JELTEC: Journal of English Language Teaching, Literature and Culture
Vol. 4 No. 1 (2025): JELTEC: Journal of English Language Teaching, Literature and Culture

The Role of English in Merchant Marine: The Main Course or Supplemantary Course?

Rahmat, Subhan (Unknown)
Putri, Syafiqah (Unknown)
Mutmainnah, Nafsul (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
20 Mar 2025

Abstract

This study explores the perceived role of English in maritime education at the Merchant Marine Polytechnic of Barombong, specifically questioning whether Maritime English is treated as a core or supplementary subject. Employing a quantitative approach, data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to 100 cadets. The findings reveal a strong consensus among cadets regarding the importance of English in enhancing communication skills, building professional confidence, and supporting future career opportunities in the global maritime industry. Despite this, Maritime English remains marginalized within the curriculum, often taught separately from technical subjects and allocated minimal instructional time. The study identifies a significant gap between cadets’ linguistic needs and the current pedagogical approach. The results also align with similar local research in Indonesia, indicating a national trend of underemphasizing Maritime English in seafaring education. This research concludes with a recommendation to reposition Maritime English as a main course integrated into practical and technical maritime training to better prepare cadets for international standards and global work environments.

Copyrights © 2025






Journal Info

Abbrev

tell

Publisher

Subject

Arts Humanities Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Social Sciences Other

Description

JELTEC: Journal of English Language Teaching, Literature and Culture is a peer-reviewed journal and published twice a year in the months of March and September; publishing research reports and conceptual analyses; within the fields of teaching English, English literature, culture, and linguistics. ...