Episode 99: Navigating the Future of Maritime Training with Capt. Pradeep Chawla
Guest: Capt. Pradeep Chawla, Chairman of GlobalMET and Founder of MarinePALS
Episode Overview: Capt. Chawla shares insights from his 50-year maritime career, transitioning from sea to leadership at Anglo Eastern, and now pioneering digital training at MarinePALS. We explore the evolution of maritime education, the role of technology, and the changing landscape of seafarer training.
Key Points:
- The Shift to Digital Learning
- "Nobody likes reading anymore. Most learning now happens via YouTube, not textbooks."
- Microlearning, gamification, and VR are reshaping how seafarers acquire critical skills.
- Why VR and Gamification Matter
- First-time experiences, like entering a ship’s forpeak tank, can be simulated to build confidence.
- "A senior master once crashed a Cape-size bulk carrier in a simulator, but after seven attempts, he got it right—he never forgot that lesson."
- Adapting to Alternative Fuels
- LNG, ammonia, and methanol are the future—but require specialized training.
- MarinePALS developed VR training for LNG bunkering, helping crew adapt before stepping on board.
- Technology and Training Evolution
- "A second mate’s passage planning once took 12 hours—now it’s automated in two."
- Digitalization is reshaping navigation and ship operations, requiring new skill sets.
- The Power of Social Media in Shipping
- Shipping has traditionally operated in the shadows, but platforms like YouTube and Instagram can help highlight the industry’s importance.
- "In my previous company, we went from 20,000 to 100,000 followers by sharing crew-generated content—seafarers love seeing their own work showcased."
- The Seafarer Shortage and Industry Future
- Despite concerns, Capt. Chawla is optimistic: "The sea still attracts the brave."
- To appeal to the next generation, highlight responsibility: "By 22, you’ll be in charge of a $400M asset. Where else does that happen?"
- Advice for the Next Generation
- "Forget the idea that maritime is an outdated industry—it's evolving fast, and there’s no better time to join."
- Training needs to reflect modern learning habits: short, engaging, and interactive.
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