The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has announced the implementation of a new maritime curriculum starting from the next academic year, according to the chairperson’s statement on Thursday.
CHED chairperson Prospero De Vera III stated during the Laging Handa public briefing, “We will be using a new curriculum this coming school year as it was included in our report to EMSA [European Maritime Safety Agency] during the scrutiny of non-compliance issues. The need for a revised curriculum was also observed by EMSA.”
De Vera further explained that a workshop was conducted earlier this year, involving the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), CHED, and maritime schools, resulting in the development of the new curriculum.
To address the potential impact on students, De Vera assured that a catch-up plan has already been devised for those affected by the changes. He emphasized, “The implementation will commence in the current school year since it was also included in our compliance report to EMSA.”
Additionally, CHED has entered into a contract with the Center for Educational Management to create an assessment exam for maritime schools to utilize in evaluating applicants for their programs. De Vera shared,
“We have engaged them to design an assessment test. This will allow interested schools to effectively assess the quality of students applying for their maritime programs.”
De Vera concluded by stating, “The implementation of the new curriculum is scheduled for the next school year, alongside the introduction of an assessment test for incoming maritime students. This is in accordance with EMSA’s requirements.”
(ai/mnm)
