| dc.description.abstract | To combat global warming and climate change, requirements of emission reduction for the maritime sector have become more stringent. To achieve these emission targets for deep-sea fleets there has been a growing interest in small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) for ship propulsion. Consequently, the maritime sector now faces fresh challenges in terms of regulations, education and training for a possible future fleet of merchant nuclear vessels. This study examines the requisite qualifications, education and training for engineering officers on nuclear-powered merchant ships. Literature on this subject is scarce since there are currently no merchant ships using SMRs as nuclear propulsion. Hence, an integrative literature review approach has been adopted as the methodology. The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) does not cover manning and training for nuclear-powered merchant ships. Accordingly, this study examines the education and training of engineering officers for the early merchant experimental nuclear-powered ships as well as current US and UK Naval Nuclear Propulsion Programs. This study assesses the qualification requirements and recommendations proposed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for safe operation of nuclear power plants and the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) for commercial ships with nuclear propulsion. A conceptual framework is presented for an educational path combining IMO requirements with the European Nuclear Education Network certification of the European Master of Science in Nuclear Engineering. This framework aims to establish the basis for further projects concerning engineering officer competence, training and education for merchant ships employing SMRs as nuclear propulsion. | |
