From General Maritime English to Specific Maritime English-Some Thought on the Revision to the 2009 Edition of IMO Maritime English Model Course 3.17

This paper expresses some thought on the revision to the 2009 edition of IMO Maritime English Model Course 3.17. It starts with the changes and challenges that have occurred with the amendments of the STCW Convention at Manila, and goes on with the observations and considerations of the possible principles for the revision. The paper argues that since the requirements and recommendations set in the newly amended convention are more specific, the course should be revised accordingly in correspondence with the specific requirements set and the methodology of the instruction should be adjusted with orientation toward communication competence and specific tasks and duties of the seafarers in English.