Introduction to Communication

Communication is a crucial skill present in every aspect of life. It is used to build relationships and friendships and carry out jobs. Every person has their way of communicating with people around them, and some ways, as with everything else, are better than others.

When communication fails onboard, it might not only result in disasters during operations, but it will also reduce the quality of life onboard and create unpleasant relationships. It is paramount for all seafarers on board to use effective communication and to use a respectful tone towards fellow crew members. Respectful communication is key; tone can impact an innocent instruction. Fitting communication will result in maintaining a good working environment and improved working relationships onboard between colleagues.

Communication can be simply defined as the process of exchanging emotion, knowledge and information between a group of people. Onboard, there are 3 ways used for communication, and these are:

Non-Verbal Communication

This is by far the most important for human relations onboard. Non-verbal communication consists of transmitting information through feelings. This is done with the use of body language and gestures. It is important to note that this kind of communication usually comes automatically to people, and the importance of enhanced awareness in ensuring it is not perceived in the wrong way cannot be over-emphasised.

Non-verbal communication is usually used where verbal communication cannot be used. This is not encouraged, but, in some instances, it is the only possible way. An example could be when two persons are working in a high-noise environment, and they are wearing ear protection. In such cases, it is important to ensure that the communication signals are properly understood. It would be encouraged to discuss the gestures before carrying out the work.

When non-verbal communication is used together with verbal communication, it enhances and creates a better means of understanding that message. An example could be when an officer, bosun or senior deckhand is carrying out anchoring operations. Whilst lowering the anchor, the officer or person in charge will verbally transmit his messages to the Master on the bridge via radio, and they might additionally use gestures to indicate what is happening with the anchor, which the Master can observe from the wheelhouse.

When non-verbal and verbal communication are used together, it is imperative to ensure that the non-verbal gestures are clear. Otherwise, it might result in mixed messages.

One Way Communication

It is another type of communication. This is usually used on radios when transmitting information to a specific authority or persons. In this type of communication, feedback is not required and is not effective since the sender cannot determine whether the message has been received and understood. This type of communication therefore includes;

• Fast and simple instructions.
• No feedback. Therefore, the sender will not be able to tell if the message was received and understood.
• This may lead to misunderstanding and frustration between the crew.

This type of communication between seafarers onboard should be avoided.

Two Way Communication

Two-way communication when it comes to operations on board yachts is the most effective and practised way. Unlike one-way communication, this ensures that a recipient has received the message and understood it through a reply. This will ensure closed-loop communication.

Although this means of communication requires more time than one-way communication, it is better as it ensures that the communication has been received and understood. If a message is misunderstood, the sender will be able to communicate his message again and try to simplify it for better understanding.

In closed-loop communication, the sent message is repeated by the receiver, and then the sender confirms that what has been repeated is correct. Example:

• Sender: Start Lowering the Anchor.
• Receiver: Start Lowering the Anchor. Copy
• Sender: Yes.