// It is my view that it is essential seafaring trainees are steeped in ships' terminology within a "maritime environment" during their English language training - in the same way as technical vocabulary is taught in the mother tongue, or first language. To do this we have to immerse and extend the "English syllabus" into the maritime world - bring it alive and raise awareness that this vast, complex industry trainees are entering is an important, dynamic and yet, all too often, a dangerous working environment, so seafarers not only need to be well trained but should definitely be able to communicate with other crew members to safeguard everyone in their daily routines.
eg 'BRITISH VIGILANCE' - VLCC oil tanker:
// For example, seafarers among you will recognise here a leviathan vessel, which, fully laden would, in a heavy swell, probably ship green seas across her bow-so working on deck would be very demanding. She could be daunting for any new, graduate navigator or engineer to board-whether a native English speaker or from a non-English speaking background. However, he or she (and the 2nd Officer on "British Vigilance" was a female in 1998) - would be fortunate to be employed on this 299,700 dwt oil tanker, built in 1993, and on long term charter to BP Shipping Ltd. At 343 metres in length, and 56 metres abeam, she is fully automated, with all the latest safety equipment and a double hull.
