A critical analysis of the characteristics of and problems experienced by the students in the electronic navigation systems (fisherman) course and the implications for future study / by Edward Dale Snyders.

Abstract

Electronic navigation systems (ENS) have undergone phenomenal growth and development since the Second World War and there is every indication that it will continue to do so for as long as the threat of war prevails. A positive effect in this rapidly developing science, has been its application commercially, especially in aeronautical systems. To the ENS (Fisherman) course students of the Training Centre for Seamen (TCS), a technical college based in Cape Town, the advent of these modern navigation aids (navaids) made a marked impact on their, previously, simple existence and certain problems with regard to their training became evident. An empirical study, by means of a questionnaire, was thus undertaken in order to identify and possibly solve problems experienced by these students during both the sea-going and college-based phases. Specific areas investigated included, * academic, vocational and socio-economic background * language competency * lack of on-board exposure to instrumentation within junior ranks and * large age differences as well as differing levels of experience and competency in the same class group. In a bid to seek possible solutions, a comparative study was made of similar courses offered by institutions both locally, viz. the Cape Technikon and the South African Navy and abroad, viz. Australia, Denmark, Germany, United Kingdom and United States of America. Structured interviews were also held with ENS (Fisherman) course lecturers, representatives of ship owners and the South African Department of Transport officials to test their opinions with regard to the existing ENS training structures and the associated problems identified. Based on the information obtained in this study, conclusions and recommendations on the following have been made, viz. * Formulation of a new maritime training dispensation for South Africa * In-house training facilities * Academic background of students * Living and working conditions on-board * Heterogenous composition of ENS (Fisherman) class * Amalgamation of existing ENS training resources * On-board training programmes * Formal teaching qualifications * Marketing careers at sea and * Research in maritime education and training