Maritime English for navigational watch officers: Textbook development
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33175/mtr.2026.289095Keywords:
Maritime English; Maritime pedagogy; Navigational watch officer; Textbook development; Vocational higher educationAbstract
This study addresses the lack of a dedicated Maritime English textbook for Navigational Watch Officers that is aligned with international maritime standards. The purpose of this research is to develop such a textbook and evaluate its validity, practicality, and effectiveness, guided by the Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation model. The analysis phase identified a clear need for a curriculum and for lecturer and students’ workplace communication. In the Design phase, the textbook framework was aligned with IMO Model Course 3.17 and STCW requirements. During Development, three experts validated the textbook, and the results indicated strong content, media, and language validity (Aiken’s V ≥ 0.84). The textbook was implemented in a field trial with 80 Nautical Study Program students from Batch IX at Politeknik Pelayaran Sumatera Barat in two randomly assigned classes (experimental vs. control). Practicality was rated as “very practical” by students (80.65 %) and lecturers (87.0 %), suggesting that the textbook is clear, usable, and suitable for classroom instruction. For learning outcomes, ANCOVA showed that the experimental class outperformed the control class after controlling for pretest scores, and the adjusted mean of experimental class was higher than the control class. Pairwise comparisons also showed a significant difference in posttest scores in favor of the experimental class. Educationally, this indicates that the textbook successfully promotes practical, duty-specific Maritime English communication. However, because this trial was limited in duration and scope, these results serve as strong indicators of success rather than conclusive proof of long-term value. Future research should examine sustained use in broader settings.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cite this article:
APA Style:
Riyadi, S., Mashartanto, A. A., Widiatmaja, A., Siska, S. Y., Yanti, M., & Erliyani, D. (2026). Maritime English for navigational watch officers: Textbook development. Maritime Technology and Research, 8(4), 289095. https://doi.org/10.33175/mtr.2026.289095
MDPI Style:
Riyadi, S.; Mashartanto, A. A.; Widiatmaja, A.; Siska, S. Y.; Yanti, M.; Erliyani, D. Maritime English for navigational watch officers: Textbook development. Marit. Technol. Res. 2026, 8, 289095. https://doi.org/10.33175/mtr.2026.289095
Vancouver Style:
Riyadi S, Mashartanto AA, Widiatmaja A, Siska SY, Yanti M, Erliyani D. (2026). Maritime English for navigational watch officers: Textbook development. Marit. Technol. Res. 8(4):289095. https://doi.org/10.33175/mtr.2026.289095
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Highlights
- This study developed a standards-aligned Maritime English textbook for navigational watch officers by using systematic ADDIE model.
- The maritime English textbook has integrated IMO Model Course 3.17, SMCP, and STCW into authentic bridge communication tasks.
- The textbook has structured units around real-world navigational scenarios and task-based language practice.
- This study has demonstrated high validity and practicality based on expert, lecturer, and students evaluation.
- The research has shown that textbook-supported instruction has greater gains than conventional instruction.
References
Arslan, A., & Akturan, A. (2026). From efficiency to resilience: Strategic shifts in maritime organizations through digitalization, ESG, and human capital (2018 - 2025). Maritime Technology and Research, 8(2), 283716. https://doi.org/10.33175/mtr.2026.283716
Banaszek, A., & Lisaj, A. (2025). The support decision system for establish radio communications in distress situations for masters of touristic yachts travelling around the Wallace’s line sea area. Procedia Computer Science, 270, 192–202. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procs.2025.09.138
Belabyad, M., Kontovas, C., Pyne, R., & Chang, C. (2026). Skills and competencies for operating maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS): A systematic review and bibliometric analysis. Maritime Policy & Management, 53(1), 1-6. https://doi.org/10.1080/03088839.2025.2475177
Burg, J., & Bram, S. (2024). Safety on automated passenger ships: Exploration of evacuation scenarios for coastal vessels. Maritime Transport Research, 6(6), 100110. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.martra.2024.100110
Chan, J. P., Pazouki, K., Norman, R., & Golightly, D. (2025). Investigating the impact of seafarer training in the autonomous shipping era. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 13(4), 818. https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13040818
Dewan, M. H., Ahmed Mustafi, M. A., Matos, F., & Godina, R. (2024). Exploring seafarers’ knowledge, understanding, and proficiency in SEEMP: A strategic training framework for enhancing seafarers’ competence in energy-efficient ship operations. Heliyon, 10(17), e36505. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e36505
Ekse, E. B., Giskeødegård, M. F., Sellberg, C., & Wahl, A. M. (2025). Zooming in and out: Multidimensional coordination work through simulation-based training. Studies in Continuing Education. https://doi.org/10.1080/0158037X.2025.2550289
Fan, S., Fairclough, S., Khalique, A., Bury, A., & Yang, Z. (2025). Towards advanced decision-making support for shipping safety: A functional connectivity analysis. Transportation Research Part E, 193(11), 103861. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tre.2024.103861
Fan, S., Shi, K., Weng, J., & Yang, Z. (2025). Letting losses be lessons: Human-machine cooperation in maritime transport. Reliability Engineering and System Safety, 253(6), 110547. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ress.2024.110547
Fernando, H., & Wickramasinghe, V. (2024). Employability skills of maintenance technicians in container ports: Implications for maritime technical and vocational education and training. Maritime Technology and Research, 6(4), 269909. https://doi.org/10.33175/mtr.2024.269909
Fjeld, G. P., Tvedt, S. D., & Sætrevik, B. (2026). The distinct roles of internal and external communication in perceived risk on offshore vessels. Safety and Reliability. https://doi.org/10.1080/09617353.2026.2639115
Gabedava, G., & Hu, Y. (2025). Enhancing maritime safety through linguistic analysis: A case study of communication failures in maritime accidents. WMU Journal of Maritime Affairs, 24, 347-361. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13437-025-00371-y
Galicia, P. R. B., Maravillas, N. C., Samillano, R. M., Huera, C. A. V, & Pechuanco, F. L. M. (2024). 21st century learning skills of maritime faculty in the province of Antique, Philippines. Maritime Technology and Research, 6(4), 270545. https://doi.org/10.33175/mtr.2024.270545
Ghosh, S., Emad, G. R., & Ravi, A. (2025). Investigating the characteristics of skills and competency frameworks through a systematic literature review: a feasibility study to revise the STCW Code for seafarer training. Australian Journal of Maritime & Ocean Affairs, 17(4), 616-632. https://doi.org/10.1080/18366503.2024.2374606
Göksu, B., Şakar, C., & Yüksel, O. (2025). A probabilistic assessment of ship blackout incident with Fault Tree Analysis into (FTA) Bayesian Network (BN). Journal of Marine Engineering & Technology, 24(1), 54-69. https://doi.org/10.1080/20464177.2024.2423425
Grice, T. (2009). English for mariners. Germany: LCCTV Project Consortium.
Han, C., Abeysiriwardhane, A., Islam, R., & Chai, S. (2025). Situation awareness information requirement for marine engine room monitoring at the future shore control center. Maritime Technology and Research, 7(1), 271105. https://doi.org/10.33175/mtr.2025.271105
Han, C., Islam, R., Abeysiriwardhane, A., & Chai, S. (2024). Advancing maritime technology: Evaluating situation awareness support systems for engine room monitoring at the future shore control centre. Journal of International Maritime Safety, Environmental Affairs, and Shipping, 8(3), 2365504. https://doi.org/10.1080/25725084.2024.2365504
Haque, M. N., Jabar, M. A. B. A., & Abdullah, M. A. R. (2025). The impact of contextual lexis learning on vocabulary disambiguation in ESP students. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 12(11), 102211. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2025.102211
Hasnur, J., Siska, S. Y., & Kurniawan, M. (2026). How maritime education system shapes students’ professional mindset: Mediated by learning environment and self-directed learning. Attractive: Innovative Education Journal, 8(1), 164-179. https://doi.org/10.51278/aj.v8i1.2361
Hidayah, H., Sahraini, S., & Jufriadi, J. (2024). Bridging cultures through language : Developing english- speaking materials for multicultural education contexts. Elsya: Journal of English Language Studies, 6(3), 244-264. https://doi.org/10.31849/elsya.v6i3.21270
Hidayati, D., Widiati, U., Zen, E. L., & Ivone, F. M. (2025). Developing an LMS-based of ESP course for Islamic undergraduate students. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 11(6), 101635. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2025.101635
Hodne, P., Skåden, O. K., Alsos, O. A., Madsen, A., & Porathe, T. (2024). Conversational user interfaces for maritime autonomous surface ships. Ocean Engineering, 310(1), 118641. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oceaneng.2024.118641
Hung, T., Lin, J., & Chang, C. (2026). Influence of watchkeeping experience on workload during ship manoeuvring simulations. Ergonomics. https://doi.org/10.1080/00140139.2026.2642368
Jurkovic, V., & Satler, T. B. (2025). Advancing navigational safety: Digimar’s project focus on routine maritime communication. Transportation Research Procedia, 83, 349-356. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trpro.2025.02.046
Karahalil, M., Dreyer, L. O., Scanlan, J., Kim, T., & Lützhöft, M. (2025). Stakeholder perspectives on the comprehensive review of the IMO STCW convention and code. Australian Journal of Maritime & Ocean Affairs. https://doi.org/10.1080/18366503.2025.2589597
Keimeno, & Naytikoy. (2018). Maritime English volume 1. In Repertoire of the Practice of the Security Council: Supplement 2012-2013 (Vol. 1). Russia: Iapyma Eyreniaoy. https://doi.org/10.18356/c7830fe1-en
Khan, R. U., Yin, J., Afzaal, M., & Yang, Z. (2026). Quantitative assessment of language and cultural diversity as human reliability factors in maritime safety. Reliability Engineering and System Safety, 273(12), 112358. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ress.2026.112358
Korieshkova, S., Didenko, M., & Sybirko, O. (2024). Prospects of using electronic books when teaching Maritime English. Jurnal Pendekatan Modern Dan Teknologi Pembentukan Inovatif Kompetensi Komunikatif Bahasa Asing, 21(89), 195-200. https://doi.org/10.25264/2519-2558-2024-21(89)-195-200
Lehtimäki, M., & Teperi, A. (2026). Developing behavioural markers of high-speed workboat crews’ competencies. International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, 3548(5), 44-57. https://doi.org/10.1080/10803548.2025.2499338
Liu, J., & Ma, Q. (2025). Supporting low-proficiency L2 learners’ vocabulary learning with custom GPT-scaffolded corpus-based language pedagogy: a case study. Computer Assisted Language Learning. https://doi.org/10.1080/09588221.2025.2539152
Liu, P., Khan, R. U., Afzaal, M., Asad, M., Du, X., & Yang, Z. (2026). Studying the impact of contextual factors on language barriers in maritime safety: A structural equation modeling approach. Maritime Policy & Management. https://doi.org/10.1080/03088839.2026.2660896
Mashartanto, A. A., Pranata, W., & Siska, S. Y. (2024). Development of learning media Maritime English textbook for ratings forming. Journal of Languages and Language Teaching, 12(3), 1238. https://doi.org/10.33394/jollt.v12i3.11337
Masuwai, A., Zulkifli, H., & Hamzah, M. I. (2024). Evaluation of content validity and face validity of secondary school Islamic education teacher self-assessment instrument. Cogent Education, 11(1), 2308410. https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2024.2308410
Melani, M., Sutedja, E., Irianti, S., Herawati, D. M. D., & Pramatirta, A. Y. (2025). Development of a website-based E-module for midwifery care for neonates, infants, and toddlers: A mixed-method study. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 12(3), 101993. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2025.101993
Mohammad, A. M., Sohaimi, N. A. F. B., Menhat, M. N. S., & Ariffin, E. H. (2026). Adoption of social media as a learning technology in maritime education. Maritime Technology and Research, 8(1), 281935. https://doi.org/10.33175/mtr.2026.281935
Morariu, A., Tsvetkova, A., Hellström, M., Bolbot, V., & Virtanen, S. (2025). Investigating educational solutions in the field of autonomous shipping at Finnish Universities. Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives, 31(3), 101402. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trip.2025.101402
Nakashima, T., Kureta, R., & Khastgir, S. (2025). Addressing systemic risks in autonomous maritime navigation: A structured STPA and ODD-based methodology. Reliability Engineering and System Safety, 261(3), 111041. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ress.2025.111041
Park, M., & Lee, W. (2025). Comprehensive review of shipboard maintenance management strategies artificial intelligence. Results in Engineering, 27(6), 106671. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rineng.2025.106671
Phanphichit, T, & Bartusevičienė, I. (2025). Transfer of learning in general and simulator environments: A comprehensive systematic literature review of influencing factors. Journal of International Maritime Safety, Environmental Affairs, and Shipping, 9(3-4), 2563441. https://doi.org/10.1080/25725084.2025.2563441
Phanphichit, Thammawan, & Bartusevičienė, I. (2024). Perspectives of stakeholders on onboard training: A thematic analysis of qualitative interviews. Journal of International Maritime Safety, Environmental Affairs, and Shipping, 8(4), 2408698. https://doi.org/10.1080/25725084.2024.2408698
Pruyn, J. (2024). The use of digital games in academic maritime education: a theoretical framework and practical applications. Maritime Policy and Management, 51(4), 558-571. https://doi.org/10.1080/03088839.2023.2174608
Ridwan, A., & Ulfa, S. M. (2018). English for maritime: A supplementary material for vocational maritime school. Bangkalan: STKIP PGRI Bangkalan Press.
Sartini, S., Triyono, S., & Triastuti, A. (2025). Unveiling maritime English communication needs for seafarer: Strategic reformation for classroom instructional design. Maritime Technology and Research, 7(2), 271921. https://doi.org/10.33175/mtr.2025.271921
Siska, S. Y., Mashartanto, A. A., & Pranata, W. (2024). Maritime English for ratings forming. Medan: PT Media Penerbit Indonesia.
Siska, S. Y., Silen, A. P., & Nugraha, M. A. P. (2024). General Maritime English for sea transportation. In PT. Media Penerbit Indonesia. Medan: PT Media Penerbit Indonesia.
Symes, S., Blanco-davis, E., Fairclough, S., Yang, Z., Wang, J., & Shaw, E. (2025). An investigation of the effect of fatigue on ship engine room operators using fNIRS. Ocean Engineering, 327(3), 120352. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oceaneng.2025.120352
Türkistanli, T. T. (2024). Advanced learning methods in maritime education and training: A bibliometric analysis on the digitalization of education and modern trends. Computer Applications in Engineering Education, 32(1), e22690. https://doi.org/10.1002/cae.22690
Tusher, H. M., Munim, Z. H., & Nazir, S. (2024). An evaluation of maritime simulators from technical, instructional, and organizational perspectives: a hybrid multi-criteria decision-making approach. WMU Journal of Maritime Affairs, 23(2), 165-194. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13437-023-00318-1
Veltsin, N., Chountalas, P. T., Koutsouki, E., Karvounidi, M. D., & Fousteris, A. E. (2025). Modeling human critical success factors for maritime safety: A DEMATEL approach. Safety Science, 189(8), 106886. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2025.106886
Vlachopoulos, D., & Makri, A. (2024). A systematic literature review on authentic assessment in higher education: Best practices for the development of 21st century skills, and policy considerations. Studies in Educational Evaluation, 83(11), 101425. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stueduc.2024.101425
Yi, S., Jung, M., & Lee, S. (2025). Adapting to change: International maritime education and training for future seafarers: Focusing on the comprehensive review of the STCW convention and code of the 10th session of the IMO HTW. Journal of International Maritime Safety, Environmental Affairs, and Shipping, 9(2), 2464486. https://doi.org/10.1080/25725084.2025.2464486
Yin, J., Khan, R. U., Afzaal, M., Almalki, H. M., Khasawneh, M. A. S., & Sulaie, S. A. (2025). Quantitative risk assessment of speech acts and lexical factors in maritime communication failures and accidents. Safety Science, 191(1), 106968. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2025.106968
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
Categories
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Maritime Technology and Research

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Copyright: CC BY-NC-ND 4.0






