Specific Training for Navigation in Areas with the Presence of Cetaceans

Abstract

The safety of maritime navigation depends not only on technological and procedural competence but also on understanding the living environment in which vessels operate—the ocean, the largest ecosystem on the planet. Despite major advances in maritime education and technology, current training programs overlook a fundamental aspect: awareness and knowledge of marine biodiversity, particularly cetaceans. This gap compromises both maritime safety and conservation efforts. The absence of specific training in cetacean conservation and ship strike prevention in current seafarer education programs at universities, academies, and vocational institutions represents a global shortcoming.

This study proposes a foundational training model for seafarers aimed at mitigating the risk of ship-cetacean collisions through education. It reviews regulatory recommendations, particularly from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Whaling Commission (IWC). Drawing from fieldwork in one of Europe’s most biodiverse cetacean habitats, the research develops a practical and theoretical training model framework proposal. This proposal aims to redefine the seafarer's professional profile by integrating navigational competence with environmental awareness and responsibility. Education becomes the key driver to shift perspectives, empowering future seafarers to navigate responsibly and actively contribute to marine life conservation. This article charts the course for a new generation of maritime professionals—skilled, conscious, and committed to the protection of cetaceans.