26th IMEC

“Maritime English: Improving Communication and Cultural Awareness”

Is English neccesarry onboard cruise ships? Sibrand Hassing

July, 07 2014

Who is Sibrand Hassing? (1) Position at HAL: Director, Nautical Operations Europe, Fleet Operations PRIMARY FUNCTION: Front line representative dealing With Dutch flag State and other Governmental and international maritime issues. Advises Seattle senior management on best course of action regarding flag State, port State, governmental and international maritime issues.

Who is Sibrand Hassing? (2) • • • • •

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DoB: 29 december 1958 Education: NAVSET ‘ Abel Tasman’, Delfzijl, stuurman GHV Ex Master Mariner all ships (1982 – 1992) Till 9/13: Senior policy adviser Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment, Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport (DGB) – Shipping & Security Division Policy domain: a.o. Manning/STCW, Safe Navigation, ISM Code, Greenhouse Gases, (CO2), Dangerous Goods, Container Safety, Port State Control Head Dutch delegation STW 1st vice-chairman Manila STCW Diplomatic Conference STCW Competent person Delegation member MSC, MEPC, DSC and FSI IMO member State Audit Scheme lead auditor EU: NL coordinator STCW Directive EU: GHG initiatives EU: NL coordinator 3rd Maritime Safety Package

Note: at Council, CION & EMSA level

History Holland America Line (HAL) •

Founded in 1871 as NV Nederlandsch-Amerikaansche Stoomvaart-Maatschappij (NASM)

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In 1896 renamed into Holland Amerika Lijn (HAL)

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From 1873 – 1978: transatlantic connection NL-USA

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WWII: entered with 25 ships, 9 ships remained at end

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1971 head office passenger division in New York

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In 1975 sold cargo shipping division

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1978 head office opened in Stamford, Connecticut

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In 1983 head office moved to Seattle – Holland America Line

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In 1984 old Rotterdam head office Wilhelminakade in Rotterdam sold – now Hotel New York

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1989 part of Carnival Corp., Miami

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In 2007 HAL office back at Wilhelminakade/Rotterdam

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Currently 15 cruise ships which offer more than 500 cruises to 415 ports in 98 countries and carry > 750.000 PAX/annually

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14.000 seafarers on board at any moment

Is English necessary onboard cruise ships? (1) An “open door” question?  YES!!! No doubt that (maritime) English is necessary, for multiple reasons….., but upmost for safety and security & human element  Safety (1): 1. communication ship-shore/shore-ship

2. Safety communication amongst a multi cultural crew (SOLAS V/14.3, ISM Code para. 6.7)

Is English necessary onboard cruise ships? (2)  Safety (2): 3. Not limited to deck- and engine personnel, also

‘hotel personnel’ with a designated safety function (see Musterlist: e.g. A-V/2, A-VI/2 trained) Note: not only communication between crew, but also with passengers and other non-safety hotel personnel in emergency situations  English is the language of the sea, and

fundamental for all communication in the modern maritime world!!!

Is English necessary onboard cruise ships? (3)  As a requirement for the company ‘product’/service 1. Front office 2. In the public areas, such as restaurants, bars and recreation areas 3. Crew to be able to communicate with passengers Note: the fast majority of passengers carried are native English speakers or is their 2nd language

How do we assess the competence?(1) 1. Officers (deck & engine): is part of their CoC 2. Others with a safety/security duty: is part of their CoP But: job interview in English and must all undergo an assessment test (MARLIN). Pending their function they have to achieve a certain score 3. Hotel personnel: job interview in English and must all undergo an assessment test (MARLIN). Pending their function they have to achieve a certain score

How do we assess the competence?(2) If candidate fails he/she is offered a training. Hotel personnel receive during their hotel training also English language training In house training goes beyond STCW, which only regulate safety/security language competence.

Challenges? Are there challenges?  YES!!! Due to increase in inspections and reporting more effective verbal communication techniques are required as also writing techniques need to be improved/adapted to the current needs.

Thank you very much for your attention Wish you a fruitfull and enjoyable Conference

Bon Voyage