The Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA) has proposed making language and titles gender neutral, removing 'mann' (Norwegian for 'man') from terms like 'mann-over-bord-situasjon' ('man over board situation') and replacing it with 'person', the same word in English and Norwegian. The term 'MOB boat' is set to remain.
The consultation, which closed on 11 March, drew a wide range of replies, mostly supportive, though some expressed concern over choice of terms and losing maritime identity.
The maritime unions all expressed support. Det norske maskinistforbund (Dnmf), Norwegian Union of Marine Engineers (NUME), was supportive but said it could not accept a blanket change if it introduced ambiguity or the opposite of what was intended. It also said in its response it favours the use of terms that are in line with international terminology in, for example, the STCW convention and ISM and MLC codes, especially regarding safety and competence.
Norsk Sjømannsforbund, Norwegian Seafarers' Union (NSU), said language tells a story of what has happened, and of what is down the line.
NSU president Kurt Inge Angell told his union magazine 'Language is power and we should never forget that. Titles in our maritime industry are therefore not incidental. They often say more about the industry, both now and in the past, than we initially realise.
'The maritime industry has historically been very male-dominated and is the reason why many titles have naturally been something with 'man' in them. But do we also want that to shape the maritime Norway of the future?'
He added it is important to indicate that the industry is for everyone. 'I therefore think the NMA's work to make as many titles in the industry gender neutral is both important and correct.'
Stian Grøthe, the NSU lead on politics and governmental affairs, said in his response the union is unsure about some terms, for example 'sjømann' ('seaman' in English), which is proposed changed to 'arbeidstaker' ('employee').
Norsk Sjøoffiserforbund, Norwegian Maritime Officers’ Association, welcomed moves to increase the numbers of women at sea, but said equality requires more than gender-neutral titles. More inclusive and attractive workplaces for women are key – and that includes changed attitudes, flexible legal entitlements and PPE that fits.
One proposed new term it does not agree with is replacing 'overstyrmann' ('chief officer') with 'sjefdekksoffiser' ('chief deck officer') as the current Norwegian title is associated with identity and position and is already regarded as gender neutral. Another is 'MOB', which also appears in menu functions and on buttons.
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