ENGLISH AS A LIFELINE: WHY MARITIME STUDENTS IN GREECE MUST MASTER MARITIME ENGLISH

Evaggelia Giovanoglou

Abstract


In today’s globalized maritime industry, English is more than a tool for communication—it is a critical factor in safety, professional development, and operational efficiency. This article argues that maritime students in Greece must prioritize the mastery of Maritime English to succeed in their careers. Drawing from personal teaching experience in a Greek Merchant Marine Academy, the article highlights real-life scenarios where English proficiency directly impacts safety at sea, international teamwork, and career opportunities. It also underscores the need for educational reform to move beyond grammar-heavy curricula toward context-based, communication-focused instruction. References to International Maritime Organization (IMO) guidelines and academic research support the case for reshaping English instruction to meet global maritime standards.

 

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Keywords


Maritime English, safety at sea, ESP

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References


International Maritime Organization (IMO). (2001). Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCP). London: IMO Publishing. Retrieved from https://www.imo.org/en/ourwork/safety/pages/standardmarinecommunicationphrases.aspx

Richards, J. C., & Rodgers, T. S. (2014). Approaches and Methods in Language Teaching (3rd ed.). Cambridge University Press. Retrieved from https://www.novaconcursos.com.br/blog/pdf/richards-jack-c.-&-rodgers.pdf

Maritime & Coastguard Agency. (2017). The Human Element: A Guide to Human Behaviour in the Shipping Industry. London: MCA.




DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.46827/ejfl.v9i2.6023

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