BMT has launched a new introductory e-learning course on Maritime Autonomous Systems (MAS), positioning it as a response to what it describes as a widening skills and knowledge gap as autonomy moves into defence and commercial maritime operations.
The launch follows the International Maritime Organization’s first MASS Code taking effect on 1 July, a regulatory development that BMT says is increasing the need for broader understanding of autonomous and remotely operated maritime technologies beyond specialist engineering teams.
According to the company, the self-paced online course covers autonomy fundamentals, operational considerations, safety, regulation, emerging technologies and real-world applications.
BMT’s campaign lead for Maritime Autonomous Systems, Will Alexander, said the course is intended for a wider set of stakeholders as organisations assess or adopt autonomous capabilities. He said decisions about procurement, operations and compliance are increasingly being made without a “foundational understanding” of the technologies and their impacts.
Emma Johnson, director of the Maritime Autonomous Systems Group at the Society of Maritime Industries, said the course would be useful for people entering the sector or seeking to expand their understanding, citing its structure and breadth of content, including UK and international perspectives.
BMT said the course is aimed at programme and project managers, engineers, procurement and commercial teams, regulators, compliance professionals and senior decision-makers. It said participants will be introduced to key concepts including levels of autonomy, system architecture, sensing and AI-enabled technologies, regulatory frameworks, safety considerations and current and emerging maritime applications.
The company linked the course to its broader work in maritime autonomy, including supporting development, integration and assurance activities across defence and commercial markets. It also pointed to earlier work involving its Remote Operations Centre Simulator (ROC-Sim), used in a SeaBot Maritime course for supervising multiple uncrewed vessels at BMT’s Digital Innovation and Simulation Centre in Fareham.
The move highlights a growing focus on workforce readiness as maritime autonomy matures: as regulation develops alongside technology, industry and government stakeholders face increasing pressure to build internal capability for safe adoption, assurance and compliance in autonomous operations.
