The VIRSEC Maritime English Test for Non-Crew Members of Cruise Ships designed to assist Ship Operators and employers make recruiting and training decisions by assessing the English language understanding and skills of non-crew members. The Test is also useful for any person wishing to pursue a career at sea in the Cruise Ship and Passenger Ship Sectors, to prove their English language competence to prospective employers. The online Test is designed around the approved guidelines for Maritime English developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and are combined with internationally recognised methods for English language testing to form a rigorous and accurate testing system for use in the maritime sector. Delegates will first receive an explanation of the Tests, then take part in a short sample test to demonstrate how it works. They will then take part in the actual timed Official Maritime English Test and receive a final score upon successful completion, they are awarded a certificate to demonstrate their pass score.
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 Non-Crew Members of Cruise Ships is designed to assess candidates’ English language competence between the levels of ‘Beginner’ and ‘Elementary’ (CEFR (Europe): A1 to A2 and ILR (United States): Level 0 to 1).
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 65% 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.
Other Maritime English Tests [METs]
The following METs are also available through VIRSEC:
Bulk Buying
To discuss pricing associated with bulk purchasing of this online Maritime English Test (MET), please contact us at training@virsec.org or call us during UK Office Hours (0900 to 1700hrs BST/GMT Monday to Thursday, and 0900 to 1500hrs BST/GMT Friday) and we will be very happy to assist you.
