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 and phrases, and message markers to avoid ambiguity and confusion.
This paper will discuss the origin, uses and benefits of Maritime English, as well as some of the challenges and recommendations for its improvement. The paper will also provide some examples of Maritime English terms and phrases for different situations and contexts.
The origin of Maritime English can be traced back to the 1970s, when the International Maritime Lecturers Association (IMLA) initiated a project to develop a common language for maritime communication. The project was later taken over by the IMO, which adopted the SMCP in 2001 as a standard for all maritime communication. The SMCP consists of five main sections: general, standard marine communication phrases, on-board communication, external communication and distress and safety communication. Each section contains sub-sections that cover various topics and scenarios relevant to maritime operations.
The uses and benefits of Maritime English are manifold. First, it enhances safety at sea by providing clear and concise instructions and information for emergency situations, such as fire, collision, grounding, piracy, man overboard, etc. Second, it improves efficiency by facilitating routine tasks and operations, such as navigation, cargo handling, maintenance, etc. Third, it promotes integrity by ensuring compliance with international regulations and conventions, such as SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW, etc. Fourth, it fosters social interaction by enabling communication among crew members of different nationalities and cultures.
However, Maritime English also faces some challenges and limitations. One of the challenges is the lack of proficiency and competence among seafarers who use Maritime English as a second or foreign language. According to a study by Ziarati et al. (2005), many seafarers have insufficient knowledge and skills in Maritime English, especially in listening and speaking. This can lead to misunderstandings, errors and accidents. Another challenge is the diversity and complexity of maritime terminology and concepts. Maritime English contains many technical terms and acronyms that are not familiar to non-specialists or beginners. Moreover, some terms may have different meanings or interpretations depending on the context or situation.
Therefore, some recommendations can be made to improve Maritime English and its effectiveness. One recommendation is to provide more training and education for seafarers in Maritime English. This can be done through formal courses, online platforms, self-study materials, etc. The training should focus on developing both linguistic and communicative competence in Maritime English, as well as intercultural awareness and sensitivity. Another recommendation is to update and revise the SMCP regularly to reflect the changes and developments in the maritime industry. This can be done through feedback from users, experts and stakeholders, as well as research and analysis.
To illustrate some examples of Maritime English terms and phrases, here are some excerpts from different sections of the SMCP:
General:
– INTENTION: I intend to alter course to starboard.
– REQUEST: Please repeat your last message.
– QUESTION: What is your position?
– ANSWER: My position is 35 degrees north 120 degrees east.
Standard marine communication phrases:
– MANOEUVRING: I am altering course to port.
– BERTHING: I require two tugs for berthing.
– ANCHORING: I am dropping anchor in five minutes.
– PILOTAGE: I request pilot boarding at pilot station.
On-board communication:
– BRIDGE: Bridge speaking.
– ENGINE ROOM: Engine room speaking.
– LOOKOUT: Lookout speaking.
– HELMSMAN: Helmsman speaking.
External communication:
– PORT AUTHORITY: Port authority speaking.
– COAST GUARD: Coast guard speaking.
– VESSEL TRAFFIC SERVICE: Vessel traffic service speaking.
– OTHER SHIP: Other ship speaking.
Distress and safety communication:
– MAYDAY: Mayday mayday mayday. This is MV Titanic Titanic Titanic.
– PAN-PAN: Pan-pan pan-pan pan-pan. This is MV Pacific Pacific Pacific.
– SECURITE: Securite securite securite. This is MV Atlantic Atlantic Atlantic.
– DISTRESS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Mayday MV Titanic this is MV Pacific received mayday.
In conclusion, Maritime English is a vital tool for communication in the maritime industry. It serves various functions and purposes that enhance safety, efficiency and integrity at sea. It also faces some challenges and limitations that require improvement and adaptation. By learning and using Maritime English effectively, seafarers can perform their duties and responsibilities better and contribute to the development and sustainability of the maritime sector.
References:
– International Maritime Organization (IMO). (2001). Standard Marine Communication Phrases. 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. (n.d.). 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
– Ziarati, R., Ziarati, M., Fothergill, N., & Calleya, J. (2005). Improving the Communication Skills of Maritime Students and Future Officers. World Maritime University Journal of Maritime Affairs, 4(2), 149-170.
