Toward a Global Standard MET System - An Analysis of the Strengths and Weaknesses of Present MET Systems

D. Zec, P. Komadina, B. Pritchard
Rijeka College of Maritime Studies, Rijeka, CROATIA

Abstract

The primary consequence of the globalisation of international shipping industry is harmonization enforced through the STCW 95 certification systems established in different countries. However, after several years of its application, beside many positive effects the legal and educational framework enforced by the STCW 95 convention also shows a number of drawbacks.

In this paper the consequences of the application of the STCW 95 convention on the organisation of the MET institutions are examined. Particular attention is paid to the effectiveness, strengths and weaknesses of the traditional, more academic MET systems in comparison with the more vocationally oriented system of maritime education and training. Conclusions are based on the recent experience of MET institutions in Croatia where MET institutions were recently forced, by government decision, to abandon academic approach and to apply "pure" vocational system.

Finally, assuming that present trends toward further harmonization and standardization will be maintained, the papers presents an outline of a possible future global standard MET system with particular reference to MET institutions.