Identification of Maritime Education and Training Institutions (METIs) risk in pandemic restrictions

The unprecedented COVID-19 crisis apparently has questioned our systems' survivability nationally or even in a global context. The pandemic has proven the indispensable role of international shipping in our societies’ sustainability. Still, one of the main challenges for the shipping industry is to secure the supply of competent seafarers. Typically, Maritime Education and Training Institutions' (METIs') core mission revolves around keeping such demand supplied, however in restrictive situations, METIs' capability to achieve their mission is still questionable. During the pandemic restrictions, METIs are likely exposed to many uncertainties that directly threaten their role and may lead to hazardous consequences. In such scenarios, many questions arise to challenge whether the institution/organizational levels of control are sufficient or additional barriers to keep the risk as low as reasonably practicable are needed.

Consequently, this research investigates the possible threats exposed to METIs under such conditions, the potential consequences if they lose control of their operations, and the required barriers to prevent, detect, or protect the METIs from such a failure. To achieve this aim, a survey was designed to capture the expertise of a group of Maritime Education and Training (MET) experts. The survey responses have been quantified and statistically analysed to comprehensively identify these risk factors, their contribution, and their effectiveness.