The decision-making process within the IMO about the minimum requirements for maritime education takes a lot of time. An outcome of this is that educational programmes may not be up to date with the latest developments.
A relevant example of this is the major impact that autonomous sailing will have on the global shipping industry. This development means that the role of crews who work on these ships needs to be re-evaluated.
The needs of the shipping industry must be a leading factor in discussions, rather than minimum international requirements. In this way, innovations and developments in the maritime sector can lead to the evolution of educational programmes. Regular consultations between the shipping industry and maritime academies will only contribute to this. The shipping industry can help the process by retraining teachers. And the government must act as a facilitator and stimulator in keeping maritime education focused on the future.
To accomplish this goal, the KVNR actively participates in various consultations at both the national and international level to put the needs of the industry in the spotlight. KVNR members contribute too, offering teachers' internships as well as providing relevant information during school visits.