The Role of Maritime English in Enhancing Teamwork and Collaboration among Malaysian Seafarers

Abstract

Effective communication is a cornerstone of safe and efficient maritime operations, especially in the context of multinational crews working in dynamic and often high-pressure environments. Maritime English, as the standardised language used onboard ships, plays a pivotal role in fostering both teamwork and collaboration among seafarers. This study explores the impact of Maritime English proficiency on teamwork and collaboration among Malaysian seafarers. Through a mixed-methods approach that integrates survey data and semi-structured interviews, the research examines how Maritime English proficiency influences interpersonal communication, task coordination, and team cohesion in multicultural maritime settings. The findings reveal that higher levels of Maritime English proficiency directly contribute to more effective collaboration, particularly during critical operations and emergency scenarios where clarity and precision in communication are crucial. In contrast, language barriers often impede team coordination and may compromise operational safety. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on language proficiency in maritime settings, providing valuable insights into the role of Maritime English in team dynamics and safety. By focusing on Malaysian seafarers, the study offers context-specific insights into the linguistic and cultural dimensions of teamwork at sea. These insights carry important implications for maritime education and training institutions, underscoring the need for specialised language training that prepares seafarers to operate confidently and cooperatively in diverse, multilingual environments.