A study on digital literacy and influencing factors among Chinese seafarers

Digital literacy and skills have become critical indicators of international competitiveness, gaining attention across all sectors. As digital transformation accelerates, the shipping industry, a pivotal center of global trade, faces new challenges. The advent of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) further heightens the demand for enhanced digital literacy among seafarers. This study, guided by UNESCO's Digital Literacy Global Framework (DLGF) and incorporating specific digital skill requirements for seafarers alongside the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) regulations, developed a tailored survey to assess the digital literacy of Chinese seafarers. Using an online survey, responses from 321 seafarers were collected, with participants selected based on professional experience across various maritime positions. The study examines the impact of factors such as education level, maritime experience, job position, and IT training on digital literacy levels. Results indicate that, overall, seafarers' digital literacy is moderate, though those who participated in IT training show enhanced competencies. However, the study's focus on Chinese seafarers may limit the generalizability of the findings to the broader, multinational seafaring population. Further research with more diverse samples is necessary to improve the applicability of the results to global seafaring contexts.