Maritime Simulator Opportunities

Australia’s maritime industry is experiencing significant workforce shortages, with long lead times to train and certify seafarers. The industry is also highly regulated, making it challenging for training providers, employers, and students to meet certification requirements. Simulation technology offers a practical solution to enhance training delivery, improve safety, and accelerate the development of skilled seafarers.

This project will explore how simulation can be further integrated into maritime training to support AMSA and IMO certification standards. It aims to improve training outcomes, reduce costs, and support the Strategic Fleet initiative by helping build a more agile and responsive maritime workforce.

Why It Matters
The Strategic Fleet initiative requires a reliable supply of Australian crew. By leveraging simulation technology, this project will help:

• Accelerate the development of qualified seafarers.
• Support AMSA revalidation and recognition of current competencies.
• Reduce training costs for employers and seafarers.
• Improve the quality and currency of training delivery and assessment.
• Promote maritime careers to school leavers and career changers in an engaging and safe way.

What We’re Doing
Industry Skills Australia will work with AMSA, maritime enterprises, unions, regulators, and education providers to:

• Benchmark and validate simulation requirements for maritime training.
• Identify simulator requirements for nationally endorsed qualifications and units of competency.
• Scope updates to training package products to support simulation-based delivery and assessment.
• Develop a tool to help training providers deliver and assess simulation in line with industry and regulatory standards.
• Engage stakeholders through interviews, webinars, and surveys to inform a proposed training model aligned with AMSA certification requirements.

This initiative supports Recommendation 9 of the Strategic Fleet Taskforce Final Report and contributes to building a skilled, responsive maritime workforce through innovative training solutions.

This project is due to be completed by June 2026.