KOMSA expands AI-powered podcast safety training for coastal ferry crews

Artificial intelligence is now being put to work in safety training for coastal ferry crews, allowing sailors who cannot attend in-person sessions due to their maritime duties to complete safety education by listening to podcasts from the bridge or their cabin.

The Korea Maritime Transportation Safety Authority (KOMSA) announced Friday it is formally rolling out AI-generated safety education podcasts for coastal ferry crew members and maritime workers this year.

The program was designed so crew members can receive safety training regardless of time or location. KOMSA used generative AI to convert existing safety education materials into an interactive podcast format.

The content covers practical, field-relevant topics including engine damage prevention, firefighting equipment operation, safe navigation techniques and heat illness prevention. Crew members can listen anywhere on board — from the bridge to their cabin — and can revisit the material during port calls or rest periods.

Participation has grown consistently. During a pilot run last year, 752 people completed the training; that figure rose to 1,804 in the first half of this year. The satisfaction rate stood at 88.6 percent.

KOMSA plans to develop additional AI-based video training materials and content tailored for foreign crew members.

"Crew members whose training opportunities were limited by the nature of maritime work can now receive the safety education they need while out at sea," KOMSA President An Yeong-cheol said. "We will continue to expand field-centered training using advanced technology to strengthen the safety capabilities of crew members and maritime workers."