NAV 45/13
ANNEX
Page 6
Comments by Ukraine
Taking into consideration that special maritime English is part of safety on board especially in emergency situations when language accuracy is critical. It has been given additional emphasis by the ISM Code and the revised STCW Convention.
Being a non-English speaking country Ukraine whole-heartedly supports the new IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCP) which have been developed in response to the need for improved standard of communication at sea and which reflect many changes in the maritime industry since the production of the Standard Marine Navigational Vocabulary.
We especially welcome the inclusion of chapters dealing with cargo handling procedure and passenger care.
In accordance with MSC/Circ. 794 we have started conducting trials in the use of SMCP and though the work is still in progress we would like to make some comments on the results of their experimental use.
.1 Grammar forms are not always reduced to a tolerable minimum which affects basic skills and understanding:
e.g. III/1.2
1.2.1
2. I proceed to your assistance
III/1.3
4. I am proceeding for assistance
5. Aircraft arriving within.... hours to assist in search.
Three different forms are used to express Present Progressive
We suggest: I (am) proceeding to your assistance
I (am) proceeding for assistance
Aircraft (is) arriving within.... hours
.2 SMCP should be regarded as a reference book and its structure should consolidate the material to that point to avoid unnecessary repetition and facilitate finding the appropriate material without delay.
However titles of some sub-parts do not reveal their contents, while some important parts are just outlined without giving any details:
e.g. III/2
1.1.1 Engine and equipment
III/6.2
6.2.1.4. Routeing information
