Enhancing maritime education for ocean sustainability: A multidisciplinary approach

Abstract

This research critically explores maritime education’s role in fostering ocean sustainability and preparing seafarer students to tackle environmental challenges. It highlights the importance of marine science and technology literacy and proposes innovative solutions aligned with ocean health, resilience, and global climate change mitigation. Through qualitative descriptive analysis of select research papers, this study offers insights beneficial to the maritime industry and environmental conservation. The findings stress the need for curriculum enhancements, advocating for integrating marine science subjects and advanced technologies in maritime education. Proficiency in marine science and technology literacy is crucial for students to become competent professionals and responsible stewards of the marine environment. Green shipping practices, eco-friendly vessel design, and environmental bio-monitoring are identified as transformative opportunities for the industry, requiring support from policymakers and stakeholders in line with international emissions reduction agreements. Integrating marine eco-biology education into maritime curricula empowers students to actively engage in marine biodiversity conservation. This interdisciplinary approach bridges theory and practice, offering a sustainable future for our oceans through collaboration between educational institutions, industry stakeholders, policymakers, and researchers.