Disaster Management Implementation in Montenegro Shipping Lines Roll-On/Roll-Off (RoPax) Vessels Operating in the Batangas–Mindoro Route

This study assessed the disaster management implementation onboard selected Montenegro Shipping Lines Roll-On/Roll-Off (RoPax) vessels plying the Batangas–Mindoro route. Using a convergent mixed-methods design, data were collected from 35 passengers and 15 crew members through purposive sampling. A structured survey questionnaire was developed, pilot tested, and achieved high internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = .89). Ethics approval was granted by the EARIST Graduate Research Committee (2025). Quantitative data were analyzed using weighted mean, independent samples t-tests, effect sizes, and 95% confidence intervals. Qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with crew and management were thematically analyzed and integrated with quantitative findings through a joint display. Findings revealed that disaster management was generally rated as highly implemented (overall weighted mean = 4.56). However, recurring gaps were noted in the adequacy of life jackets, safety demonstrations, and passenger briefings. Crew–passenger comparisons showed a significant difference (t = 3.90, p < 0.05, Cohen’s d = 0.72), indicating moderate-to-large effect size in perception gaps. Qualitative themes highlighted operational challenges such as rushed safety briefings during peak season, poor passenger attention to drills, and insufficient crew follow-up. The study is anchored on the Disaster Management Cycle, the Risk Management Index, and the Input–Process–Output model, framed within Republic Act 10121 and the SOLAS Convention. The findings underscore the urgency of enforcing consistent safety drills, upgrading safety equipment, enhancing multilingual and interactive briefings, and aligning practices with international ferry safety standards. Recommendations are presented in phased form, including standardized safety orientation (immediate), equipment upgrades (6–12 months), IoT-enabled monitoring systems (12–18 months), and regular third-party MARINA safety audits (semi-annual). These steps ensure both compliance and practical feasibility toward reducing maritime disaster risks.