The article describes and analyzes modern aspects and approaches to the definition of extracurricular activity. Its system, forms, content and functions were considered in this article and its structure was also analyzed. It is stated that the purpose of extracurricular activity is to prepare the student to perform his/her professional duties in the future, to overcome the language barrier and to socialize with crew members by means of communication. Significant time in the student's pastime is occupied by classroom activity, such as lectures and seminars, practical or laboratory classes, but it is extracurricular activity that gives students the opportunity to implement their knowledge and acquire new ones through self-education. The relevance of the presented material is about to the needs in additional hours of future maritime transport specialists allocated for the formation of foreign language communication during their studying for direct adaptation, socialization and professional communication during their marine practice and professional activity in the future. As well as increasing the requirements for professional foreign language communication of maritime transport professionals under modern conditions of competition in the labor market, which leads to the renewal of the system of professional culture. Extracurricular activity is a form of student's social work. The article reveals the role of extracurricular activity and the opportunities in the formation of communicative culture of future seamen. Extracurricular activity plays a role in improving the professional communication skills of the future maritime transport specialist. The priority in higher education institutions is given to classroom work, during which hard skills are formed and developed. The importance of extracurricular activity is becoming very important just recently due to the requirements of employers to develop soft skills that can be developed through foreign language communication. It is defined that extracurricular activity helps to increase students' interest in the chosen field of activity, to develop independent work and selfdevelopment, which stimulates the desire for a professional approach and creative search.