Maritime English for navigational watch officers: Textbook development

This study addresses the lack of a dedicated Maritime English textbook for Navigational Watch Officers that is aligned with international maritime standards. The purpose of this research is to develop such a textbook and evaluate its validity, practicality, and effectiveness, guided by the Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation model. The analysis phase identified a clear need for a curriculum and for lecturer and students’ workplace communication. In the Design phase, the textbook framework was aligned with IMO Model Course 3.17 and STCW requirements. During Development, three experts validated the textbook, and the results indicated strong content, media, and language validity (Aiken’s V ≥ 0.84). The textbook was implemented in a field trial with 80 Nautical Study Program students from Batch IX at Politeknik Pelayaran Sumatera Barat in two randomly assigned classes (experimental vs. control). Practicality was rated as “very practical” by students (80.65 %) and lecturers (87.0 %), suggesting that the textbook is clear, usable, and suitable for classroom instruction. For learning outcomes, ANCOVA showed that the experimental class outperformed the control class after controlling for pretest scores, and the adjusted mean of experimental class was higher than the control class. Pairwise comparisons also showed a significant difference in posttest scores in favor of the experimental class. Educationally, this indicates that the textbook successfully promotes practical, duty-specific Maritime English communication. However, because this trial was limited in duration and scope, these results serve as strong indicators of success rather than conclusive proof of long-term value. Future research should examine sustained use in broader settings. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------Cite this article: APA Style:Riyadi, S., Mashartanto, A. A., Widiatmaja, A., Siska, S. Y., Yanti, M., & Erliyani, D. (2026). Maritime English for navigational watch officers: Textbook development. Maritime Technology and Research, 8(4), 289095. https://doi.org/10.33175/mtr.2026.289095 MDPI Style:Riyadi, S.; Mashartanto, A. A.; Widiatmaja, A.; Siska, S. Y.; Yanti, M.; Erliyani, D. Maritime English for navigational watch officers: Textbook development. Marit. Technol. Res. 2026, 8, 289095. https://doi.org/10.33175/mtr.2026.289095 Vancouver Style:Riyadi S, Mashartanto AA, Widiatmaja A, Siska SY, Yanti M, Erliyani D. (2026). Maritime English for navigational watch officers: Textbook development. Marit. Technol. Res. 8(4):289095. https://doi.org/10.33175/mtr.2026.289095 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Highlights This study developed a standards-aligned Maritime English textbook for navigational watch officers by using systematic ADDIE model. The maritime English textbook has integrated IMO Model Course 3.17, SMCP, and STCW into authentic bridge communication tasks. The textbook has structured units around real-world navigational scenarios and task-based language practice. This study has demonstrated high validity and practicality based on expert, lecturer, and students evaluation. The research has shown that textbook-supported instruction has greater gains than conventional instruction.