Policy on the Reforms and Improvements of Maritime Education in China

Zhaolin WU
Dalian Maritime University,
1 Linghai Road, Dalian 116026, PR China
Email : wuzl@dlmu.edu.cn

Abstract

This paper provides an overview of the current status of maritime education in China and discusses the reforms and improvements of Chinese maritime education for the future. The author also discusses further possible reforms in the administration of MET in China; given the opportunity of administrative system changes in MET institutions, the Chinese maritime education system shall meet the demands of national economic development and international shipping. Some critical issues are here presented in depth, including the key role the Chinese government plays in maritime education, optimizing the utilization of resources in maritime education, the MET administrative system, funds and financing, the training of MET instructors, on board and simulator training for students, regimental management of students and enrollment and employment of students.

1. Introduction

Urgent necessity requires that the policy of reform and improvement of Chinese MET shall be undertaken and adopted. Our economic development needs the support of maritime transport. Statistics indicated that in 2000 85% of Chinese foreign trade was conducted through ocean shipping. Thus as one of the major means, maritime transportation continues to play an essential role in the process of China¹s emerging into economic globalization.

The core of the shipping industry, as in other industries, is its qualified professionals, and the responsibility of training and educating maritime professionals rests with MET institutions. These have made great contributions to the shipping industry in the last 50 years or so. The Chinese MET has made great achievements through efforts over several generations, and has ensured the provision of qualified manpower to the maritime industry in China. With our entrance into the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the acceleration of economic globalization, Chinese MET will need, in order to be in a better competing position, to adjust and adapt to the trends of development in both the international shipping industry as a whole and in its manpower market in particular.

2. Maritime Education and Training in China

The overall regulatory control of the shipping industry in respect of safety and environment protection in China lies with the Ministry of Communications (MOC). The Ministry's responsibility for ensuring compliance with all the national and international maritime regulations is achieved through the Bureau of Maritime Safety Administration (BMSA). The regulatory functions pertaining to maritime education and training (MET) are controlled jointly by the MOC and the BMSA.

2.1 The Organization and Functioning of Chinese MET

The authority for implementation of international maritime conventions, including the provisions of STCW 95, rests with the BMSA. The organizational chart shows the relationship of the MET system and maritime administration.

Figure 1. Chart of MET Organization in China

2.2 MET Institutions in China

Chinese MET has a concrete foundation. China is one of the major MET countries, there being five maritime universities and colleges for the higher degree levels nationwide, 18 vocational/technical colleges and 43 maritime training centers. At present, about 4,000 academic staff are involved in conducting maritime education and training of which more than half are professors, associate professors and lecturers. Some of these academics hold COCs with practical sea experience. More and more investment is being made on the updating of training facilities, simulators and real equipment for hands-on training.

These higher level institutions are Dalian Maritime University (DMU), Shanghai Maritime University (SMU), Jimei University (Maritime College), Wuhan Polytechnic University (Marine and Inland Water College), Ningbo University (Marine College). Among the five MET universities, only Dalian Maritime University is directly under the Ministry of Communications; two others are subordinated to the Ministry of Education and the remainder, to local governments.

2.3 MET Systems in China

Two types of systems for MET exist: Higher Maritime Education and Vocational Maritime Education. The first is at university level, a four year course leading to a degree; the second is a vocational education type. The students educated and trained through either system can obtain the highest certificate of competence (COC) for officers, i.e. Master or Chief Engineer COC.

The entry to different levels is based on the grades obtained by students in the National College Entrance Examination (NCEE) governing university admissions. Students with higher grades are admitted to universities while the others pursue MET at vocational institutions.

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