Training or education? 

In recent months, the emerging school of thought on having the requirements of the International Convention on the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) implemented through training instead of incorporating these in the higher education programs has caught the attention of stakeholders each providing inputs to the debate according to their respective perspective.

Proponents of the shorter training track speak of easing the waiting time for students for them to go onboard and gain shipboard experience after which they can go back to complete the classroom/lecture requirements interspersed with sitting for the qualifying examination for certification purposes. This track is considered short of a baccalaureate degree although for purposes of certification as required by the STCW Convention imparting operational skills is the focus of the training.