Status, Applications, and Prospects of AI in Maritime Education: Basis for Curriculum Planning

Abstract This study investigated the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in maritime higher education institutions (MHEIs) in Region III, Philippines. Guided by five research questions, it examined the demographic profile of instructors, the status of AI integration, its applications in teaching, the challenges encountered, and the future prospects envisioned by faculty. A descriptive research design was employed, using a validated survey instrument administered to 50 maritime faculty members. Descriptive statistics, frequency distributions, weighted means, and thematic coding of open-ended responses were used in data analysis. Findings revealed that while simulation-based AI tools were the most widely used, adoption remained uneven across instructional domains. AI was strongly applied in simulation and skill development, followed by content delivery and assessment. The major challenges identified included a lack of training, infrastructure limitations, and ethical concerns. Faculty members were optimistic about AI’s prospects but emphasized the importance of continuous training, simulator investment, and clear institutional policies. The study concluded with recommendations for faculty development, curriculum alignment, and institutional support to enable responsible AI integration in maritime education.