Advancing Deck Maritime Training for Future Ship Captains: Integrating Next-Generation Navigational Technologies into Vocational Education

Abstract

This research examines the effectiveness of maritime vocational education in integrating advanced navigational technologies through a comprehensive qualitative analysis of stakeholder perspectives. The study employed a phenomenological research methodology with seventy participants representing industry experts, academic lecturers, and recent graduates from nautical deck engineering programs. Data collection utilized semi-structured interviews, comprehensive questionnaires, and focus group discussions to explore stakeholder experiences with Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS), Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA), and bridge automation integration within educational contexts. Thematic analysis revealed four primary themes: technology integration effectiveness, professional competency development, educational approach effectiveness, and sustainability integration. Results demonstrate overall positive stakeholder satisfaction with current educational approaches, achieving aggregate effectiveness ratings of 3.8/5.0 across multiple competency domains. Environmental consciousness emerged as the strongest competency area (4.1/5.0), while decision-making skills and bridge automation integration require enhanced attention. Cross-group analysis identified technology integration as the highest consensus priority among stakeholders, though implementation quality varies significantly across institutions. The research contributes evidence-based recommendations for maritime education enhancement through improved industry partnerships, enhanced simulation training, and integrated sustainability education approaches.