In a study conducted by Transport Canada, when pilots were asked whether language barriers make it challenging to communicate orders to the helmsman on foreign-registered vessels, some 60% replied that language barriers “sometimes” affect communication with the helmsman. In comparison, 20% reported that it “often” resulted in difficulty communicating.
Helm Order Monitor forces the helmsman to clearly repeat the helm orders, thus reducing the strain on the pilots and other bridge team members. There is no other product in the maritime industry that is compelling to clear communication.
In the same study, pilots stated that the major problem in pilotage anywhere on the international scene is the language barrier. They could not see how the language problem could be solved in the near future. They fear that it will again be a case of the marine industry experiencing accidents before any positive action is taken and regulations implemented.
Thanks to rapid advances in ASR technology, the Helm Order Monitor is now in a unique position to become an example of positive action toward language barrier problem solutions in the maritime industry.
