The importance of communication skills in the formation of leadership competence of future specialists in navigation and management of ships

Abstract

The article analyses the content of leadership competence and substantiates the need for communication skills for the professional activity of future specialists in ship navigation and ship handling. It is determined that the formation of leadership competence is aimed not only at achieving personal success, but also at ensuring the safety of crew members and strengthening the mental health and well-being of seafarers. The study has shown that the priorities in the development of leadership competence are communication skills (diplomacy, developed oratory skills, persuasiveness); determination (stress resistance); responsibility and dedication; development of thinking (speed, logic, criticality). The necessity of improving the «soft» skills of seafarers is actualised, which is possible through the introduction of the author's special course and active forms of work in the educational process of higher education institutions, aimed at developing leadership competence in specialists in ship navigation and ship management. It is substantiated that the leader's communication skills can be useful for the following purposes: improving crew morale, increasing the productivity of professional duties and facilitating internal communication. It is established that the formation of leadership competence involves taking into account individual psychological characteristics in the process of formation, high self-esteem, positive attitude, cognitive activity, emotional stability, courage, self-control, communication and organisational skills and systematic creation of situations. The prospects for the development of communication skills are to improve the maritime education system at all levels and to provide conditions for the development of leadership competence of future officers