A Study on Improving the Training Course for Coastal Merchant Ships Deck Officers : Focusing on Ocean Polytech

The shortage and aging of seafarers in Korea’s coastal shipping industry have prompted the government to expand the Ocean Polytech program for 5th-grade deck officer training. However, limited research has been conducted on the effectiveness of the current curriculum. This study reviews the training provided by the Korea Institute of Maritime and Fisheries Technology(KIMFT) in light of international standards such as the STCW Convention and Korea’s National Competency Standards(NCS). The analysis identifies issues, Including insufficient training hours, a lack of practical experience, and a disconnect between curriculum content and industry needs. To address these challenges, the study proposes improvements such as restructuring the curriculum and enhancing alignment with global standards, with the aim of improving training quality and supporting the sustainable development of the coastal shipping workforce.