The project will develop new study modules followed with assessment study module and finally, the specific software, Engine Room Simulator (ERS) online by modern technology and digitalisation. Also, a guide to related industries will be made to assist their efforts on adapting the MERSol process. Maritime Trade accounts for approximately 90% of trade in the world today, but the technology of diesel engines has not changed over the decades. Engines have become more energy efficient due to regulations set by IMO to fullfil marine industry emission requirements. New building ships are ever more complex as different systems are integrated together so that automation is running and monitoring all systems together. This integration has solved many problems, but at the same time created new errors which marine engineers are not familiar with. Some of them can be fatal and risking the crew, ship and environment. New fuels are taken in use; there are already totally emission free while maneuvering as using batteries only, yet there are no study books for these new technologies yet. The STCW International Convention of IMO sets minimum qualification requirements for being a seafarer and is used in formal training of seafarers. A skills gap has emerged between traditional Maritime Education; the needs of the industry and seafarers ought to be able to apply increasing complex systems, regulations, and technologies especially when pandemic occurred, and traditional teaching method could not be used. Due to climate change, maritime industry must take steps to more environmentally friendly shipping. Emissions are monitored constantly by aiming to reduce harmful emissions; at 2050, very strict regulations concerning harmful emissions are fully set to the maritime industry. Engines has become more energy efficient due to regulations set by IMO to full fil marine industry emission requirements. The EU 2050 objectives set intermediate targets for Eco-Efficient Vessel Emission Reduction for key pollutants, but so far this has not contributed to concrete study modules. In IO1, MERSol project will produce new study modules with assessment study module following ensuring the theory knowledge. All the new regulations are included and tested in assessment study modules. In IO2, the specific software, ERS online, will test the knowledge in online practice. MERSol supports the uptake of innovative approaches and digital online technologies for teaching and learning online to ensure these qualifications requirements to be addressed. IO3 will present a guide to related industries. Designing and developing the study modules and assessment modules on a specific e-learning delivery platform allows cadets and seafarers to access the training programme and learning materials over the internet at any time and any place. This is particularly relevant in the Maritime sector where seafarers are highly mobile and have less opportunity to take long face-to-face training courses whilst they are working. Primary target groups are new marine engineer cadets but also deck cadets and all mariners already at sea to update their knowledge of automation and digitalisation. Also, all European HEI and VET centers, together with maritime industry as a whole are target groups taking into consideration ship building and ports. This proposal will focus of the horizontal priorities of supporting individuals in the maritime sector. To acquire and develop key competences making them more relevant to the labour market needs updating their education and training. MERSol study modules, assessment modules and ERS Online will not only provide this as training for new Cadets, but also as part of continuing VET for already qualified seafarers. Together with the Multiplier Events organised in each participant country for wide dissemination, all partners will utilise their dissemination networks and will involve EU wide networks in the project. Even up to 14,000 persons are expected to be reached within the project lifetime. The partners bring together a unique blend of academic and SME partners from maritime cluster bringing such valuable and necessary experience that no single institution can hold. Without all of this expertise, the project outputs would not be sustainable as they would not reflect industry and academic needs, the latest trends in e-learning as well as being submitted for accreditation. The project is innovative as the Marine Engine Room Simulator online system has not been initiated before. It will take full advantage of digital technologies and deliver training and monitoring application at the workplace instead of relying to the traditional means of training that do not correspond to the actual needs of the target group. Especially during the pandemic and lockdown, ERS online will give a learning opportunity to marine engineering studies as offering replacement to the mandatory onboard training.
The objective was to address the recognised needs without delay, with outcomes taken into use promptly and efficiently. The project developed the skills in maritime industry through joining deep knowledge and expertise of seven institutions from six European countries. The central aim of this project was to develop study modules for Maritime Engine Room Studies, student assessment modules and specific software, ERS online. All these new regulations are included in study modules and tested in assessment modules. The implementation planned in the project required cooperation between educational institutions and business; in MERSol project, most of the partners represents higher education institutions, that are already cooperating with business on regular - if not even daily - basis. Furthermore, there were two business institutions in the partnership to ensure that the exact context was fulfilling the requirements for business, as well as the universities ensured the requirements for HEIs.
Initially the project idea has arisen prior to the pandemic, but the recent statement of the International Maritime Organisation, IMO, that was an outcome from the meeting between the International Chamber of Shipping ICS and the International Association of Maritime Universities IAMU, on impacts of the pandemic on maritime education and training, has given a mutual understanding of the urgent need for MERSol activities. The concern is recognised to be global, revealing the risk of education of the mariners being outdated and not comprehensively respecting the STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) International Convention and Code, if no new online solutions are discovered. STCW sets minimum qualification requirements for being a seafarer and is used in formal training of seafarers. A skills gap has emerged between traditional Maritime Education; the needs of the industry and seafarers ought to be able to apply increasing complex systems, regulations, and technologies especially when pandemic occurred, and traditional teaching method could not be used. MERSol, new online solutions for teaching and learning is now available at https://mersol.samk.fi/.