From Adaptation to Design: A People-Centric Framework for Navigation Technology Adoption in Port Waters

About the research project

New navigation technologies, including digital charts, satellite positioning and AI-assisted decision support, are transforming how vessels are navigated in port waters. But how these tools actually affect the pilots, shipmasters and port traffic operators who rely on them day to day is not well understood. Most research treats people as something technology must be adapted around, after it has already been introduced.

This project takes the opposite approach. Starting with the people who work in port waters, it asks what technology would need to look like to genuinely support them, rather than complicate their work. Through surveys and interviews with maritime professionals at Australian ports, the project will investigate how advanced navigation technologies affect performance, user experience and safety, and will build and test a practical, people-centric framework to guide safer, more effective technology adoption in port operations.

The project will combine documentary and regulatory analysis, an industry-wide survey, and semi-structured interviews with pilots, shipmasters, VTS operators and port operators, followed by validation of the resulting framework with an expert panel. It has direct relevance to port authorities, maritime regulators and technology developers seeking to introduce new navigation technology in ways that genuinely support, rather than burden, the maritime workforce.

Primary supervisor

Meet Doctor Reza Emad

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 funded by University of Tasmania of $34,315 per annum 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)

A tuition fee offset may be offered to eligible international applicants following competitive assessment 

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 for 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:

• Applicants with prior experience in maritime and shipping domain including maritime law, seagoing, or port operations (e.g. deck officer, pilot, VTS, or port operations background) are encouraged to apply, though this is not mandatory.

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:

●     A Bachelor's degree with Honours, Master's degree, or equivalent qualification in maritime studies, human factors/ergonomics, maritime logistics, social science, or a related field.

●     Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and academic writing skills.

●     Demonstrated interest in maritime safety, human factors, or socio-technical systems research.

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

●     Experience with qualitative and/or mixed-methods research design, including survey and interview-based data collection.

●     Familiarity with qualitative analysis software (e.g. NVivo) and/or survey platforms.

●     Professional experience in maritime field.

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Doctor Reza Emad 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 October 2026.

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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