The study aimed to identify and discuss how crewing/shipping companies will respond to the new development in shipping, specifically autonomous ship technology, and what measures they will take to address the challenge to produce qualified seafarers for the future merchant ships. Data was generated through interviews and FGDs. Interviewed were representatives from randomly selected crewing/shipping companies, maritime associations/organizations, and administration/implementing government agencies.

Although the respondents acknowledged that fast-paced technological advancement paved way to building of maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS), they are in quandary considering that the country is a major manpower provider to oceangoing vessels. Respondents said that emergence of autonomous ships will have a corollary effect on the supply and demand of seafarers and the country’s economy as well, particularly on reduction of manning level, loss of deployment and displacement of seafarers. To be abreast with industry needs and meet employers’ competency and skills requirement, that is ship and engine specific, active seafarers must be retooled and reskilled. Relatively, to ready the seafarers for MASS, they must upgrade and advance their skills on information technology, among others. Moreover, MARINA and CHED must revisit and realign the maritime education curriculum to be responsive to employment requirements. The shift from conventional to fully autonomous merchant ship will lead to change in career pattern and employment of seafarers, from onboard to shore-based job, requiring assessment and re-defining of skills and competence. As a consequence of MASS, seafarers who will be displaced are recommended to diversify or re-invent themselves anchoring on their skills and experiences onboard to look for another related job, such as, work in domestic shipping, and in industrial and manufacturing companies. Full realization of merchant MASS is projected by respondents to be 50 years or until such time autonomous technology is perfected and legal requirements are already in place.