Which Maritime Professions Will Be Replaced by Artificial Intelligence in the Next 20–50 Years? Will the Electro-Technical Officer Still Be Needed?

Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation, and robotics are rapidly transforming the maritime industry. What once sounded like science fiction — fully autonomous ships without crews — is now a reality in testing, particularly in countries like Norway and Japan. This raises an important question: which shipboard professions are at risk of becoming obsolete in the next few decades? And will there still be a place for the electro-technical officer (ETO) on future vessels?

Maritime Professions at Risk of Disappearing

1. Helmsman and Navigational Watch Officers

AI-powered navigation systems can already chart optimal routes, avoid collisions, and even dock with impressive precision. In the coming decades, the need for human intervention in navigation may be drastically reduced, especially for routine voyages or coastal operations.