Maritime e-learning provider MarinePALS is calling on flag States that continue to rely on paper-based seafarer training record books to establish approved digital alternatives for officer cadets and wider onboard training programmes.

Approaches are increasingly diverging. The United Kingdom has begun phasing out paper training record books in favour of an electronic system, while the Philippines is creating a unified digital platform to monitor cadet sea service. Approved digital GlobalMET record books are also operating within India’s maritime training framework.

Elsewhere, official processes in Germany, Japan and Greece continue to involve physical record books or onboard training manuals, despite wider moves to modernise seafarer training and administration.

MarinePALS is urging maritime administrations to define the approval, security and verification requirements for digital records and work with shipowners, ship managers and training institutions on controlled pilots.

Digital systems can preserve onboard supervision and authorised sign-off while giving cadets, Company Training Officers and flag State personnel a shared view of progress. Evidence can be uploaded against individual tasks, learning content made available where support is needed and outstanding competencies identified before the end of the training period.

MarinePALS provides licensed digital versions of International Chamber of Shipping and GlobalMET record books. More than 5,000 cadets have used its digital record books and accompanying learning content.

Captain Pradeep Chawla, CEO of MarinePALS, said: “There is now a clear divide between administrations that have created a route for digital training records and those that continue to depend on paper. The technology already exists; what is needed is a clear regulatory pathway for its approval and use. Digitisation does not replace onboard instruction or reduce the rigour of training. It gives cadets, supervising officers, training departments and flag States a clearer view of progress, so that gaps can be addressed while training is still taking place.

He added: “We are calling on more flag States to move from discussion to controlled pilots and establish secure digital systems that support stronger oversight and better-prepared seafarers.”