Mintra’s Mentor AI has been named a finalist in the Innovation and Technology category of the Crew Connect Global Awards 2026, recognising its use of governed AI to give seafarers trusted operational information at the point of need.

Launched in December 2025, Mentor AI addresses a longstanding gap between completing formal training and applying that knowledge in real operational situations.

Seafarers may need to recall critical knowledge weeks, months or even years after completing a course. In those moments, they may rely on memory, manuals, colleagues, internet searches, or public artificial intelligence tools, where information may be difficult to verify or inconsistent with approved company procedures.

Mentor AI provides an alternative. The AI-powered operational assistant gives seafarers immediate access to information drawn from Mintra’s library of more than 400 verified maritime safety and compliance courses. Maritime organisations can also incorporate their own approved courses, procedures and documentation, creating a controlled knowledge source aligned with their operations.

Unlike general-purpose AI tools, Mentor AI operates within a governed environment. Responses are based on approved content and supported by dynamic citations linking users back to relevant learning material and course videos, allowing information to be checked and explored in greater detail.

Multi-language support helps mixed-nationality crews access the same approved information more consistently, while self-testing knowledge checks can help seafarers identify gaps in their understanding.

Mentor AI moved from initial concept to a trial customer-ready solution in approximately three months and is currently being piloted by two maritime organisations, supporting just over 100 users. Early trials indicate seafarers can find relevant guidance faster and make decisions with greater confidence.

Kevin Short, CEO of Mintra, said: “AI has enormous potential in maritime, but in a safety-critical environment, speed of access is only valuable if people can trust the information they receive. That principle has shaped Mentor AI from the outset.

“Seafarers may need to apply knowledge months after completing their training, often immediately before carrying out a task. Mentor AI gives them direct access to relevant, traceable information drawn from approved sources, while supporting rather than replacing professional judgement and experience.

“Being named a Crew Connect finalist is welcome recognition of a practical use of AI: taking the knowledge already available to the industry and making it easier for seafarers to find and apply when it matters.”

Mentor AI was developed through multidisciplinary collaboration across maritime expertise, learning design, technology, data, quality assurance and customer implementation. This approach enabled content governance, technical development and testing to progress together, with trust and traceability built into the solution from the outset.

Mentor AI does not replace structured learning, professional judgement or experience. It supports all three by delivering trusted operational knowledge when it is needed, helping seafarers make safer, more informed decisions in safety-critical environments.