Statistical analysis of the weather conditions of the main SSS routes in the western Mediterranean

Abstract

In the early years, maritime education had been mainly focused on the vocational training of deck officers on board. However, as the maritime business evolved, a change in the maritime education curriculum started to be necessary. To align maritime programmes with the needs of maritime stakeholders, maritime studies became an interdisciplinary academic field. Today, MET institutions juggle to comply with the Standard Training and Certificate Watch keeping (STCW) Convention and Code. However, it is also important to ensure that core subjects do not fade out under the integration of these new courses. As the emphasis on creating dedicated knowledge arises, students should be encouraged to participate on the researches conducted by their own centres through new participatory forms of web-based communication. This project has its origins in the research carried out by the Nautical Science and Engineering Department (DCEN) of the Barcelona School of Nautical Studies for the optimization of routes in the western Mediterranean. Through the analysis of the weather conditions in the western Mediterranean sailing area and, in particular, the most common adverse weather conditions in the area, a study of the impact of these weather conditions is carried on in the context of sea route optimization and their importance for short-haul transport. The results of the study are presented in participatory web format for dissemination and use as a didactic tool by the students; the routes studied will also be used as practical examples to explain the contents of the course in a clear and concise way. Through computer-supported collaborative learning, students will acquire lifelong skills and they will participate in the activities of their institution.