Abstract
In 2001, the International Maritime Organization developed Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCP), which contained the communication protocols for vessel traffic services (VTS). However, there are conflicting findings whether SMCP should be rigorously followed in VTS communications. To address this controversy, the real-life conversation features in the VTS of Chittagong Port, Bangladesh, were compared with those of SMCP to identify similarities and differences. The researcher used a qualitative research design by visiting the VTS centre of Chittagong Port and recording port radio channels 12 and 16 for 3 days and then transcribed the data to analyse by codes and themes. The results of this study showed that in 35% of the cases, the conversation features corresponded to SMCP patterns, while in 65% of the situations, there were deviations. The features that matched with SMCP were fundamental for radio communication, whereas in the cases of deviations, the language used was similar to ordinary spoken English. The use of everyday conversational English in SMCP deviations suggests that maritime students need to master both ordinary spoken English and SMCP skills. The results of this research can benefit foreign seafarers, apprentice cadets and Bangladeshi maritime authorities to understand the patterns of English communication exchanged in Chittagong VTS and to pursue a more effective communication policy in the future.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Bailey J (2008) First steps in qualitative data analysis: transcribing. Fam Pract 25:127–131. https://doi.org/10.1093/fampra/cmn003
Barua D (2019) Ctg Port 64th among 100 busiest ports. In: The Daily Star. https://www.thedailystar.net/backpage/news/ctg-port-64th-among-100-busiest-ports-1780936. Accessed January 20n 2020
Belotto MJ (2018) Data analysis methods for qualitative research: managing the challenges of coding, interrater reliability, and thematic analysis. Qual Rep 23:2622–2633 https://nsuworks.nova.edu/tqr/vol23/iss11/2. Accessed Februar 10y 2020
Belous I (2010) MaxQDA 2010 [Computer software]. Marburg: Verbi Software. http://www.maxqda.com/. Accessed Decembe 12r 2019
Bolden GB (2015) Transcribing as research: “manual” transcription and conversation analysis. Res Lang Soc Interact 48:276–280. https://doi.org/10.1080/08351813.2015.1058603
Boström M (2020) Mind the Gap! A quantitative comparison between ship-to-ship communication and intended communication protocol. Saf Sci 123:104567. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2019.104567
Brinkmann S, Kvale S (2018) Doing interviews. Transcribing interviews:105–114. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781529716665
Brodje A, Lundh M, Jenvald J, Dahlman J (2012) Exploring non-technical miscommunication in vessel traffic service operation. Cogn Tech Work 15:347–357. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10111-012-0236-5
Brooks BP, John P (2017) SMCP and language training for VTS. Presentation to IALA Workshop on Common Phraseology and Procedures for VTS Communications, Bali, Denpassar, Indonesia. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.17419.69928
Bruno K, Lützhöft M (2009) Shore-based pilotage: pilot or autopilot? Piloting as a control problem. J Navig 62:427–437. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0373463309005335
Bruno K, Lützhöft M (2010) Virtually being there: human aspects of shore-based ship assistance. WMU J Marit Aff 9:81–92. https://doi.org/10.1007/bf03195167
Chittagong Port Authority (2019) Vessel handling statistics. http://www.cpa.gov.bd/site/page/7dfad3ff-830c-4d54-b1ae-4b1992cea2ca/-. Accessed Marc 29h 2020
Chittagong Port Authority (2020) Hand book of tide tables, Department of Hydrography, Chittagong, Bangladesh.http://cpa.portal.gov.bd/sites/default/files/files/cpa.portal.gov.bd/page/a98157a7_bc07_487f_b849_2ed7ac32431d/2019-12-23-16-36-f35a59782e3da964822b298da912780f.pdf. Accessed Februar 23y 2020
Choi SH, Chang EK, Frendo E, & Lee J (2017) Consideration on the standardized communication phrases for e-navigation. In IMLA-29th International Maritime English Conference (pp. 272–286). Korea Institute of Maritime and Fisheries Technology. https://ec.europa.eu/programmes/erasmus-plus/project-result-content/7b3725d6-da67-4868-a686-90f5fdcd941e/IMEC29%20-%20Proceedings%20(2017).pdf. Accessed Januar 15y 2020
Corbin J, Strauss A (2008) Basics of qualitative research (3rd ed.): Techniques and Procedures for Developing Grounded Theory. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781452230153
Costa NA, Lundh M, Mackinnon SN (2017) Non-technical communication factors at the vessel traffic services. Cogn Tech Work 20:63–72. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10111-017-0448-9
Cotton DR, Stokes A, Cotton PA (2010) Using observational methods to research the student experience. J Geogr High Educ 34:463–473. https://doi.org/10.1080/03098265.2010.501541
Davidson C (2009) Transcription: imperatives for qualitative research. Int J Qual Methods 8:35–52. https://doi.org/10.1177/160940690900800206
Dževerdanović-Pejović M (2013) Discourse of Vhf communication at sea and the intercultural aspect. Int J Traffic Transp Eng 3:377–396. https://doi.org/10.7708/ijtte.2013.3(4).03
HPC Hamburg Port Consulting (2015) People’s Republic of Bangladesh: strategic master plan for Chittagong. Hamburg, Germany. https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/project-document/183636/45078-001-tacr-01-part-2.pdf. Accessed Februar 23y 2020
International Association of Lighthouse Authorities (2016) IALA: vessel traffic services manual, 6th edn. Saint Germain en Laye, France
International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) (2009) Expectations of a VTS. https://www.iala-aism.org/product/brochure-expectations-of-a-vts/. Accessed Marc 18h 2020
International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) (2017) G1132 Guideline: VTS VHF voice communication. Saint Germain en Laye: IALA. https://www.iala-aism.org/product/g1132-vts-vhf-voice-communication/. Accesse5 March15 2020
International Maritime Organization (IMO) (2001). IMO standard marine communication phrases (SMCP). London
Jackson JC (2018) Communicating and VTS. https://www.nautinst.org/uploads/assets/uploaded/2b0e1f38-9a42-4c5e-b911ffe492bb255a.pdf. Accessed Januar 20y 2020
John P, Brooks B, Schriever U (2017) Profiling maritime communication by non-native speakers: a quantitative comparison between the baseline and standard marine communication phraseology. Engl Specif Purp 47:1–14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esp.2017.03.002
Johnson B (1994) English in maritime radiotelephony. World Englishes 13:83–91. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-971x.1994.tb00285.x
Johnson B (1995) Some features of Maritime Telex Service Communication. English for Specific Purposes 14:127–136. https://doi.org/10.1016/0889-4906(95)00008-f
Jurkovič V, John P, & Suban V (2019) Ship-shore voice communication upon ships’ port entry: a case-based analysis of compliance with existing communication standards. In IMLA International Maritime English Conference 2019 (IMEC31)(pp. 90–110). Aland Islands, Finland: Åland University of Applied Sciences. https://www.academia.edu/41194655/IMEC31_Proceedings. Accessed Februar 17y 2020
Kataria A (2011) Maritime English and the VTS. In International Maritime English Conference IMEC 23(pp. 25–33). Constanta, Romania. https://www.academia.edu/1287295/NEW_TOOLS_FOR_NEW_SEAFARERS_PRESENTING_THE_CAPTAINS_PLATFORM_FOR_MARITIME_ENGLISH. Accessed Marc 15h 2020
Mansson JT, Lutzhoft M, Brooks B (2016) Joint activity in the maritime traffic system: perceptions of ship masters, maritime pilots, tug masters, and vessel traffic service operators. J Navig 70:547–560. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0373463316000758
Motter AA, Santos M (2017) The importance of communication for the maintenance of health and safety in work operations in ports. Saf Sci 96:117–120. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2017.03.020
Noble A, Vangehuchten L, Parys WV (2011) Communication for maritime purposes. ITL - Int J Appl Linguist 162:111–133. https://doi.org/10.1075/itl.162.06nob
Patraiko D (2018) The vital nature of VTS. https://www.nautinst.org/uploads/assets/uploaded/2b0e1f38-9a42-4c5e-b911ffe492bb255a.pdf. Accessed Marc 12h 2020
Praetorius G, Hollnagel E, Dahlman J (2015) Modelling vessel traffic service to understand resilience in everyday operations. Reliab Eng Syst Saf 141:10–21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ress.2015.03.020
Pritchard B, Kalogjera D (2000) On some features of conversation in maritime VHF communication. Dialogue Analysis VII: Working with Dialogue, pp 185–196. https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110941265-015
Schutt RK (2019) Qualitative data analysis. In Investigating the social world: the process and practice of research (pp. 321–357). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc. http://jefftirshfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Investigating-the-Social-World_Schutt.pdf. Accessed Februar 16y 2020.
SOLAS (2000) Chapter V, Regulation 14(4) as adopted by Resolution MSC.99(73) o5 December5 2000. https://mcanet.mcga.gov.uk/public/c4/solas/solas_v/Regulations/regulation14.htm. Accessed Marc 24h 2020
Stitt IPA (2003) The use of VHF in collision avoidance at sea. J Navig 56:67–78. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0373463302002035
Strevens P, Johnson E (1983) SEASPEAK: a project in applied linguistics, language engineering, and eventually ESP for sailors. ESP J 2:123–129. https://doi.org/10.1016/0272-2380(93)90002-o
Takagi N (2017) Factors to be considered in establishing common VTS phraseology. In IMLA 29th International Maritime English Conference (pp. 264–271). Korea Institute of Maritime and Fisheries Technology. https://ec.europa.eu/programmes/erasmus-plus/projectresult-content/7b3725d6-da67-4868-a686-90f5fdcd941e/IMEC29 - Proceedings (2017).pdf. Accessed Marc 14h 2020.
Takagi N, Saito K (2014) Basic English for VTS. In International Maritime English Conference IMEC 26(pp. 175–184). Terschelling, The Netherlands
Trenkner P (2005) The IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases – refreshing memories to refresh motivation. In Proceedings of the IMLA 17th International Maritime English Conference. (pp. 1-17). France: Marseille. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/258046313_Refreshing_Memories_-_the_IMO_Standatd_Marine_Communication_Phrases. Accessed Januar 25y 2020
Valle AB (2011) The language of seafaring: standardized conventions and discursive features in speech communications. Int J Engl Stud 11:35–53. https://doi.org/10.6018/ijes/2011/1/137091
Vries L (2015) Success factors for navigational assistance: a complementary ship shore perspective. In Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Europe Chapter 2014 Annual Conference. https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/a05c/00a2245f2c42d8c50307b967599bee95ba29.pdf. Accessed Marc 15h 2020
Acknowledgements
I would like to give my sincere thanks to the Post Graduate Research Management and Technology Transfer Centre of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Maritime University, Bangladesh, and University Grants Commission for their project approval, funding, and support for this research. Without their assistance, this research would not become a successful venture. I also want to express my gratitude to Chittagong Port Authority for giving me the easy access to collect the required data of this research.
Funding
This research was funded by University Grans Commission (UGC), Bangladesh and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Maritime University, Bangladesh by Ref no. BSMRMU/PG Research-456/18/1203 dated June 04, 2018. Every year, UGC provides research funds to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Maritime University, Bangladesh (BSMRMU), for conducting research in their institution. BSMRMU separately divides this fund among the teachers depending on their submitted proposals. A fund of $5000 was accepted for the present study, and the sum was spent to cover travel cost, instrument cost, data collection, paying the remunerations of the research assistants, associate directors, director and the supervisors.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Additional information
Publisher’s note
Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Ahmmed, R. The discrepancy between standardised communication patterns and the real-life conversations of vessel traffic service: a case study in Chittagong Port, Bangladesh. WMU J Marit Affairs 19, 509–532 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13437-020-00219-7
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13437-020-00219-7