To meet the rising global demand for Filipino seafarers, Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna (Mapúa MCL) said it is ushering innovation into maritime education in the country by integrating advanced technology into its curriculum and training programs.

This is to ensure that the next generation of Filipino seafarers, highly sought-after members of the global maritime workforce, are equipped for the demands of the modern maritime industry, Mapua MCL said in a statement.

High global demand for Filipino seafarers 

A recent report from a maritime travel and logistics company showed that the global demand for Filipino seafarers remains high and growing, projecting a 5 to 7 percent annual growth demand over the next 12 to 18 months amid global shipping, cruise, and offshore expansion.

Mapúa MCL continues to innovate its curriculum to meet the fast-evolving needs of the industry by integrating digitalization, advanced simulators, and equipment critical to maritime education.

Captain Armando Ternida, Dean of the Mapúa-Philippine Transmarine Carriers Inc. College of Maritime Education and Training (Mapúa-PTC CMET), shared the latest innovations at the institution.

Tradition of excellence

“The Mapúa tradition of excellence in technology is at the core of Mapúa-PTC CMET’s maritime education. We use outcome-based learning, advanced simulators, and digital tools to prepare cadets for the modern maritime world,” Capt. Ternida said.

“With digitalization and modernization, we have integrated updated simulators, like the bridge simulator, engine room simulator as well as the trim and stability simulator for cargo handling. And, of course, we have the digital competency tracking that’s aligned with the latest maritime technologies. These particular advanced simulators provide hands-on training to our students as they demonstrate real-world processes, systems, and scenarios that replicate the work environment onboard the ship,” the dean of Mapúa-PTC CMET added.

He said these developments are aligned with the Marcos government’s plan to boost its efforts in enhancing maritime education and training in the Philippines. 

Key reforms being implemented are the National Merchant Marine Aptitude Test, designed to assess the foundational skills of prospective students; the Maritime Industry Authority’s ladderized education and training program; and the expansion of onboard training opportunities for Filipino seafarers.

Established in 2008 through Mapúa MCL’s collaboration with the Philippine Transmarine Carriers Inc. (PTC), a leading global crew management company for maritime services, Mapúa-PTC CMET currently offers bachelor’s degrees in Marine Engineering and Marine Transportation.

With the partnership, Mapúa-PTC CMET combines academic excellence and industry relevance through its global collaborations, giving students unmatched international exposure before they even graduate. 

Belgian Maritime Inspectorate audit

Mapúa-PTC CMET is audited annually by the Belgian Maritime Inspectorate (BMI), which monitors compliance with international shipping legislations, ensuring the quality of education delivery meets the globally recognized standards for training and certification of seafarers developed by the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers.