ISA has delivered its Maritime Simulator Opportunities Final Report, establishing a clear, evidence-based understanding of where simulation can be responsibly expanded within Australian maritime training. The report also outlines priorities for the next phase of work with government, regulators and industry.
Developed in response to Recommendation 9 of the Strategic Fleet Taskforce and the Maritime Industry Workforce Development Plan, the project addressed a pressing workforce challenge: Australia’s maritime sector is facing sustained pressure on training capacity, sea time availability and certified seafarer supply, at the same time as international standards, decarbonisation and new vessel technologies are reshaping the competencies mariners need. Simulation has long been recognised as part of the solution to these challenges. However, its permissible use within the Australian regulatory framework has not been systematically established.
Through extensive research and stakeholder engagement – including consultation with AMSA, RTOs, unions, employers and international training providers – the project established a national picture of:
- What simulation is currently permitted under existing frameworks
- Where simulation is already being used across maritime training
- Where opportunities exist to expand its use safely and effectively
Key findings
The report found that:
- There are no systemic regulatory barriers to expanding simulation use within the current STCW, AMSA and MAR Training Package framework, with simulation permissible across the majority of competencies in the Deck and Engineer Watchkeeper pathways.
- Australia’s simulation infrastructure is comparatively advanced by international benchmarks, though application varies significantly across RTOs. The availability of qualified instructors remains the primary constraint on further expansion.
- International practice in the United Kingdom, Netherlands and Denmark, alongside the IMO STCW comprehensive review, is moving towards frameworks and similar models of simulation integration identified in the report.
The report sets out four implementation pathways and eight next steps.
A dual-track approach is recommended, progressing both the Domestic Commercial Vessel (DCV) and STCW pathways at the same time rather than sequentially. This approach reflects current stakeholder feedback and responds to the opportunity for regulatory reform, while positioning Australia’s STCW arrangements ahead of the expected IMO amendments in 2029. The DCV pathway offers a near-term opportunity within a less complex regulatory environment.
Completion of the project marks a key milestone in ISA’s Maritime Simulation Program, providing DEWR, AMSA and industry with the evidence base needed to progress a structured feasibility business case and trial.
