###### Abstract  
The maritime industry is undergoing a profound transformation with the integration of autonomous technologies, which brings new challenges and opportunities for the education and training of seafarers. This article aims to examine the evolving landscape of autonomous ships and its impact on maritime education, with a focus on the changing roles and responsibilities of seafarers. The levels of autonomy defined by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) provide a framework for understanding the evolution towards fully autonomous ships and highlight the changing roles and responsibilities of seafarers. Using a systematic review based on the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA), this study examines maritime education for maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS). Using Scopus, Web of Science (WoS) and Google Scholar, a comprehensive search was conducted to identify relevant studies focusing on seafarer training and the impact of automation in the maritime sector. The analysis included bibliometric assessments, historical reviews and a categorization of research topics. This systematic review contributes to a deeper understanding of the current state and trends in maritime education for autonomous shipping. The findings inform educators and industry stakeholders about the critical aspects of education and training needed to address the challenges and realize the potential benefits of autonomous technologies in the maritime sector. The inclusion of bibliometric analysis enriches the study by providing a comprehensive overview of the researchers. autonomous ships; maritime education; maritime training; literature review; bibliometric analysis 2024 14 3173 10. 1. Degree one--a ship with automated processes and decision support: Seafarers are on board to operate and control the systems and functions on board. Some processes may be automated and temporarily unattended, but the seafarers are on board and can take control. 2. Degree two--a remotely operated vessel with seafarers on board: The ship is controlled and operated from a remote location. Seafarers are available on board to take control and operate the systems and functions on board. 3. Degree three--a remotely operated vessel with no seafarers on board: The ship is controlled and operated from a remote location. There are no seafarers on board. 4. Degree four--a fully autonomous ship: The ship's operating system is able to make decisions and determine actions independently. Different types of autonomous ships are being developed for different purposes (ranging from ocean-going vessels to small units for internal shipping). The evolving degree of autonomy underlines the importance of considering the implications for education and training in the maritime industry, as technological advances require seafarers to have new skills and knowledge to adapt to changing roles and responsibilities. The MASS concept raises a number of issues, ranging from technical and technological to legal and even ethical aspects [4]. The development of MASS is very challenging and depends on the resolution of numerous technical issues, including a range of cybersecurity measures to ensure safe and efficient operations. Ship operations require the development of advanced automation systems integrated with sensors and communication devices supported by artificial intelligence. The integration of sensors, algorithms and communication systems is of the utmost importance for the interaction of the MASS with the environment and decision-making without the crew on board. Although the MASS concept is still under development, it will bring about significant changes in many segments of the shipping industry. Many stakeholders from the shipping industry and academia will be involved in the development of the MASS concept.