Online Maritime English Test (MET) for Cruise Ship Staff

ABS Approved Testing to Determine the English Proficiency of Cruise Ship Staff & Personnel (Non-Crew) – Compliant under IMO Model Course 3.17, SMCP & STCW

Buy Course for £20^+VAT

Course Brochure

Due to the number of security and safety-related incidents within the Maritime Sector due to poor understanding of communication made to crew and staff whose primary language is not English, it is important for cruise ship staff, who are not crew members, to possess a good level of English language competency to ensure smooth communication with passengers and crew alike. English is the primary language used for announcements, customer service, and safety briefings on board, making it essential for staff to understand and convey information clearly.

About the Maritime English Test for Cruise Ship Staff

The fully online, American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) Approved, Maritime English Test for Cruise Ship Staff helps staff enhance the guest experience, ensures that passengers’ needs are met promptly, and supports effective teamwork among diverse, multinational staff. Additionally, good language skills are critical in emergency situations, where clear instructions can make a significant difference in passenger safety. The test is designed around the approved guidelines for Maritime English developed by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). It is combined with internationally recognised methods for English language testing to form a rigorous and accurate testing system for use in the Maritime Sector.

Delegate Test Areas

Delegates will first receive an explanation of the tests and then participate in a short sample test to demonstrate how it works. They will then join the actual timed Official Maritime English Test (MET) for Cruise Ship Staff and receive a breakdown of their results for reading, grammar, listening, vocabulary, and numeracy. Upon successful completion, they are awarded a certificate to demonstrate their pass.

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 Cruise Ship Staff 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). 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 non-crew members (ship staff) on board a cruise ship.

Test Contents

The English Test for Cruise Ship Staff will look for the user to demonstrate competency in basic Maritime English and general English and covers the five language skills:

Listening
Reading
Grammar
Vocabulary
Numeracy

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.

Other Maritime English Tests (METs)

At VIRSEC, we have many different Maritime English Tests as part of our online maritime training. Ensuring all members of staff have a solid understanding of English is essential training for working overseas. You can find the following English tests here at VIRSEC:

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 70% 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.

Book Your Maritime English Test

You can book your Maritime English Test for Cruise Ship Staff at VIRSEC and learn all you need to know about the Maritime English Tests. To discuss the pricing associated with bulk purchasing, please either use the contact us form page, or email the team at training@virsec.org. Alternately, call us on +44 (0)161 763 4427 and ask to speak to Olivia or Cathy.