Human Factors & Training
Design the system for the human, then train the human for the system, not the reverse. Human factors are too often retrofitted at the operational stage, leaving crews to manage unfamiliar fuels alongside legacy systems under mounting cognitive load.
Research scope
- ◆Human factors embedded from the initial design stage
- ◆Hierarchical task analysis for safety-critical competencies
- ◆Fuel-, vessel- and scenario-specific training over generic familiarisation
- ◆Human reliability in emergencies, and equity for developing regions
Library
Reports and guidance relevant to this theme.
Alternative Fuels: Building the Safety Evidence Base
The UK Chamber of Shipping published a comprehensive safety report in early August 2026 examining five alternative fuel pathways—battery energy storage systems, biofuels, methanol, hydrogen, and ammonia. The report identifies cross-cutting themes including material compatibility, emergency response preparedness, crew training, and the need for clearer regulatory pathways.
Open source ↗DNV Launches New Competence Recommended Practice for Use of Hydrogen as Ship Fuel
DNV released a new recommended practice (RP) for hydrogen as ship fuel that outlines the competence requirements for crew, inspectors, and technical personnel to support the proper handling of hydrogen systems on board ships. Hydrogen gains traction as a marine fuel, with seven vessels currently in operation and another 30 in the orderbook.
Open source ↗TRAINALTER – Study on the identification of specific competences for seafarers on ships using alternative fuels and energy systems
One of the main challenges that the technology transition entails is the additional training that seafarers on board ships using alternative fuels and systems need to undergo to ensure the safe and efficient operation and maintenance of these ships. The existing training and competence standards in the STCW Code do not specifically cover all aspects of the new fuels/fuel systems being adopted.
Open source ↗STCW.7/Circ.25 — Generic interim guidelines on training for seafarers on ships using alternative fuels and new technologies
IMO generic interim training guidance for seafarers serving on ships using alternative fuels and new technologies, approved at MSC 110. This is the circular that turns the MSC safety provisions into competence: fuel-specific familiarisation, hazard awareness, safe handling and personal protective equipment, emergency response, and competence assessment. It is the base document for the fuel-specific training guidance that follows it.
Open source ↗The Future of Seafarers 2030: A Decade of Transformation
A survey-based study on how decarbonisation and digitalisation reshape seafarer skills, training, attraction and retention.
Open source ↗Interim seafarer training frameworks for ammonia, methanol and hydrogen
Industry-first frameworks for training seafarers to work safely on vessels powered by ammonia, methanol and hydrogen.
Open source ↗Events
Conferences and workshops relevant to this theme.
IMHFC 2026: International Maritime Human Factors Conference
The International Maritime Human Factors Conference (IMHFC 2026) gathers researchers and industry to advance human-centred safety as shipping decarbonises. Hosted at the ITU Maritime Faculty in Istanbul, an ISMDN partner institution, it covers training, competencies and human reliability for crews working with alternative fuels.
📍 ITU Maritime Faculty, Tuzla, Istanbul, Turkiye
GMC 26: Global Maritime Congress 2026
GMC’26 is jointly organised by the Chamber of Marine Engineers, the Maritime Faculty of Dokuz Eylul University, and the University of Strathclyde. Under the main theme “Transformation in Maritime Industry”, the congress will address key issues shaping the maritime sector, including sustainability in maritime transport, green and smart shipping, marine technologies, alternative fuels, energy efficiency, decarbonisation, port and logistics systems, the maritime economy, safety, governance, human factors, and digitalisation. Bringing together representatives from academia, public authorities, and the private sector, GMC 26 aims to foster knowledge sharing, collaboration, and a common vision for the future of the maritime industry. We look forward to welcoming you to İzmir and to your valuable participation.
📍 İzmir, at Dokuz Eylul University Rectorate, Continuing Education Centre
ISMDN | Human Factors in Maritime Decarbonisation: A Philippine Stakeholders’ Workshop
ISMDN partner Panpacific University is organising an online regional workshop in the Philippines. The workshop aims to identify general and specific research gaps regarding human factors in maritime decarbonisation in the region by bringing together representatives from the following sectors: 1) Educators/Administrators of maritime HEIs 2) Administrators of maritime training centres 3) Administrators from shipping and/or manning agencies 4) Seafarers’ unions 5) Relevant government agencies a) Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) b) Commission on Higher Education (CHED) c) Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) More details about the event agenda will be released soon.
📍 Online (8 a.m. - 12 nn. Philippine time (GMT+8))
IMHFS 2027: International Maritime Human Factors Symposium
The International Maritime Human Factors Symposium returns in May 2027 in London. Further details, including the exact dates, venue and programme, will be posted soon.
📍 London, United Kingdom
Safe Decarbonisation Conference 2027
The network's flagship conference bringing partners and stakeholders together.
📍 London, UK