Operator’s skills and knowledge requirement in autonomous ships control centre

Abstract

The autonomous ships will be navigating and controlling through the Remote Control Centre (RCC). The purpose of present paper is to identify the certain job requirements, job characteristics, experience requirements of operators in these centers, and it is assumed that two experts or operators (navigation and engine operator) should take charge of the maritime operations of autonomous ships at the RCC. The operators job analysis has been carried out based on the O*Net content model. The results of data analysis showed that the operators of the RCC should have worker requirements such as the ability to use logic, reasoning, thinking and scientific methods and the selection and implementation of appropriate learning strategies. Also experience requirements such as; In-service training, experience in autonomous ships, having a maritime competency certificate and on-side training are important. The navigation operator must be familiar with the passage planning by ECDIS and the principles of electronic navigation. Also, the engine operator must be aware of the knowledge of hydraulic and pneumatic principles and the knowledge of ecology and environmental protection in order to perform his/her duties.