While shipping consultants debate the future of autonomous technology, you're busy managing real ships, real crews, and real deadlines. Let's cut through the fantasies and talk about the human element in autonomous applications. Here's what you need to know…

This week, I spoke with Dr Jevon Chan to gain his perspectives on autonomous technology in maritime. In his career, he has advised on autonomy standards and practices, bringing both practical and theoretical insights to this rapidly evolving field. We also discussed the findings of his PhD which focused specifically on the human element within autonomous shipping.

Remember when ECDIS was going to revolutionise navigation? Then we spent a decade dealing with undertrained officers, inconsistent interfaces, and alarm fatigue. If we are not careful, then there is the possibility of making the same mistakes again.

The maritime industry is diving headfirst into autonomy without addressing how human practices and mindsets need to evolve in line with autonomous technological advancements. 

When every vendor claims their price is 'industry standard' but nobody seems to know what that standard actually is, it's like trying to negotiate in the dark. Between mysterious licensing fees, hidden implementation costs, and support packages that cost as much as the software itself - who really knows what's reasonable anymore?

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Let's be honest – there's a gaping chasm between the industry’s autonomous ambitions and current seafarers' preparedness. During his studies, Dr Chan noted "From my research, 70% of participants failed to react to a simple autopilot failure." 

This discouraging statistic raises a critical question: If experienced seafarers struggle with basic automated systems, what happens with more complex autonomous technologies? "A system is only as good as the operator using it."

Dr Chan also expressed his views on crew reduction, seeing it as a possible long-term outcome rather than something to be avoided entirely. He believes the industry's current priority should be developing and enhancing seafarer capabilities for evolving roles, rather than simply eliminating positions. 

"Going forward, humans must stay in the loop. We can't simply reduce crews," he explains, emphasising that the path to greater autonomy requires thoughtful transition and new skill development rather than abrupt workforce reduction.

His research suggests that rather than replacing seafarers, the most valuable autonomous technologies will be those that enhance their capabilities while preserving their essential judgment.

During our conversation, Dr Chan addressed one of the most dangerous assumptions in maritime: technology vendors present autonomous systems as perfect solutions, operating flawlessly in all conditions when in reality, "Autonomous systems will work 99% of the time, but at some point, something will fail - humans design it, parts degrade, things need fixing." 

He also raises a thought-provoking question about our inconsistent expectations: ‘Why do we hold systems to a higher standard of safety than the human operating the vessel?’ This double standard, where we demand perfection from technology yet accept human error potential, reveals a fundamental inconsistency in how the industry approaches autonomy.

This fundamental truth makes the human presence for onboard operations not merely advisable but absolutely vital—someone must be there to recognise, diagnose and address these inevitable failures before they cascade into disasters.

Dr Chan also shared his thoughts on where best to target autonomous technological advancements. Rather than focusing solely on navigation, he suggests focusing more on areas where autonomy could dramatically improve safety without displacing critical human functions.

"We tend to focus only on autonomous navigation because it's visible, but we forget different shipboard operations like cargo management and mooring operations that are incredibly dangerous. Why not make those autonomous and reduce manpower there?"

In essence, focusing on reducing the risks to seafarers operating in dangerous roles creates the opportunity to enhance safety whilst also increasing crew welfare.

To summarise, maritime autonomy presents tremendous opportunities, but realising its potential requires a balanced approach that values human expertise alongside technological innovation. 

Rather than pursuing full autonomy as an end in itself, the industry would benefit from targeting applications that genuinely enhance safety and efficiency while increasing preparedness training for seafarers.

The winners in this transition won't simply be those with the most advanced technology, but those who develop the most effective partnership between human judgment and machine capability.

Well shipmates, that's this week's maritime tech news safely moored! Set your compass for next Thursday when I'll return with another fresh delivery of industry updates. Until then, keep your systems shipshape and your innovations on course! Fair winds, Ailsa