Online learning for on-board training officers

We describe a Finnish project on developing a blended learning approach to training the merchant marine onboard training officers. Maritime education and training is regulated by the international maritime organization´s code on Seafarer´s training, certification and watchkeeping. Onboard training comprises one third of the deck officer and engineer studies. There have been problems in arranging training for the onboard training officers that are responsible for supervising the maritime academy students on their shipborne onboard training. A blended learning approach was applied in order to enhance the accessibility and content of the training for the onboard training officers. The combination of classroom teaching, a CD-ROM study material, a Web site and an Internet-based discussion forum turned out to be a promising method to serve these aims. However, some interesting development options still remain open for experimenting.