Young members urged to support Union's campaign for a 'human in the loop' in the face of a high-tech future

Nautilus International is calling on its young members to play a pivotal role in helping shape the future of maritime work as autonomous technologies, artificial intelligence and decarbonisation efforts continue to transform the industry. Deborah McPherson reports

Members are invited to help present the Union's upcoming motion on this topic to the TUC Young Workers Conference, taking place in Brighton on 21-22 March 2026. 

The annual conference brings together young trade unionists from across the UK to debate the issues that matter most to them.  

Nautilus director of organising Martyn Gray said the Union has a strong track record at the annual TUC event, having previously secured support on motions covering seafarers' working hours, access to sanitary products, reproductive health, and maritime training. 

This year, however, the Union's focus turns to the rapid rise of AI and autonomous systems across maritime and transport. Nautilus is urging the wider trade union movement to back guarantees ensuring a 'human in the loop' for all safety‑critical decision‑making for the introduction of such technologies, arguing that qualified oversight must remain a legal requirement to protect both safety and long‑term career prospects for young seafarers. 

'As we move towards decarbonisation and a high-tech industry, Nautilus is calling for humans to be at the centre of that,' said Mr Gray. 'Someone who can use all of the support, tools and resources that autonomous vessels and AI support deliver, but can use them to make an informed and human based decision. 

'There must be qualified human oversight as a legal requirement for critical safety decisions to prevent a total automation of safety critical roles, which we are nervous could have a significant impact on safety, jobs, and skilling in the future for young maritime professionals and other transport workers.' 

Key asks  

At the heart of the motion are three core demands for what the Union calls a Just Transition for future skills training, designed to ensure young maritime professionals aren't sidelined as the industry accelerates toward high‑tech operations and decarbonisation: 

A legally guaranteed 'human in the loop' 

Nautilus is calling for mandatory, qualified human oversight wherever AI systems influence safety‑critical decisions. The Union warns that total automation risks not only operational safety but also meaningful maritime career pathways. 

Transparency around algorithms used in decision‑making 

The motion demands full transparency on when and how AI is being used in processes such as hiring, firing, performance reviews and disciplinary decisions. Workers must know when automated systems are shaping decisions that affect their futures – and how those decisions are reached. 

A statutory right to upskilling and reskilling 

To ensure young professionals are prepared for an industry increasingly shaped by autonomous vessels, AI‑supported navigation and augmented reality tools, Nautilus is also pushing for a legal right to training, delivered during work time.  

‘There needs to be a statutory right for workers to access upskilling and reskilling training and support. That would allow us to deliver all the information and skills needed for the evolving world of work,' said Mr Gray. 

Nautilus is now seeking young members to join its delegation and help present the motion in Brighton. Travel and subsistence will be covered, and eligible members are encouraged to look out for an email from the Union, or self‑nominate by emailing ymp@nautilusint.org with their name, membership number, and availability.