Maritime technology is transforming how ships are designed, operated and crewed, from automation to artificial intelligence. While these systems are carefully tested, one vital question remains: how do these changes truly affect people working at sea?
The STEER Project, led by The Nautical Institute in collaboration with Lloyd’s Register Foundation, is an international research and engagement initiative that explores the real-world impact of the combined introduction of new systems and working practices to seafarers at sea and ashore.
By listening to the day-to-day experiences of crews, managers, shipowners, manufacturers, regulators and trainers, the STEER Project aims to explore how new technologies affect safety, welfare and decision-making at sea.
Our goal is to create a practical toolbox to help the maritime industry better integrate new technologies that strengthen competence and resilience while focusing on the human needs.
Captain David Patraiko FNI, Director of Projects at The Nautical Institute, said:
“Seafarers are at the heart of shipping, yet their lived experience is often overlooked due to commercial pressures and the rush to innovate. The STEER Project is about listening to those on the front line; their experiences, insights and collective knowledge. Only then we will be able to develop the right tools that the maritime industry can use to make technology work for people and enable better decision-making.”
Tim Slingsby, Director of Skills and Education at Lloyd’s Register Foundation, said:
“Maritime education and training needs to evolve quickly to keep pace with the rate of technological innovation, whilst also being aware of the risks of creating skills gaps between seafarers in comparatively wealthy or poorer regions. By leveraging The Nautical Institute’s extensive international network of maritime professionals, and Lloyd’s Register Foundation’s sectoral expertise, the STEER Project will help ensure the seafaring workforce have the capacity, capability and understanding to adopt new and emerging technologies safely, and support the equitable transition to a decarbonised and digitalised ocean economy.”
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About Lloyd’s Register Foundation
Lloyd’s Register Foundation is an independent global charity that supports research, innovation and education to make the world a safer place. It uses the best available evidence and insight to help the global community focus on tackling the world’s most pressing safety challenges.
