Navigating Identity and Professionalism: Cultural Integration in Maritime Competency Development for Internationally-Crewed Vessels

Abstract

This research investigates how Indonesian maritime cultural values influence crew cohesion, safety culture, and professional competency development aboard internationally-crewed vessels operating in global shipping networks. Through focus group discussions with four former seafarers, four senior maritime lecturers, and two veteran shipping officers, this study examines the challenges emerging deck, engine, and port management officers face when transitioning from Indonesian maritime cultural contexts to international maritime norms and operational expectations. The research identifies critical gaps in maritime education regarding cultural intelligence development and explores how maritime institutions can embed intercultural competency into technical skill development. Findings reveal that while maritime cadets demonstrate strong technical proficiency, explicit cultivation of cultural awareness and intercultural communication capabilities remains absent from formal curricula. The study demonstrates that cultural competency directly impacts crew safety outcomes, operational efficiency, and cadet retention in international maritime careers. Research results provide evidence-based recommendations for curriculum innovation integrating cultural intelligence development with technical maritime training, positioning maritime institutions as leaders in preparing globally-competitive maritime professionals capable of navigating multicultural seafaring environments while maintaining professional standards and safety excellence.

Keywords : maritime professionalism; cultural identity; intercultural competency; crew cohesion; cadet development; seafaring culture; safety culture