Cadet’s Proficiency in Engine Watchkeeping Course Using Engine Simulator

Abstract

The engine simulator is the state-of-the-art learning tool that replicates the actual engine system and machinery operations onboard the ship and is considered the best alternative to train and assess the competence of maritime cadets in maritime higher education institutions. This descriptive study aimed to evaluate the cadet's proficiency in the engine watchkeeping course using an engine simulator. The respondents of the study were 208 third-year cadets taking up the Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering program at the University of Antique for the academic year 2023-2024. The researcher-made instrument was adopted based on the engine watchkeeping course syllabus approved by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), a single maritime administration in the Philippines aligned with the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) Convention. The statistical tools were mean, frequency, and percentage for descriptive analysis; Kruskal-Wallis H test for the independent samples. The study found that the majority of the cadets can handle familiar ship conditions and seek assistance on difficult ship conditions using an engine simulator as an evaluation tool in the engine watchkeeping course, from cold ship operation to their own supply, harbor condition operation to ready for departure, and constant speed operation, respectively. Recommendations are made to improve the cadets’ proficiency on engine-related operations using an engine simulator.