In a joint interview, experts from Lloyd’s Register discuss the challenges and opportunities in maritime decarbonization training. They emphasize the need to align training with new alternative fuels, highlighting the importance of listening to seafarers to drive successful energy transition. The industry faces the monumental task of training 800,000 seafarers for zero emission fuels within the next decade, requiring rapid evolution in education while managing skills gaps between regions. The study on ammonia, methanol, and hydrogen as alternative fuels revealed the need for tailored safety measures and competency-based training due to the unique operational challenges they pose. Training programs must adopt a modular approach, including simulation-based training and fostering a safety culture to ensure effective handling of these fuels. The transition to zero emission fuels will require a significant shift in training programs, combining technical and behavioral competencies in areas like risk management and emergency response. The industry also faces challenges in transitioning from conventional fuel training to zero emission fuels, necessitating upskilling of seafarers and integration of new technical competencies for safe handling of fuels like ammonia, methanol, and hydrogen. Furthermore, updating the STCW Convention is crucial to align training requirements with emerging safety risks, with a goal-based standard essential for harmonized training frameworks and seafarer mobility across ship types. The ongoing Comprehensive Review of the STCW Convention aims to address regulatory gaps and ensure training standards keep pace with advances in alternative fuel technologies.