Abstract

The study focused on determining the adaptability of Filipino seafarers towards the prolonged onboard period during the Covid-19 pandemic. A total of 81 Filipino seafarers were selected as respondents using purposive sampling technique. The study employed descriptive-comparative design. Frequency and percentage, weighted mean, T-test, and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used to determine the adaptability of Filipino seafarers who have experienced prolonged periods at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. The study used the three variables, cognitive, behavioral, and emotional adaptability, of Creative Adaptability theory by Hod Orkibi which served as the primary basis of the research instrument of the study. It was shown that the respondents agree on having such adaptability onboard. Moreover, it was shown in the results that there are both significance and non-significance when it comes to the grouping of respondents based on their profile. Thus, the study proves that even in the face of adversity such as the Covid-19 pandemic and prolonged periods, Filipino seafarers are shown to be highly adaptable.

Keywords: adaptability, seafarers, onboard, pandemic

 

References

Abila, S. S., & Acejo, I. L. (2021). Mental health of Filipino seafarers and its implications for seafarers’ education. International Maritime Health. 72(3), 183–192.

Ayanyemi, T. (2021). Descriptive research designs: Types, examples & methods. Formplus. https://www.formpl.us/blog/descriptive-research

Bateman, S. (2020, July 8). Costly Cargo: The plight of seafarers in a pandemic. Lowy Institute. Retrieved June 25, 2022, from https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/costly-cargo-plight-seafarers-pandemic

Burke, S., Pierce, L.G. & Salas, E. (2006). Understanding Adaptability: A Prerequisite for Effective Performance within Complex Environments, Advances in Human Performance and Cognitive Engineering Research, 6(8). https://doi.org/10.1016/S1479-3601(05)06010-8

Cruz, R. (2021). Still preferred! Maritime Veterans explains why Filipinos are still not. 1. The Manila Times. Retrieved June 21, 2022, from https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/06/25/supplements/still-preferred/1804511

Global Maritime Forum (2021). The Neptune Declaration on Seafarer Wellbeing and Crew Change. Retrieved June 25, 2022, from https://www.globalmaritimeforum.org/content/2020/12/The-Neptune-Declaration-onSeafarer-Wellbeing-and-Crew-Change.pdf.

International Maritime Organization. (n.d.). Frequently asked questions about how COVID-19 is impacting seafarers. Retrieved June 12, 2022, from https://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/HotTopics/Pages/FAQ-on-crew-changes-and-repatriation-of-seafarers.aspx

Kunal Pathak (2020, April). Seafarers in a time of pandemic – strategies for maintaining and improving mental well-being. Gard. Retrieved June 19, 2022, from https://www.gard.no/web/updates/content/29575007/seafarers-in-a-time-of-pandemic-strategies-for-maintaining-and-improving-mental-wellbeing

Lucas, D., Jego, C., Jensen, O.C., Loddé, B., Pougnet, R., Dewitte, J.D., Sauvage, T., & Jegaden, D. (2021). Seafarers’ mental health in the COVID-19 era: lost at sea? Int Marit Health. 2021;72(2):138-141. doi: 10.5603/IMH.2021.0023.

Maritime Labour Convention. Paragraph 2 (b) and (c), Standard A2.5, Regulation 2.5. International Maritime Organization. Retrieved June 18, 2022 from https://www.edumaritime.net/mlc-2006/mlc-regulation-2-5-seafarer-repatriation-requirements

Maritime Safety Committee. Resolution MSC.473 (ES.2). International Maritime Organization. Retrieved June 18, 2022 from https://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/HotTopics/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx

Martin, A. J., Nejad, H. G., Colmar, S., & Liem, G. A. D. (2013). Adaptability: How students’ responses to uncertainty and novelty predict their academic and non-academic outcomes. Journal of Educational Psychology, 105(3), 728–746. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0032794

Orkibi, H. (2021). Creative Adaptability: Conceptual Framework, Measurement, and Outcomes in Times of Crisis. Frontiers. Retrieved June 18, 2022, from https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.588172/full

Pauksztat, B. (2020). Seafarers’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Maritime Commons: Digital Repository of the World Maritime University. Retrieved June 21, 2022, from https://commons.wmu.se/lib_reports/67/

Pauksztat, B., Grech, M. R., & Kitada, M. (2022). The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on seafarers’ mental health and chronic fatigue: Beneficial effects of onboard peer support, external support, and Internet access. Marine Policy, 137, 104942. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2021.104942

Sarinas B. (2022). Mental Health of Filipino Seafarers: The Contributory Factors and the Strategies Applied Onboard Ship. TransNav. Retrieved June 21, 2022,from https://www.transnav.eu/Article_Mental_Health_of_Filipino_Sarinas,61,1204.html

Simbulan, C. (2020). S.E.A.F.A.R.E.R. Global Maritime Forum. Retrieved June 14, 2022, from https://www.globalmaritimeforum.org/news/s-e-a-f-a-r-e-r

Slišković, A. (2020). Seafarers’ well-being in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study. IOS Press. Work 67 (2020), 799–809. DOI:10.3233/WOR-203333

Tarrazona, N. (2017, June 12). India, Philippines Compete for Global Share of Seafarers. The Maritime Executive. Retrieved June 25, 2022, from https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/india-philippines-compete-for-global-share-of-seafarers#:~:text=Of%20the%201%2C647%2C500%20seafarers%20working,%2C%20India%2C%20Indonesia%20and%20Russia.

Tibco. (n.d.). What is Analysis of Variance (ANOVA)? TIBCO Software. Retrieved June 25, 2022, from https://www.tibco.com/reference-center/what-is-analysis-of-variance-anova#:%7E:text=Analysis%20of%20Variance%20(ANOVA)%20is,the%20means%20of%20different%20groups.

Vowels LM, Francois-Walcott RRR, Carnelley KB, Checksfield EL. (2022). Adapting to change: How has COVID-19 affected people’s work and personal goals? PLOS One. 17(2):e0262195. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0262195

Whiting, K. (2020, June 19). Stuck at sea: How to save the world’s seafarers and the supply systems they support. World Economic Forum. Retrieved June 17, 2022, from https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/06/shipping-seafarers-covid-19-mental-health-supplysystems/?fbclid=IwAR1PpccaG0OoT-fsJVcSyeLYkKzTYfEjU5CHWiwH89rsO5VXEl_xs3_MUMI

Williams, C. (2007). Research Methods. Journal of Business & Economic Research, 5(3), 65-72.