Answer
- I answered from ISM, he asked me to answer from STCW
Communication as per STCW
communication is specifically mentioned in STCW Code, Table A-III/2, under the competence “Use leadership and managerial skills.” It is included as part of effective resource management, where STCW requires effective communication onboard and ashore, along with allocation of resources, leadership, assertiveness, situational awareness, and consideration of team experience.
1. The Core Requirement: Regulation I/14
Under STCW Regulation I/14 (Company Responsibilities), the company is mandated to ensure that:
All seafarers assigned to any of its ships have received onboard familiarization.
They are capable of effective oral communication in accordance with the safety functions and duties they are assigned.
This effectively links the individual's competency (STCW) to the company's operational requirements (ISM).
2. Communication Competency (Table A-II/1 & A-III/1)
For MEO Class 1/2 or Deck officers, the examiner expects you to refer to the Tables of Competence (Part A of the STCW Code). For example, in Table A-III/1 (Engine Department):
"Ability to use English in written and oral form": This is a mandatory standard of competence.
"Maintain a safe engineering watch": This includes the ability to communicate with the bridge, other crew members, and during emergency situations using standard marine vocabulary.
Emergency Procedures: Seafarers must demonstrate the ability to communicate during drills, use internal communication systems (like the engine room telegraph, telephones, or P.A. systems), and understand safety signs and commands.
Communication as ISM
ISM Code mentions communication under company responsibility and shipboard operation procedures, but STCW asks it as a competence requirement for officers, mainly under leadership, teamwork, and engine-room resource management.
In ISM Code, effective communication is specifically mentioned in Section 6.7 under Resources and Personnel. It requires the Company to ensure that ship’s personnel are able to communicate effectively while carrying out duties related to the Safety Management System. It is also supported by Section 5, Master’s Responsibility and Authority, because the Master must communicate and report SMS deficiencies to the Company.