Overcoming Language Barriers
- Safety Flash
- Published on 22 March 2022
- Generated on 6 November 2025
- IMCA SF 07/22
- 1 minute read
Safety4Sea https://safety4sea.com has published an excellent article on issues with language barriers at sea. The article can be found here.
Language barriers are a common challenge in the shipping environment with multinational, multilingual and multicultural crew. What native speakers often don’t realize is that their own way of speaking the language ‘correctly’ can be as big a barrier as the listener’s limited comprehension of the language, thus creating a barrier to effective communication. The article highlights some clear principles for overcoming language barriers.
- Speak slowly and clearly, don’t rush through your communication.
- If in doubt – ASK: Ask for clarification. If you are not 100% sure you’ve understood what others say, politely ask for them to make it clearer. Don’t assume you’ve understood what’s been said.
- Frequently check for understanding. Use two-way communication and reflective listening – repeat back what you have heard.
- Be specific. Spell out your expectations and deadlines clearly.
- Be patient. Cross-cultural communication takes more time.
The full article can be found here: https://safety4sea.com/overcoming-language-barriers/
Related safety flashes
-
IMCA SF 28/21
15 October 2021
-
-
IMCA SF 27/18
14 December 2018
-
-
IMCA SF 17/17
13 July 2017
-
IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of the entire offshore industry.
The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on the industry sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Incidents are classified according to IOGP's Life Saving Rules.
All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate, and warnings for graphic content included where possible.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure both the accuracy and reliability of the information shared, but is not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained.
The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual's or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.
Share your safety incidents with IMCA online. Sign-up to receive Safety Flashes straight to your email.