The VIRSEC Maritime English Test for Senior Deck Officers is designed to assist Ship Operators and employers make recruiting and training decisions by assessing the English language understanding and skills of crew at a Senior Deck Officer position. The Test is also useful for any person wishing to pursue a career at sea to prove their English language competence to prospective employers.\u00a0The Test is designed around the approved guidelines for Maritime English developed by the International Maritime Organisation (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.\u00a0Delegates 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.<\/p>\n
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).<\/p>\n
The VIRSEC Maritime English Test for Senior Deck Officers is designed to assess candidates\u2019 English language competence between the levels of \u2018Upper-Intermediate\u2019 and \u2018Advanced\u2019 (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:<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The following METs are available through VIRSEC:<\/p>\n