University of Strathclyde Launches AI Crew Training to Eliminate 80% Human Error

The University of Strathclyde's EPSRC-funded PhD program, jointly supported by Intelligent Seas Ltd and National Manufacturing Institute Scotland, aims to enhance maritime safety by developing AI-based adaptive learning in AR and VR environments to deliver tailored training addressing the root cause of 80%+ of maritime accidents attributed to human factors. Safety remains paramount in maritime transportation, with more than 90% of world trading performed by sea and accidents resulting in loss of lives, ships, and environmental damage. Industry challenge: Despite technical requirements and IMO's International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), human factors continue causing the majority of maritime accidents, indicating traditional training approaches fail to adequately prepare crews for complex operational realities. Technology solution: AI-driven adaptive training systems and competency assessments can identify gaps in seafarers' knowledge and skills, delivering personalized, targeted training programs. With digitalization, autonomy, and advanced communication systems, modern seafarers must not only operate ships safely but also manage data effectively, creating demand for sophisticated training approaches. COVID acceleration: The pandemic forced educators and training centers to adopt innovative approaches for training delivery, with VR emerging as viable alternative for online remote training. However, this area requires significant research and development, where AI will revolutionize tailored training to improve seafarer performance in time and cost-effective manner. Research focus: The PhD program combines AI-based adaptive learning methods with AR/VR technologies specifically for maritime worker training, an application area not yet thoroughly explored despite growing recognition in other educational contexts, creating opportunity for breakthrough improvements in maritime safety through personalized crew development.
[University of Strathclyde]

This story is part of the Maritime AI Digest of 5 October 2025.