Exploring Maritime Students' Readiness on Digitalized Navigational Bridge

This phenomenological study explores maritime cadets’ first experience operating a digital navigation bridge during shipboard training. Interviews and reflection journals reveal that, despite prior simulator practice, many struggle to apply their knowledge due to limited exposure to advanced digital equipment. Cadets must quickly adapt to complex systems, high performance demands, and the vessel’s fast tempo, relying on senior mentorship, observation, and hands‑on practice to cope. Findings underscore the need for more immersive simulations and updated instructional tools to better prepare cadets for modern maritime operations, and call for future research on how sustained digital exposure shapes their professional readiness.