Considerations Regarding the Application of IMO Maritime English Model Course 3.17 in Korean Contexts

Abstract

Abstract : The importance of clear and effective communication at sea has been greatly emphasized due to the increase in multiculturalismon boardbothocean-going andcoastal vessels, andthe necessityofsystematic Englishtraining basedon 'Knowledge, Understanding, and Proficiency' specified in STCWhas also been recognized. With these growing needs in mind, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) updated the Maritime English(ME) Model Course 3.17 in 2015 by providing guidelines on language educationwithin two separate categories, GeneralMaritime English(GME) andSpecializedMaritime English(SME). The IMOis now attempting to create a new, global frameworkofME education and training, and this this newcourse model must first be thoroughly understoodin order to explore the ways to applythe modifiedversion into the contextofcurrentMEeducation inKoreaandto design an updatedlanguage curriculum. Therefore, the general structural features ofthe newmodel course willbe explainedin this paper, and the course focus setbyIMOandto be consideredand/or adoptedbytheRepublic ofKoreawillbe closelyexamined. Finally, suggestions willbemade onhowto implementthis revisedmodelcourse inpracticewiththe following focus: the developmentoflocalizedcurriculum for GME andSME; the provision ofpractical teaching guidance throughrelevant online and offline materials for class and self-study; andthe establishmentofqualificationguidelines andateaching supportsystemfor language teachers inmaritime andlanguage education. Key words : Maritime English, model course 3.17, General Maritime English, Specialized Maritime English, a new framework of Maritime Englisheducation and training, Teaching pronunciation 1