Spanglish

There is something magic, figuratively speaking, about training that draw our crew. Our African crew in particular sees in training an opportunity to acquire certification most of the time out of their reach. Whether it’s through our own courses or contracted courses, we are committed to increase knowledge, skill and certification on board.

The Africa Mercy being in the Canary Islands provided a unique opportunity to contract a Proficiency in Survival Craft (lifeboat) course for the Deck and Engineer crew. However, there was a catch. The catch was that the course was to be delivered in English in the country that invented Spanish. Nevertheless I was assured that the instructor spoke English. 

After overcoming problem numero uno, dos, and tres, post “Tip for dealing with adversities”, the course began on time at three o’clock in the afternoon, Wednesday, just after siesta. The instructors were knowledgeable of the subject, but his English was Spanglish. Despite the difficult, the students overcame the lost in translation of the first day and enjoyed the hands on practical exercises on the lifeboat, fast rescue boat and survival at sea of the next two days.

During the debrief time I asked about their learning experience, one crew said: “The Spanish people are very serious about their siesta.” As culture is concerned it is what it is, people are serious about the thing the value.

Simulator

Learning to survive at sea

Crew holding their certificates