Preliminary evidence on gamified learning to improve competency in Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCP) in Malaysian maritime education

Abstract

This study presents the results of a feasibility study on the use of gamified learning to improve competency in Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCP) in a two-day practical course at two Vessel Traffic Service centers in Malaysia. The Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCP) have been used mandatorily in ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore radio communication since November 2001, and, as the working language of merchant ships, have contributed significantly to reducing miscommunication at sea. 10 vessel traffic service operators from 2 vessel traffic centers in Melaka and Johor Darul Takzim participated in this feasibility study, which used gamified learning interventions to enhance their competency in SMCP. Via gamified learning, respondents were trained to effectively memorize and use 100 SMCP in their professional duties, which involve communicating with merchant vessels operating within their areas of operation. The results of this study, which used pre- and post-test techniques, revealed that all respondents recorded significant improvement in post-test scores, supporting the effectiveness of the gamified learning method used in the experiment. Furthermore, the paired-sample t-test also confirmed a significant difference between the pre- and post-test scores. The finding enriches knowledge of SMCP teaching and learning and offers a new way to deliver effective training. It benefits maritime educators seeking additional trainee engagement methods within teaching-learning-assessment approaches for STCW (International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for seafarers) courses.