MARITIME ENGLISH BEGINNINGS
Filipino maritime companies know the demands of local and international clients in English communication among Filipinos: simple, concise, and accurate English is required. For instance, Filipinos tend to be wordy in their expressions. For instance, “During the course of the trip” can be expressed as “During the trip.” This is the simplicity maritime companies wish to achieve. Aside from wordiness, we misuse words and
expressions. Global English competence requires adherence to correct usage. For instance, many assume that “uninterested” and “disinterested” have the same meaning. The fact is “uninterested” means “not interested” while “disinterested” means impartial.
ASAP encouraged its participants to frequently read English materials and watch English programs to develop familiarization with the language: the first and constant step to correct usage.
COURSES THEY TOOK
These courses review seafarers of various ranks on English grammar, the foundation of all English skills, public Speaking, for meetings, client relations, and special events, and Report writing, especially for officers who need to document and report to managements regarding ship performance and maintenance. ASAP had struck the right cord by offering these trainings and there have been orders for these classes.
Global Maritime English
This course, recommended for rank and file professionals, reacquaints participants in foundations (English grammar), variations (Englishes worldwide), and common misconceptions (usage problems). These are most critical for seafarers, who are international workers dealing with a multitude from clients and situations in different cultural backgrounds.
Technical Writing
Good grammar usage does not automatically make one a good technical writer. Technical communication is a precise and scientific undertaking that requires, a combination of language proficiency, good judgment, and clarity of expression for both rank and file professionals. All these skills will allow maritime professionals to be tools for smooth and successful communication between professionals in and off shore.
Executive Business English
This course is also suited to rank and file maritime professionals. The hierarchy makes different demands on different people. Some may be required to entertain clients during an onboard visit, while others may be asked to come up with a report detailing ship performance within a day. All these require mastery of business English language, nuances, and propriety.
Grammar Refinement
This is another recommended course for maritime personnel and administrative officers, since it deals with the mother of all English communication skills: correct grammar usage. All manifestations of difficulty in successful English interactions stem from grammar usage insecurity. This course aims to equip maritime professionals with the confidence to use language appropriately in different demanding situations.
Cruise English
The cruise industry is successful because it has good English communicators who take care of passengers’ safety and entertainment. This industry would not be able to maintain a stronghold on its niche in the market without this critical skill. This course, recommended for cruise personnel and also seafarers in general, will ensure that cruise and other maritime professionals become and remain assets to their companies and the cruise industry in general.
EP for Cadets
Maritime cadets are at the best point of their lives, where they have time to polish their skills which will be most useful once they begin their careers. Since English is the language of the sea, they must have a good command of it in order to create good impressions on their clients for their companies. These skills will be developed further as they gain more experience and expertise as professionals.
Effective Maritime Personality through English Proficiency (Level 1)
Ratings are faced not only with their specific technical tasks but also the accommodation, entertainment and welcoming of guests onboard a ship. Their manner of talking with clients leaves a lasting impression on visitors. They way they guide, greet, and ask principals, port authorities, and inspectors will stand as a testimony of their company’s commitment to enhancing English communication, as the language of the sea.
Effective Maritime Personality through English Proficiency (Level 2)
Executive officers, captains, and CEOs deal with the greatest communication demands of all maritime professionals. They are required to speak for their organizations, discuss with other market leaders, and so forth. English language insecurities could prove fatal to people in the administration, so we recommend this course to help enable these supervisors to transact business with clients confidently and successfully.
THE SEAFARERS’ FEEDBACK
The fact is many of these participants were requesting for more trainings. This is a sign that ASAP had unearthed significant needs in the professional lives of these seamen and they are more than thankful for the intervention our center gave regarding their professional and personal enhancement. These maritime companies have warmly welcomed ASAP as a partner in their efforts taken to achieve excellence among its people.
THE FUTURE OF ASAP’S MARITIME ENGLISH
ASAP now looks forward to offering more customized programs for more maritime companies. This is more than an economic enterprise for us. More importantly, it is our way of supporting Filipino excellence in a global arena.
THE RELIABILITY OF ASAP’S TRAININGS
ASAP’s ESL programs have been tested through fire and water. Literally speaking, in so short a time, they have undergone much transformation that improved and made them meet maritime needs more precisely. The variety of clients we deal with, and the distinct nature of their business dealings helps customize programs more so that they truly answer critical needs of Filipino maritime professionals.
ASAP’S MARITIME ENGLISH TESTIMONIALS
What can we do in order to improve Maritime English?
“In order to promote good relations and communications, Maritime English must be spoken correctly. Let us keep in our mind that English is the international language of business. We should use it every now and then.” - Remy Baoy
“I can say that English contributes to progress. We should be aggressive and curious on how to express ourselves better through writing and speaking. By doing this, we are actually sharing what we know and we will definitely learn from others.” - Marc Cyrus Itable
“We should speak and understand English in the simplest way. As seafarers, we should communicate and express ideas more often to people with different English levels. It is only through exposure that proficiency can be achieved.” - Gholamali Bacalso
How do you see the maritime industry in the future?
“I see that the maritime industry will remain as the biggest human capital resource in the
- Rene Ebreo
“The maritime industry will advance especially in developing countries. Unmanned machines and well-developed vessels will be created to provide more safety for seafarers.” - Von Rayan Molina
What is the best lesson you have learned as a cadet?
“The best lesson I have learned is to extend common courtesies to people. This is the best virtue that a cadet should always possess, carry, and share.” - Jerry Bangsoy
“The best lesson that I have learned as a cadet is how to be with other cadets. I strongly believe that it is not what you have learned but it is how you relate with your fellow seafarer.” - Christopher Homerez
“The best lesson I have learned as a cadet is to be obedient and follow orders from officers.”
- Erwin Cepeda
Why did you pursue a maritime career?
“I want to be a cadet because this is the first step to be a future maritime officer. I will be trained to be courageous, hardworking, and determined. My inspiration to do my duty is my parents. They give me moral support and advice.”
- Elvis Lapitan
"A seaman cannot discover new oceans unless he has courage to lose sight of the shore. I am amazed and motivated to work despite the sadness, loneliness and depression being on board because I want to support my family's needs.” - Dandie Cordero
“To pursue your dreams is such a changeable path to take. Everyone needs patience, hard work, sacrifices, positive thinking and an inspiration.” - Richard Leano Jr.
KEEPING FILIPINO CRUISE EMPLOYEES IN DEMAND
The issue at hand
The real problem, according to him, is not that there are no willing or skilled applicants. It is a fact that countless hopefuls flock to manning agencies to work on cruise ships. The real problem is that not all these applicants show the desirable level of confidence and communication ease that distinguishes cruise workers and professionals from others in the maritime industry. Of course we cannot sacrifice quality just to fill orders for new cruise personnel. He took a necessary step, therefore, and asked for assistance from a group of professionals with exciting English enhancement methods proven effective for many skilled workers and professionals.
ASAP to the rescue
Advanced Speech and Academic Professionals or ASAP has conducted trainings with various maritime companies. It has trained people from rank and file on the critical skills necessary for English fluency: grammar refinement, English proficiency, use of idiomatic language, conversational skills, accent neutralization, essay writing, technical communications, and business English. So, from December 2005 to January 2006, PTC applicants underwent the “Cruise English – Presentation and Social Interaction Skills in the Global workplace” seminar.
Cruise English in focus
ASAP took into great consideration the fact that “PTC services a wide range of principals worldwide from the
visit there website@: http://www.ptc.com.ph/
The training’s success
Another critical part of the training was the job interview coaching. ASAP’s goal was to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed for answering questions in English. It was here that participants realized the skills that they needed to enhance in order to pass job interviews successfully. The training brought on laughs, of course, but after that realization set in and they worked hard to improve their performance. All of their hard work paid off. Engineer Ambatali is proud to announce that at least 95% of the participants passed their job interview with foreign nationals and they are now earning dream incomes for their families.
First learn the meaning of what you say, and then speak. - Epictetus
CONTINUOUS ENGLISH TRAININGS AT ISNTC
Surely, this company motto reverberates in the minds of Captain Palenzuela and Captain Moro as they go about their duties as training directors. They work together with the ISNTC and ASM staff and administration to produce skilled merchant marines who display world class excellence and professionalism. Their ongoing collaboration with ASAP or Advanced Speech and Academic Professionals is a testimony of their dedication to continually upgrade and polish the skills of Filipino maritime professionals.
visit there website @: http://www.isntc.org/
Maritime English Trainings
Last July, 2005, ASAP conducted its first training, Global Maritime English, for rank and file personnel. It was soon followed in October by a demo class for cadets in English listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills. Then, in December, it was the junior officers’ turn for supplementary training with the Technical Writing and Executive Business English (TWEBE) seminar. This course combined lessons in grammar refinement with its application in essay writing, Then, it moved on to technical communication skills with its application in business English. In culmination, the young officers were asked to make oral presentations, where their skills in welcoming visiting officers, leading onboard meetings, and asking critical questions during investigations were put under observation. The participants voiced their appreciation for the helpful refresher seminar: “The training helped me remember long forgotten rules of grammar. It’s important to know the rules so you can speak with confidence,” says 2nd officer Ferdinand Popen.
Proposal for more officer-level trainings
ASAP made an important insight into the Philippine maritime industry during the TWEBE training. A recent proposal was made to require junior officers to take higher level trainings, since they are next in line to current supervisors. This bid garnered mixed reactions. While some saw this as leverage for career appraisal, others saw it as more time away from their families and a further financial burden. Captain Palenzuela and Captain Moro and have anticipated and do understand the sentiments of all concerned. However, they cannot help expressing hope that more maritime professionals would aspire for higher positions. They are aware that many Filipino captains who have already expressed their desire to retire are being asked to stay in active service simply because there is a great lack of qualified Filipino maritime officers for merchant ships. What does Captain Moro suspect to be the reason for this? “Confidence. Not many Filipinos have the confidence to present themselves to others, especially foreigners. The sight of a blue eyed 6-foot tall blonde officer stops their tongues instantly. They are also insecure about their knowledge of maritime law because they do not read often enough to be masters of the subject.”
A maritime reading course
This need for more reading skills and practice has inspired ASAP to start developing a reading course specially designed for maritime professionals and skilled workers. The course will identify reading problems of participants, give the necessary practice and instructions to solve the problems, and develop positive attitudes and disciplines in reading.
Ramping Cadets
The two captains are also excited about the newest training taking place this month (June, 2006). This is the Ramping Cadets Course, a bridge program for aspiring ISNTC cadets. Given that many maritime cadets come from a variety of educational backgrounds, ISN needs to ensure a streamlining of skills and attitudes in preparation for highly technical and specialized maritime training. This program will be divided into two modules: Math and English. ASAP will take charge of the English training and promises to deliver the same customized and personalized approach to ISN’s people.
ASAP is proud to continually enjoy the trust and support of the ISNTC family, especially Mr. Gomez, Captain Moro, and Captain Palenzuela. True enough, as the maritime industry evolves, ASAP and ISNTC will work hand in hand to promote the excellence of Filipino merchant marines worldwide.
JO TANKERS INITIATES ENGLISH ENHANCEMENT PROGRAMS
Lack of officers
He says he is equal to the task, of course, but he can’t help wondering at the current lack of aspirants for officer positions. He remembers a time when these opportunities for career growth were the motivations of seamen for performing their duties.
Creating new officers
One solution he sees is giving our seamen more confidence to eye promotions as maritime officers. In fact, there are now proposals to require junior officers to undergo trainings courses for higher administrative work later in their careers. In support of these initiatives Captain Alinea collaborated with Advanced Speech and Academic Professionals or ASAP. He and his administrative officers were the first to undergo classes for various areas of English communication. The first was Intensive English Grammar, a 20-hour class they took from January to February of this year. It reviews the basic principles of grammar and their common misuse due to factors like media and reluctance to conform to conventions. Jo Tankers is a multinational company and Captain Alinea believes that updating one’s services and performance according to global developments is critical to company survival. He and his staff are now halfway through their second class, Conversational English. He leads his staff in displaying open-mindedness to comments about writing and speaking skills. He believes that life is a learning experience that has no graduation.
What lies ahead
Capt. Alinea showed concern for the few Filipino seafarers willing to take administrative positions, only because such promotions entailed heavier demands in English communication with foreign clients. He encourages other Filipino seamen to face the challenge of the global maritime community and earn more recognition for our country. He is now considering English enhancement classes for the junior officers and cadets of Jo Tankers.
visit there website@: http://www.jotankers.com/
Skill in the art of communication is crucial to a leader's success. He can accomplish nothing unless he can communicate effectively. - Norman Allen
MARITIME ENGLISH DEVELOPMENTS
Therefore, BMI took on a new partner in the form of Advanced Speech and Academic Professionals, or ASAP, to share in its Maritime English training responsibilities.
CEO Frances Arcellana, with the support of President Jose M. Mangabat, sought the services of ASAP and discussed her observations regarding the speaking skills of BMI’s ratings. “They are still intimidated when talking with blue eyed, fair skinned, 6 feet tall foreigners. I want them to lose that fear and focus on tasks at hand.” She particularly stressed the need to concentrate on role-playing and exchange of ideas. The training, “Effective Maritime Personality through English Proficiency,” gave enhancement lessons on grammar use, conversation skills, and vocabulary use among others.
The participants showed enthusiasm despite the rainy weather of July. They candidly shared their troubles regarding English. The role-plays were carried out even if most of the participants were shy. The trainer, Ms. Baluyut, however, wasted no time in giving them constructive feedback to prepare them for more maritime speaking situations.
Blue
The
“Blue
If we did the things we are capable of, we would astound ourselves. - Thomas Edison
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CLASS CYLEAHS - A SUCCESSFUL PILOT CADET GROUP
THOME SHIP MANAGEMENT PTE LTD,
The project, headed by Chief Engineer Artemio Fernandez and Capt. Mario Leopoldo, set strict demands on the cadets. They had to measure up to the performance quality that TSM’s people are known for: efficiency, effectiveness, integrity, and accuracy. The courses the cadets underwent prepared them for enhancing these skills. Several professionals were called in to share their knowledge in training these cadets.
The management at first had mixed feelings about the CYLEAHS group. But later on, they were slowly impressed by the toughness and endurance with which the cadets faced the battery of tests, drills, and evaluations.
They graduated from the program as full-fledged deck and engine cadets with a simple ceremony at the TSM building. It was attended by the president, Capt. Alfonso R. Del Castillo, the Training Manager, CE Artemio Fernandez, the Assistant Training Manager, Capt. Mario Leopoldo, and two foreign company representatives, Capt. Ivar Thomas Li and Q.A. Manager and DPA, Weston Fitzgerald.
In the first part of the ceremony, President Del Castillo gave the opening remarks, congratulating the cadets on having proven themselves worthy of the confidence given to them by the TSM management. It was followed by a short congratulatory message by Capt. Li, where he challenged the cadets to meet head on the challenges of multinational onboard work. CE Artemio Fernandez talked about the highlights of the cadetship program in his speech and beamed with pride as he compared the cadets before and after the training. The last speech, one of gratitude, was delivered by Nelson Manalo, the class president, where he thanked the management, trainers, and staff who worked together to “turn the boys into men.”
The second half featured presentations from the cadets, where they represented their different alma maters. The guests were treated to much amusement and talents as the cadets proved how fun-loving and truly happy Filipino seafarers are.
The Training Management is satisfied with the results of the pilot class and talks are underway for subsequent classes, with the same goal of producing international level cadets who will bring pride to the Thome Management and of course the
Few things can help an individual more than to place responsibility on him, and to let him know that you trust him. - Booker T. Washington
LET’S GIVE THEM A TRY!
THE PILOT GROUP OF RAMPING CADETS AT ISNTC
Ramp – A roadway leading from one level to another
Last June 6-July 6, 2006, ISNTC launched is pilot Ramping Cadets group. Basically, these are cadets who are aspiring to be cadets of ISNTC and work on board. However, due to constantly changing international standards set by the global demands on the maritime industry the company initiated a program to upgrade the academic skills of its cadets through a training entitled “ Ramping Cadets” The training department, headed by Captain Palenzuela and Captain Moro saw the great need to fill manning requirements of foreign principals. They saw diamonds in the rough among the cadets and decided to mold these young men into full-fledged cadets. Thus, the Ramping Cadets program began.
The program consists of two review courses: English Proficiency and Mathematics. The English part of the program was handled by ISNTC’s training affiliate Advanced Speech and Academic Professionals or ASAP. It involved a review of basic grammar, essay and letter writing, public speaking, and reporting skills. The Mathematics program, on the other hand, reviewed the participants on the basic skills in calculus, algebra, and so on.
The training worked around an elimination process, where only the toughest survive. The English and Mathematics trainers were instructed to give the participants a battery of tests, drills, and periodic evaluations to see who are academically prepared to undergo the full cadetship program. The participants were fully aware of this setup and strived hard to meet the requirements.
The ISNTC training department is happy to say that the program yielded positive results. The passing rate was more than 50% and this means a sufficient cadet population to help keep ASM in its niche in the maritime industry. The successful passers now feel the challenge and are ready to step up to the plate and show what they can are capable of. The positive result has inspired ISNTC and there are talks of more groups of Ramping Cadets to come.
Courage is the first of human qualities, because it is the quality which guarantees all others. -Winston Churchill
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