providers are beginning to adapt, progress remains uneven across the sector.
Sign up free to ask CAMAL AI for a summary, the key points or anything else about this story.
Related stories
CAMAL AI
Financial Ports Newsletter
The maritime economy, every morning
Ports, shipping and freight markets in one short email. Free.
