This paper aimed to determine the maritime students' readiness to cope with the abrupt paradigm shift from face-to-face to online learning for the first time in maritime education amidst the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. It utilized a descriptive-normative approach where incoming 2nd year and 3rd-year maritime students were the respondents. Data gathering was online using a survey questionnaire in Google Forms. Participation was limited while everybody was under the community lockdowns for safety and health reasons. Internet connectivity was also a limiting factor. Statistical tools used were frequency count and percentage. The study showed a majority or 7 of 10 among maritime students were not ready to cope with the paradigm shift on the basis of not having a computer of their own for school works; no internet connectivity at home; no access to internet shops; and personal wellbeing. Almost 3 of 5 of them preferred face-to-face learning. A catch-up framework in maritime education was proposed to address problems relative to the opening of SY 2020-2021 by delaying it to January 2021. Lecture-based subjects were scheduled in the early part while laboratory requiring the use of simulator in the later part of every curriculum year. This will ensure the acquisition of competencies through actual engagement in simulator operation among students. The catch-up framework gives the maritime students opportunities to graduate within the prescribed period of their curriculum despite the outbreak of COVID-19. The government, school authorities, parents, and faculty members also benefit from this framework once adapted.