Navigating digital transformation: Assessing the digital literacy of Chinese seafarers

Introduction. With rapid digitalisation of the shipping industry and the rise of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS), seafarers encounter new challenges acquiring advanced digital competencies. This study analyses the relationship between seafarers’ digital literacy and various factors, including their education, job, experience, Internet accessibility, and awareness of large language models. Method. This study, grounded in UNESCO’s Digital Literacy Global Framework (DLGF), incorporates digital skill requirements specific to seafarers and aligns with the Seafarers’ Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Code to develop a customised survey assessing digital literacy of Chinese seafarers. The questionnaire incorporates Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, organising the questions according to five tiers of human needs. Analysis. Qualitative analysis was employed, with statistical evaluation performed using SPSS 26. Python and its relevant libraries were used for data processing and analysis. Results. This study examines the main factors affecting seafarers' digital literacy, revealing that awareness of large language models and Internet accessibility have the most significant impact. Seafarers familiar with large language models demonstrate stronger competencies across multiple digital literacy dimensions, highlighting AI’s role as a learning enabler. Internet accessibility further shapes digital collaboration and information management skills. Conclusion. The findings suggest enhancing seafarers’ digital literacy requires AI-integrated training and improved digital infrastructure, ensuring they are well-equipped for increasing digitisation of the shipping industry.