Newslink teaches English standard phrases
http://www.newslinkservices.com

image: Newslink screenshot.jpg
Caption "Listen to the phrases spoken in English with different accents"

Cyprus-based Newslink Services, which produces news and computer based training for seafarers, has produced a computer based training tool for standard marine phrases in English.

The CD has recordings of standard English phases, in British, Indian, East European and Filipino accents. The phrases follow the IMO book "Standard Marine Communication Phrases."

"A number of studies have shown that ineffective communication is a major cause of accidents," says Newslink.  "On board the ship, with crew often drawn from a number of nationalities, it takes on a much greater importance."

The idea behind standard marine phrases is that working communications on ships, covering navigation, safety and operational matters, as well as communications with port authorities and cargo operators, can be simple, precise and unambiguous.

The English training CD is part of a twin pack, with the other CD covering computer and software tutorials.

The CD has been endorsed by William O'Neil, former secretary general of the International Maritime Organization, and Capt R Middleton, president of the Nautical Institute. 

"I particularly welcome the provision of affordable computer-based training (CBT) material for seafarers on Maritime English - based on extracts from IMO's Standard Marine Communication Phrases - it is a good idea, well executed, particularly its use of various accents of spoken English," said William O'Neil. 

"This package of SMCP voice training and computer training lessons represents possibly the most cost effective personal development tool ever offered for seafarers," says Captain Middelton.