Needs and Importance of Master Studies for Navigators in XXI Century and Connectivity to STCW 78/95

The high-level technology and equipment of modern ships from one side and the constant growth of high stress and psychological pressure to ship officers, especially on management level, from other side pose a number of important questions relating to optimal combination of professional knowledge and skills and personal characteristics of seafarers. What may be the best combination of different subjects and courses in training programmes? What may be the role and place of master studies in evolving of high quali-fied specialists from one side and strong and self-confident personality from other side? What should be the most important difference of master study programmes for ship officers from those for land-based personal? The author of this presentation tries to discuss these questions relying to his long-time experience in field of maritime education and training and in organisation and carrying out of master studies in maritime academy.