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. 

The safety of ships and their crew depends greatly on good communication, hence, this is extremely important onboard. 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. Therefore, it is paramount for all seafarers onboard to ensure proper communication and to use a respectful tone towards fellow crew members. Respectful communication cannot be perceived in an improper tone and this good communication will result in maintaining a good working environment and 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.
• One-Way.
• Two-Way Communication.

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 hence the importance of taking extra care in ensuring it is not perceived in the wrong way.

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 would 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, and 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 and sending out a message. An example would be when an officer is carrying out anchoring operations. Whilst lowering the anchor, the officer will verbally transmit his messages to the Master on the bridge via radio and he 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 extremely important to ensure that the non-verbal gestures are clear, otherwise, it might result in mixed messages.  

One Way Communication

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 therefore it is not extremely 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 among the crew.

This type of communication between seafarers onboard a ship should be avoided. 

Two Way Communication

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

Although this means of communication requires more time than one-way communication, it is the better way since 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 Anchor.
Receiver: Start Lowering Anchor. Copy
Sender: Yes.