AN ASSESSMENT OF NEEDS AND CONCERNS OF MARITIME STUDENTS: AN IMPLICATION ON COUNSELING AND COUNSELORS’ APPROACHES IN PROGRAM DELIVERY AND RESPONSIVENESS

Maritime programs are often dominated by males and their activities are generally different from females. These students must be properly guided and supervised by the department head and guidance personnel to keep them stay on focus with their studies and activities, which are part of their academic, career, and personal/social growth. This domain is part of the National Standards that provide a framework for developing the content and writing of a school counseling program and are the foundation for the ASCA National Model (2003). The nine National Standards, three in each area of academic, career, and personal/social development are considered the essential foundation for the content for school counseling programs (Campbell & Dahir, 1997). This study determined the needs and concerns of the maritime students among MHEI’s in the city and their gender preference for the counselor. Descriptive research survey consisted of one hundred forty-four (144) maritime students, and focused group discussion (FGD) were utilized and in eight (8) maritime students were interviewed. Results from the study revealed that Maritime students who prefer female counselor are mostly male, young adult, the first year in the tertiary level, identified as poor in socio-economic class, and studying at Maritime School-A. Maritime students needed counseling in their personal/social needs and concerns particularly in developing positive attitudes towards self when it comes to self-knowledge. Maritime students are not also neglecting academic needs and concerns. In fact, in terms of relating their school to life experiences, they seek help for recognizing how school success and academic achievement enhance a future career. Meanwhile, for career needs and concerns, counseling is needed. Maritime students encountered different issues and challenges in their program. Positive affect is the effect and for them to cope up and handle their issues and concerns they become optimistic, and faced the challenges. A proposed Comprehensive Guidance Program and Guidance curriculum should be evaluated further and implemented among the Maritime institutions to respond to the needs and concerns of the Maritime students.