To Understand and Be Understood Onboard

Feedback is essential in onboard communications. All three communication methods; Verbal, non-verbal and iconic methods of communication need to be used onboard for proper understanding between seafarers. Verbal communication includes communication pertaining to words, including reading, writing and speaking. Body language and pictorial symbols are more powerful means of communication than verbal means alone.

The Basic Elements of Communication Are:

• Sender,
• Receiver,
• Modes of transmission,
• Methods of transmission,
• Barriers to communication, &
• Feedback.

There Are Three Different Methods of Communication:

1. Verbal – e.g. reading, speaking, writing and any other communication using words.
2. Non-verbal – e.g. body language, sounds, gestures.
3. Iconic – e.g. signs, figures, diagrams, pictures and photographs.

Barriers in Communication

There are barriers in each step of the basic communication process, such as: 

1. Transmitter’s conceptualisation stage,
2. The transmitter’s capability, 
3. Mode of transmission, 
4. Media of transmission,
5. Receiver’s capability,
6. The receiver’s understanding of the concept,
7. Feedback stage, &
8. Receipt of feedback by the transmitter.

We will now explain each barrier with examples. 

1. Transmitter’s Conceptualisation Stage

The transmitter has to understand what they are going to transmit.
Example: The 2nd Officer does not clearly understand the Captain's orders but is afraid of asking for clarification.

2. Transmitter’s Capability

Is the transmitter capable of transmitting the message?
Example: Can the crew member speak and understand the working language good enough to transmit a message without any problem?

3. Mode of Transmission

What methods are used to compose the message? Verbal, Non-verbal or Iconic?
Example: An onboard drill can be performed in three different ways:

• Verbal – A crew member reading from a text
• Verbal & Non-verbal – A crew member reading from a text and using his body language to make the message easier to understand
• Verbal, Non-verbal & Iconic – A crew member reading a visible PowerPoint presentation for all attendees. He/she is also using his body language to strengthen parts of the presentation

4. Media of Transmission

What 'means' is used to transmit the message?
Example: If a person with basic knowledge in English is trying to broadcast a message, he/she might be more successful in having a face-to-face conversation with the receiver, instead of sending an e-mail.

5. Receiver’s Capability

Is the receiver capable of receiving the message?
Example: Can the crew member speak and understand the working language good enough to receive a message without any problem?

6. Receiver’s Understanding of The Concept

Does the receiver have any understanding of the details he/she is going to receive?
Example: Does the Captain fully understand all the technical details in a message from the Chief Engineer?

7. Feedback Stage

The feedback completes the whole process of communication and makes it continuous. Feedback from the receiver could be verbal or non-verbal, in words or mere smile, glance, clap, etc. Verbal feedback is easier to understand than non-verbal.

Example: On a meeting onboard, the Shipowner suggested a salary decrease for all employees in order for the company to survive the bad times. No one at the meeting says a word, but all are crossing their arms and looking down.

8. Receipt of Feedback by Transmitter

Is the transmitter paying attention to the feedback? In order for the communication to be effective, a transmitted message must receive feedback from the receiver and the receiver must get a receipt of the feedback from the transmitter. In other words, this is a normal way to communicate.

Example: Transmitter: Can I have the salt, please?
Receiver: Of course, here you are!
Transmitter: Thank you!

The effectiveness of communication lies primarily with the sender who also should define the purpose of the particular communication. The time, place and person addressed in the context of initiating the communication is important. Example:

• To ask the Captain about your flight ticket home when he/she is busy on the bridge manoeuvring inside a narrow harbour is not good.
• Language and vocabulary are important for effective communication. The IMO publication “Standard Marine Navigational Vocabulary” includes examples of useful phrases in maritime English.
• Understanding the different kinds of barriers to communication will aid in better transmission.
• The sender must be capable of effectively speaking, writing, acting, drawing and using available sound signalling apparatus.
• The effectiveness of transmission can be checked by feedback from the receiver and this responsibility lies with the sender.

Effective Listening Skills

Listening is the responsibility of the receiver. There is a difference between hearing versus listening. Hearing is simply the act of perceiving sound by the ear. If you are not hearing-impaired, hearing simply happens. Listening, however, is something you consciously choose to do. Listening requires concentration so that your brain processes meaning from words and sentences. Listening leads to learning. Understanding the various barriers to listening will improve listening capabilities.

There are internal & external barriers to listening and appreciating the effect of barriers on listening which have been described earlier. A human is capable of speaking at a rate of 150 words per minute whereas they can listen at a rate of about 1000 words per minute. This results in an idle time of 850 words per minute, which makes the mind wander. Ideally, this idle time should be used for paraphrasing the body language and other signals from the speaker.

Effects and Consequences of Wrong Communication

Wrong or improper communication can:

• Affect safety of life, property, and the environment,
• Cause human problems and problems in relationships onboard and/or
• Cause stress, loss of time, loss of resources and even the vessel’s profitability.

Communication Sum-Up

Effective communication creates an atmosphere conducive to safe working, happy living and sociable relationships among fellow shipmates. Habits, values and attitudes can also be modified by effective communication and knowing the basics of interpersonal relationships, learning skills and team skills.