ABSTRACT: As ship automation advances, maritime training must adapt to ensure proficiency in manual operations during automation failures. Traditional Maritime Education and Training (MET) lacks standardized, simulator-based assessments for critical tasks such as manual generator synchronization, leading to skill gaps in high-risk scenarios. This study evaluates the effectiveness of high-fidelity engine room simulators in improving situational awareness, cognitive load management, and decision-making under stress. A Simulation-Based Training (SBT) framework using the Wärtsilä TechSim engine room simulator was implemented at the University of Genoa (UNIGE), aligning with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) (Reg. III/1, Section A-III/1; Reg. I/14). Pre- and post-training assessments, simulator logs, and instructor observations demonstrated significant improvements in synchronization execution time, fault diagnosis, and emergency response efficiency. However, the absence of structured, simulator-driven competency assessments in MET limits objective skill measurement and training effectiveness. Drawing insights from aviation competency models, this study proposes a structured assessment framework to standardize competency verification, enhance training methodologies, and better equip seafarers for automation-driven ship operations.

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