Global Standards in Vocational Education: Compliance on Ethical Standards in Vocational Sectors Aligned to Globalization

Abstract

This study aims to analyse the hegemony of global standards in vocational education, particularly within the Fishing Vessel Nautical Expertise Program at State Vocational School 5, Balikpapan. The globalisation of the maritime and fisheries sector has compelled vocational institutions to align their curricula and learning practices with international frameworks such as the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel (STCW-F). Employing a qualitative case study design, data were collected through in-depth interviews with eight teachers and ten students, participant observations of classroom and field learning activities, and an analysis of five key curriculum and policy documents. Data were analysed using the interactive model of data analysis and interpreted through the lens of Gramsci’s hegemony theory and Teacher Agency Theory to understand how global standards are negotiated at the local level. The findings reveal that the STCW-F standards significantly shape the school’s curriculum structure, learning orientation, and competency certification system, positioning global regulations as a dominant reference point. However, the study also uncovers adaptive strategies by teachers and students, who integrate local maritime knowledge and contextual practices to address facility limitations and economic barriers. One key finding shows that collaborative partnerships with local fishing industries serve as an effective mechanism for balancing international requirements with local capacities. These results demonstrate that the hegemony of global standards operates not merely through compliance but through negotiated adaptation, offering both opportunities for quality enhancement and challenges in maintaining contextual relevance. The study contributes to the development of more responsive and sustainable policies in maritime vocational education.