The Impact of Bridge Simulator-Based Contextual Learning on Competence Enhancement in Maritime Vocational Education

Bridge Simulator is a simulation of a ship platform equipped with a simulation of ship navigation equipment in the form of an integrated computer network. This study aims to explore the influence of the use of bridge simulators as a contextual learning medium on the improvement of the competencies of prospective seafarers and to find out what competencies have experienced the most significant improvement before using the bridge simulator and after utilizing the bridge simulator. This research is quantitative with a descriptive approach. Data were collected based on observations and written tests. Observations were made during learning using a bridge simulator. The written test is carried out during the pre-test and post-test. The study results show that a bridge simulator as a contextual learning medium is very influential in improving the competence of prospective seafarer students. The competency that has experienced a very high increase after learning with the bridge simulator is the ability of students to determine the position of the ship using earth-based objects by taking into account the tides, wind, and ship speed. However, some students need assistance so that all competencies can be archived.