Maritime English Test for Deck Rating​ - American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) Approved

The Deck Department is supported by Deck Ratings, whose duties will include supporting the Officer of the Watch, assisting with navigation, keeping a lookout, and steering the vessel when necessary, as well as other responsibilities such as maintenance and repair, operating equipment, cargo handling, mooring, safety, security, and firefighting duties. These duties demand an excellent standard of English, and at VIRSEC, you can find a range of Maritime English Tests, including the Maritime English Test for Deck Ratings.

About the Test

The fully online, American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) Approved VIRSEC Maritime English Test for Deck Ratings is designed to assist ship operators and employers in making recruiting and training decisions by assessing the crew’s English language understanding and skills at a Deck Rating position. The English Test for Deck Ratings is also useful for anyone wishing to pursue a career at sea to prove their English language competence to prospective employers. 

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. 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 and receive a final score. 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).

Test Contents

The English Test for Deck Ratings will look for the user to demonstrate competency in Maritime English and cover the five language skills:

• Listening
• Reading
• Grammar
• Vocabulary
• Numeracy

Listening questions comprise 40% of the total test and are designed to be context-rich. Each question aims 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.