Current challenges in professional education and training of seafarers at management levels on oil tankers

Maritime education and training (MET) are under constant pressure from the maritime industry, characterized by extremely rapid development. Due to the high risk in the transport and handling of crude oil, seafarers employed on oil tankers are required to have skills and competencies well above the minimum education standards set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW). Therefore, tanker companies should provide additional training for their employees to ensure the fundamental goals of zero‐accident rates and reduce human error to a minimum. This especially applies to seafarers at the management level, who must have the competence and knowledge to operate oil tankers at the highest professional level. This paper examines the current challenges in education and the required competencies of seafarers at management levels concerning the rapid growth and development of the tanker industry. In addition, some shortcomings regarding the current form of education and training have been considered, and recommendations for the future upgrade of the education and training system for seafarers at the management level are provided.