The Future Seafarer
The impact of COVID-19 on seafarers and training, and the increase in digital technology for shipping, poses multiple challenges for the future of its workforce. What can our industry do to ensure its workforce is future proofed?
About the 2021 ICS Leadership Insights Series
Seafarers at the Core of Shipping’s Future is the World Maritime theme for 2021.
Whilst the pandemic has put unprecedented demands on the world’s seafarers, with hundreds of thousands of seafarers still unable to leave their ships and return home, the industry is also undergoing a fundamental transformation that will have an enormous change on the shipboard working environment.
Increased digitalisation, automation, the development of sophisticated integrated shipboard systems and future fuels are changing the role of the seafarer and asking questions of how they are trained.
Key Questions
- Are the current arrangements for crew training fit for the digital industry of the future?
- How can we ensure the safety and security of crews as the industry undergoes fundamental transformation?
- What else can be done to alleviate the crew change crisis?
- Diversity and inclusion in the maritime environment.
Speakers

Gerardo A. Borromeo
CEO Philippine Transmarine Carriers (PTC) & ICS Vice Chair PHILIPPINES
Stephen Cotton
General Secretary of the International Transport Workers’ Federation
Mayte Medina
Chief, Office of Merchant Mariner Credential, U.S. COAST GUARD