Effective communication is essential in the maritime industry to maintain seamless operations and ensure safety at sea. In increasingly multinational crews, language barriers and cultural differences remain significant contributors to maritime incidents. To address these issues, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) developed Maritime English (ME) and the Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCP) to standardise and improve verbal communication between crew members and between ships and shore services. This study investigates the communication challenges faced by 27 Malaysian seafarers, focusing on how linguistic diversity, cultural factors, and technical jargon affect their ability to convey and comprehend information accurately. Data were collected through surveys and semi-structured interviews, analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The study also examines the role of technology—such as translation software, messaging applications, and integrated communication systems—in supporting Maritime English in multilingual contexts. Findings provide maritime-specific recommendations to enhance training programmes, including integrating SMCP-based drills, maritime-focused video resources, and multi-tool communication strategies. By addressing these challenges, the study contributes to improving safety and operational efficiency in the Malaysian maritime sector while strengthening Malaysia’s role in the global maritime community.