Posted: March 5th, 2024

Maritime English

Maritime English is a form of English that is used for communication in the maritime industry. It is based on the Standard Maritime Communication Phrases (SMCP) developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to ensure safety, efficiency and integrity of the crew and the ship. Maritime English covers social, technical and everyday matters on board a vessel, as well as ship to ship and ship to shore communication. It uses a limited and controlled vocabulary, specific terms for positions and directions, and message markers to indicate the intention, request or question of the speaker. Maritime English also follows certain rules of grammar, style and pronunciation to avoid ambiguity and confusion.

In this essay, I will discuss the main purpose, examples and benefits of Maritime English, as well as some of the challenges and solutions for learning and teaching it. I will also provide some suggestions for improving one’s proficiency in Maritime English.

The main purpose of Maritime English is to facilitate clear and effective communication among seafarers of different nationalities and backgrounds. Communication is vital for the smooth operation of daily tasks, such as navigation, cargo handling, maintenance and management. It is also crucial for the prevention and response to emergencies, such as fire, collision, piracy or pollution. According to a study by Rothblum (2000), human error was a contributing factor in 84% of maritime accidents, and poor communication was one of the main causes of human error. Therefore, having a common language that everyone on board can understand and use is essential for reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring the safety of the crew, the ship and the environment.

Some examples of Maritime English terms are:

– Bow/fore: front of ship
– Stern/aft: propeller region
– Midship: region between the bow and stern
– Port: left hand side of vessel
– Starboard: right hand side of vessel
– Decks: ship levels
– Keel: base of ship
– Bridge: where captains/officers operate

Some examples of message markers are:

– INTENTION: indicating the next action to take
– REQUEST: asking for something to be done or provided
– QUESTION: seeking information or confirmation
– ANSWER: responding to a question
– ADVICE: giving a suggestion or recommendation
– WARNING: alerting about a potential danger or problem
– INFORMATION: providing facts or data

Some examples of phrases using message markers are:

– INTENTION I am going to change course to starboard.
– REQUEST Please lower the anchor.
– QUESTION What is your position?
– ANSWER My position is 35 degrees north, 12 degrees east.
– ADVICE You should check the engine oil level.
– WARNING There is a storm approaching from the south.
– INFORMATION The cargo weight is 500 tons.

The benefits of Maritime English are manifold. First, it enhances the efficiency and quality of work by enabling seafarers to perform their duties with accuracy and speed. Second, it fosters teamwork and cooperation by creating a sense of mutual understanding and respect among crew members. Third, it promotes professional development by allowing seafarers to access training opportunities, career advancement and international recognition. Fourth, it enriches personal growth by exposing seafarers to different cultures, perspectives and experiences.

However, learning and teaching Maritime English also poses some challenges. One challenge is the diversity of learners’ backgrounds, levels and needs. Seafarers come from various countries, have different educational qualifications and work in different sectors and ranks. Therefore, they may have different motivations, expectations and goals for learning Maritime English. Another challenge is the availability and quality of resources, materials and methods. Seafarers may not have access to adequate facilities, equipment or instructors on board or ashore. They may also lack appropriate textbooks, software or online platforms that cater to their specific needs. Moreover, they may face difficulties in finding time, space or opportunities to practice their skills in authentic situations.

To overcome these challenges, some solutions can be suggested. One solution is to adopt a learner-centered approach that takes into account the learners’ interests, preferences and objectives. This can be done by conducting a needs analysis, designing a curriculum based on learning outcomes, providing feedback and evaluation, and encouraging learner autonomy and self-assessment. Another solution is to use a variety of resources, materials and methods that suit the learners’ levels and needs. This can be done by selecting relevant topics, texts and tasks that reflect real-life scenarios, using multimedia tools and interactive activities that stimulate interest and engagement, and applying communicative techniques and strategies that enhance fluency and accuracy.

To improve one’s proficiency in Maritime English, some suggestions can be offered. One suggestion is to read extensively on maritime topics from various sources, such as books, magazines, newspapers or websites. This can help expand one’s vocabulary, knowledge and awareness of maritime issues. Another suggestion is to listen actively to maritime broadcasts, podcasts, videos or conversations. This can help improve one’s listening comprehension, pronunciation and intonation of maritime terms and phrases. A third suggestion is to speak frequently with other seafarers, instructors or native speakers. This can help practice one’s speaking skills, express one’s ideas and opinions, and receive feedback and correction. A fourth suggestion is to write regularly on maritime topics using different genres, such as reports, emails, logs or essays. This can help develop one’s writing skills, organize one’s thoughts and arguments, and use appropriate grammar, style and format.

In conclusion, Maritime English is a vital skill for any seafarer who wants to work effectively and safely in the maritime industry. It serves various functions, such as ship to ship, ship to shore and internal communication. It uses specific terms, phrases and rules that avoid ambiguity and confusion. It also brings many benefits, such as efficiency, teamwork, professional development and personal growth. However, it also faces some challenges, such as diversity of learners, availability and quality of resources, and lack of practice opportunities. Therefore, some solutions and suggestions can be implemented to overcome these challenges and improve one’s proficiency in Maritime English.

Bibliography

– International Maritime Organization (IMO). (2001). Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCP). London: IMO.
– Marine Society. (2020). Maritime English: An Introductory Guide. Retrieved from https://www.marine-society.org/posts/maritime-english-a-introductory-guide
– Marine Insight. (2021). What is Maritime English and Why It Is Important? Retrieved from https://www.marineinsight.com/life-at-sea/what-is-maritime-english-and-why-it-is-important/
– SeaRates. (2020). What Is Maritime English and Why Do You Need It. Retrieved from https://www.searates.com/blog/post/what-is-maritime-english-and-why-do-you-need-it
– Rothblum, A.M. (2000). Human Error and Marine Safety. U.S. Coast Guard Research & Development Center.