In 2015, the safety refresher training system for seafarers was reformed with the aim of strengthening practical skills. However, a failure to forecast demand led to a chronic backlog of trainees. Furthermore, the uniform application of merchant vessel standards (STCW) to fishing vessels (STCW-F) created a qualitative problem, undermining the effectiveness of the education. This study aims to diagnose these issues and propose effective improvement measures. This research employed a mixed-methods approach. First, a comparative analysis was conducted between international conventions (STCW and STCW-F) and domestic regulations, institutional standards, and curricula. Second, an empirical analysis was performed through a survey of 220 merchant and fishing vessel seafarers, which was supplemented by in-depth interviews. The analysis revealed several critical gaps. The domestic legal framework does not distinguish between STCW and STCW-F and the curriculum is heavily biased toward theory, failing to meet international practice-oriented competency standards. The survey and interview results confirmed that the current fits all training is severely misaligned with the operational realities of fishing vessels, which have different equipment and environments. Based on these findings, this study proposes three prolonged improvement plans. First, the curriculum should be dualized to reflect the distinct characteristics of merchant and fishing vessels. Second, a hybrid training model that combines mandatory shore-based training for high-risk drills with flexible onboard training for basic skills should be introduced. Third, facility standards for training institutions should be converted from rigid mandates to flexible guidelines. These measures are expected to resolve the chronic training backlog and enhance the practical emergency response capabilities of all seafarers.

이 연구는 선원안전(재)교육과정의 교육대상, 교육내용, 교육예상인원 및 외국 교육기관의 교육운영방법을 분석하여 국내 선원안전(재)교육과정의 효율적인 운영방안을 제안하였다. 향후 우리나라 전체 선원 37,000여명이 5년마다 주기적으로 선원안전(재)교육을 수료하여야 하므로 선원의 편의를 위하여 STCW 협약에서 인정하는 선상에서의 교육을 활성화하고 선상교육프로그램을 표준화하여 육상교육을 축소할 뿐만 아니라 선원 안전교육의 지속적인 개선을 위해 교육 분야 투자가 지속적으로 진행되어야 한다. 또한 국내 선원안전(재)교육과정과 STCW협약과의 차이점을 개선할 수 있는 방안을 검토할 필요가 있으며, 선원이 안전(재)교육을 적시에 이수할 수 있는 환경을 마련하기 위하여 안전교육시설 및 가상현실 교육프로그램 개발에 대한 투자가 이루어져야 한다.