Release to Third Parties by Special Authorisation of Management only
Language
1.	Purpose
	Many emergencies occur, or cannot be effectively fought, because those involved have differing commands of language, making communication amongst them either impossible or only with great difficulty.
	Therefore, with this Procedure, Schiffahrtskontor tom Wörden GmbH & Co. KG regulates its requirements regarding its employees' command of language and determines the working and command language(s).
2.	Application
	This Documented Procedure applies to the shorebased organisation and on all ships managed / operated by Schiffahrtskontor tom Wörden GmbH & Co. KG.
3.	Definitions and Abbreviations (refer to VA-001)
4.	Responsibilities
	The working and command language on board will be determined by Schiffahrtskontor tom Wörden GmbH & Co. KG.
	Checking of language ability will be carried out by the Fleet Manager / the Crewing Agency on appointment and by the ship's management when signing on.

5.	Description of Routines
5.1	Working Language
	The working language on Schiffahrtskontor tom Wörden GmbH & Co. KG's ships for all crew members is English.
	The system documentation is available in English on all vessels, further instructions are at least available in English.
	When, by reason of the crew structure, a further language has to be introduced, then a system documentation will be made available in this language.
5.2	Command Language
	The command language on board ships is English. All commands and instructions are to be given in the determined command language.
	Written instructions and notices, entries into logbooks, bell books, watch order books and standing night orders are to be made out in English.
5.3	Communication Language
	The communication and reporting language between ship and shorebased organisation is English. All reports, notices, faxes, etc. will be set out in English. All entries in logs, lists, forms etc. are to be made in English.
	Telephone conversations between the ship and shorebased organisation can be carried out in another language, as long as both parties have a good command of it. Any records of these conversations are recorded in English.
	Schiffahrtskontor tom Wörden GmbH & Co. KG cannot regulate the language ability of third parties. It will, therefore, be attempted to communicate with them in English. Our employees' possible knowledge of other languages can be made use of.
5.4	STCW Code Requirements
	The STCW Code requires that ratings forming a part of navigational watch are able to comply with helm orders issued in English..
5.4.1	Nautical Officers
	Here the Master and the nautical officers are concerned (Navigation at the operational level). A sufficient command of the English language (speak and write) is required, to use admiralty charts and nautical publications; to understand meteorological information and messages concerning ships' safety; to communicate with other ships and coastal stations; to communicate with the ship's crew whilst performing his watch; to have a good command of the Standard Marine Navigational Vocabulary (IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases); to fulfil the requirements for the bridge watchkeeper.

5.4.2	Bridge Watchkeepers
	Here all watchkeepers in deck department not being nautical officers are concerned (Navigation at the support level). A sufficient command of the English language (speak) is required, to understand helm orders and other commands; to read labels at nautical equipment; to use nautical equipment, as far as necessary.
5.4.3	Technical Officers
	Here the technical officers are concerned (Marine Engineering at the operational level). A sufficient command of the English language (speak and write) is required, to use technical instructions and publications; to perform the communication concerned to the duties of a technical officer and his watchkeeping; to fulfil the requirements for the engine room watchkeeper.
5.4.4	Engine Room Watchkeepers
	Here all watchkeepers in engine department not being technical officers are concerned (Marine Engineering at the support level). A sufficient command of the English language (speak) is required, to understand watch instructions; to know names of spaces and machinery in the engine department; to understand engine room watchkeeping procedures, basic environmental protection procedures and safe working practise procedures; to use the internal communication system; to understand the engine room alarm system and to distinguish between the various alarms, with special reference to fire extinguishing gas alarms.
5.4.5	Nautical Officers performing GMDSS Tasks
	Here all nautical officers performing GMDSS tasks are concerned (Radiocommunications at the operational level). A sufficient command of the English language (speak and write) is required, to fulfil the requirements of the Radio Regulations; to transmit and receive messages; to perform SAR radiocommunications including procedures in the IMO Merchant Ship Search and Rescue Manual (MERSAR); to prevent the transmission of false distress alerts and to mitigate the effects of such alerts; to participate in ship reporting systems; to use radio medical services; to have a good command of the Standard Marine Navigational Vocabulary (IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases); to transmit and to receive all information relevant to the safety of life at sea.

5.5	Ensuring command of the language
	Schiffahrtskontor tom Wörden GmbH & Co. KG ensures that the crew members have the required language command, by only appointing staff with the required language level; checking the command of the language at interview, or having it checked by the Crewing Agency; having the command of language checked again by the Master when signing on;
	Proof of command of English can be carried out by presenting a certificate presenting certificates, which include testing of command of English (e.g. GMDSS Certificate), practical testing in form of a conversation, knowledge gained during the employee's activities on board.
6.	References and Remarks
6.1	Reference Documents
	STCW Code VA-039 Familiarisation of Newly Assigned Crew Members VA-036 Recruitment of Personnel
6.2	Bibliography
	SOLAS
6.3	Remarks
	Communication amongst crew members or to the outside world during their spare time is not affected by this procedure.
7.	Documentation
	Certificates Training Records Appraisals Fo-001 Qualification and Familiarisation Contracts with Crewing Agencies
8.	Revision of Documents
	Party Responsible for the editorial revision of this procedure:
	Fleet Manager / Designated Person

9.	Distribution
	All Safety Management Manuals
	Additional Copies:
	none
10.	Attachments
	none

Procedure

Schiffahrtskontor tom Wörden GmbH & Co. KG Wilhelm-Schröder-Str. 3 D-21726 Oldendorf

VA-041

Revision 0

17.12.02

Page 4 of 4

Procedure

Reederei Heinz Corleis Kampweg 4a D-21706 Drochtersen

prepared: 03.05.2002	approved:	released:	Revision 2
			Procedure No.: VA-041
M. Blohm	H.Corleis	M. Blohm, DP	Page 1 of 4

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