introduction of an input-output approach to the operation of electronic
equipment, a facilitation of celestial navigation by hand-held computers and an increased
emphasis on automation. The black box approach to important subjects in MET syllabuses has
led to a stronger emphasis on data interpretation and evaluation. The amount of data has
increased.
In summary, the increased use of advanced technology in the maritime
sector has resulted in a shift of requirements from physical to psychophysical and
psychological ones. It has also resulted in a facilitation of communication and has helped
shipping companies to adapt to requirements in a global market.
At the same time, the traditional shipowner is disappearing and being
replaced by a rather anonymous financing of shipping.
MET variations
MET exists in the forms of maritime education and training, MET, and
maritime training, MT.
Occasionally exists the form Maritime Education, ME, as a further
development of MET without the requirement of acquiring sea time for a certificate of
competency. ME graduates are provided with the opportunity to obtain a certificate of
competency although this is not an integral part of their education.
MT is required for meeting the requirements of STCW 95. It provides a
shipboard- confined syllabus that - because of the Convention and for the benefit of
safety, environment protection and efficiency - has to be extended from knowledge-based to
competence-based.
MT with an additional element of "E", Education, has to cover
the MT syllabus but also requirements for an academic degree. It prepares students for
increased professional mobility. MET provides for a ship-shore syllabus. MET requires
higher entry standards in general education than MT.
MT trains for taking a ship from A to B; MET does this too, but also
provides the graduate with the opportunity to take himself form ship to shore for
employment in the maritime industry. MT "ties" people to ships, MET
"ties" people to the maritime industry. MT provides for professional mobility
between ships, MET for professional mobility between ships and the shore.
Shipping companies need MT or MET graduates, most of them tend to
prefer the former. National economies should be interested in MET graduates, the more so
if taxpayers finance their studies. Those leaving the ships for the shore - and this is a
fact that has to be taken into account - offer a better return of investment in their
education and training if they would have no difficulties to find a job in the maritime
