BS in Marine Transportation in the Philippines

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Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation (BSMT) is a four-year undergraduate degree program that leads to a professional career in the maritime industry, as a marine deck officer. Through this program, the students will be able to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge needed to accomplish their future duties and responsibilities as a marine officer and will be exposed to theories and practices in seamanship, navigation, ship business, meteorology, and marine laws.

Recommended Senior High School Strand

Students who are planning to take up BS Marine Transportation can select between Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL) as their Senior High School (SHS) strand.

Under STEM, there are three specialized subjects included in the curriculum that are maritime-related While in the TVL, there is a maritime specialization that provides a certificate that will allow them to work aboard the ship.

Subjects and Curriculum

Ship Handling and Maneuvering
Ships, Ship Routines, and Construction
Cargo Handling and Storage
Merchant Ships Search and Rescue
Deck Watch-keeping
Shipboard Personnel Management
Basic Marine Engineering
Ship Management Systems
Meteorology and Oceanography
Radio Communication
Basic Safety
Maritime Laws
Marine Pollution and Prevention

Admission Requirements

Qualifications

The student must be a high school graduate.

However, if they were not able to graduate high school, they may opt to take the Alternative Learning System (ALS) and pass the Philippine Educational Placement Test (PEPT) to qualify for college; the availability of courses for PEPT passers depend on the university.

The students must pass the College Admissions Test of the university.

Basic Requirements

Form 138 - High School Report Card (Original and Photocopy)
Recommendation letter from High school principal and guidance counselor
Most recent medical and dental health record
Copy of NSO Certified birth certificate
Certificate of Good moral character
Copy of honorable dismissal
Copy of high school diploma
(1) Latest 2”x2” ID Picture

Program Outcome

Graduates of BS in Marine Transportation are expected to be able to:

Solve problems related to the profession using mathematics, science and technology knowledge
Keep up with industry developments and engage in lifelong learning
Use modern tools and appropriate techniques to remain globally competitive in the profession
Apply research methodologies while conducting research

On-The-Job Training/Internship

During the fourth year of the program, students are required to attend an On the Job Training (OJT) in an actual ship in order to expose students to the real-life applications of the concepts and techniques that they have learned.

Students are given the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in an actual work setting. Usually, universities require them to submit a written report on their tasks, learning experiences, and hours rendered. Their work performance will also be evaluated by their immediate managers and will be submitted to their respective OJT coordinator. The number of hours required may differ in each university.

Board Exam

To become a Licensed Marine Engine Officer in the Philippines, a graduate of BS in Marine Transportation needs to choose from the Navigational Watch Licensure Examination, Chief Mate Licensure Examination, and Master Mariner Licensure Examination and pass the exam. The examination is conducted by the Board of Marine Deck and Marine Engine Officers under the supervision of the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC). Note that before taking any of the relevant licensure examinations, graduates of Marine Transportation must have an actual work experience aboard a ship, and the minimum length of service depends upon the requirements of the PRC.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of BS in Marine Transportation may pursue a career path in the marine industry. They may apply as an ordinary seaman, able seaman, boatswain, third mate, second mate, officer-in-charge of a navigational watch, merchant marine officer, maritime education and training officer, Philippine coast guard officer, or a naval officer.

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Reviews of BS in Marine Transportation graduates:

R. J.

◈ Studied BS in Marine Transportation
◈ At John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University - Arevalo
◈ Graduated 2011

Why did I choose Marine Transportation: I have chosen this course because of the probability of a good scholarship and an ensured employment.

About my college education: Marine transportation is a course for those who someday would want to be captains of a ship. Simple language would say that you will work on the deck of the ship, not with the engines.

In this course we have two major subjects namely Navigation and Seamanship. Navigation is more on calculation. We are taught how to calculate distances across the seas using different tools and formulas. We are also taught how to pinpoint your geographical location on the globe using heavenly bodies (sun, stars, moon). The rules of the road are also taught as well as the Laws of the sea in accordance to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) of the United Nations.

With Seamanship, the disciplines of a good seafarer is practiced. It is more on the behavior of the ship, cargo handling, maintenance, and maneuvering. We are taught how the ship would move on the water at different depths, how to do proper paint application, we are taught how and where to place the cargoes on the ship, and we are given techniques on how to stir the ship.

Regular students will be graduating as Associate graduates from the school and will leave the school to find their own way to the companies that will hire you as a deck cadet (trainee).

If you are persevered and had a shipping company, you will be an undergraduate student who will be on a ship on the 3rd year. There will be an allowance as you stay on a ship, this depends of course to the company you are in. You will then comeback on your fourth year to finish school and chances are, as you graduate, you will be absorbed by the company you have served with. Upon completion of the requirements then you will have acquired a BS MT diploma.

This is not an easy job. The ship and the sea requires a truck load of patience, hard work, perseverance, and courage. There are some things to do that you need to get dirty, use all your muscles and most of all your brain in analyzing situations. You need to be socially active to promote camaraderie to your work mates for every single day of you life, you will be boxed on a ship and you will see each other, work together throughout your contract.

Compared to engineering Maths, this course would look simple. But on a ship, on a multi-million dollar worth of vehicle and cargo carried that you are driving, every decision you make is worth a lot of money and the lives of your colleagues. Our subjects are complicated, but you need to know everything, health, environment, laws, physics, chemistry, math, analogy, social responsibility, etc. All because of what is at stake, life and money.

My current job: I am currently an officer trainee.

I have taken the exams for my license as a Officer in charge of a Navigational Watch. I will be learning the job of a 3rd Officer which is the maintenance of safety equipment on board, having a navigational watch and a deck watch (a watch during the loading/ unloading of cargo). If my superiors deem me worthy I will be recommended for a promotion to 3rd Officer.

Am I using what I learned in college: In great honesty, almost half of what I learned in school is rendered useless. Only the basics are learned in school: theories, origins, history, simple application. This is why the apprenticeship (OJT) is a very crucial part of your education. This is where you learn all the practicalities, new techniques, new equipment and the actual dealing with people and their different personalities.

How long did it take to find a job: Since I was a company sponsored scholar, after graduation, the office helped us financially with the board exams and absorbed us after completion of required documents for a seafarer.

Do I recommend studying Marine Transportation: Yes. If a person has a drive for success and he works hard, his chances in this industry is big. The entry on the companies will be the most difficult as to this requires patience, money and good attitude. But once you're in, the opportunities would present itself.

If you are accepted as a trainee on an internationally trading ship, you would get about php 22000 or more, depending on the company. Plus you will be visiting different places. One challenge though, "can you handle the home sickness and the waves of the sea?"

Advice to people who are thinking of studying this course: If you want to take this course, I suggest you ace the entrance exams and apply for a company sponsored scholarship, to ensure your future employment. You will need money for the additional training.

Your health should be in great standing. This course will test your will and your purpose. The job is never easy. As my teaches says, as your board your ship one of your foot is already on a grave.

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