Communications

How should we communicate to avoid or at least reduce misunderstandings? Develop your skills in giving and receiving verbal instructions. Familiarise yourself with Maritime English and Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCP).

In an environment with a speak-up culture, everyone is free and safe to express themselves and feel appreciated for doing so. When you encourage your crew to speak up — and therefore promote a speak-up culture — you empower them, keep them involved and feel confident that their input is valued.

All crew members, regardless of rank, make small and big decisions to solve various challenges in their work and personal lives. While some decisions can be made easily, most can be handled better if a logical and structured approach is utilised.

Active listening is when you give your full attention to the speaker, understand the complete meaning of their message and respond to it. Through active listening, a listener shows interest, respect and consideration to the speaker.

The GMDSS network is a vital piece of equipment on board vessels for all seafarers whether it is professional or recreational. The system put in place allows us to connect with emergency services and rescue centres all around the world, preventing thousands of deaths since its inception.

As an engine room team member you have a vital role. You have to combine an understanding of the ship’s machinery with an awareness of company procedure, while all the time maintaining high safety standards.
In engine room watchkeeping, there is also another factor - teamwork. It is crucial both deck and engineering personnel bear in mind they are part of one team, not just within their own department but with each other. For example, now the majority of main propulsion plants are directly controlled from the bridge, this has brought the deck and engineering departments closer together.

Effective leadership varies not only depending on the task, job or function that needs to be accomplished, but also on the profile of the person or group that is being influenced. Good and effective leaders are those who are flexible and adaptive when it comes to their approaches.

Mentoring is a skill, that, once learnt, not only greatly enhances progression through the ranks but, if applied and presented correctly, could earn the respect of your fellow crew members aboard.

This course is intended to ensure a basic understanding of effective communication between two or more people. Three-way communication is one of the simplest human performance tools that you can master, and It is an important defence in the prevention of errors that can result in incidents.

Normal, healthy workplaces experience their share of conflict. When handled properly, a conflict can be beneficial to you and your colleagues. You free yourself from negative emotions & stress and develop stronger relationships with your colleagues. As you improve your well being, you also improve your job performance.

Ship Inspection Report Programme (SIRE) is a standard assessment used by tanker owners and operators in order to identify any operational deficiencies in their fleet or their ship. VIQ – Vessel Inspection Questionnaire is a document within the SIRE, which offers and ensures ships' safety by means of additional safety precautions to all tankers. Chapter 4 of the VIQ covers the vetting of the bridge. In this course, we will discuss this chapter and common observations that are found by vetting inspectors with regards to navigation and communications.

Welcome; you are about to gain an understanding on how to deal with the Media as a seafarer on your vessel.