Planning future seafarer recruitment

Investigating the changing landscape of seafarer career, skills, and qualifications to enable their readiness for the future

Degree type

PhD

Closing date

1 June 2024

Campus

Launceston

Citizenship requirement

Domestic

About the research project

The shipping industry is expected to undergo major changes to overcome challenges posed by the green transition in making the fleet environmentally friendly, advent of autonomous ships and increasing automation on non-autonomous ships, and the introduction of data-driven technologies. Hence seafarers will have to develop skills to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the workplace to be successfully employed in the future.


Seafarers may have to become proficient in the use of computers, information technology systems, satellite communications, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and troubleshooting integrated systems. This implies that traditional seafarer qualifications and learning will need to be upgraded with not only new technical skills but also non-technical competencies (e.g., communication, problem-solving, leadership etc.). This research project will investigate the changing career and roles of current and future seafarers to enable a smooth transition of skills transfer and identify new training requirements to enable the future readiness of the workforce. Through extensive research involving stakeholders, this project will suggest strategies to recognize current skills (e.g., through micro-credentials) and develop recommendations for training providers towards instilling new competencies validated by the industry and certifying bodies.


This project may be investigated from the perspectives of policy makers towards developing recruitment and hiring strategies to provide recommendatory frameworks for seafarer employers to innovate their human resource strategies and remain competitive. The project will provide broader understanding to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and maritime regulators to develop standards for awarding seafarer's current hard and soft skills, and design catered training plans for employees to remain relevant in the workforce and meet the needs of future ship operators. The research outcomes will enhance the sustainability of the workforce by making skills recognition a transparent and reliable process.

This project may have a part-time study option available. Some restrictions may apply. Please discuss your preference with the Supervisor and note your preferred study option when applying.

Primary Supervisor

Meet Dr Samrat Ghosh

Funding

Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:

  • a living allowance stipend of $32,192 per annum (2024 rate, indexed annually) for 3.5 years
  • a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
  • a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)

If successful, international applicants will receive a University of Tasmania Fees Offset for up to four years.

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees of undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.

Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:

  • The scholarship is open to domestic (Australian and New Zealand) and international candidates
  • The degree must be undertaken on a full-time or a part-time basis
  • Applicants must be able to demonstrate strong research and analytical skills
  • Applicants must have authored at least one research publication
  • Applicants must have already been awarded a First-Class Honours degree or hold equivalent or relevant; and substantial research experience in an appropriate sector

Selection Criteria

The project is competitively assessed and awarded.  Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.

Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:

  • Candidates must have a Master's degree preferably with a thesis component or have undertaken a unit on Research Methods
  • Candidates must be proficient in English language

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

  • Good knowledge and evidence of academic writing skills
  • Basic knowledge of MS Office
  • Basic knowledge of statistical analysis
  • Familiarity with the maritime and in particular the seafarer industry

Application process

  1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
  2. Contact Dr Samrat Ghosh to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
  3. In your application:
    • Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
    • Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
  4. Apply prior to 1 June 2024.

Full details of the application process can be found under the 'How to apply' section of the Research Degrees website.

Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.

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