Evaluating Vietnamese seafarer's competence: an empirical research from a multi-criteria approach

This research aims at assessing the competence of Vietnamese seafarers who work on international merchant vessels. We use a multi-criteria approach to develop a conceptual framework for evaluating seafarer's competence with three main criteria groups (i.e., professional capacity, interpersonal skills, and working attitude) and 10 sub-criteria. We then apply this framework to assess the competence of Vietnamese seafarers based on an empirical research conducted in Hai Phong city. Data was collected through a survey of 96 valid respondents from three main stakeholder groups, i.e. shipping companies, training centers, and experienced seafarers. Statistical analysis was carried out to validate the proposed framework and to define the strength and weaknesses of Vietnamese seafarers. We also define the difference among stakeholder groups' opinions, pointing out the gap in competence expectation between the industry and the seafarers themselves. Recommendations for improving Vietnamese seafarer's competence were given accordingly, followed by the discussion of the academic and managerial implications and the limitations of the paper.