Dear Subscriber,
Issue 14 of the Alert! Bulletin is now available for download from: http://www.he-alert.org/documents/bulletin/Alert!_14.pdf If you are to communicate effectively, then you better be sure that those receiving your communications are in a position to understand them. It is common sense, but according to the International Maritime Human Element Bulletin Alert!, the standard of English of some seafarers is so bad that they have difficulty communicating between themselves, let alone with those outside their ships. Issue 14 of Alert! focusses on communications and their importance, suggesting that the recruitment of seafarers competent with the language is one of the essential keys toward effective communication. And in an age where the volume of paperwork is a constant concern, it emphasises that the clarity of the message is the most important issue. Before sending an e-mail or similar message, the sender, says Alert!, ought to consider whether the message is clear, but also whether it is necessary! "Instant" communications can offer a hidden menace to the unwary and Alert! warns that firm policies are needed to guard against the use of mobile telephones and computers on the bridges of ships. And communication is not merely a matter of transmitting facts or orders, but has a vital role in disseminating ideas, information and knowledge. Articles in Alert! No 14 include an assessment on the quality of ships documentation, IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases designed to improve maritime communications, and the impact of language and culture on safety and compliance. There are hints on the provision of unambiguous signage, and advice on teaching maritime English, while the celebrated Alert! "Centrefold" offers an "Alphabet of Communication" from Alarm System Management to the Working Language. The Accident Investigation Report features an incident which was contributed to by a misunderstood helm order, in a pilotage situation where effective communication is necessarily essential. Through the Alert! Project, we seek to represent the views of all sectors of the maritime industry - contributions for the Bulletin, letters to the editor and articles and papers for the website database are always welcome. Kind Regards David Squire The Editor Alert! The International Maritime Human Element Bulletin The Nautical Institute 202 Lambeth Road London SE1 7LQ United Kingdom [EMAIL PROTECTED]
