Speaking Performance Among Maritime Students

Abstract

This study focused on the speaking performance of maritime students at Jose Rizal Memorial State University-College of Maritime Education during Academic Year 2025–2026. Specifically, the study assessed the students’ oral communication skills in terms of fluency, grammatical accuracy and range, content, vocabulary, and pronunciation. These components were considered essential indicators of effective speaking performance in maritime education, where English communication plays a significant role in classroom discussions, simulations, oral presentations, and future shipboard operations. A quantitative descriptive research design was employed in the study to determine the current level of speaking performance among maritime students. A standardized speaking performance rubric was utilized to evaluate the respondents’ oral communication competence objectively and consistently. The study emphasized the importance of effective English communication in preparing maritime students for the communication demands of the global maritime industry, where clarity, accuracy, and confidence in speaking are necessary for safety, coordination, and professional interaction. The findings of the study served as basis for developing communication enhancement activities, instructional interventions, and language support programs intended to improve the oral communication competence of maritime students. Furthermore, the results may provide valuable insights for language instructors and university administrators in designing strategies that strengthen students’ speaking proficiency and overall communicative effectiveness in maritime education and training.