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ABSTRACT

TITLE:                           THE DECLINATION OF MARINE EDUCATION IN OUR      

                                       COUNTRY

RESEARCHER:            MARVIN DAGATAN, EARL BRYAN GELIG

SCHOOL:                      UNIVERSIRY OF THE VISAYAS

                                       CEBU CITY

COURSE:                      ASSOCIATE OF MARINE ENGINEERING

DATE:                           SEPTEMBER 2011

ADVISER:                     MR. NATHANIEL GIDO

              The study accessed about the marine education in our country and the quality of their learning during the year 2009 up to now and becoming seafarers someday. The descriptive of method of research is applied, making use of self made research instrument forms accomplished by our group. And maintaining the premier position of Filipino seafarers poses a difficult challenge to face as the emerging competitors from other continents are making their own way up the maritime status ladder. The Philippine government could not be complacent and contented with the present share of sea-based labor of some 16% but will need to strive to capture more and increase in number. There is still room for improving competence and employability of Filipino compatriots. Should the government will go the extra mile to keep them abreast with fast paced technological innovations and advances in shipping. And to make these things more possible, studying the enrolment trends of the maritime courses in the country is of great help. With these identified figures, it is safe to claim that Filipino seafarers are breaking racial boundaries and identity issues among foreign oceans with their innate ability to excel as world-class seafarers. 

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THE DECLINATION OF MARINE EDUCATION IN OUR COUNTRY

Chapter 1

Rationale of the Study

              This study is conducted to assess the effects of the information sector of the maritime education from maritime industry. This study is conducted in consideration of the students has been done and the successful implementation and continuous flourishing of the economy with special attention to the maritime industry. This study contains information and figures of the recent improvements in the marine section. Along with these are the specific interpretations of the said information. Using these data, we shall need to pinpoint the strong points of the maritime situation and specify the reasons of maritime industry successful. Moreover, the study shall be a potent tool in providing other specific strengths of the marine engineering in its pursuit in excellence through its foreign. This study could be used as a benchmark for other developing countries as well as other first world seafarer who have been struggling with the affairs of gaining its respective level. This study stresses that this research is a potent tool in improving the level of the maritime nation's economic well being, thus should be regarded as one of the vital aspects of the country.

  

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Introduction

              In March 2010, reports state that the student enrolment in the Philippines for both Marine Transportation and Marine Engineering courses has suffered a dramatic decline as compared over the past five years. Philippines CMS Crew Management Services Manager Vicente Aldanese listed a drop-out rate from 0.06 percent to a high of 0.30 percent. In the same report, a decrease in the number of graduates for the same period reached a record from 0.03 percent to a high of 0.41 percent. Among these graduates, only 7.6 percent took the licensure examination of which 71 percent passed. These facts showed the current issues affecting the maritime education in the Philippines.

                The role of education in nation-building is vitally recognized. Every year, millions of students are enrolled in different courses of specialization to realize their individual dreams. With the advent of technological innovations and contemporary teaching strategies, the education system of the country is overly affected. Maritime education in the Philippines is just a fragment of the generally problematic education system of the country. The Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) in a published press release states that the country possesses comparative advantages in maritime education among the APEC regions. It is surprising to know that the Philippines is the primary source of world-class seafarers yet the educational system is

Faced with various challenges that sprouted from both societal and institutional setup and conditions.

               

          

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               Today, as the Filipino seafarer prepares to conquer intercontinental seas, the need to have quality education is required. With the emerging trends in maritime education, there are

some problems that should be address. These problems may occur before, during, and after maritime schooling. This research is directed to the exploration of the factors that affect the enrolment number of maritime education students particularly to the two courses aforementioned with great emphasis on Marine Engineering.

Background Information

                 According to an article published by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), the Philippines plays a stellar function in the international shipping and maritime industry with its position as the principal supplier of seafarers. The successful placement of Filipino marine officers and seafarers on various foreign-going marine transportations such as passenger luxury cruise ships offered lush employment for thousand of Filipinos. For the record indicated in the same article, one of five ocean going seafarer is a Filipino while three in ten international ships employ Filipino seafarers. It was also identified that Norwegian flagged and controlled ships are the biggest employers with about 25,000 Filipino sailing the seven seas on their ships, out of 139,000 reported sea based countrymen. With these identified figures, it is safe to claim that Filipino seafarers are breaking

racial boundaries and identity issues among foreign oceans with their innate ability to excel as world-class seafarers.

       

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Conceptual Framework

             The Philippine education system, according to the report of Amelia A. Biglete of Asia-Pacific Centre of Educational Innovation for Development (APCEID) (2001), is classified under nine clusters of disciplines for both undergraduate and graduate degrees and diploma. These nine clusters of discipline are Agriculture Education, Business and Management Education, Engineering and Architecture, Health Profession Education, Humanities, Social Sciences and Communication, Information Technology, Maritime Education, Science and Mathematics, and Teacher Education. Under the Maritime Education, the following fields or disciplines included are Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, Marine Transportation, Marine Engineering, and Basic Merchant Marine Course.

Marine Engineering

Marine Transportation

Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA)

Potential Factors that Affect Enrolment

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RESEARCH FRAMEWORK

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Statement of the Problem

This research case study generally deals with the enrollment trends of maritime courses in the Philippines. It explores on the reasons why Marine Engineering enrollees is declining as compared to Marine Transportation. In order to find the sought information, the following research questions are to be answered:

      What are the factors affecting the enrolment of Marine Engineering and Marine Transportation students in terms of?

a.      Personal and

b.      Professional perspectives?

      What are the effects of these factors in the overall condition of?

a.      Maritime education and

b.      Maritime industry in the country?

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Significance of the Study

A case study is an extensive evaluation or examination of a single instance of a phenomenon of interest. Given this fact, this case study has many functions in which it will primarily serve. This study was conducted with the intention to provide information and explanations to the reasons why Marine Engineering enrollees are declining compared to Marine Transportation. Generally, this research case study is for knowledge acquisition and awareness. The importance of this study lies to the eventual presentation of data that seek to answer the question on the factors that affect enrollees on these two particular marine courses.

           Theoretically, this study is intended for educational management practitioners, academicians, and maritime sciences personnel and students in providing body of knowledge that they may use in the performance of their own individual duties. Moreover, this study seeks to give information on issues ranging from the reasons why Marine Engineering enrollees are declining compared to Marine Transportation, the different reasons, and the degree of its potential effects to the maritime education and overall maritime industry in the Philippines. Finally, to the researcher, this study will increase the knowledge that is innate to himself. The interests that he posses in relation to maritime education and its applications, particularly in

being a world-class seafarer will flourish as he continues to explore the adventurous and challenging world of maritime education.

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Scope and Delimitations of the Study

            This research study is limited on finding the factors that affect the decline of Marine Engineering enrollees compared to Marine Transportation.

Definition of Terms

Marine Engineering

Marine Transportation

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Chapter 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

            The wide range of literatures related to education and educational management as well as various phenomena affecting its totality are extensive. Given with this fact, this chapter goes over the related foreign and local literatures conducted on the area of study.  By embarking on such pursuit, the research may be guided accordingly by firstly discovering where the research is coming from, what and how much have been studied regarding the topic and what it is yet to tackle.  Besides providing background to the study, this chapter provides the necessary backbone and support in order for the research to stand credible.

            By surveying the past publications and researches related to the study, a historical perspective may take place. The researcher also gained an idea on how such venture has been explored in the past.  In this manner, this study may be able to reflect, compare itself, learn from setbacks and produce a stronger and more efficient study. The literature review also provides the research a rich source of data, both new and old, that will enhance and enrich the study and the direction it will plan to undertake even more. References from this segment of the paper are product of broad researching and information retrieval.

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Related Literature

             In the Philippines, the literatures on maritime education are limited to academic reference materials. Research studies are more or less tackled by selected individuals and institutions. There had been little research conducted and published in relation to maritime education and related aspects. The conduction of this study is then right and timely especially in providing useful body of knowledge to the chosen area of study and specialization.

               Maritime education in the Philippines is among the best in the Asia-Pacific region (Ramirez, 2001) and even the world. This is evident on the study sponsored by Philippine APEC Study Center Network which performed a benchmarking action on the country’s maritime and nursing education particularly in its best practices (Ramirez, 2001). In the said study, Ramirez identified the outstanding qualities of the Philippine maritime education such as the composition of maritime bachelor degree, which consists of general education, specialization courses and one-year apprenticeship; English as the medium of instruction; and the emphasis on character and values necessary for students who serve locally and internationally. Such values and attitudes are reflected on the culture of discipline, hard work and team work are essential characteristics of Filipino servicemen. This research study was used by PIDS in the press release to build on the promising reputation of the maritime education system in the country.

                Maritime education in the Philippines is among the best in the Asia-Pacific region (Ramirez, 2001) and even the world. This is evident on the study sponsored by Philippine APEC Study Center Network which performed a benchmarking action on the country’s maritime and

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Nursing education particularly in its best practices (Ramirez, 2001). In the said study, Ramirez identified the outstanding qualities of the Philippine maritime education such as the composition of maritime bachelor degree, which consists of general education, specialization courses and one-year apprenticeship; English as the medium of instruction; and the emphasis on character and values necessary for students who serve locally and internationally. Such values and attitudes are reflected on the culture of discipline, hard work and team work are essential characteristics of Filipino servicemen. This research study was used by PIDS in the press release to build on the promising reputation of the maritime education system in the country.

                 Due to the conditions of the maritime schools and institutions in the country and the problems that affect maritime education system, the Malacaňang warned school administration to “go to sea or sink” (Esplanada, 1997). This prompts schools to upgrade their teaching strategies and all related factors on the maritime education system. As the condition of the maritime education worsens, a report from Manila Bulletin early in 1998 claimed that “RP may no longer be major source of world's seamen”. Langit (1998) also reported that the poor schooling of the maritime students threatens jobs for Filipino seamen.

                 Basing on the said above, the maritime education – its history and further development – vary from time to time. It was also noticed that most literatures on marine education are focused on general education as well as professional subjects imperative to the overall learning experiences of students and to the teaching of instructors.

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Related Studies

In a study conducted by Caunca (1992), he probed on the development and role of Mariners Polytechnic Colleges Foundation in maritime education. This is among the earliest and fundamental research studies focusing on the study and teaching techniques of the said institution. Results from this study showed the circumstances and trends of maritime teaching and learning in the early 1990s and affirmed the need to improve standards. However, the weakness of this study is its inability to look into general maritime education conditions in the country since it is limited on the said institution. Yet it is focused both on teaching and learning process, it may be deemed that such processes are no longer applicable or existent in the current maritime education setting.

           This study is very much related to the subject of this research inquiry. The guidance program of the said maritime school should inquire into the personal reasons of students on matters that affect their present and future activities that directly link with their maritime education experiences. The exploration of the thoughts that lead to the achievement of their maritime goals must be facilitated. The study habits, challenges and difficulties are further discovered and addressed. Also, the variety of reasons behind maritime schooling or career orientation is included. With these, the maritime education student is secured on which path to take and direction to follow that will lead to his/her dreams. However, the research study of Cabrera does not further discuss the said concepts. Thus, this research investigates on the reasons or factors that affect their decision in pursuing maritime education. It particularly centers on early education trends like enrolment motivation.

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In 1980, Dalmacio surveyed and studied the conditions of maritime libraries in Metro Manila in order to come up with recommendation on the improvement of libraries in the Philippines particularly on naval and maritime subjects. Similarly, Conejo (1997) focused on the evaluation of 25 libraries in engineering colleges and universities in Metro Manila using the standards set by the Technical Panel for Engineering Architecture, and Maritime Education (TPEAME). During the second semester of school year 1996-1997, the author used a two-part questionnaire to gather data on the present status of the engineering libraries and was supplemented by direct observation and interviews.

The findings of Conejo are not far from Dalmacio’s considering almost two decades of interval. It revealed that thirteen libraries have weak periodical collections and did not meet the standard for storage space of seldom used books. Specific recommendations were suggested for possible improvement in the administration and organization of the resources and services of the libraries. On the brighter perspective, the findings are: the objectives of the library are in accordance with institutional goals and aims; heads of the libraries are qualified professional librarians and members of library associations; and libraries have existing policies regarding administration and organization of their resources and services. In the long run, these two studies show the need to continuously improve the educational facilities in the country regardless of field of specialization. 

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Chapter 3

Method and Procedures

   This chapter presents the methods and procedures utilized by us in pursuing answers to the questions raised in the study. It also provides information on the description of the methods and procedures that were conceptualized and constructed in order to obtain the needed data and information that will be most useful to the study. Details on how the accumulated data were analyzed and interpreted as well as how the conclusion was drawn is discussed in full extent in this section.  This provides justification of the means in which the study was accomplished and at the same time helps in giving purpose and strength to the validity and reliability of the collected information that makes this particular research practice truthful and analytic.

    The conduct of this study entails a detailed account of the student profile of the respondents. It is assumed that the attributes of the respondents influence their behaviour and answers on the survey questions. Of particular significance to the achievement of the goals and objectives of the study – which is to be an instrument of analysis of the institution to gauge where it is now and where it is heading, thus what changes are to be made – is to be able to answer the research questions.

Specifically, this research chapter covers the following discussions: the research design, the population and respondents of the study, the sample and sampling technique, the research instrument and techniques, the sources of data, the statistical treatment used, the validity and reliability of the collected data, the locale and database of the study.

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Research Design

            We used the qualitative research design utilizing the descriptive research method, which is primarily concerned with describing the nature or conditions of the current situation in detail (Creswell, 1994). According to Mays and Pope (2000), the qualitative research approach is most appropriate when conducting descriptive and exploratory study in order to quantify data that seem immeasurable, such as feelings, beliefs, and thoughts. Qualitative research is defined by Collis and Hussey (2003) as “a subjective approach which includes examining and reflecting on perceptions in order to gain an understanding of social and human activities”. The emphasis is on describing rather than on judging. This study employs qualitative research method, since it intends to find and build theories that would explain the relationship of one variable with another variable through qualitative elements. These qualitative elements does not have standard measures, rather they are behavior, attitudes, opinions, and beliefs. So, the goals of qualitative research are primarily to advance new theory, interpret the significance of individual events and giving voice to particular groups.

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Research Instrument and Techniques

            The instrument and techniques that were used in gathering pertinent data for the research investigation are the following:

a.   Survey Questionnaire - Primary data are gathered with the aid of the predetermined questionnaire consistently distributed to the respondents. We use the checklist using the Likert Scale that elicited the answers of the respondents. This type of survey questionnaire is also called close-ended questionnaire. Close-ended survey questionnaire are also used in obtaining the information relevant to this study in order to draw out substantial amount of information yet limited in number. In administering the tool, respondents gathered self-reported information through self-administration of questions in a paper-pencil format. This method is useful in collecting data for the following reasons: subjects were asked to respond to the same set of questions in the same order, they had the same set of options for their responses, and it is economical. In a questionnaire using closed-ended questions, we offered a list of answers that will be checked or chosen by the respondent. Close-ended questionnaires are not limited two alternative replies of true or false from which the subjects choose the one that matched the appropriate answer. Further, close-ended questionnaires facilitate easy tabulation and orderly treatment of data. The questionnaires are more convenient and provide fairly straightforward information relatively useful for the solutions of the problem posed. It also served as an aid for deliberate and immediate

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                  tallying because of the limitation of time for the prescribed duration of the research investigation.

b.     Interview – Interview is an effective means to accumulate some information and facts that are based from authorized individuals and experiential knowledge. Accordingly, Saunders and colleagues (2009) believed that this fact is significant since the very nature of any interview should be consistent with the research question or objective, the purpose of the research, and the research strategy that is being considered. The information gathered from the interviewee were directly quoted or adapted to support the initial observations of the researcher. Analysis and discussion of findings were incorporated to both literatures and facts obtained from the survey. Using the theories and principles of marine education, the researcher came up with his discussions, conclusion and recommendations as a product of empirical interpretation and analysis.

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Sources of Data

            The sources of data used in this research activity are classified into primary and secondary.

a.              Primary Data – The primary data is obtained from the result of the survey conducted involving 120 students from both courses identified. The students and products of the survey conducted were the primary sources. In the survey questionnaire, questions are asked directly using simple and easy to understand statements. The respondents are asked to check the most preferred choice from the variety of choices presented.

b.           Secondary Data – On the other hand, secondary data collection method is literature review. Relevant journals/textbooks and other publicly accessed documents are used. The said literatures are obtained using library and internet research. Specifically, a wide variety of literatures covering the period from 1990s up to the present will be used. The literatures relates to the following key words: marine engineering, marine transportation, marine education, factors that affect enrollment, enrollees, and similarly related terms. We conducted a thorough critical review of the literatures that are personally selected. Related concepts and theories are reviewed from various literatures. This is to ensure that the claims and findings of this research study are supported by legitimate sources.

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Chapter 4

FINDINGS OF THE STUDY

             The notable findings that serve as answers to the key questions of this study are hereby enumerated below:

1.1 Age, Sex, Civil status of a seafarers

              As to their age, most of the student’s ranges from 30 to 45 years old were 10 to 20 percent but there was 80 to 90 percent who was less than 25 years age; 15 to 17 percent were married while 85 to 95 percent are single; there were 10 percent females which were less than the males.

1.2 Educational Attainment

            As gleaned from the findings 40 to 50 percent of the seafarers had completed the academic requirements for bachelor’s degree while 80 to 90 percent had completed the academic requirements for associate’s degree.

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1.3 Apprenticeship Training Participated In

           Some of the graduated student that was 20 to 30 percent had not passed the apprenticeship training while most of the graduated student was 70 to 80 percent had passed the apprenticeship.

1.4 Numbers of Years in School

            Seventy to 80 percent of the students had been finishing their studies in 3 years while there were only 10 percent who had been finish the studies for 4 to 5 years.

1.5 Performance Rating

            The finding revealed that only 20 to 30 percent of the students got a Very Satisfactory rating for the school year 2008 – 2009 while 40 to 50 percent got an outstanding rating.

1.6 Controlling

          

             The findings presented by the study was that the students practices relative to controlling and foremost among them was measuring result by requiring co-students to submit reports and rewarding with a highly performing class in maritime industry. The average rating was implemented.

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Chapter 5

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

                 In this final chapter, the summary, conclusion and recommendations are presented. The problem, the null hypothesis, the research methodology and instrument, the research locale and participants are condensed in the summary portion. The conclusions furnish resolution to the key question of the research while the recommendation expound prospective concrete measures how to apply the findings for the solution of the issues and concerns involved in the delicate task of maneuvering a ship and for the further improvement of the level and the quality of the seafarers. The descriptive method of the research was employed using a self-made questionnaire based on the topic. Maintaining the premier position of Filipino seafarers poses a difficult challenge to face as the emerging competitors from other continents are making their own way up the maritime status ladder. The Philippine government could not be complacent and contented with the present share of sea-based labor of some 16% but will need to strive to capture more and increase in number. There is still room for improving competence and employability of Filipino compatriots. Should the government will go the extra mile to keep them abreast with fast paced technological innovations and advances in shipping. And to make these things more possible, studying the enrolment trends of the maritime courses in the country is of great help.

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SUMMARY

             The study determined the declination of the maritime engineering from our country since 2006. By being aware of these factors that affect the enrolment conditions, the readers of this research will be able to validate their existing preconceptions by linking such with the results and findings of the study. The identified factors in the enrolment procedures of Marine Engineering and Marine Transportation students will encourage school-related individuals, particularly the school administrators, and people in general to identify the trends on maritime education today. Moreover, researchers, scholars, experts, and educators can gain from this study, as they find the connection between how they have to design their curriculum and what the actual needs of the maritime students are as well as the emerging sophisticated process evident in the maritime education and maritime industry in general. In that way, they would be able to make immediate changes, if necessary, or continued improvement of their maritime programs, through further studies. Also, this study would benefit future researchers in the field of maritime education and maritime industry or the social sciences in general since it depicts the future of the maritime education and maritime industry as whole and its varying effects to many sectors of society.

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              Finally, to the researcher, this study will increase the knowledge that is innate to himself. The interests that he posses in relation to maritime education and its applications, particularly in being a world-class seafarer will flourish as he continue to explore the adventurous and challenging world of maritime education. From this research study, the researcher will be able to contribute to the existing body of knowledge within the limits of his academic environment through the study’s results and findings. Additionally, the development in his personality in relation to professionalism and work ethics will also be cultivated throughout the duration of the research. All in all, this endeavor will make the researcher a better person and an able professional in his chosen profession. 

CONCLUSION

             On the basis of this research, it is safe to conclude that there is still a chance of improvement in declining the marine education in our country. As to realization of this problem in the maritime industry that was less realize. With the improvement of this declination of the marine engineering in our country these aspects will be all fully realized. Basing on the states above, the maritime education – its history and further development – vary from time to time. It was also noticed that most literatures on marine education are focused on general education as well as professional subjects imperative to the overall learning experiences of students and to the teaching of instructors.

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RECOMMENDATIONS

             Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendation are herby formulated:

             1.       The marine engineering students are encouraged to study hard to continue their professional studies to enable to finish their bachelor’s degree which is very required abroad.

             2.       That the instructor should provide good teaching in order the students have gained knowledge on each subject.

             3.        That the maritime college department whose management is to planning, organizing, and controlling which are not as significantly related or relevant to the maritime education are encouraged to redirect their program to the goals of maritime industry authority.

             4.        That the maritime students in our country encourage joining action programs and school plans to guide them. Moreover based on this research the maritime department in each school can give the needed assistance to each student particularly in making them relevant to the government and maritime industry. This includes the improvement on curriculum and integration of latest technological innovations in the maritime education and training of student.

  

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WORK CITED