MISCOMMUNICATION IS ONE OF THE MAJOR CAUSES OF MARITIME ACCIDENTS: THE IMPORTANCE OF MARITIME ENGLISH TEACHING IN THE MARINE ACADEMIES

Eirini Nektaria Trikoili, Dimitrios Papazoglou

Abstract


Language constitutes a fundamental component in ensuring maritime safety. Despite the fact that maritime English is the lingua franca onboard, misunderstandings still occur very often, posing significant risks to nautical safety. Miscommunication has been widely recognized as one of the major causes of maritime accidents, often leading to collisions, grounding and loss of life. The multinational nature of crews with diverse linguistic backgrounds further exacerbates communication challenges onboard vessels. Although International Maritime Organization (IMO) conventions require seafarers to possess very good English skills, inappropriate communication among them leads to marine accidents. This article explores the role of miscommunication in such accidents and highlights the importance of Maritime English Education in marine academies. Through a review of relevant literature and analysis of three major real accident causes, this paper aims to demonstrate that ineffective communication -especially via VHF radio and onboard coordination- remains a persistent safety issue. The maritime accident investigation reports reveal that ambiguous communication and insufficient English language proficiency remain significant contributing factors to maritime incidents. Taking into consideration the fact that Maritime English is a mandatory part of the education of officers in all training institutions worldwide, this paper concludes with pedagogical recommendations for improving communication competence among seafarers, especially during emergency situations, so as to mitigate accidents. Ultimately, the main goal of maritime English must be to reduce significantly communication-related maritime accidents through concrete and pedagogically grounded recommendations, thereby contributing to enhanced safety of life at sea. The study contributes to understanding the interconnection between Maritime English language training and maritime safety, proposing the development of more effective training programs to address the linguistically complex demands of maritime environments.

Keywords


miscommunication, maritime accidents, maritime safety, Maritime English pedagogical recommendations

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References


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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.46827/ejel.v11i3.6791

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