Seafarers’ Communicative Competence Tackled in a Symposium

The University of Cebu – Maritime Education and Training Center (UC-METC) through its General Education Department recently held a symposium titled Communicative Competence for World-class Seafarers at the Mambaling Campus Amphitheater. Championed by communication coach and UC- METC language professor Gianne Rensen V. Antonio, it was aimed at providing an avenue for like-minded individuals – industry experts, teachers and students — to openly discuss important matters relative to their future professions.

The confusion on which variety of English should be used by seafarers was given resolution by the respected academician and linguist Dr. Edwin Pilapil on his topic World Englishes: Status and Challenges. Dean Pilapil also demonstrated techniques in proper pronunciation and accent reduction. He clinched on the fine balance between classroom instruction and actual application that universities should focus on.

Communication cannot be successful without understanding culture. This was the thesis of Prof. Hazel Aguisanda’s address on Appreciating Cross-Cultural Communication for Global Professionals. A seasoned educator, BPO executive, frequent traveler and cultural worker, among other labels, she underscored the importance for seafaring professionals to cope with the difficulties in adjusting in a multicultural workplace and reinforced this by illustration of her own immersions.

How can a first-timer survive onboard? According to a young deck officer and instructor in one of the maritime schools in Cebu Mr. Gian M. Aznar, “Neophytes onboard should never be scared. They just have to be prepared.” Reading his apprenticeship diary in front of the participants, he candidly narrated his fears and anxieties and how he was able to hurdle all of these.

Tell it to the marines. Most people think that there’s a different language used by the seafarers or they just don’t understand them. Even the seafarers themselves seem to be bound at the Babel’s Tower. All of these perplexities were straightened out by a veteran navigator and master mariner himself Capt. Michael Sarthou, Jr. In his topic Organizational Communication in the Maritime Industry, he explained not only the norms and exceptionalities in onboard communication but also pinpointed to the hindrances that may well be avoided with accurate coordination, painstaking practice and common sense.

The General Education coordinator of UC-METC Engr. Allan Navarro reiterated the university’s vision of a democratized quality education and pledged to continue holding academic gatherings such as this symposium in the future so as to ensure that graduates from this maritime school are truly prepared to become world-class professionals.