Closing the Gap:
Why Upskilling is Vital in a Changing Maritime World

As the maritime industry undergoes a rapid and complex transformation, one issue stands out as both urgent and fundamental: how do we close the compliance gap in an increasingly regulated and technologically advanced world?

When I spoke at Spinnaker Maritime People & Culture Conference in London, I reflected on my 25 years in commercial operations and technical management. I have visited dozens of vessels, worked with crews from around the world and witnessed both the beauty and the risks of life at sea. I’ve seen accidents that should never have happened. I’ve also seen how knowledge and competence can prevent them. Today, that’s more important than ever.

A Perfect Storm of Complexity

We are navigating a perfect storm. New fuels, new technologies, new environmental regulations and rising geopolitical tensions are redefining what it means to operate at sea. Consider this: 50% of ships on order will be delivered methanol, LNG, or LPG-ready. Vessels are being fitted with energy-saving systems like solar panels, wind propulsion and carbon capture. At the same time, regulations around CO₂ taxation and emissions reporting are becoming increasingly intricate, so complex in fact that even shore-based experts struggle to keep up.

For the seafarer on board, this is a daunting challenge. For those on shore, the challenge is how to equip our people with the knowledge to understand and apply these changes so that we may gain full compliance and keep them safe.

The Growing Compliance Gap

There is a growing disconnect between regulatory expectations and frontline readiness. This is the compliance gap and unless we address it quickly, we risk not only legal and financial consequences but also safety failures, environmental harm and reputational damage.

The reality is that traditional training infrastructure cannot scale fast enough. Upskilling nearly 800,000 existing seafarers, plus thousands of new recruits, is beyond the capacity of physical training centres alone.

Digital Learning: A Strategic Necessity

Digital learning isn’t just a convenience, it’s a strategic necessity. The pandemic showed us what’s possible when we embrace cloud-based solutions. Now, technologies like VR, 3D simulation and scenario-based learning are enabling seafarers to train more effectively, more frequently and more flexibly than ever before.

Imagine a crew practising a high-risk scenario together in a digital environment, on board, at a time that suits their operational schedule. This immersive, team-based learning model doesn’t just tick a compliance box; it builds muscle memory, confidence and better decision-making under pressure.

Compliance Starts with Confidence

Ultimately, compliance doesn’t happen through policies or manuals, it happens when people understand what’s required, why it matters and how to act accordingly. Giving them the confidence to act with authority and safety is where digital learning truly excels. It supports continuous development, adapts to evolving requirements, and puts the learner at the centre.

But competence alone isn’t enough. The modern seafarer also faces threats that are harder to train for: piracy, cyberattacks, mental health challenges, and a growing reluctance to spend long periods away from home. We must consider compliance and safety as human challenges, not just technical ones.

A Shared Mission

Whether you’re a ship manager, operator, or supplier, we all share a responsibility: to close the compliance gap and ensure our people are equipped for the future. This means investing in digital solutions, updating our approaches, and consistently prioritising the well-being of seafarers.

If we want a safe, sustainable and resilient maritime industry, we must give our crews the tools, training, and support they need not just to survive these changes, but thrive.