Maritime English Test for Senior Deck Officers

Regulations & Codes Addressed

The English Tests are designed from the ground up using approved guidelines from the International Maritime Organisation (IMO Model English Course 3.17); IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCPs); and consistent with the functional framework set out by the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW).

Target Audience & Level

The VIRSEC Maritime English Test for Senior Deck Officers is designed to assess candidates’ English language competence between the levels of ‘Upper-Intermediate’ and ‘Advanced’ (CEFR (Europe): C1 to C2 and ILR (United States): Level 3 to 4). A candidate at these levels will be able to understand and produce frequently used expressions relating to areas of most immediate relevance to the function of a Senior Deck Officer on board ship. This corresponds to the STCW Maritime Functional Areas below:

• Navigation
• Cargo Handling & Stowage
• Radio Communications
• Ship Operations, Crew & Passengers

Test Contents

Listening questions consist of 40% of the total test questions and are designed to be context rich and to simulate real-world scenarios, including sound effects such as storm-noises, radio interference & static and international accents. Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCPs) are used throughout the tests, and listening questions feature VHF and hand-held radio, training briefings, emergency PA broadcasts, and face-to-face crew encounters.

Test Duration

The user must attempt the test in 90 minutes, and in one sitting. Candidates will be timed as they tackle the questions, to simulate exam conditions and must achieve a minimum score of 80% to pass. If a candidate does not answer all of the questions by the time the timer runs out, they will fail those unanswered questions. Test delegates will be allowed a second attempt at the test for free should they not succeed the first time. If they fail a second attempt, the test will have to be re-purchased.

Test Subject Areas

The Test will demonstrate competency in Maritime English and covers the 5 language skills of:

• Listening
• Reading
• Grammar
• Vocabulary
• Numeracy

Delegates are tested in conjunction with the following shipboard activities as detailed in the Subjects tab.