The Linguist

@Linguist_CIOL AUGUST/SEPTEMBER The Linguist 23 FEATURES services (VTS), who guide ships in busy coastal areas. This will standardise their use of English terms when they communicate with ships. Should Norway go further? According to the IMO, "the language requirement is an important part of compliance, and thus [seafarers] would be in breach if they were not able to use and understand English. There are actually a number of companies that offer English language testing as a service so that seafarers can show that they are compliant." However, this requirement only applies if those involved do not speak a common language. Many vessels in Norwegian waters have Scandinavian-speaking officers. The current rules require deck officers to communicate in English or a Scandinavian language if a pilot is not being used to guide the ship. The new language regulations would only apply to ships of 500 or more gross tonnage in the VTS area. But those who object say the existing rules on the use of English go far enough. The Language Council of Norway (Språkrådet) supports this view: "Most people express themselves most precisely in their own first language. Few are bilingual. If you have Norwegian as your mother tongue, you should use it so long as there are no special reasons to use another language." The state's consultative body on language issues, Språkrådet notes that in the petroleum industry, there is a health and safety regulation that requires Norwegian to be used as much as possible by businesses. Other languages may be used if necessary or appropriate to carry on business, and if it does not negatively impact on safety. "The same should apply to shipping," it said. The NMPA added that it had difficulty finding a situation along the Norwegian coast where the use of English would have prevented an accident or where the use of Norwegian or a Scandinavian language had caused mishaps. "But on the other hand, we can say with certainty that poor language understanding, especially poor English skills, leads to many situations with varying degrees of seriousness. That navigators must today satisfy certain minimum abilities in English is unfortunately just a theoretical demand. Our daily reality is something else." In September 2000, the Royal Navy ship HMS Grafton ran aground in Oslofjord. Morten Kveim, Head of Section at the Norwegian Maritime Officers' Association (NMOA), says VTS tried to guide the ship out of the fjord using English. The NMOA noted that there were communication difficulties just before the grounding, while the BBC reported that Commander Bob Sanguinetti was severely reprimanded at a court martial after pleading guilty to negligence. The NMPA says pilots currently contact ships and determine whether communication should be in English or Norwegian to ensure vessels receive and understand information. Sivertsen argues that where Norwegians come to the assistance of Norwegians: "It makes no sense to us that using English will increase safety… In fact, the contrary will be so." Nevertheless, the Norwegian Maritime Authority backs the state position, pointing out that a "not inconsiderable" number of vessels along the Norwegian coast have bridge crew who do not speak Norwegian. A decision from the government is expected in the autumn. IN THE DOCK An industrial ship in Stavanger port © SHUTTERSTOCK

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