Toba College of Maritime Technology Hosts J-CREW Project's 'Experience at Sea' Program Aboard Training Ship 'Toba Maru'

Students participating in the watch with the captain of the training ship 'Toba Maru' (second from left)

Toba College of Maritime Technology (Toba City, Mie Prefecture; President: Haruo Mimura; hereinafter 'Toba College') conducted the event 'Let’s Learn About Maritime Careers! – Elementary Student Onboard Experience 2026,' hosted by the J-CREW Project 'Still in Love with the Sea,' on Tuesday, May 26, Reiwa 8 (2026). The event welcomed 34 fifth-grade students from Toba Municipal Toba Elementary School for an experiential cruise aboard the training ship 'Toba Maru.'

The J-CREW Project 'Still in Love with the Sea' aims to promote awareness of the appeal and importance of careers as overseas merchant seafarers working at sea.

On the day, lectures were delivered by active seafarers and the captain of the training ship 'Toba Maru' in an onboard classroom, where students learned about maritime professions and the roles of crew members. Following this, students toured key areas of the ship, including the engine control room, engine room, and bridge, showing keen interest in equipment typically inaccessible to the public. They also observed the ship’s docking procedure, experiencing ship operations up close. Throughout the event, students actively took notes on insights gained from seafarers and observed crew duties during navigation, significantly deepening their interest in the sea and maritime careers.

Lecture by active seafarers Students experiencing ship handling under the guidance of a 'Toba Maru' crew member (right), with the captain (center) explaining electronic navigation charts to students

Students touring the engine room Students participating in the watch alongside the captain (left)

Group photo taken with the mascot character of the J-CREW Project 'Still in Love with the Sea'

Overview | Experiential Cruise Aboard the Training Ship 'Toba Maru' by Toba Municipal Toba Elementary School

◆ Schedule

May 26, Reiwa 8 (Tuesday), 2026

◆ Location

Toba College of Maritime Technology

1-1 Ikagami-cho, Toba City, Mie Prefecture

◆ Participants

34 fifth-grade students from Toba Municipal Toba Elementary School

◆ Organizer

J-CREW Project 'Still in Love with the Sea'

https://j-crewproject.jp/

◆ Co-organizers

Ise Shimbun Co., Ltd.

Toba College of Maritime Technology

About Toba College of Maritime Technology

Toba College of Maritime Technology traces its origins to the Nautical Survey Training Institute established in Shiba Shin-Zenzo in Meiji 8 (1875). As its branch, it was founded on August 20, Meiji 14 (1881), in Toba Town, Mie Prefecture, as Toba Shosenko. It is the oldest among Japan’s five national maritime colleges. The college comprises two departments: the Department of Nautical Science, which trains seafarers, and the Department of Information and Mechanical Systems Engineering, which trains engineers. It aims to cultivate technically skilled professionals equipped with scientific thinking and advanced knowledge, capable of contributing globally and locally.

Left photo: Exterior of Toba College of Maritime Technology (rear), pier where the training ship is docked (front) Right photo: The fourth-generation training ship 'Toba Maru,' completed in March, Reiwa 7 (2025)

[School Overview]

Name: Toba College of Maritime Technology, National Institute of Technology

Address: 1-1 Ikagami-cho, Toba City, Mie Prefecture

President: Haruo Mimura

Established: 1881

Official Website: https://www.toba-cmt.ac.jp/

Business: National College of Technology, Higher Education Institution