Posted: February 26th, 2023

The impact of maritime English communication training for non-native English language speakers concerning the competency of seafarers

The impact of maritime English communication training for non-native English language speakers concerning the competency of seafarers

Maritime English is a form of English that is used for communication among seafarers and maritime professionals, regardless of their native language. It is essential for ensuring safety, efficiency and cooperation at sea and in port. However, many non-native English speakers face challenges in learning and using maritime English, especially when it comes to specific terminology, pronunciation and grammar. Therefore, maritime English communication training is an important aspect of maritime education and training (MET) that aims to improve the linguistic and communicative skills of seafarers.

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of maritime English communication training for non-native English language speakers concerning the competency of seafarers, with a focus on the Iraqi maritime sector as a case study. The paper will address the following research questions:

– What are the current standards and requirements for maritime English communication training for non-native speakers?
– What are the main challenges and difficulties faced by non-native speakers in learning and using maritime English?
– How can maritime English communication training be improved and tailored to meet the needs and expectations of non-native speakers?
– What are the benefits and outcomes of maritime English communication training for non-native speakers in terms of enhancing their competency and performance as seafarers?

To answer these questions, the paper will adopt a mixed-methods approach that combines quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis. The paper will use both primary and secondary sources of data, including:

– A literature review of relevant publications on maritime English, MET, communication skills, language learning and teaching, and the Iraqi maritime sector.
– A survey questionnaire distributed to a sample of Iraqi seafarers who have undergone maritime English communication training, to assess their level of satisfaction, motivation, confidence and improvement in using maritime English.
– A series of semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders involved in maritime English communication training, such as MET instructors, examiners, employers and regulators, to gain their insights, opinions and recommendations on the current situation and future prospects of maritime English communication training for non-native speakers.

The paper will use descriptive and inferential statistics to analyze the quantitative data from the survey questionnaire, and thematic analysis to identify the main themes and patterns from the qualitative data from the interviews. The paper will also use triangulation to compare and contrast the findings from different sources of data and ensure their validity and reliability.

The paper expects to find that maritime English communication training for non-native speakers has a positive impact on their competency as seafarers, as it enhances their knowledge, skills and attitudes in using maritime English for various purposes and contexts. However, the paper also expects to find that there are some gaps and limitations in the current provision and delivery of maritime English communication training for non-native speakers, such as:

– Lack of alignment between the international standards (such as IMO Model Course 3.17) and the national curriculum and assessment system for maritime English communication training.
– Lack of adequate resources, facilities and technology to support maritime English communication training.
– Lack of qualified and experienced MET instructors who can teach maritime English effectively and appropriately to non-native speakers.
– Lack of feedback, evaluation and follow-up mechanisms to monitor and measure the progress and outcomes of maritime English communication training.
– Lack of awareness, recognition and appreciation of the importance and value of maritime English communication training among seafarers, employers and regulators.

The paper will propose some recommendations to address these gaps and limitations, such as:

– Developing a national framework for maritime English communication training that is aligned with the international standards and reflects the needs and expectations of the Iraqi maritime sector.
– Providing more resources, facilities and technology to support maritime English communication training, such as online platforms, multimedia materials, simulators and interactive tools.
– Enhancing the professional development of MET instructors who teach maritime English, by offering them more training opportunities, mentoring programs, peer observation schemes and incentives.
– Implementing more feedback, evaluation and follow-up mechanisms to monitor and measure the progress and outcomes of maritime English communication training, such as portfolios, self-assessment tools, tests and certificates.
– Raising more awareness, recognition and appreciation of the importance and value of maritime English communication training among seafarers, employers and regulators, by organizing more campaigns, workshops, seminars and conferences.

The paper hopes to contribute to the existing literature on maritime English communication training for non-native speakers by providing an empirical study on its impact on the competency of seafarers. The paper also hopes to inform and influence the policy-making
and practice of MET in Iraq by offering some practical suggestions for improving
and enhancing maritime English communication training for non-native speakers.

Bibliography

Ahmed HJ. ‘The impact of maritime english communication training for non-native english language speakers concerning the competency of seafarers : Iraqi maritime sector case study’ (World Maritime University 2013) accessed 26 October 2023.

Cole C. ‘Communicating with Nonnative Speakers’ (Carnegie Mellon University) accessed 26 October 2023.

Martide. ‘What is Maritime English, Seaspeak & SMCP?’ (Martide, 14 July 2022) accessed 26 October 2023.

UCL. ‘Leadership Communication in English for Non-Native English Speakers research essay writers’ (UCL, 30 November 2022) accessed 26 October 2023.

World Maritime University. ‘The impact of maritime English communication training for non-native English language speakers concerning the competency of seafarers : Iraqi maritime sector case study’ (World Maritime University) accessed 26 October 2023.