Futureproofing superyacht crew training

How will digitalisation and the uptake of zero-carbon fuels in the superyacht industry impact crew training requirements?

The superyacht industry is in a transitional phase as it adopts new technologies on the path towards digitalisation and decarbonisation. Entering this new era, the industry will rely on skilled and motivated crew to adapt and undertake additional training. Prominent classification society DNV recently interviewed Paul Cook, COO of Hill Robinson, and Laura Henighen, Head of Academy at Hill Robinson, for an article about current and future crew training challenges.

“There is a shared vision of developing crew competencies, but it encounters major time and organisational constraints,” comments Paul. “Complicating matters is the abundance of information and ever-changing technologies – changes that are happening faster than training can be organized.”

Paul asserts that, as the use of zero-carbon fuels increases, there will be a greater need for specialist training, particularly for engineers. “This area itself is rapidly evolving, and research is heading in many directions, such as alternative fuels, energy storage solutions, new propulsion systems and related equipment,” he advises. “This also means that crew training must adapt to ensure these developments can be operated, since a technology that is used today may not be used 10 years from now.”

“Crew training must adapt to ensure these developments can be operated, since a technology that is used today may not be used 10 years from now.”

As well as decarbonisation, there are the challenges that increasing digitalisation and connectivity presents. As such, Laura believes there needs to be a focus on cyber security training. “In a world where everyone is facing increasing physical and cyber risks, understanding exposure and ways to improve security measures are essential to protecting assets, people and reputation,” she explains.

“It is the double-edged sword of the cocktail caused by technological advances and a higher comfort level felt by technology-immersed young crew. It again comes back to the perennial requirement for constant training and education to ensure at all levels our crew and yachts are operated in a safe and positive manner.”

“In a world where everyone is facing increasing physical and cyber risks, understanding exposure and ways to improve security measures are essential to protecting assets, people and reputation.”

There is enormous potential for career-minded crew entering the superyacht arena to excel in the future, particularly those that seize opportunities to advance their knowledge and skillsets. To read DNV’s article in full, please click here.

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