Ponant Case: How NAPA facilitated ship stability training for seafarers operating cruise vessels

Jussi Siltanen, Head of Training Services​, Safety Solutions, NAPA. 

Digitalization is transforming life at sea at an unprecedented pace, and seafarers are on the frontlines of adapting to these changes. Whether they are on their first contract or seasoned professionals, continuous training for seafarers is not optional. In fact, according to a DNV study, 81% of seafarers surveyed indicated they required partial or complete training to work with the advanced technologies entering their workplace. Ensuring seafarers are supported with the right training is, therefore, a non-negotiable for operational efficiency and safety.  

This is particularly true for the crew of Ponant, a luxury cruise line renowned for its remote expeditions. Whether navigating the icy waters of the Arctic aboard the world’s only luxury Polar Exploration Vessel or sailing through the pristine blue seas of Polynesia, to operate Ponant’s fleet and ensure safe expeditions, its crew need advanced digital tools. Robust stability management is key to ensuring safety and NAPA Stability allows the crew to pre-plan the vessel’s voyage and stability conditions, while keeping an eye on its vulnerabilities in real-time.  The system provides at-a-glance ship stability condition calculations when intact or in the highly unlikely case of damage, even in the most remote locations. Current conditions and stability can be constantly monitored, and upcoming sections of trips can be simulated for effective planning.  

To tap into these benefits, and much more, seafarer training is essential. Ponant sought a way to refresh and enhance its seafarers’ stability management and overall safety practices, without adding to crews’ workload. As a long-standing partner of NAPA, it was a natural fit to turn to NAPA Stability for effective stability management solutions as well as training on how to get the most out of these digital tools.  

Hands on stability training for Ponant seafarers 

Since 2022, NAPA has been working with Ponant’s Fleet Training Department to deliver specialized, multi-day training programs for NAPA Stability, the world’s most trusted stability and safety management solution for passenger ships.  

While ship stability management in normal and damage scenarios is already a core competency required for officers, what truly makes NAPA’s approach different is its emphasis on hands-on training. We recognize that technology alone isn’t the solution, effective and practical training is just as critical. That’s why we design training programs to work with seafarers, not against them.  

Training for Ponant’s crew on NAPA Stability was supplemented by theoretical stability knowledge on NAPA’s eLearning platform and classroom sessions delivered by NAPA’s certified trainers. This approach is customizable and used Ponant’s own ships as case studies, allowing crew members to practice stability management on familiar vessel models. We also used actual historical operational data and stability analysis to immerse seafarers in real-world scenarios where they can apply their knowledge in practical settings.  

By taking a collaborative approach, we worked with Ponant to unlock the true potential of NAPA Stability. From automating data collection and reporting, to enhancing preparedness for damage scenarios using intuitive interfaces, our aim is to enhance, not hinder, seafarer efficiency. 

Supporting continuous learning for seafarers through customised training 

Through a combination of classroom training and practice drills, Ponant’s crew developed: 

• Standardized knowledge levels among officers, ensuring that all team members managing stability operations are equipped with the same high level of expertise. 

• Knowledge of stability theory fundamentals, including basic principles, port and sea operations, and damage stability (vulnerability and survivability analysis). 

• Operational proficiency with NAPA Stability, covering daily functions, short- and long-term planning, damage response, and lifecycle stability management. 

Digitalization in maritime isn’t just picking up speed—it’s accelerating at an unprecedented pace. With a new tool being added onboard almost every month, the industry is transforming rapidly. While this shift is essential for driving efficiency and optimization across operations, technology alone won’t cut it. Without trained and prepared seafarers, even the most advanced solutions will fail to deliver.   

That’s why training isn’t optional—it’s mission-critical. At NAPA, we collaborate with seafarers to develop solutions that genuinely support them, not add to their workload. Our approach blends digital innovation with human expertise, ensuring crews are equipped to harness technology effectively and focus on what they do best – keeping the ships running safely and smoothly.