Dyslexia and seafarers
AS MANY AS ONE IN TEN adults have some form of dyslexia including some of the most talented people in the world.
Release your potential by recognising dyslexia and making it work for you rather than against you.
Open up a whole new world of opportunity, prospects, promotion and achievement. Here at The Marine Society, as part of our commitment to equality of opportunity, we can offer advice and practical help.
What is dyslexia?
The word ‘dyslexia’ comes from ancient Greek and means ‘difficulty with words’.
It is a difference in the part of the brain which deals with language and affects reading, writing and spelling skills.
Those with dyslexia process information differently and may also confuse directions or lists of figures or sequences of facts and events.
Dyslexia occurs in people of all types – from those who cannot read or write at all to those with university degrees. It can affect the Master of a ship just as much as an AB.
Recognising dyslexia
Dyslexia is a puzzling mix of difficulties and strengths.
Dyslexic people often have distinctive talents as well as typical clusters of difficulties.
Possible difficulties include: reading hesitantly; misreading, thus making understanding difficult; difficulty with sequences, eg getting dates in order; poor organisation or time management; difficulty organising thoughts coherently; erratic spelling.
Possible strengths include being an innovative thinker; excellent at trouble shooting; intuitive at problem solving; being creative; thinking laterally.
What to do
It's amazing how your life could be changed just by knowing you are dyslexic, and you will be surprised at how some simple action or advice can make a difference.
The MSSC, in conjunction with the
British Dyslexia Association, can help seafarers by arranging free, impartial, and above all confidential professional advice, screening tests and assessments.
You could end up with a better career, improved quality of life and more opportunities both in work and in your social life.
If you can tap into your talent more effectively, it could also mean enhanced earning power.
To find out more don't hesitate to
contact us