<< Objectives >>The project aims to develop one new Model Course, designed in the format of the IMO-STCW (International Maritime Organization - International Convention on Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) able to allow trainers to make a wide use of simulation and active teaching methods using the ultimate web tools and resources in order to perform effective teaching actions that could fit both lessons with physical presence of trainees and distance learning.<< Implementation >>The project include four stages: the first one consists in benchmarking good practices about the application of simulation and other active teaching methods, analysing new digital tools and identifying possible fields of application, the second one is the most productive and consists in developing a new Model Course involving the use of the agreed methods; this model will then be tested in the third stage and eventually the results will be analysed and the product disseminated in the fourth one.<< Results >>The expected results are represented by the new Model Course and the recording of a global interest in that products to be demonstrated by other stakeholders from other schools, also in other countries, reached during the dissemination stage. In the testing stage it will be particular important to record a global achievement of the learning outcomes of each course on the part of the learners because this would be the most genuine demonstration of the effectiveness of the project's output.

The vocational education in the maritime field is regulated by the International Maritime Organisation IMO’s International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW). The Convention aims to universal regulation of maritime education, qualifications and watchkeeping – at least in reaching the minimum requirements. There are, however, major differences between different countries (and VET institutes) on the syllabus level in the contents and structure of maritime VET. MariePRO - Promoting Maritime ECVET Actions project is to provid valuable tools and background for the use of VET institutes on their way to defining a common syllabus structure and content on the European level. MariePRO has examined the differences between VET institutes in the partner countries, organized workshops for maritime VET actors in the partner countries to discuss implementation of ECVET, produced a Catalogue of Best Practices on ECVET implementation, and an example syllabus on marine environmental awareness according to the STCW provisions. A Survey report on syllabus differences between maritime VET institutions in partner countries: Finland, Germany, Italy, Malta and the UK was drafted during the first phases of the project. The report presents the MariePRO project findings on transnational comparisons in VET/MET based on desktop surveys, discussions and conclusions of workshops for MET actors in the partner countries, as well as the results of an interview questionnaire for maritime VET actors in different countries. The areas examined include: the overall framework of MET, i.e., maritime institutes and training programmes as well as curricula of maritime institutes (incl. responsibilities & processes of planning), and other aspects relevant to maritime education and training, i.e., process of certification to become an officer, onboard training practices, e.g., who issues and who assesses the certificate. These aspects were examined against the national framework of education (incl. traditions & beliefs) and the VET structures and practices of the individual countries. The summary report concludes with the views of MET actors on the need for and their visions of harmonised maritime education and training. MariePRO dissemination seminars/workshops for maritime VET teachers were arranged in all the partner countries, as well as an international dissemination seminar in Finland at the end. The dissemination events provided the target groups, VET institutions, teachers and other relevant actors within VET/maritime education and training, with possibilities to change views and participate and contribute to the outputs of the project. MariePRO has provided the target groups, (maritime) VET actors, with tools and preparedness to take actual steps towards implementing ECVET in their everyday activities. The Catalogue of Best Practices on ECVET implementation shows different ways that ECVET is being applied across sectors and countries in the EU. Whereas, the example syllabus on marine environmental awareness, paving the way for harmonization of syllabus contents in practice, can be used as everyday tool in syllabus planning and teaching in MET institutes. The example syllabus provides a course outline as an instrument to implement a MET course on environment awareness, taking into account all maritime environment legislation. The course offers two options, a 2-day programme as a refresher course for the seafarers who have gone through the IMO course and are familiar with most of the updates; and a 5-day programme for incorporation into cadet education and training programme. The broader aims of the project include promoting to student exchange between VET institutions on common-European and international level. Promoting to these aims, the Catalogue of Best Practices on ECVET implementation provides showcases of different, innovative and effective approaches on ECVET implementation for other institutions to learn from. Examples of documentation tools such as Memorandum of Understanding and Learning Agreement are also provided. Whereas, the example syllabus on marine environmental awareness stands as a concrete example on syllabus contents harmonisation, based on international STCW regulations. The impacts of the project at local and regional level have been initiated by target group interviews and questionnaires, as well as dissemination events that have focused on topical issues in each particular country/area. The MariePRO partner consortium included universities, vocational training institutes and MET actors from Finland, Germany, Italy, Malta and the UK. The partners involved in the project included Centre for Factories of the Future (UK), ITTL Nautico San Giorgio (IT), Mediterranean Maritime Research and Training Centre (MT), University of Bremen, Institute Technology and Education (DE), and University of Turku, Centre for Maritime Studies (FI).