DIVERSE CULTURAL SAFETY DYNAMICS: EXPERIENCES OF FILIPINO SEAFARER ON INTERNATIONAL VESSELS
Keywords:
Multicultural Crews, Maritime Safety, Intercultural Communication, Filipino Seafarers, Cultural Diversity at Sea, Shipboard Safety CultureAbstract
This study explored the diverse culture experiences of Filipino seafarers onboard international seagoing vessels. Specifically, the study delved into the experiences of the informant on the diverse culture when onboard international seagoing vessels and on how they with the challenges encountered on the diverse culture when onboard international vessels. This study utilized transcendental phenomenology to explore the lived experiences of Filipino seafarers aboard multicultural international vessels. The research focused on understanding these experiences without delving into the reasons behind them, allowing participants' perceptions and cultural encounters to emerge naturally. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with ten experienced seafarers from the Cebu Reliable and Excellent Seafarers Training Center (CREST), ensuring rich insights. The interviews explored participants' experiences at sea and their coping mechanisms. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis method, identifying key themes that reflected the participants' shared experiences. Ethical considerations, including informed consent, confidentiality, and voluntary participation, were strictly upheld throughout the process. The research ensured trustworthiness through credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability, emphasizing reflexivity to minimize researcher bias. This study come up with eleven emergent themes from the narratives of the informants. For the positive experiences of the informants, the emergent themes are: 1) Personal Growth and Cultural Appreciation, 2) Positive Work Environment and Teamwork, and 3) Professional Development and Recognition; For the negative experiences of the informants, the emergent themes are 1) Frustrations with Cultural Misunderstandings, 2) Challenging Work Environment and Conflict, and 3) Barriers to Professional Growth and Recognition; and For the strategies of the informants in coping the challenges they encountered onboard international vessels, the emergent themes are: 1) Navigating Interpersonal Relationships, 2) Teamwork and Collaboration, 3) Commitment to Responsibility and Effective Communication in the Workplace, 4) Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity, and 5) Support Systems and Resources.
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