Communication Barriers

The need to have a common working language onboard a yacht is considered crucial in ensuring the safe operation of the vessel. Nowadays, seafarers from various nationalities are manned yachts, and therefore, a common language needs to be established. Studies have shown that 80% of the ship’s crew nowadays do not speak English as their first language, and therefore a large 35% of all accidents are a result of communication barriers.

UK Maritime Coastguard Agency’s MGN 520(M) deems communication as one of the deadly dozen.

A yacht is considered a high-risk environment due to communication barriers. The lack of a common language and the various nationalities onboard having different gestures and body language may easily cause a misunderstanding in communication. During an emergency, a communication barrier can be fatal onboard; during such times, persons tend to revert to their original language.   

Since there is no way to avoid a language barrier onboard, the Master, senior officers and head of departments should encourage the crew to ask if something is not understood or when they think that further clarification is required. It should be noted that for this to be effective, there should not be any fear installed in the crew when doing so.

Additionally, seafarers should at all times keep in mind the nationality and culture of fellow crew members when communicating not only for job reasons but also during their free time. This will ensure that everyone is respectfully spoken to and avoid any misinterpretation due to cultural differences.