SEAFARER training needs a significant overhaul if shipping’s green transition is to happen safely, a joint industry report has found.

The Maritime Just Transition Taskforce, a group of maritime unions and employers set up at COP26, held 12 hybrid workshops with 116 participants to gauge what was needed, backed by the International Maritime Organization and the Lloyd’s Register Foundation.

“Zero and near-zero greenhouse gas emission fuels, such as ammonia, methanol and hydrogen, present unique challenges and hazards to the crew’s health and safety,” the report said.

“However, the current Standards of the Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers Convention do not yet include guidelines or competency levels when specifically dealing with these green molecules.”

The report highlighted topics such as the toxicity of ammonia and resulting need for emergency response measures, PPE standards and process safety measures. Key concerns around methanol included its flammability, requiring new fire detection and PPE protocols.

“Detailed training on methanol’s toxic properties and corrosivity will also be necessary in the next phase of the transition,” the report added.

The MJTTF project will develop detailed competency standards and a training framework to help maritime academies train and upskill seafarers.

“This report crystallises the industry’s views on what level of human competencies and training networks are needed for the safe deployment of ammonia, methanol and hydrogen on board ships,” said Natassa Kouvertari, senior lead for human competency at the Lloyd’s Register Decarbonisation Hub.