The maritime industry has always embraced technological progress. From paper charts to ECDIS, from celestial navigation to satellite positioning, and from traditional manuals to digital information systems, every generation of seafarers has adapted to new technologies that have made shipping safer and more efficient.

Today, artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming another valuable tool for maritime education and professional development. It can help explain complex concepts, support self-study, assist in understanding international regulations, and provide additional learning resources for cadets and experienced seafarers alike.

The Marine Transport Workers’ Trade Union of Ukraine (MTWTU) welcomes the responsible use of modern technologies that contribute to improving knowledge and professional skills.

At the same time, the Union has become increasingly concerned by reports and observations received in recent years from various social partners across the maritime industry regarding cases where some seafarers – including certificated officers – have demonstrated insufficient theoretical knowledge or practical competence during recruitment, familiarisation or service on board. While every individual case should always be assessed fairly and on its own merits, the growing number of such concerns points to a broader issue that deserves the attention of the entire maritime community.

The purpose of raising this issue is not to criticise individual seafarers. Rather, it is to remind all current and future maritime professionals that no technology can replace genuine knowledge, practical skills, sound judgement and professional responsibility.

Artificial intelligence is an excellent assistant. It is not a substitute for education.

A cadet may use AI to understand the Collision Regulations, stability calculations, cargo operations or bridge procedures. An officer may use it as an additional source of professional information or for continuous learning ashore.

However, when a ship is at sea, professional competence cannot be outsourced.

An officer on watch may have only seconds to assess a rapidly developing situation, determine the safest course of action, communicate effectively with the bridge team, respond to equipment failures or react to an emergency threatening the lives of the crew, the vessel, the cargo or the marine environment. In such moments there is no opportunity to search for answers or rely on external digital assistance. Decisions must be based on knowledge, training, experience and professional judgement.

Every Certificate of Competency represents not only a qualification but also a significant responsibility. Shipowners, fellow crew members, passengers, cargo interests and society trust certificated officers to possess the knowledge and skills required to perform their duties safely and professionally.

Professional competence is therefore far more than a personal achievement—it is an essential element of maritime safety.

Insufficient knowledge or poor practical skills may have serious consequences not only for the individual seafarer but also for everyone on board. Depending on the circumstances, inadequate competence may lead to loss of employment, disciplinary action, difficulties in future recruitment, investigations by the competent maritime authorities, suspension or withdrawal of certificates of competency and, where negligence results in serious accidents, pollution, injuries or loss of life, civil or criminal liability in accordance with applicable national and international law.

For this reason, continuous professional development remains one of the most important responsibilities of every seafarer throughout their career.

Ukraine has long been recognised around the world for producing highly qualified maritime professionals. Ukrainian officers and ratings have earned the confidence of international shipping through their professionalism, resilience, dedication and strong maritime education. Preserving this reputation is a shared responsibility of maritime educational institutions, instructors, experienced officers, shipping companies, trade unions and every cadet entering the profession.

MTWTU encourages cadets and seafarers to use artificial intelligence wisely—as a tool for learning, practising and expanding their knowledge—but never as a replacement for independent thinking, practical training or genuine professional competence.

Technology will continue to evolve, and AI will undoubtedly become an increasingly important part of everyday life and maritime operations. Yet one principle will never change: artificial intelligence may support a professional’s work, but it cannot assume a professional’s responsibility.

When the unexpected happens at sea, it is not artificial intelligence that protects the crew, the vessel and the environment.

It is the competence, judgement and professionalism of the seafarer.