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Shouting! : Is It Necessary When Working Onboard a Ship?

''Life is already hard, so don't make it any harder because of bad behavior.''



Shouting at Someone


Were there any instances where someone shouted at you while onboard a ship? And have you ever asked yourself the necessity of the person shouting at you in that situation? Chances are, you'd answer yes to the first question and no to the second.


Oftentimes, before stepping on the gangway ladder, I feel some sort of anxiety creeping in my mind because I don't know my colleagues well. Then I still have to figure out how to go along with them and deal with their attitude. Usually, referring to the difficult colleagues.


It's not surprising though that you have also felt that way at some point, but I can say it's always inevitable to deal with difficult people onboard the ship.


This article will recount real experiences, explore the negative impacts of yelling, and offer advice on handling challenging relationships at sea.


Being yelled at: Two real-life experiences


I have had countless experiences of being yelled at, but I will recount two experiences that resonate with everyone.


Shouting During Unmooring Operation


Our ship was unmooring to the berth on a warm night. The shipside was dark, but there were lights on deck. I was part of the forward mooring team, and I also took part in heaving the spring, breast, and head lines.

One mooring line got caught between the starboard anchor and the ship's hull when we heaved two mooring head lines. I was therefore told by a senior deck rating to move the heaving line to the ship's flare platform. 

Because I had shifted the heaving line incorrectly, he became panicked and yelled at me. He also demeaned me by spewing cuss words and staring angrily at me.

I was taken aback because I understood what to do and was merely attempting to assist. The situation was manageable though because the tugs were heading on the forward part and would remove the rope. 

Although I acknowledge that there is a slight urgency, I didn't believe that yelling could improve the crew's general safety.

Even if I simply let the remarks go over my ear, the humiliating verbal act nonetheless caused some wounds. We were able to bring back all of the lines on the mooring winches after the tugboat securely removed them in a matter of minutes.


Maxing Out The Volume While Washing


Another instance that stands out in my memory is when a senior crew member shouted at my colleague while we were cleaning the accommodations decks.

Since we had just left the harbor, the ship was dirty. We worked systematically, and I was tasked with helping the able seaman use the high pressure wash. Occasionally, I helped him untangle the hoses and remove the water from the deck.

Our senior crewmate was using another high pressure wash because he had the same task as the able seaman. With the help of another crewmate, we were able to clean and wash the top decks nearly simultaneously.

Because the deck was somewhat uneven and the wash water wouldn't typically run as smoothly into the drainage pipes, the muster station of the ship was difficult to clean. We hoisted down and moved the hoses close to that area. I assisted both of them by pushing the water away using a squeegee.

While the senior crew member worked on the run, I concentrated on my task. He wasn't always cautious when he did that; on occasion, he aimed the high pressure gun near us, causing water to splash in our direction from the deck.

I sensed that something was wrong, so I headed in the direction of the alleyway because he was seeking control of everyone and everything. He yelled at the able seaman and maxed out the volume out of his mouth when he noticed that he was washing the manner differently from him.

He pointed the high-pressure wash gun at the able seaman's left side, as if he wasn't happy with what he had done.

I saw everything firsthand and believed that the senior crewmate's actions were dangerous and wrong. If a person is exposed to the force of a high-pressure washer, it can result in severe injuries, according to the safety measures on the machine. It is strong enough to injure deeper tissue and even break skin.

He screamed for something, but the able seaman just did not respond. Although we completed the task, the safety risk and emotional damage remained.


Negative Effects of Shouting at Someone


Shouting onboard a ship may be warranted in emergencies like a person falling overboard, fire outbreaks, or other immediate safety risks to passengers and crew. Regardless of the term used, shouting, yelling, or screaming at someone is not beneficial.


Regardless of whether you are the one shouting or on the receiving end, it is crucial to be aware of the five negative effects of shouting.


1. Increased stress levels: Oftentimes, you tend to keep yourself on guard because you're afraid that someone might suddenly shout and criticize you. Shouting can trigger your body's stress response, leading to elevated levels of cortisol and adrenaline, which can have long-term negative effects on both your physical and mental health.


2. Decreased productivity: Constant shouting in a work environment can create a hostile atmosphere, leading to decreased motivation and productivity among employees. This is a very common response if you're on the receiving end because you will lose focus and become less efficient when constantly exposed to shouting.


3. Damaged relationships: shouting can erode trust and respect in relationships, causing emotional damage and breaking down communication between individuals. People who are yelled at tend to shy away from the abuser and avoid any social interaction. Frequent shouting can lead to strained relationships and a toxic work environment.


4. Health risks: Excessive shouting can also lead to physical health risks such as increased stress levels, elevated blood pressure, and even heart problems. The trauma response to being yelled at includes increased activity in the amygdala and higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol. [1] [2][3]


5. Negative impact on mental health: Being on the receiving end of shouting can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and even post-traumatic stress disorder in severe cases. Yelling at someone can have significant psychological effects, especially for individuals with PTSD. It can trigger traumatic memories, intensify symptoms, and worsen overall mental health. [4]. 

man in black crew neck shirt


Tips on How to Handle Yelling


1. Stay calm and composed: When someone is yelling at you, it can be difficult to remain calm. We all feel guilty that sometimes we need to fight back, but it's important not to escalate the situation further. Take deep breaths and try to keep your emotions in check. Understand that the person might have some problem prompting him to that action.


2. Listen actively: Even though the person may be shouting, try to listen to what they are saying without interrupting. Avoid shouting back and give that person some time. By listening actively, you can better understand their perspective and address any legitimate concerns they may have.


3. Set boundaries: It's important to assert yourself and let the person know that yelling is not an acceptable form of communication. Politely ask them to lower their voice or suggest continuing the conversation at a later time when both parties are calmer. It is also advisable not to respond when you have a good understanding of the situation.


4. Express your feelings: Once the person has calmed down, express how their yelling made you feel. Use "I" statements to convey your emotions without accusing or blaming them. This can help the person understand the impact of their behavior and encourage them to communicate more effectively in the future. Remember to remain calm and composed while expressing your feelings to encourage a productive dialogue.


5. Seek support if needed: If you find that you are consistently being yelled at or if the situation becomes too overwhelming, don't hesitate to seek support from friends, family, the management, or a professional counselor who can help you navigate through this difficult situation. Keep in mind that someone else's behavior shouldn't compromise your mental health.selective focus of man smiling during daytime


Conclusion


Shouting at someone on the ship is a common occurrence, and those two accounts demonstrate that such behavior is unacceptable. Shouting doesn't improve ship safety, so you can talk calmly and keep your cool.


It's detrimental and regarded as verbal abuse that has a wide range of effects on the victim, so in order to safeguard your mental health and wellbeing, it's critical to establish boundaries and get help when necessary.


Always remember that you deserve to be treated with dignity and respect at all times. After all, shouting is not really necessary when working onboard the ship; instead, do good, because life is already hard, so don't make it any harder because of bad behavior.


Shouting! : Is It Necessary When Working Onboard a Ship?
John Henry October 25, 2024
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