// Attempts are being made to address this problem and the Marcom Report refers on page 70 to a maritime English 'model course' which has been prepared by the Marlins Company in Edinburgh.
// This Course was made possible from funds offered to the IMO by the International Shipping Federation; I received this draft a month ago and I'm gradually evaluating each section; it is very long but it would not be fair to the Marlins people to give any kind of opinion on the course at this stage... I will say that my evaluation to IMO will be detailed and firm; As with the Standard Marine Communication Phrases - this 'Model Course' has many stages to go before becoming available through IMO's Training Publications; the point is that as Trainers, we cannot yet rely on one standard textbook to teach this subject effectively but must rely on our own initiative and ingenuity.
So we have a few important questions to consider here today:
* how can we ensure the most effective Course in Maritime English is taught to our trainees ?
* is it necessary to change the existing English syllabus and teaching methodology to provide a communicative learning environment ?
* can we assist teachers to become proficient in teaching this complex subject ?
* can we identity some funding support and/or facilities for in-service, teacher training programs in the Asia-Pacific region ?
// I would like to offer some ideas and information to address these questions and then hand the discussion to you to provide further answers.
Some background rationale may put things in perspective for those of you wrestling with this special problem for the first time; it may also help others familiar with the whole debate to gain a fresh outlook.
