SOFT SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AS THE MEANS FOR EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION OF SEAFARERS

Abstract

The article substantiates the importance of soft skills development as they should be used by seafarers for effective communication. The author emphasizes that as modern maritime industry is changing it needs specialists who possess professional competencies including developed soft skills to meet the requirements of the rapid transformations of the maritime sphere.Such features that are required for effective teamwork on ships as mutual understanding, communication, positive atmosphere, professionalism, soft skills, adaptability are described in the article.The author has analyzed the publications of some researchers on hard and soft skills and summarized that both types of skills enhance team work on the ships. It has been stated that soft skills are used to improve relationships between seamen on the ships. Special attention is paid to communication of seamen as a great resource and tool for activity, understanding and cooperation. The author highlights that with a mixed crew communication becomes more important as crew members understand messages differently. Such features of good communication as closed-loop communication and challenge and response concept are analyzed in the article. In author’s viewpoint those features are important for seamen as they should always be alert and correct the mistakes if they notice them. To interact without any conflicts and personal clashes seamen have to follow the rules of cooperation, tolerance, mutual understanding, and be flexible and adaptable as well. As there is an inextricable link between hard and soft skills it is emphasized that maritime higher educational institutions should provide the students with well-designed and targeted training aiming at developing personal attributes and professional competencies. In this connection the teacher’s role is significant.