English For Maritime Students – STCW Competency Evaluation

YARDSTICK OF MARITIME ENGLISH COMPETENCY FOR SHIPS OFFICERS

Band

Definition

Descriptor

9

Expert User

(Senior Navigation Officers/ Senior Engineer Officers/Masters)

Has a full command of Maritime English as to safe navigation, technical ship operation, emergency management, cargo handling and administration; meets fully all the Maritime English requirements as laid down in STCW 1978/95. Communicates fluently on radio complying with the Radio Regulations, is fully conversant with the IMO-SMCP and uses them flexibly when the addressee gives reason to apply them. Expert in the use of glossaries/dictionaries, and seldom needs aids when reading IMO and other documents or handling professional correspondence. Unhindered when leading meetings, even controversial ones, with other officers, crew, authorities, services and outsiders. Able to develop personal skills to include the instructions of others in the use of the English language on board.

8

Very Good User

(Senior Navigation Officers/ Senior Engineer Officers/Masters)

A command of Maritime English approaching that of the expert user in safe navigation, technical ship operation, emergency management, cargo handling and some administrative tasks; meets fully the Maritime English requirements as laid down in STCW 1978/95. Copes well even with demanding and complex language situations, whether in oral or printed/written form, with only rare uncertainties and minor lapses in accuracy, fluency, appropriateness and discourse which do not affect communication. Communicates fluently on radio complying with the Radio Regulations. Fully conversant with the IMO-SMCP. Gives clear and sufficient orders in all situations connected with job and rank. Able to develop personal skills to include the instruction of others in the use of the English language on board up to band 6.

7

Good User

(Junior Navigation Officers/ Junior Engineer Officers)

Minimum required for certification as Chief Officer

Uses Maritime English effectively but may need to take special care in complex and difficult situations; meets the Maritime English requirements as laid down in STCW 1978/95. Communicates well enough on radio complying with the Radio Regulations. A few lapses in accuracy, fluency, appropriateness and discourse and in conveying or comprehending the content of a message, but communication is effective, consistent and unmistakable. Conversant with the IMO-SMCP. Can give clear and succinctorderstoratingsUnderstandswrittenandsuccinct orders to ratings. Understands written and spoken instructions in how to use, maintain and repair equipment. Any lack in Maritime English skills does not hinder safe ship operations. Able to draft the messages, reports and letters required for ship business occasionally using dictionaries, glossaries and/or correspondence guidelines.

6

Competent User

(Junior Navigation Officers/ Junior Engineer Officers)

Minimum required for certification as OOW/EOW

Uses Maritime English with confidence in moderately difficult situations; meets basically the Maritime English requirements as laid down in STCW 1978/95. Noticeable lapses in accuracy, fluency, appropriateness and discourse that may lead to difficulties in complex situations. Communication is effective on most occasions. Can communicate on radio under the supervision of senior officers applying selected standard phrases and occasionally using manuals in order to comply with the Radio Regulations. Speaks, reads and writes Maritime English sufficiently well for ship operations. Is familiar with the IMO-SMCP. Competent use of language in giving and executing orders. Able to respond competently in emergencies. Able to comprehend nautical/engineering publications. Able to write up logbook without causing misunderstandings.

5

Effective User

(Assistant Navigation Officers/Assistant Engineer Officers)

Uses the language independently and effectively in all familiar and moderately difficult situations. Can read and pronounce the IMO-SMCP applicable to the working sphere. Frequent lapses in accuracy, fluency, appropriateness and discourse, but usually succeeds in communicating. Basically abilities as at band 6 but permitted to act only under constant supervision. Effective use of Maritime English in giving and carrying out orders.

4

Modest User

Uses basic range of Maritime English, sufficient for familiar and non-pressure situations. Many lapses in accuracy, fluency, appropriateness and discourse that restrict continual communication so that frequent efforts and guidance are needed to ensure that the communicative intention is achieved. Renders the minimum level required to follow specialist instruction in Maritime English using the IMO-SMCP. Able to ask and answer basic questions referring to the vessel, its cargo, equipment and machinery. Can pass on distress/urgency and safety messages and ask for assistance in cases of emergency using the relevant IMO-SMCP.

3

Limited User

Can communicate using sentences and questions. Problems in accuracy, fluency, appropriateness and discourse so that communication frequently breaks down or is difficult to maintain. Understands and executes orders from the IMO-SMCP for basic shipboard needs such as general emergency drills, person over board, and standard wheel/engine orders. Can speak about basic duties on board.

2

Intermittent User

Uses a very limited range of Maritime English. Adequate for basic needs and simple situations. Able to verbalize and understand such items as names and ranks, ship’s name and certain specifications of the vessel and/or its machinery. Can look up basic phrases from the IMO-SMCP but uses them inflexibly. Can ask for help and assist officers directing passengers in different situations, particularly in cases of drills or emergencies.

1

Non User

Uses a few words or phrases such as common greetings. Capacity limited to elementary listening and reading skills. Recognises notices and signs within the working sphere but has difficulty in interpreting the information into action. At the lowest level, recognises which language is being used. Should not be admitted as Navigation Officer Cadet/Engineer Officer Cadet without prior pre-sea Maritime English training.