“EFFECTS OF UNATTENDED MACHINERY SPACE (UMS) SHIPBOARD

OPERATION SYSTEM TO SEAFARERS”

Gaddi Rico M. Tolibas1,2,3, Ariane Jade Giome A. Albaladejo 1,2,3, Adrian Jay D. Co1,2,3, John
Royce N. Galang1,2,3, Thoms Angelo Ibuna1,2,3, Frederick L. Villa1,2,3,
and Teresita A. Cruz, MME1,2,3,4

1
College of Maritime Education
2
Research Development and Innovation Center
3
Our Lady of Fatima University
4
Research Adviser

June 2023
EFFECTS OF UNATTENDED MACHINERY SPACE SHIPBOARD … ii

Endorsement

This thesis entitled: “Effects of Unattended Machinery Space (UMS) Shipboard Operation
System to Seafarers” prepared by Gaddi Rico M. Tolibas, Ariane Jade Giome A. Albaladejo,
Adrian Jay D. Co, John Royce N. Galang, Thoms Angelo Ibuna, and Frederick L. Villa of 3-YB-
1, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Bachelor of Science in Marine
Engineering has been examined and now recommended for Oral Examination.

This is to certify that Gaddi Rico M. Tolibas et al., are ready for the Oral Examination.

Teresita A. Cruz, MME

Adviser

This is to certify that the thesis: “Effects of Unattended Machinery Space (UMS) Shipboard
Operation System to Seafarers” prepared and submitted by Gaddi Rico M. Tolibas, Ariane Jade
Giome A. Albaladejo, Adrian Jay D. Co, John Royce N. Galang, Thoms Angelo Ibuna, and
Frederick L. Villa of 3-YB-1, has been examined by the panel of examiners with a grade of _____.

Name of Chairman, Title

Chairman

Name of panel, Title Name of panel, Title

Member Member

Francis Jay D. Dela Cruz, PhD

Dean of the Maritime Education

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Certificate of Originality

We hereby declare that this thesis is our own work and that, to the best of my knowledge
and belief, it contains no material previously published or written by another person nor material
to which to a substantial extent has been accepted for award of any other degree or diploma of a
university or other institute of higher learning, except where due acknowledgement is made in the
text.

We also declare that the intellectual content of this thesis is the product of our work, even
though we may have received assistance from others on style, presentation, and language
expression.

Gaddi Rico M. Tolibas

Principal Investigator

Members:
Ariane Jade Giome A. Albaladejo
Adrian Jay D. Co
John Royce N. Galang
Thoms Angelo Ibuna
Frederick L. Villa

Teresita A. Cruz, MME

Research Adviser

Date Signed:
Date:

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Table of Contents

Endorsement ii
Certificate of Originality iii
Table of Contents iv
List of Tables v
List of Figures v
List of Appendices vi
Abstract 1
1.0 Introduction 2
1.1 Statement of the problem 3
1.2 Significance of the Study 3
1.3 Scope and Limitation of the Study 4
2.0 Literature Review 5
2.1 Theoretical Framework 5
2.2 Variable Discussion 6
2.3 Literature Review 11
2.3.1 Local Literature 11
2.3.2 Foreign Literature 11
2.3.3 Local Studies 13
2.3.4Foreign studies 14
2.4 Research Paradigm/simulacrum 16
3.0 Research Method 17
3.1 Research Design 17
3.2 Research Locale 18
3.3 Population and Sampling/Key Informant Selection 18
3.4 Research Ethics 18
3.5 Research Instruments 18
3.6 Data Collection 19
3.7 Data Analysis 19
4.0 Results and Interpretation 20
5.0 Discussion 28
Conclusion 29
Recommendations 30
Acknowledgement 31

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References 32

List of Tables
Table 1: Seafarer’s Age 22
Table 2: Current Rank Attained 23
Table 3: Numbers of Experience at Sea 24
Table 4: Question Responses 43
Table 5: Rank Total 43
Table 6: Age Total 43
Table 7: Experience Total 43
Table 8: Question Responses by % 44
Table 9: Weighted Mean 44
Table 10: Survey Questionnaire Responses 45

List of Figures
Figure 1: Seafarer’s Age 22
Figure 2: Current Rank Attained 23
Figure 3: Numbers of Experience at Sea 24
Figure 4: Learning Unattended Machinery Space is essential for a seafarer 25
to be aware of and well-known about the operational system onboard.
Figure 5: Automation of a vessel benefit seafarers regarding to their work, rest, 25
and other onboard duties.
Figure 6: Marine Engineers perform their daily duties and responsibilities 26
properly in an Automated Machinery Space.
Figure 7: Older seafarers are having a hard time adapting to the unattended 26
machinery space operation because they are used to working on a manned ship.
Figure 8: Unattended Machinery Space is more difficult than on a manned ship 27
due to its complex system.
Figure 9: It is safer to work in unattended machinery space due to automated 27
processes with less human presence than on a manned ship.
Figure 10: It is hard to meet the qualifications of a crewing agency because of the 28
required skill set of an automated ship.

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Figure 11: Actual learning of machines in an automated ship (Unattended 28

Machinery Space) is less than on a manned ship due to its operational system.
Figure 12: Technology and automation can replace the onboard engine room 29
operation which means that human intervention is not necessary anymore.
Figure 13: Human commit more mistake than the technology/automated processes 29
during operation despite of the knowledge learned through experience.

List of Appendices
Appendix A: Letter of Permission to Conduct the Study 36
Appendix B: Consent and/or assent form 37
Appendix C: Research Instruments 40
Appendix D: Research Tally 43
Appendix E: Certificates 47
Appendix F: Correspondence 48
Appendix G: Terminologies 49
Appendix H: Documentation 51
Appendix I: About the Researchers 52

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Abstract

The evolution of technology greatly affects the maritime industry leading into operational
changes from manual to automatic making an independence to operate machinery with less human
interaction, also known as autonomous ships. This study aimed to identify the effects of Unattended
Machinery Space shipboard operation system to seafarers, particularly, Filipino Engine crews, this
is one of emerging modern vessel nowadays, the development of autonomous ships has been
ongoing since the 1970's and from time to time, effects are spontaneously coming out, it positively
and negatively affects the health, safety, work, and employment of the seafarers. This study used a
Quantitative research, descriptive method, purposive sampling, and survey questionnaire as a tool
to gather data in 50 seafarer respondents, conducted at T.M Kalaw Avenue, Ermita, Manila in
which Likert-scale is followed to interpret and measure the data, analyzed by calculating the
weighted mean, frequency, and percentage. The results of our study showed that positive effects of
unattended machinery space benefit the awareness, work, rest, safety, and operation onboard, on
the other hand, reduction of crew, learning and opportunity are the negative effects. Unattended
Machinery space vessels shows that it does not threaten the qualification of Filipino despite of crew
reduction, experience, and age because manpower is still needed, however, under the related
literatures, Maritime Education and Training's (MET) essentiality plays a big role especially for
aspiring and future seafarers which probably experience the difficulty of competition in the future.
Therefore, we conclude that the effect of Unattended Machinery Space vessel is very important for
an engine crew to understand (advantage and disadvantage) to cope with its altercation especially
to operation and to prepare for future competition. Engine crews are still capable to work despite
their age in terms of skill, education, training, and reduced manning which manifest the human
intervention issue onboard meaning technology cannot replace human job especially in the event
of malfunction and troubles.

Keywords: Unattended Machinery Space, Effects, Filipino Engine crew, Maritime Education and
Training.

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Introduction

Way back when there were no Unattended Machinery Spaces, all ships on board were
manned ships, where the engine department and deck department followed the 12-4, 4-8, and 8-
12 duties on board. Unattended Machinery Space are implemented on some ships, where all engine
crews work from 0700H – 1700H, but the daily work hours may depend on the ship. After the
day's working hours, the UMS will be activated from 1700H – 0700H. In the daily work, the safety
rounds will be from 7 to 8 in the morning and from 11 to midnight. The rotation of the duties of
the second engineer, 3rd engineer, and 4th engineer will depend on the captain or the company.

Since unattended machinery spaces are implemented on ships, the hiring of crews from
agencies is decreasing as well because fewer engine department crews are needed. Those who have
been working in the engine department for a long time find it difficult to adjust as they are used to
working on manned ships. The workload of seafarers in times of emergency will be hard because
their work will transfer to other workers due to the lack of crew. Not all abnormal events can be
seen by technology.

The main objective of the study is to identify the effects of Unattended Machinery Space
operation to seafarers, focused on Filipino Engine crews. This will give knowledge to the engine
crews about the improving technology onboard to be ready in case something more advanced
emerges than the existing ships. To find out if old seafarers are still capable of working in modern
vessels. This research will help us know if the work of seafarers can be replaced by technology,
and lastly, leave answers on what often fails between human and technological error.

The effects of unattended machinery space will give realization to the seafarers who used
to work on manned ships and are planning to work in unattended machinery space. This provides
a framework for what challenges will be faced by Filipino Engine crew in the future. Changes in
practices are expected to be enforced from time to time, which might require more technical skills.
The study can help future engineers prepare themselves for pursuing maritime careers.

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1.1 Statement of the Problem

The study ought to determine the effects of Unattended Machinery Space (UMS) shipboard
system on seafarers towards the advancement of maritime automation and technology.

The objectives of this study include the following:

1. To identify the effects of Unattended Machinery Space and how the developing technology
will affect the Filipino Engine Crew.
2. To investigate the capabilities of seafarers to work despite their age in terms of skill,
education, training, and reduced manning.
3. To find out if automation is safer and can replace human jobs.

Research Questions

1. How do seafarers cope with the unattended machinery space on new vessels?

2. What are the threats for the future seafarers if unattended machinery space is fully
implemented in the future?

3. Why is unattended machinery space necessary for future seafarers in our modern world
technology?

1.2 Significance of the Study

This study will be undertaken to determine the effects of Unattended Machinery Space
(UMS) to provide awareness, knowledge, and motivation to the following sectors:

The Seafarers

The study will provide an idea and expectation to seafarers who have not boarded a ship
that is unattended machinery space about the factors to be considered to work in this type of vessel.
This includes their competency level, opportunity by rankings, and experience which are the target
of manning agencies or companies. In addition, it will show them how today's unattended
machinery space functions. If the UMS is adopted today, only a small number of marine seafarers
will be hired due to the modern system; therefore, this research will equip the existing seafarers to
be competent seafarers.

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The Students

This will encourage students to be more focused on their field of study and prepare them
for the pressure of education, training, and employment to qualify for manning agencies or
companies. Motivation will be imposed on students to be more competitive, mostly knowledge-
based skills due to the advancement of technology to adapt the onboard operation, which are more
applicable on an unattended machinery space.

The Aspiring Seafarers

This study for aspiring seafarers is to encourage them about the positive and negative
effects of seafaring under this type of modern ship. This will provide information on what are the
things to be taken to qualify as a seafarer especially to unattended machinery space vessel because
maritime companies hire fewer crew due to the modern shipboard system. Another thing is to
prepare them for what they will take and face if they continue or change their profession due to this
modern system (other profession that can be incorporated in seafaring).

1.3 Scope and Limitation of the Study

Scope

This research focuses on identifying the effects of unattended machinery space on

seafarers and is set to be finished within 6 months starting from January 2023 – June 2023. The
study shall use Quantitative, descriptive method and purposive sampling. The investigation will
be done using a survey questionnaire as a reference. The study shall have 50 Filipino Engine
Crew respondents along Kalaw, Manila with the age of 18 or above, and regardless of gender or
position.

Limitation

The study does not cover the students and Engine Cadets for investigation because they
don’t have or less experience yet. Additionally, the Deck Department was excluded due to
description(scope) of Unattended Machinery Space. The study only considered experienced
Filipino Engine crew for efficient results of objectives. The researchers are only able to conduct
research in Kalaw since this is the nearest place to find respondents who mostly already have
experience. This research also excluded other places for survey due to financial restrictions and
would be more time-consuming if conducted further.

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2.0 Literature Review

2.1 Theoretical Framework

Effects of Unattended Machinery Space to Seafarers

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

Awareness and
Survey Depict what are the
Education
most significant effects
that seafarers are
experiencing.
Technology
Advancement Statistical treatment
such as frequency,
count, percentage,
weighted mean, rank,
Minimum Safe Shows the positive and
and verbal
Manning negative effects of
interpretations.
unattended machinery
space, which is
Operational System beneficial for both
Analysis and maritime students and
interpretation of data. seafarers.

Opportunity

Provide a framework on
what needs to be
prepared for in the
future career.

Implies and motivates

Cadets to be more
knowledge-based
competent.

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2.2 Variable discussion

Maritime Autonomous Surface Ship is emerging in accordance with the advancement of

technology. Autonomous ships are being classified in 2 types such as unmanned and unattended.
Unmanned ships are those vessels that can be considered as a ship without any human intervention.
Unlike unattended spaces, this type of vessel is still manned but reduced due to automated operation
processes. Unattended Machinery Space pertains to the ship’s engine room where it depicts an
unattended operation.

According to Agarwal, M. (2019), “UMS or Unattended Machinery Spaces is a marine

automation system for ship’s engine room. Unlike conventional watch system on normal cargo
ships, in UMS class vessels, there are usually no engineer officers on watch in the engine room
(from 1700 hrs. to 0700 hrs.). If there is a malfunction in any machinery, an alarm will be sounded
in the engine room as well as in the ‘on duty’ engineer’s cabin. It’s then the engineer’s duty to go
down in the engine room and investigate the alarm.”

According to Shafran, D. (2023), “UMS is an automated system onboard that sends any
malfunction from the engine room to the cabin of the duty engineer through the extension alarm
system. This extension alarm system is also located in some various spaces inside the
accommodation such as the mess room, gym, smoking room, etc.”, Unattended Machinery space
changed the traditional operation onboard, this includes the use of alarms for on call duties such as
dead man’s alarm where it needs to be acknowledged whenever an engineer performed the night
on-call duty to establish an indirect communication, “Once the dead man alarm system is activated,
this will run continuously and must be acknowledged by the duty engineer by pressing the reset
buttons found on any signal light column 10 minutes inside the engine room.”

Other alarm signals come from different machines such as Freshwater Hydrophore Tank,
Cascade, Expansion Tanks, Fresh Water Generator, Air Compressors, Generator and Main
Engine Sump Tanks, Air Bottles to Drain/ Air Driers, Bilges Level and High-level Alarms,
Sludge, Overflow, And Oily Bilge Tanks, Fire Alarms and Smoke Alarms, General Routines
During Rounds In The Engine Room,

Seafaring is one of the most in-demand jobs around the world because of its work
environment. Maritime organizations cope with the advancement of technology, transforming the
traditional manned ship into Unattended Machinery Space that automates the ship’s engine room

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operation. Traditional operation requires a shift of eight hours divided into two. Unattended
machinery space is a day job with 8 continuous hours. Both operational systems still meet the
regulations for rest and hours.

Nowadays, unattended machinery space advancement is spontaneous, making the

challenge for seafarers heavier. The broadcast of this system is worldwide, providing awareness to
seafarers and creating a method for the educational system that is in line with modern vessels.
Automated ships' technicality is very advanced, requiring a skill among aspiring and experienced
seafarers to have a technical skill to operate the field of work and prevent ignorance.

Onboard a vessel, a difference in operation between manual and unattended machinery is

expected due to automation, which is more beneficial to seafarers' rest and work hours. Unattended
machinery space is a day's work from 0700H–1700H, providing a full rest of 10–14 hours
depending on the shift management and overtime, and creating a challenge to seafarers' opportunity
to learn due to automated processes.

The emergence of Unattended Machinery Space and evolving technology greatly affects
the employment of seafarers. Due to its programmed automation, certain factors are affected,
especially the minimum safe manner. According to Euclid (2021) "Ship owners involve the
Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) to reduce human involvement in order to run their
vessels more efficiently and safer. The reduction in seafarer employment, which will result based
on the convergence established, will however be non-linear: It will start at a slower pace as with
lower autonomy saturation in the market. As time advances, more MASS and ships with higher
autonomy degrees will be built increasing autonomy saturation in the market. At some point, lower
seafarer employment will emerge, exacerbated by the decline of today’s conventional ships which
will be demolished as they reach the ends of their useful lives. Each demolition will result in job
losses”.

According to Emad and Kataria (2022), “The substantial changes in the nature of tools and
job description of the marine engineers necessitate the reassessment and revision of their training
and pedagogy”. Their study deals with the effects of automation onboard a vessel on the education
of future marine engineers, together with the changes in training particularly to simulation.
Challenges are present in simulation training, it is said in their study that the simulator's
compatibility is facing issues due to the cloud version, limitations of feature and feedback, lastly,
it does not promote peer learning, unlike the desktop version where advanced features are available

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and it is easy to learn. Moreover, having the simulator, regardless of its version and gadget,
promotes the competency of future seafarers.

Safety onboard is one of the top priorities; a vessel is already dangerous and can be even
more so depending on its type. The ship is the seafarer’s world, and it will depend on the crew’s
operation. One of the technology’s aims is to promote safety by automating processes and reducing
the risk to human lives, costs and expenses, repairs, and damages to the ship itself.

According to Bieli et al., (2020), “Complacency has been recognized as a cause of maritime
accidents, and there is a need to develop and execute relevant preventive measures. The
effectiveness of preventive actions depends on the contribution of the seafarers. Therefore, the
purpose of this study was to identify causes and elicit proposals for preventing complacency by
officers in charge of the engineering watch.”

Seafarers, especially engine officers, rely too much on the technological advancement
applied to engine operation. This technological complacency created a risk to the environment.
Based on the result of Bieli et al.’s study, seafarers display tardiness due to relying on automation,
manual and traditional practices were set aside which made an unsafe working environment.
According to their summary’s findings, “After discussions about the examples presented, in
summary, intensive workload, poor knowledge, and understanding of equipment, were identified
by participants as causes of technology complacency.”

According to Demirel (2019) “The application of automation systems on board speedily

pervades following the rapid technologic developments on merchant ships as well as on naval ships.
That means automation failure will become rather important in the future”. Demirel’s study aims
to identify the dangers of automation failure onboard and how it can be prevented. The main reasons
of automation failure onboard a vessel are seafarers rely on the technology, being too
overconfident, lack of knowledge, manipulation and calibration errors, human-computer interface,
situational awareness, complex information pertaining to systems, improper operation due to
manipulation and calibration. The study’s finding is highly relevant to the awareness, safety,
knowledge, and manning of seafarers especially in automated operations, according to their
findings, “the ship crew should have awareness of that the machineries' facilities our life on board
but cannot replace the role of human being for decision making.

Technology lightens the gravity of work, which reduces the number of crew members. The
competition for positions in this type of ship is huge. The capability of seafarers is being considered

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due to reduction, making it necessary for the seafarers to build themselves into complete individuals
and contribute their skills, especially their age (due to the complexity of systems onboard), to be
qualified in manning agencies.

Ship technology has been developing fast over the two decades, this brought a proportional
development with the construction, equipment, operation, and crew reduction. The evolution of
technology in the maritime sector faces the consequence of competency qualification, especially in
the marine engineering department. According to Emad, G. and Kataria, A. (2019), "Large
automation of machines and mechanisms make possible such reduction for example even by
elimination of necessity 24-hour watch keeping, through to the unattended engine room. However,
at the same time, impose higher knowledge and skills requirements for people working there.
International regulation requires ships to decrease the number of ship crews, by which, these crews
must be competent technically and professionally that still observes the safe operation of all
machinery on board.

The study found out that, for future seafarers to qualify with the international regulation
for unattended machinery spaces, a total of 59 days BS-Cadet training program must be undertaken.
The training was generalized not only for specific departments, but since evolution of technology
onboard continues to reduce the crews.

“Presented in the article a program of additional training for young engine cadets
implemented in one of the largest shipping companies allows better preparation and development
of future employees. The training with this pro-gram reviews the knowledge acquired during
education as well as introduces elements of training in BS company internal procedures of quality
management systems in force on the ships” - Kamiński and Charchalis (2019).

Considering the fact that the program has been operating since 2011 (8 years) has not been
suspended or closed so far. Most ship engineers employed at that time at the operational level were
participants of this program. It can be concluded that the program brings positive results and is
profitable in the long term. The level of competence readiness of young engine cadets to work in
the engine room at the operational level just after graduation and having only compulsory practical
training is relatively weak, regardless of the type or place of study. Such a program improves the
competences of young people to undertake professional duties in the engine room but though
certainly not exhaustively - Kamiński and Charchalis (2019).

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The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and

Watchkeeping for Seafarers sets a minimum knowledge, familiarization and skills
required for obtaining specific certificates of competence on board merchant sea-going
ships. The amendments to this convention were introduced in 2010, and later on came into
effect on 1st of January 2012, also known as the STCW 2010 Manila Amendments.
According to Lušić et al (2019) “In today’s seafarer market, one of the key problems is the
lack of seafarers, especially experienced officers. Although the global supply of officers
is increasing steadily, the demand is still higher than the supply. An additional problem is
that an increased demand may lead to a decreased quality of education. Ships and shipping
technology in general have become more advanced and require well educated and trained
personnel.”

Unattended Machinery Space is an emerging technology in the maritime industry, there are
circumstances with this evolution. It affected positively and negatively in some ways. The problems
encountered in general from the related studies and articles regarding the automation of ship are:
(1) The automation of ship promotes safety, work, health and wellness due to its shifting schedule
and continuous rest but, (2) lack of crews creates heavier workload to seafarers especially in
navigation, (3) the evolution of technology in Unattended Machinery Space vessels threatens the
employment of seafarers due to crew and expense reduction of shipowners or companies, however,
(4) this type of vessel open up opportunities for seafarers to study and have more training that will
benefit the operation onboard, competency is being considered to qualify in UMS.

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2.3 Literature Review

2.3.1 Local Literature

According to Huelar (2019), "There are about 1.6 million seafarers around the world,
according to the International Chamber of Shipping, with the Philippines considered the largest
supplier". Automation is the biggest threat to Filipino seafarers. A reduction of onboard crews is
being considered due to the extent of technological development. Machines can replace the human
job indefinitely. Autonomous ships are the product of ship automation; however, the presence of
staff and crews is still necessary, especially to comply with the International Convention for the
Safety of Life at Sea.The same viewpoint is shared by several seafarers, who see automation of
ships as a big threat to Filipinos, especially in employment, age, operation, and application of
methods and benefits.

However, related maritime industries and companies believed that Filipino seafarers were
able to maintain their position despite the reduction of safe manning, which means that the
technological developments do not threaten the Filipino seafarers' employment. They also believed
that automation of onboard technologies did not impact Filipino employment, which is evident
from their decades-long relationship with the Philippine maritime industry.

2.3.2 Foreign Literature

According to Tusher, et al. (2021), their study explores whether the current maritime
education and training (MET) practices for marine engineering education in a developing nation
are perceived as sufficient by the early - stage marine engineers. Maritime Education and Training
(MET) plays a crucial role in instilling required skills and competencies in seafarers to perform
efficiently in their workplaces Better on - the - job task performance of the involved personnel
depends on their high-quality education and training, whereas sub - standard training leads to
accidents and incidents in ships.

The goal of this study is to explore if the current MET practices are perceived as sufficient
by early - stage marine engineers for acquiring the engineering competencies as required by STCW(
STCW’ 74 as amended) In addition, the perception regarding the relevance of current competency
requirements in the future is also explored An online survey among early - stage marine engineers
was employed where the case of Bangladesh is used as a representation of the developing countries.

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This trend of retraining seafarers has been observed on previous occasions where marine
engineering education evolved to accommodate the use of high - tech control equipment on
shipboard operations The increasing use of electrical systems in the marine power systems and the
integration of marine propulsion to the shipboard electrical systems necessitated marine engineers
to become conversant with those systems. These studies also report that future technologies will
create new jobs that will offset the negative effect on seafarers’ employment, provided future
seafarers are equipped with emerging skills (i. e., ICT, programming) where traditional
competences may lose relevance. This study investigated whether the current MET practices in
Bangladesh as a representative of developing nations are perceived as sufficient by early - stage
professional marine engineers, and whether the required competencies would be relevant in the
future The results indicate that even though the current MET practices in Bangladesh are
sufficiently addressing the competency requirement to be able to communicate in English, a non -
technical skill in nature, a few technical competencies related to electrical equipment,
seaworthiness, and first - aid knowledge are not sufficiently addressed At the same time, those
technical competencies are perceived as significantly relevant for future degree - 2 autonomous
ships.

Since STCW convention mandates and recommends guidelines for MET all over the world,
international and national policy stakeholders of Bangladesh could take notice of the findings to
improve their existing MET facilities to ensure appropriate competency development of seafarers
for the traditional shipping market.

Remote ship operation can enhance ship operation efficiency by applying novel concepts
like Industry 4.0 revolution, this will increase safety and performance. Remote ship operation is
cost-efficient because by removing or reducing the number of crews on board and giving the
advantage of having the power to operate numerous ships from a control center. According to the
ship operating reports, 25 percent of total ship operating costs, so by decreasing the crews or
removing the crews on board can reduce the percentage of ship operating costs. Remotely
controlled ships cooperate and communicate with the humans that operate the system. The human
operators from the shore control center monitor the voyage planning, and navigation of the vessel
in order to prevent accidents. Remote ship operation involves controlling, supervising, and
administration of vessels even at far distances, the ship operator has the ability to collect the
operating information of vessels including fuel consumption and the status of the ships by using
sensors and onboard automated systems.

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This study examines remote operations that have been implemented to distinguish the
human factors that can affect the remote operations of vessels. This research analyzed 50 articles
to have answers about the human factors that might affect remote ship operations. There are 13
human factors that can affect the remote operation in the shore control center. (1) situation
awareness, (2) high workload, (3) trust, (4) boredom, (5) fatigue, (6) skill degradation, (7) human–
machine interface, (8) lack of direct sensory information in the shore control center, (9)
communication challenges, (10) decision-making, (11) linguistic problems, (12) cultural problems,
and (13) teamwork.

This study concluded that remote ship operations can remove the role of humans in guiding
ships on board, but they cannot stop the human factor of human operators in shore control centers.
Remote operators in the shore control center must have enough situational awareness and presence
of mind when controlling and monitoring the vessel in order to make effective decisions. Onboard
autonomous systems need to provide the latest data to the shore control centers through sensors and
satellite communication, which can lead to other human factor challenges, including problems in
communication, the absence of direct sense, and a higher workload than onboard operations.

2.3.3 Local Studies

According to Pandeagua (2019), Autonomous Ships are often discussed in International

Shipping. The significance of marine autonomous surface ships: prospects for the Philippine
maritime industry, and it is proposed to give the Philippine maritime industry a deeper
understanding and knowledge about Marine Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) and its effects
when it is implemented.

The respondents believed that MASS Technology will promote sea safety, specifically in
tanker ships or cargo that is considered hazardous to seafarers. Despite the MASS guarantee, there
is still conviction among participants that it will be a threat to the ship-manning industry of the
Philippines. Though no matter how promising the MASS is, there is still a perception among the

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participants that it is still a threat to the ship-manning industry of the Philippines, except if the
seafarers are willing to take training to be able to withstand the MASS.

When MASS is applied to international trade, Filipino seafarers must not be left behind
with the technology of MASS, which can be done by developing their knowledge and skills in the
operation of autonomous ships.

Between unmanned ships and autonomous ships, there is still some confusion over
terminology. Unmanned ships can be controlled remotely and have no human operator. While
autonomous ships have a support system that, when the settings are set, they navigate on their own
without human intervention.

In this research study, they recommend having further studies about maritime training
curriculum for re-skilling present seafarers, maritime education curriculum for utilization of
maritime students, and awareness for autonomous ships for the knowledge of seafarers.

2.3.4 Foreign Studies

According to Genc (2019), the research focuses on enhancing in-flight security by utilizing
people navigation and surveillance capabilities. It focuses on safety, documentation (formal and
informal), relationships with crew supervision, the causes of common procedural violations, and
potential optimization techniques that add barriers to potential accidents. The strategy used in this
study is the qualitative study that was more suitable in terms of understanding the procedural
violations on chemical tankers and the monitoring technologies as well with the potential tracking
on improving the safety places in vessels. And based on the ratings and opinions of marine experts,
a semi-structured interview is employed to cover the themes through several paths that were related
to the study questions.

This study strongly agrees that most chemical tanker vessels that most Individuals on a
vessel are more likely to break safety regulations. However, ship companies are trying to improve
their safety management system and organizational culture by using scheduled onboards
inspections and training. However human error still occurs onboard. The study shows that even
how much you inspect or train your crew on board, sometimes failure may occur due to lack of
communication in the workplace like the engine room. The study shows that this human failure
will occur without proper supervision, practices of safety and healthy communication on board.

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A critical evaluation of potential outcomes of using modern artificial intelligence and big
data analysis technology in maritime industry by Kamran Latifov

This study is about the possible effects of artificial intelligence, big data, and machine
learning on seafarers. The new technology on board is very efficient, but it creates a lot of
difficulties, and the seafarers are having a tough time adapting to these fast changes in a short period
of time. Artificial intelligence is expected to help ships with limited human intervention and handle
dangerous and emergency situations on its own. The main goal of artificial intelligence combined
with full robotization is to be able to do all tasks without human intervention or intelligence. The
shipping companies have begun partnerships with tech giants so that their efforts can be focused
on fully autonomous vessels; this is why Marine Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) were born.

The objective of this research is to determine the outcome of artificial intelligence and big
data analysis methods. This includes the advantages in safety, environment, efficiency, and
concerns about job loss.

The crew on board needs to take many training courses and certifications to ensure that
they are competent to work internationally on board. This training is taken so that the memory of
seafarers will be refreshed for safe working procedures.

According to Kamran Latifov (2019), ship operators and owners spend money that can add
up to 15% of the total costs for crews. Another important point that makes the development of
MASS so interesting is the statistics regarding accidents at sea.

The recommendations of this research to IMO are to develop more study programs and
handbooks for seafarers to guide and assist them in adaptation of new technologies on
board. Create educational programs for undeveloped countries to be competitive in the shipping
industry with modern standards, create guidelines for implementation and development of highly
advanced technologies to future autonomous vessels. The recommendations of this research to
seafarers are that they should follow the upcoming developments of technologies on board and
educate themselves on the technology of today, especially the technologies on board. Seafarers
should always participate and be actively involved in the development of technology and should
suggest their concerns to the National Marine Administration because getting the perspective of
seafarers in these serious matters will be a good reference for IMO.

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Problem Statement

1. How do seafarers cope with the Unattended Machinery Space on new vessels?
2. What are the threats for the aspiring seafarers if Unattended Machinery Space is fully
implemented in the future?
3. Why is Unattended Machinery Space necessary for the Aspiring seafarers in our modern
world technology.

Hypothesis

1. Advancement in technology and automation replaces human jobs particularly in the

maritime sector.
2. Technical skills are more valued than traditional operation skills.
3. Few line up only are necessary for daily operation due to the automated operation system.

2.4 Research Simulacrum

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3.0 Research Methods

The research design, the research tool, and the research settings are all presented in this
chapter including the demonstration of research sampling, data collection techniques, and statistical
approach to be applied. This chapter also demonstrates the concept of techniques and steps taken
by the researchers to compile the result of responses from inquiries and questions that would be
beneficial to the study. This chapter includes a detailed explanation of how the gathered data were
analyzed, how the results were interpreted, and how the conclusion was reached. This offers
justification for the methods used to carry out the study and, at the same time, aids in strengthening
the validity and dependability of the information gathered, making this research technique accurate
and analytical.

3.1 Research Design

The researcher uses the quantitative research design utilizing the descriptive research
method which is primarily concerned in identifying the effects of Unattended Machinery Space to
Seafarers. According to Sirisilla, S (2023) “The descriptive research design involves observing and
collecting data on a given topic without attempting to infer cause-and-effect relationships. The goal
of descriptive research is to provide a comprehensive and accurate picture of the population or
phenomenon being studied and to describe the relationships, patterns, and trends that exist within
the data”. The researchers settled on this strategy since it was more comprehensive and
encompassing than any of the other study methods. It helps the researchers accomplish their
objective, which was to emphasize to the Seafarers of T.M Kalaw Avenue, Ermita, Manila,
Philippines who are currently affected by the effects of changes in the shipboard operational
system.

Questionnaires will be used to collect data since the study conducted is more descriptive
in nature and the researchers can only measure the extent of the data as it is. The respondents will
be able to understand the questions provided which are based on experience of changes in shipboard
operation system.

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3.2 Research Locale

“Change is the only constant in life”, this saying reflects the transition of maritime industry
especially in shipboard operation with respect to the evolvement of technology which leads the
researchers in choosing experienced seafarers as the study’s respondents. The survey will be
conducted on T.M Kalaw Avenue, Ermita, Manila since it is one of the areas where seafarers are
prevalent.

3.3 Population and Sampling/Key Informant Selection

The researchers will obtain purposive sampling designed to be used in determining the
momentousness or importance of awareness and professional knowledge of seafarers on UMS.
According to Nikolopoulou, K. (2022) “Purposive sampling is best used when you want to focus
in depth on relatively small samples. Perhaps you would like to access a particular subset of the
population that shares certain characteristics, or you are researching issues likely to have unique
cases”. The said sampling design involved studying the Filipino Engine crew and was conducted
on the population located in T.M Kalaw Avenue, Ermita, Manila, through a random selection of
seafarers. The respondents were chosen because they have a sufficient understanding of the
Unattended Machinery Space and the effects of fully implementing it. From the surveys, the
researchers have randomly selected fifty (50) experienced and currently active seafarers of different
ranks and positions.

3.4 Research Ethics

The researchers will respect the responses of each seafarer in T.M Kalaw Avenue, Ermita,
Manila. Researchers will value their viewpoint and add more information about the related subject.
The researchers also value each respondent's privacy by not sharing personal information for them
to keep their personal information private.

3.5 Research Instruments

The research instrument used in the study is a survey questionnaire. Likert-scale is used to
investigate which will be the basis of responses by rating 1-Strongly Disagree, 2-Disagree, 3-
Neutral, 4-Agree, 5-Strongly Agree. The researchers will gather a total of 50 seafarers who will
respond to the survey and will total the answers of the corresponding respondents based on most
of their answers on the survey that are being held.

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3.6 Data Collection

The data to be collected is the primary data alone. The primary data will be elicited through
the means of survey by using printed questionnaires. The researchers will go to T.M Kalaw Avenue,
Ermita, Manila to find qualified respondents. A list of 10 predetermined questions ought to be
answered by the 50 seafarers. The gathered data will be collected and interpreted through a pie
graph to perceive the result.

3.7 Data Analysis

According to SmartSurvey (2023) “The main advantage of Likert Scale questions is that
they use a universal method of collecting data, which means it is easy to understand them. Working
with quantitative data, it is easy to draw conclusions, reports, results, and graphs from the
responses”. The researchers focus the question of their questionnaires about knowledge of
unattended machinery space whereas; if vessel automation is beneficial, workloads in automated
machinery space, age of Filipino engine crew adapting the unattended machinery space, difficulties
of automation, safety of automation, qualifications of skill set, and lastly, if studying of unattended
machinery is beneficial in maritime students. The researchers used Microsoft Excel in statistics of
weighted mean and Likert scale to analyze the data gathered from the respondents.

Statistical treatment of Data

The data gathered from research respondents were analyzed using the following statistical
procedures:

1. Weighted mean.

P=F/N x 100%

Where:

P= Percentage

F= Frequencies

N= Number of Sample

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WM = ((F1 x 1)+ (F2 x 2)+ (F3 x 3)+ (FnxN))/N

Where:

WM: Weighted mean

F: Frequency

N: Number of Sample

2. Likert scale. The following Likert scale serves as a guide for interpreting the data
gathered.

Scale Weighted Mean/Equivalent Corresponding Remarks

5 4.21-5.00 Strongly Agree

4 3.41-4.20 Agree

3 2.61-3.40 Neutral

2 1.81-2.60 Disagree

1 1.00-1.80 Strongly Disagree

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