Beyond The Maritime Education Classrooms: Analysis Of Life Skills Gained From Maritime Trainings

Abstract

Intensive maritime education and training cultivate the competence of students in their future career. As the industry evolves, it also requires professionals who can apply their skills in real-life scenarios. This investigation explored the life skills gained from maritime trainings by analyzing the experiences of maritime students (n=15). The participants in the one-on-one interview were purposively sampled based on several demographic characteristics i.e., a college student, have maritime units (>50), have been in curriculum-specified trainings. Findings of the study indicated that maritime students gained life-essential skills, including career-based, health-related, and emergency skills, through undergoing rigorous training programs. These acquired skills empower students to effectively address practical challenges and contribute positively to their career progression, personal growth, and well-being. As maritime students undergo specialized training and gain proficiency in technical and non-technical skills, their self-confidence and self-efficacy in addressing challenges and excel in their careers could be enhanced. The students' recognition of the practical use of their acquired skills in real-world scenarios highlights their self-efficacy, influencing their motivation, critical thinking, and problem-solving capabilities. It is the responsibility of maritime education industry to raise awareness and provide comprehensive education to aspiring seafarers.