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