Proposing the future skill requirements for maritime cyber security

In maritime transportation, many onboard ships operations have been digitalized. The usage and implementation of information systems has offered new opportunities while also introducing new types of risk. Cyber security is one of the most significant challenges that maritime information systems have faced. These most recent changes and technological developments necessitate the identification of new competencies and skillsets in order for seafarers to take steps to protect themselves and the assets they are responsible for against the consequences of cyber-attacks. The present study is aimed at determining the future skill requirements for maritime cyber security to fulfill the inconsistencies between current and actual marine transportation demands. In the paper, the skill requirements for cyber security are comprehensively analyzed in terms of information and operational technology implementations and their regulatory requirements. The AHP technique is then used to establish the priorities of three categories as well as the skills within each category. Considering the strong relations between seafarer training and maritime safety, determining future skill requirements will improve overall maritime safety and security. Therefore, the present study contributes to a great extent, not just to maritime safety literature but also to the maritime industry.