ABSTRACT: Experiential learning is fundamental to maritime education because it enables cadets to translate classroom knowledge into practical shipboard competencies essential for safe navigation and professional practice. This study examined changes in navigational knowledge and professional attitudes following onboard navigational training aboard M/V Capt. John B. Lacson among third-year Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation (BSMT) students. A quasi-experimental one-group pretest–posttest design was employed involving 40 third-year BSMT students during Academic Year 2025–2026. Data were collected using two validated instruments: a 30-item achievement test measuring navigational knowledge and a 30-item attitude questionnaire assessing students’ attitudes toward onboard navigational training. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired-samples t-test, mean-gain analysis, and Cohen’s d, while qualitative responses were examined through thematic analysis. Results showed that navigational knowledge increased from a pretest mean of 13.00 (SD = 2.19) to a posttest mean of 25.00 (SD = 1.43), representing a mean gain of 12.00 points and a very large effect size (d = 4.45), with the difference being statistically significant, t(39) = −28.155, p < .001. Students’ attitudes likewise increased from a pretest mean of 3.14 (SD = 0.50), interpreted as High, to a posttest mean of 3.60 (SD = 0.30), interpreted as Very High, with a mean gain of 0.46 and a large effect size (d = 0.79), t(39) = −5.019, p < .001. Thematic analysis further revealed three key themes: integration of theoretical knowledge and practical application, development of confidence and professional readiness, and enhanced safety awareness and teamwork. These findings provide empirical evidence of substantial improvements in students’ navigational knowledge and positive changes in their professional attitudes following structured onboard navigational training, while the qualitative findings suggest perceived gains in confidence, readiness, safety awareness, and teamwork. The study highlights the value of authentic shipboard experiences in competency-based maritime education and supports integrating experiential learning into maritime curricula to develop competent, safety-conscious, and industry-ready seafarers.

KEYWORDS: Safety of Navigation, Ship Handling, Maritime Education and Training (MET), Bridge Resource Management (BRM), Maritime Navigation Training, Human Factors and Crew Resource Management, STCW Implementation and Maritime Policy, Electronic Navigational Charts and ECS/ECDIS Systems

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