Present Situation and Perspective on Research and Education in the Maritime Society

K. Hara
Kobe University of Merchantile Marine, JAPAN

K. Hara

Abstract

The tremendous progress of science and technology and the economic conditions in the shipping industry have brought about innovative changes in ship operation such as computer-based navigation and the mixed crew system. In this paper, the author discusses the system of research and education in maritime society focusing on future ship operation technology. First, the author defines what the maritime technical society is and what activities are indispensable for the society; then he proposes the image of future ship operation technology as a goal. There is a significant technological trend in present and future ship operation, and that is to reinforce supporting functions on shore in addition to the self-contained function on board as indicated by ISM codes. This means there should be established another new professional field in the maritime education and research system concerned with ship operation such as fleet operation and maintenance, not the ship operation itself.