AI: the turbulent tech that's here to stay

Three or four years ago, we might have thought that AI was going to be a flash in the pan. Not so in 2025. With ever more uses of the technology all around us, the maritime industry is grappling with the opportunities and threats it presents. Neil Nadkar argues that shipping is very much up to the challenge, having successfully weathered huge technological changes over many centuries. But unions must remain vigilant and keep the focus on seafarer safety and training

For thousands of years, seafarers built wooden rafts, paddled canoes, and hoisted sails to navigate the world by sea. The introduction of steam engines in the early 19th century heralded rapid advances over the next two centuries, moving from wooden hulls to iron and then steel, and onto the internal combustion engine for propulsion.

Early maritime communication was via drum beats and smoke signals, moving on to horns and flags – with semaphore holding strong until the ship's telegraph was adopted in the mid-19th century.

In the late 20th century we saw the introduction of GMDSS, an electronic system which enhanced not just communication, but safety at sea.

As regards navigation, early seafarers found their way by keeping land in sight, then used the sun and the stars for further venturing, weather patterns, sea bird flights, and dead reckoning. The more reliable use of compass came in the 12th century, the chronometer in the 17th century and in the 20th century, radar.

With mapping of coast lines and further afield, navigational charts came into use. This has evolved to electronic charts, GPS and AIS today. Instead of the stars, it is the man-made satellites which enable both navigational accuracy and safety.

All these transitions altered working conditions, labour relations, and composition of crew. Traditional occupations such as deck hands and carpenters declined, while new roles such as engineers, electro-technical officers and hospitality staff increased.

This reminds us that seafarers are the beating heart of shipping, operating vessels to ensure all safety and environmental protection standards are upheld.

Without them, shipping simply cannot function. Therefore, whenever technology changes, specialised training in all roles is vital, and this must be the responsibilities of the shipowners who profit from seafarers' work.

AI – shipping's latest technological transition

Here in the 21st century, the transitions we see are focused largely on decarbonisation and automation, with artificial intelligence (AI) set to play a major role in our adoption of greener fuels and minimally-crewed vessels.

Used in the right way, AI could also improve safety at sea by identifying risky behaviour and predicting likely incidents. Research indicates that 90% of marine casualties in shipping are due to human error – a statistic which reinforces the case for introducing a degree of automation.

However, the 'degree' is all-important here. It is worth looking at the impact AI can have on seafarer safety when used to different extents. My research indicates that the current thinking is as follows.

Vessel run by humans only – all decision-making and actions performed by crew. Vessel is safe and operational.

Vessel with low automation – humans take operative decisions and rectify issues but data is provided by systems onboard. Vessel safe and operational.

Vessel run on partial automation – humans take limited decisions as AI data overrides and takes executive decisions. Vessel is not safe and only partially operational.

Vessel fully automated – no human interference and rarely supervised. AI takes decisions from CEFAX data and executes action. Vessel is not safe and risks catastrophic failure.

Concerns about AI in maritime

A major limitation of AI is in responding to emergency situations onboard by carrying out distress communications visa RT/VHF/DSC. AI would struggle to translate the dialects of international crew to initiate a decision.

It is also hard to see how AI would act in the interests of seafarers threatened by piracy and drone warfare. And the increased use of cameras and sensors onboard to collect data for AI systems could interfere with personal privacy and make seafarers fearful that the information could be used against them.

IMO research has found that cyber security was the biggest disruption threat to operations. Cyber-attacks against AI-assisted navigation are on the rise, with the potential for ships to be rerouted, causing danger to crew and cargo. Also, a breach of confidential data can lead to financial losses, wreck port operations and attack supply chains.

These are worrying issues, but we must address them rather than ignoring them. History shows us that there's no going back once new technology is introduced. Deck officers, engineer officers and technicians, electrotechnical officers and shore-based maritime professionals – all need to face the transition into the world of AI.

Working together to get AI right

We can take heart from earlier technological revolutions, as unions have often fought successfully to introduce safety standards and ensure seafarers have the right training. Job losses have been averted and safe operations have largely been maintained.

However, when we hear talk of replacing seafarers with any new tech, we need to be highly vigilant.

Those willing to adapt, reskill and engage with technological changes will reap the rewards, but what happens to the less fortunate seafarers who struggle to cope? They too are entitled to tailored training that helps them retain their jobs.

This training must evolve integrating skills, mastering systems management and using AI as a tool to improve seafarers' working lives. It should create a balance between innovation and the continued use of maritime professionals' valuable skills and experience.

As Nautilus members, we need to pull together and get behind our Union's efforts to make this happen. Shipping can't run without seafarers, so let's raise our voices to make it clear that AI is there to help us, not replace us.

• Nautilus member Neil Nadkar is a former engineer on deepsea vessels who provides expertise on technical matters. To read more about his life and work, go to his Meet members profile here on the Nautilus website