CASE STUDY
National Oceanography Centre
Analysis of future trends and the impact on workforce skills
"Through their expertise and practical knowledge of the sector, of technology impact, innovation and workforce skills transformation; SeaBot Maritime were able to provide us with valuable guidance on where our short, medium and long term skills gaps would emerge. They provided the guidance we needed to support facilities and training development investment decisions."
National Maritime Facilities Lead, National Oceanography Cenre
Ocean Sciences
UK & Worldwide
USV / AUV / ROV Operations
Future trends analysis
Workforce Skills Assessment
What was the project...
In 2021, recognizing the imminent and profound changes driven by technological advancements, technology adoption, and environmental regulations, the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) sought guidance to navigate this transformative period in the maritime industry and oceanographic research sector. Partnering with SeaBot Maritime, the NOC commissioned a forward-looking analysis to forecast technology trends and assess the impact on the skills required for their National Marine Facilities Workforce, projecting skills migration up to 2035.
The SeaBot Maritime team conducted a thorough examination of past technology adoptions, revealing that operational failures often traced back to operator errors, either due to a lack of system knowledge or insufficient training. The assessment extended across key areas such as Deck Operations, Vessel Engineering, Scientific Systems Management, and Scientific Systems Operations.
Anticipating significant advancements in artificial intelligence over the next 10-15 years, the team forecasted a surge in autonomous systems' use, fundamentally altering how the NOC's workforce interacts with equipment systems. Additionally, substantial developments in communication systems were predicted, enabling personnel to operate from remote onshore centres rather than vessels. This shift necessitates a fundamental evaluation of operational methodologies to ensure safe and efficient remote operations.
As the maritime industry embraces these technological strides and transitions into a remote operating environment, the importance of soft skills amplifies. Cooperation among project teams becomes paramount, given the interlinked nature of all offshore operations. SeaBot Maritime's research culminated in a comprehensive roadmap, outlining the skills needed for the workforce of the future, providing the NOC with a strategic guide for skill development and training recommendations up to 2035. This foresighted approach positions the NOC at the forefront of adapting to the evolving landscape of oceanographic research and maritime industry advancements.