A communication gap is when a message is relayed ineffectively, and it leads to a misunderstanding or confusion. This can hinder operations in any industry and, in the maritime Industry especially, may lead to safety issues.
In politics recently, we’ve witnessed a communication gap between Trump and his country. Trump introduced tariff hikes as part of his protectionist stance earlier this year which may have deterred further imports into the United States, from China and a slew of other countries. Shortly after, many American citizens took to the streets to protest these tariffs amongst other issues.
Trump then made a U-turn shortly after his initial tariff announcement and reversed some of these tariffs that he had earlier imposed. This showcases that the president may not have had a clear plan for how the tariffs would be implemented. Whilst he reversed tariffs for most countries, he hiked up Chinese tariffs some more which led to speculation about a global trade war. It made me wonder: if the president truly considered whether Americans were willing to create their own products and build factories for items, they were easily purchasing for prices that they were comfortable with. Did he conduct a public survey or consult with the mass population in any sort of way?
This news has caused widespread confusion in global markets, including shipping. When stakeholders don’t know what to expect, or if the message keeps changing, then logistics companies and other businesses in this instance may feel confused and uncertain about what the repercussions are. Trump’s initial tariff hike may not have been thought out and planned. Had he consulted with any members in his office also? Is this a case of unclear leadership communication?
Imagine if a captain onboard a vessel retracted instructions once they have been carried out? Would this confuse the crew? Would they be able to undo what they’ve already carried out?
In the Maritime Industry, safety protocols and overall operational efficiency is reliant on foresight and planning. But what if there are communication gaps also?
In the maritime industry, communicating with people from all over the world is vital since the industry is a huge component of global trade. However, this brings about its own complications. Since many professionals in the industry are from all walks of life, are raised learning different languages or come from different cultures, communicating with others may bring about its own unique set of challenges. The communication gap may be so wide that it is imperative for industry professionals to try and close it to streamline operations.
Language barriers for example, may mean that some members of the maritime workforce are not able to fully interact with others. In busy environments like ports or on vessels, messages can get lost easily. While industry-specific terminology is often unavoidable, using simpler language can be helpful, especially when crew members come from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
Revisiting language training and relearning industry-specific terms regularly for these individuals may enhance communication efforts leading to less frustration and reducing the communication gap. This will lead to higher levels of safety as well as operational efficiency.
In addition, double-checking information and asking questions for heightened clarity ensures certainty in understanding and avoids confusion. Effective communication reduces stress and heightens morale, leading to a successful voyage and a more resilient maritime future for us all.
