This course has been developed under

RoNoMar - Romanian Norwegian

Maritime Project

(2008/111922)

Supported by a grant from Norway through the

Norwegian Cooperation Programme for Economic

Growth and Sustainable Development with Romania.

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Maritime English Trainee Handbook RATIONALE

The willingness of practitioners to participate regularly in updating courses is crucial

to maintaining and enhancing their professional knowledge, competencies and skills. In order

to minimise the risk of professional incompetence being cited as the cause of marine

accidents, suitable courses must be provided in a guise, which practitioners are willing to

attend, and as a prelude to devising and providing courses, it is essential to understand how

maritime professionals perceive the role of updating courses.

Maritime English course introduces some insights into the nature and features of

Maritime English and studies the effect of those on the future Maritime English syllabus. In

this respect two approaches to the syllabus are highlighted: (a) the minimalist approach

oriented to meet the minimum requirements the STCW Convention 1978/1995 (basically

ensuring safe communication using appropriate parts of SMCP 2001), and (b) the extended

approach within which Maritime English becomes a comprehensive educational subject

within the overall Maritime Education and Training (MET) curriculum and ensures the future

holder of a maritime academic degree efficient competence in English for conducting both

sea and shore-based duties. To this end, the growing role and importance of General English

within the Maritime English syllabus is emphasised. In order to be able to study the modern

developments in Maritime English, a proposal is made for starting an international project of

compiling and maintaining a web-based corpus of Maritime English, i.e. a textual and

terminological database to be at the disposal of the students, Maritime English teachers and

subject teachers in their research, learning and teaching activities.

This course is designed primarily for Merchant Marine Seafarers (Deck and Engine)

covering the entire minimum requirements for English language set prescribed in STCW 95.

The linguistic content for the seafarers follows a multi-syllabus approach that

integrates the three language system ( grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation) with practice

of the four language communication skills ( listening, speaking, reading and writing). The

content includes all the requirement in the STCW 1995 Code regarding the tasks that

seafarers are expected to be able to carry out in English. It includes generalized maritime

topics most of which are relevant to all trainees, however, the instructor may want to adapt,

extend or supplement the maritime topics to suit the particular needs of the trainees.

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The methodology of this course is based on the principles of the Communicative

Approach to language teaching. This approach meets the requirements of STCW 1995 in that

it promotes practical, communicative competence in English.

COURSE OBJECTIVES Adequate knowledge of written and spoken English to:

- Understand charts, nautical publications, and meteorological information (deck officers)

- Read and understand technical publications (engineer officers)

- Understand messages and communications concerning the ships safety in general.

- Communicate with other ships, coast stations and multilingual crew.

- Use and understand the IMO SMCP phrases.

- Speak and write clearly as a GMDSS operator.

- Understand the importance and usage of grammatical correct Global English

- Recognize and use good sentence construction

- Recognize and avoid common grammatical errors

- Improve communicative English

- Be your own grammar coach through the process of self-editing

� To be able to convey our thoughts and feelings to others through words is one of the

greatest gifts to human kind. It is very important that we use this gift thoughtfully.

The kind of language we use makes a big impression on others and thus comes the

responsibility to speak correctly.

� To speak correctly we must focus on grammar, on proper usage of words and on

correct pronunciation.

� Grammar refers to the fundamental principles and structure of the language, including

clear and correct sentence construction and the proper forms of words.

COURSE TOPICS

- Importance of communication on board. What are expected from seafarers so far as

communications are concerned, discuss and list the communication problems they have

experienced on board.

- Identifies problems and present the recommended solutions to the problems; Question

Techniques.

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- Oral and Aural Communication; safety and risk in the work place; global trends in shipping.

- Emergency response procedures, Presentation of reports : to develop trainee’s abilities on

presentation, speaking and self-confidence, communication between the captain and the pilot,

officers talking with port state control, agents and coast guards, investigation, safety meeting,

fire drill, man overboard, prepare and brainstorm

- Discussion on TRACK (Think, Review, Attention, Concentrate and Keep up) and how to

develop self-confidence and Active Listening

- Discussion on Technical Report Writing and what it is all about,.

- Identifying errors,

- Paragraph development, Writing reports, what to write, how to write, Composition of

reports.

- Standard Marine Communication Phrases; VHF Communication Exercises, Discussion on

the causes of accidents, Exercises on Distress, Urgency and Safety Communication

Procedures, Simulation of VHF Communication, Safety Systems, Seamanship.

- Recognize and avoid common grammatical errors

- Implement grammar rules to communicate more effectively

- Facilitate skill enhancement and improvement in written and spoken communication

- Improve your conversation skills

During the presentation, trainees are evaluated based on criteria. (realism, language

application, message deliver, self-confidence and elocution).

Participants are assessed with the use of the ISF Marlin’s English Language Tests.

COURSE FRAMEWORK

The course consists of 10units, which are divided into three parts. At the end of each part (ie

after every 5 units), there is a review unit to allow trainees the opportunity to revise and

consolidate their learning to date. Instructors may also want to conduct assessments of the

trainees' progress at these points. Each of the 10 units consists of 5 areas covering language

systems, language communication skills and supplementary maritime topics.

In order for trainees to reach the required levels of competence, it is the instructor's

responsibility to ensure that trainees are proficient in all of the language systems in every

unit.

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It is vital that trainees are given sufficient time and appropriate practice to ensure genuine

competence in the use of English.

COURSE TIMETABLE

Period 1st

course 2nd Course

3rd Course

4th Course

1st period (8 Hours= 4 courses)

1 Demonstrate an understanding of the relevance of STCW95 English requirements to all seafarers; indicate awareness of and preference for language learning techniques; assess own language learning needs (1.1- 1.2)

1 Demonstrate an understanding of the relevance of STCW95 English requirements to all seafarers; indicate awareness of and preference for language learning techniques; assess own language learning needs (1.3- 1.5)

2. Describe berthing and unberthing procedures; describes stages in preparing for sea and for arrival in port (2.1-2.5)

3. Demonstrate understanding of the cultural norms of different nationalities; describe incidents that occur on shore and on board; write reports of incidents on board (3.1-3.5)

2nd period (8 Hours=4 courses)

4. Discuss aspects of safety and risk in the workplace; give warnings and advice concerning safe working practice on board; give reasons for the selection of materials, equipment and tools for maintenance and repair work (4.1-4.5)

5. Describe meteorological conditions; interpret synoptic charts and meteorological information; give navigational warnings; report damage caused by bad weather at sea; describe procedures for survival at sea (5.1-5.5)

Review 1 • Understand and use the grammar, vocabulary and phonology taught in Lessons 1-5

Review 1 • Successfully carry out tasks using combinations of the communication skills practiced in Lessons 1-5

3rd period (8 Hours= 4 courses)

6. Report recent events; describe the principles of watchkeeping and safety precautions to be observed during a watch; simulate handing over watch; predict likelihood of events occurring; produce written records (6.1-6.5)

7. Describe and explain global trends in shipping; give a presentation on the current status of seafaring locally; describe measures for ensuring vessel security (7.1-7.5)

8. Give warnings about the potential problems of marine pollution; explain MARPOL regulations regarding marine protection; describe pollution avoidance procedures (8.1-8.2)

8. Give warnings about the potential problems of marine pollution; explain MARPOL regulations regarding marine protection; describe pollution avoidance procedures (8.3-8.5)

4th period (8 Hours= 4 courses)

9. Demonstrate awareness of how cross-cultural issues can affect team work at sea; describe expected standards of work and behaviour at sea (9.1-9.5)

10. Comprehend and participate in communications by VHF radio, telephone and walkie-talkie; clarify misunderstandings in communication; take and deliver messages accurately (10.1-10.5)

Review 2 • Understand and use the grammar, vocabulary and phonology taught in Lessons 6-10

Review 2 • Successfully carry out tasks using combinations of the communication skills practiced in Lessons 6-10

Constanta Maritime University

Maritime EnglishTRAINEE’S HANDBOOK

The World of English

Describing Language

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Spoken and Written Grammar

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The Grammar of Words

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The place of English

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IMO ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

• The abilities specified in the standards of competence are grouped as appropriate under the following seven

functions:.1 Navigation

.2 Cargo handling and stowage

.3 Controlling the operation of the ship and care for persons on board

.4 Marine engineering

.5 Electrical, electronic and control engineering

.6 Maintenance and repair

.7 Radiocommunications

Levels of Responsibility

• .1 Management level

• .2 Operational level

• .3 Support level

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Definitions and clarifications I

• .1 "Standard of competence" means the level of proficiency to be achieved for the proper performance of functions on board ship in accordance with the internationally agreed criteria as set forth herein and incorporating prescribed standards or levels of knowledge, understanding and demonstrated skill;

• .2 "Management level" means the level of responsibility associated with:

.2.1 serving as master, chief mate, chief engineer officer or second engineer officer on board a seagoing ship, and

.2.2 ensuring that all functions within the designated area of responsibility are

properly performed;

Definitions and clarifications II

• .3 "Operational level" means the level of responsibility associated with:

• 1. .3.1 serving as officer in charge of a navigational or engineering watch or as designated duty engineer for periodically unmanned machinery spaces or as radio operator on board a seagoing ship, and

• 2. .3.2 maintaining direct control over the performance of all functions within the designated area of responsibility in accordance with proper procedures and under the direction of an individual serving in the management level for that area of responsibility;

• .4 "Support level" means the level of responsibility associated with performing assigned tasks, duties or responsibilities on board a seagoing ship under the direction of an individual serving in the operational or management level;

Definitions and clarifications III

• .5 "Evaluation criteria" are the entries appearing in column 4 of the "Specifications of Minimum Standards of Competence" tables in part A and provide the means for an assessor to judge whether or not a candidate can perform the related tasks, duties and responsibilities;

• .6 "Independent evaluation" means an evaluation by suitably qualified persons, independent of, or external to, the unit or activity being evaluated, to verify that the administrative and operational procedures at all levels are managed, organized, undertaken and monitored internally in order to ensure their fitness for purpose and achievement of stated objectives.

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International Maritime

Organizations

STCW / SOLAS Codes part A and B

• International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978

• Seafarers Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Code

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Seafarers' Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Code

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Seafarers' Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Code

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Language Test

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ISF Marlins English test

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SMCP

• These phrases are not intended to supplant or contradict the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea or special local rules or recommendations made by IMO concerning ship's routeing. Neither are they intended to supersede the International Code of Signals nor to supplant normal radiotelephone practice as set out in the ITU Regulations.

• It is not intended that use of the vocabulary shall be mandatory, but rather that through constant repetition in ships and in training establishments ashore, the phrases and terms used will become those normally accepted and commonplace among seamen

• In this way it is intended to become an acceptable 'language', using the English tongue, for the interchange of intelligence between individuals of all maritime nations on the many and varied occasions when precise meanings and translations are in doubt, increasingly evident under modern conditions at sea.

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SMCP

This vocabulary has been compiled:

� to assist in the greater safety of navigation and of the conduct of ships.

� to standardize the language used in communication for navigation at sea, in port-approaches, in waterways and harbours.

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New trends

New age of sail

II

Vertical ship

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MARPOL Convention

•Annex I Regulations for the Prevention of Pollution by Oil•Annex II Regulations for the Control of Pollution by Noxious Liquid Substances in Bulk •Annex III Prevention of Pollution by Harmful Substances Carried by Sea in Packaged Form•Annex IV Prevention of Pollution by Sewage from Ships •Annex V Prevention of Pollution by Garbage from Ships•Annex VI Prevention of Air Pollution from Ships (entry into force 19 May 2005)

Understand Communication Process and Barriers

MessageMessage&&

ChannelChannel

Noise

Context

FeedbackFeedback

FrameofReference

FeedforwardFeedforwardFramesofReference

Sender/Encoder

Receivers/

Decoders

Communication Principles

Be aware of your

communication

Appropriatelyadapt yourmessage to

others

Effectively use and

interpret verbalmessages

Listen and respond

thoughtfully to others

Effectively use and

interpret nonverbalmessages

Adapting to Others

• Culture and Communication

• Gender and Communication

• Barriers to Bridging Differences andAdapting to Others

• Adapting to Others Who Are Different From You

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Adapting to Others

• Seek information

• Listen and ask questions

• Tolerate ambiguity

• Develop mindfulness

– Engage in self-talk

• Become other-oriented

– Other-oriented communication

– Social decentering

– Empathy and sympathy

• Adapt to others

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Cultural Values

• Masculine and Feminine Perspectives

• Avoidance or Tolerance of Uncertainty

• Distribution of Power

• Individualism or Collectivism

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Understanding Group and Team Dynamics

• Rules– team ground rules

• Norms– standards that determine

what is appropriate and inappropriate behavior in a group

• Status– an individual’s

importance and prestige

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