THE EFFICACY OF SHORT-FORM MARITIME DOCUMENTARIES IN ENHANCING MARITIME ENGLISH PROFICIENCY

Abstract

The research examines instructional methodologies that integrate thematic audiovisual media to facilitate the acquisition of professional linguistic competencies among maritime students. In the contemporary maritime sector, linguistic proficiency in English is a critical component of operational safety and intercultural communicative competence. As Ukraine modernizes its maritime pedagogical frameworks, there is an urgent need to transition from traditional, text-based instructional modalities to dynamic, multimodal learning environments.
This study investigates the impact of integrating short-form maritime documentaries into the English for Specific Purposes (ESP) curriculum for undergraduate cadets (Years 1–3). The research specifically evaluates how “visual scaffolding” and “micro-learning” segments influence lexical retention and operational communication skills. Given the safety-critical nature of maritime operations, proficiency in Maritime English is identified as a vital component for ensuring effective shipboard communication and risk mitigation.
 This study highlights the development of “From Screen to Ship: A Navigator’s Manual,” a multimodal instructional guide designed to integrate safety-critical communication into the Maritime English curriculum. Developed for navigation students, the resource leverages fifteen maritime documentaries to foster collaborative learning. The pedagogical structure of the manual prioritizes speaking proficiency through a series of analytical tasks, focusing on vocabulary acquisition, thematic synthesis, and the articulation of professional perspectives in high-stakes maritime contexts.
 The findings demonstrate the efficacy of film-based instructional methods in the professional training of maritime specialists. Furthermore, qualitative feedback from faculty indicates high levels of pedagogical acceptance, noting that these techniques significantly augmented student motivation and facilitated the acquisition of specialized maritime vocabulary. The study concludes that short-form documentaries effectively manage cognitive load and enhance the internalization of Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCP). This multimodal approach is recommended as a superior methodological substrate for training future seafarers in high-stakes, globalized environments.