Shipboard Training Performance of Cadets in one Maritime Academic Institution in the Philippines

The shipping industry requires knowledge, technique, and experience for safety and proper handling of ships. As such, hands-on/practical experience is needed by would-be seafarers to acquire the necessary skills and competencies before they graduate from maritime institutions. This study aims to analyze the shipboard training performance of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy cadets during their shipboard training according to their type of vessel and competency. Documentary analysis and key informant interviews were used to assess the problem-at-hand. According to their type of vessel, Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation (BSMT) cadets who have their training in tanker ships have the highest performance with an average grade of 83.68 while Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering (BSMarE)cadets who were under bulk ships have the highest rating of 79.28. On the other hand, BSMT cadets got the highest grade in Operation of the Ship and Care of Person Onboard with 82.72 while BSMarE cadets achieved the highest rating of 81.77 on Engine Operation. Results also showed that there is no significant difference between the shipboard performances of the cadets according to their type of vessel. The cadets ‘performance during their shipboard training ranges from Satisfactory to Good only, thus, as a recommendation, the institution should strengthen the established monitoring system to measure the progress of the cadets’ shipboard training and upgrade its equipment for bridge and engine simulators tonsure they excel in their respective duties. Findings of the study will be of benefit to Philippine maritime institutions as it will serve as a basis to upgrade or enhance the status of maritime education and training especially shipboard training to adhere to the recent developments in maritime industry.

Keywords – shipboard training, maritime education, performance, Philippines