From an engineering stand point I think sailing on something that is a bit older is a benefit in the long run. The Golden Bear at Cal Maritime is probably one of the newest training ships in the fleet. I think with the level of automation seen in today’s engine rooms the newer technology on the Bear is a definite plus on the teaching side. Eventually most graduates will come across the higher technology throughout their careers.
That being said I went from the Golden Bear which is pretty highly automated to an almost 30 year old ITB where the main engine controls were all air logic operated and electronics did nothing but monitor. Some of the alarms are rudimentary such as the lube oil purifier malfunctioning. The alarm panel didn’t tell you why it would malfunction like a modern system would. Instead you had to think and figure out exactly what was wrong with it. After two trips on board the ITB Baltimore, I have learned quite a bit because it is an older vessel and the equipment is aging and needs more maintenance.