Why this standard
Many of the barriers neurodivergent seafarers face come from misunderstanding rather than ill will: a lack of eye contact read as rudeness, a request for written instructions taken as a lack of competence, or a meltdown mistaken for a disciplinary issue. Good awareness training can change that quickly. But training on offer varies widely in quality and content, and some of it repeats outdated myths.
NDAS 003 sets out the minimum content and outcomes for neurodiversity awareness training delivered to maritime staff, ashore and at sea.
Proposed scope
The draft is expected to cover:
- Core content: what neurodiversity is; the main conditions, including autism, ADHD and specific learning differences; and common strengths and challenges, without stereotypes.
- Maritime context: how neurodivergence shows up in watchkeeping, handovers, drills, life on board and shore-based roles.
- Practical skills: clear communication, responding well when someone discloses, and agreeing reasonable adjustments.
- Different audiences: what all crew should know, and the extra content needed by officers, Masters, managers and HR.
- Delivery and outcomes: involving neurodivergent people in designing and delivering training, accessible formats, and how to check that training has changed practice.
How it is being developed
NDAS 003 is being written with seafarers, training providers, employers and specialists, and will be open to public consultation before it is published. It sits alongside existing training requirements, such as those under the STCW Convention, and never replaces them.
Using it now
We already deliver neurodiversity training for maritime organisations, designed by people who understand life at sea. Our guides on clear communication and supporting a neurodivergent crewmate are free to use in your own briefings.
Status
This standard is in development. The full text will be published here, with a downloadable PDF, once it has been through consultation.