Determination and a deep-seated desire for self-improvement were the driving forces behind the latest batch of ratings completing the Seacare Quality Rating Training (SQRT).
For the 16 trainees of SQRT 111, aged between 18and 27, the four-week journey (from Mar 2 – 27) at the Shenzhen International Maritime Training Centre (SIMTC) was about more than just maritime skills.
For most of these ratings, English was unfamiliar territory. Having grown up communicating primarily in Mandarin and local dialects, many entered the programme with low proficiency in English. However, what they lacked in vocabulary, they made up for in heart. Trainers from the Singapore (Nantong) International Maritime Institute (SNIMI) quickly praised the group’s enthusiasm and diligence.
The transformation didn’t happen by accident. The SNIMI trainers used a structured, highly effective learning process that focused on building fundamentals from the ground up.
To master the basics, ratings engaged in daily reading using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) to grasp correct pronunciation. Trainees were encouraged to speak freely and coached to express proficiency themselves through interactive role-plays and group presentations to build their confidence. A key factor in their progress was the trainers’ dedication, which created a safe space for ratings to practise without fear of making mistakes.
By the fourth week, during the final assessment, the trainees had moved from a “very poor” rating to an “average to good” score. This significant improvement in English proficiency is a game-changer for these seafarers. By bridging the language gap, these 16 ratings are now better equipped to communicate confidently, work effectively, and build strong professional relationships at sea.
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