1

CHAPTER I

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE

This chapter presents the conceptual framework, statement of the problem, scope and

limitation, and significance of the study. It also presents the definitions of terms prevalent in this

study.

1.1 Introduction

Navigation has been defined as a process of directing the movement of a ship from one point

of the earth to the other via a shortest, convenient route that is consistent with safety. Simply stated,

the shortest route may not always be convenient and safe or the most convenient and safest route

may not always be the shortest. This means that a ship has to be navigated across a body of water

that is safe for the vessel to pass through (Watkins, 1984). Navigation is based largely on the

spherical coordinate’s latitude -angular distance north or south of the equator - and longitude -

angular distance east or west of a generally accepted reference location, such as the Greenwich

Observatory. Finding longitude requires comparing local time, measured by a heavenly body, with

the local time at a reference location, kept by a clock. Mechanical time-pieces existed in the

Elizabethan era, but until the late eighteenth century they had to be corrected frequently by sun

sightings and were therefore almost useless aboard ship. Measuring latitude, on the other hand,

does not require an accurate time-piece. Refinement of instruments enabled sixteenth-century

mariners to determine latitude with reasonable accuracy. Latitude was therefore extremely

important to Elizabethan navigation (Olivia Isil, 2015).

 2

Gone are the days when a ship navigation officer had to take help of unconventional ways to

plan and navigate a voyage at sea. Today, a ship officer has myriad of marine navigation equipment

which makes his life a lot simpler, thanks to the advancement in technology. Moreover, present

day seafarers are trained so as to know the functioning and operation of all modern day

navigational equipment that have made the journey at sea smoother and safer. With modern day

facilities and automation, a ship today has several advanced navigation equipment systems which

give accurate data for the voyage (KaranC, 2016). Thus, every crew on board a vessel must know

the importance of useful navigational equipment onboard a vessel (Abario et al., 2012-2013).

According to the American Association for the Advancement of Science, young people can

learn most readily about things that are tangible and directly accessible to their senses—visual,

auditory, tactile, and kinesthetic. Thus, it is very important that in teaching, 2nd Year Maritime

students should be well exposed to the equipment and that they should also understand the use and

importance of navigational equipment to do their activities effectively and perhaps, for future

applications such as apprenticeship.

Navigational Equipment has been provided by the school for the enhancement of students’

learning. Thus, in this study, the researchers will try to determine how the students see for

themselves with the navigational equipment in supporting their learning capabilities and their

attitude towards their respective uses.

1.2 Conceptual Framework of the Study

This study aims to understand and examine the importance of Navigational Equipment to

the Learning Activities of the 2nd Year Maritime Students. The diagram below shows the

schematic diagram of the study.

 3

Figure 1. Schematic Diagram of the Study

1.3 Statement of the Problem

The overall purpose of this study is to identify the Importance of the Navigational

Equipment to the Learning Activities of the 2nd Year Maritime Students and how it contributes to

the Learning effectiveness of the students as well as its effects on their performance. Specifically,

this study aims to answer the following questions:

1. What is the demographic profile of the respondents in terms of:

1.1 Age; and

1.2 Gender?

2. To what extent do the respondents use of navigational equipment to be important?

3. To what extent do the respondents use of navigational equipment to be effective on their

learning abilities?
 4

4. What are the problems encountered by the respondents in using the navigational

equipment?

5. Based on the findings of the study, what action plan can be formulated?

1.4 Significance of the Study

The study aims on determining the importance of navigational equipment in the learning

activities of the 2nd Year Maritime students is very important because it provides knowledge and

understanding on the effectiveness of using navigational equipment both in the teaching and in the

learning stages. This study is beneficial to the following:

1.4.1 Lyceum of Iligan Foundation (LIF). As one of the institutions in Iligan City that

caters maritime education, this study will be a big contribution in this constitution such that, it will

give light to the present disposition of BSMT students, particularly the 3rd Year, on their

knowledge and background on navigational equipment and its importance in their learning

activities.

1.4.2 Dean of the College of Maritime Education. As the administrator who is

responsible for the efficient conduct and integration of plans for the educational program of the

college, the findings of this study will serve as a basis on redesigning orientation program on the

importance of navigational equipment to the learning activities of the students.

 5

1.4.3 College of Maritime Education Faculty. With the vital role of teachers in the

maritime education, this study can help them on how to teach their students effectively within a

limited period of time.

1.4.4 BS Marine Transportation Students. This study will enlighten the BSMT

students’, particularly the 3rd Years’ awareness on the navigational equipment and its importance

in their learning activities. It will also provide them the knowledge of how to use it appropriately

and at the same time, it will help them develop their skills in navigating.

1.4.5 Laboratory In-Charge. This study will give him additional information as in charge

of the laboratory equipment and activities of the students in terms of assistance. It will also improve

his awareness on the importance of the laboratory equipment to the learning activities of the second

year Maritime students, enabling him to support on the needed materials or equipment requested

by the students.

1.4.6 Future Researchers. Results and findings of this research will be beneficial to the

aspiring researchers. Findings and recommendations generated from this study will help them

broaden and advanced their research approaches and strategies on the importance of navigational

equipment to the learning activities of the students in Lyceum of Iligan Foundation.

 6

1.5 Scope and Limitations of the Study

This study focuses only to BS Marine Transportation Students of Lyceum of Iligan

Foundation specifically the 2nd Year students enrolled in the academic year 2017-2018. The

parameter of the study solely will cover in determining the perception and attitude of the

sophomore Maritime students on the use of navigational equipment and the importance of these

equipment as well as its effects on their performance. Other matters not stated hereto are beyond

the scopes of the study.

1.6 Definition of Terms

This part will discuss and explain some terminologies that are used in the study for better

understanding.

Learning Activities. This refers to activities designed or deployed by the teacher to bring

about, or create the conditions for learning (New Learning Online, 2015).

Navigation. This refers to the art or science of determining the ship’s or aircraft and/or

directing the movement of a ship or aircraft from one position to another (DLSU-ROTC files,

2017).

Navigational Equipment. This refers to the instruments used by nautical navigators and

pilots as tools of their trade. The purpose of navigation is to ascertain the present position and to

determine the speed, direction etc. to arrive at the port or point of destination (Wikipedia, 2017).
 7

Ship. This refers to a large ocean going vessel. It is a sailing vessel that uses wind power

or steam power or other manmade energy sources, rigged in such a manner that will allow it to sail

and be controlled. It is also a floating vessel that transports cargo in order to earn revenue

(Manaadiar, 2017).