S-Mode: Challenges and Opportunities for MET

After more than 10 years of discussion and consultation, the guidelines for standardisation of user interface design for navigation equipment (S-Mode) were approved by the 6th Session of the Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue (NCSR). It has been expected that the implementation of S-Mode would significantly impact maritime education and training (MET). However, the involvement of MET institutions in developing the guidelines for S-Mode has been very limited. This IAMU-funded project investigated the potential challenges faced by MET and the approaches that MET may use for preparation with the implementation of S-Mode. Nine focus group interviews were conducted in four countries. The results show that there has been a severe lack of information available for MET on S-Mode development since the beginning of the discussion over 10 years ago. A wide range of challenges have been identified and possible approaches for preparation for S-Mode implementation have been discussed.