Maritime English Certificates for Seafarers: Exercises
Practical English exercises for seafarers, deck officers, engineers and maritime trainees.
Maritime English is used for safety, navigation, port communication, emergencies and teamwork on board. These exercises practise clear phrases, standard communication and useful vocabulary for maritime certificates and professional seafaring situations.
Exercise 1: Maritime Vocabulary
Choose the correct word for each maritime situation.
1. The front part of a ship is called the...
2. The back part of a ship is called the...
3. The left side of a ship is called...
4. The right side of a ship is called...
5. The place where the ship is controlled is the...
6. A person who works on a ship is a...
Exercise 2: Radio Communication Phrases
Match the maritime phrase with its meaning.
1. What does "Say again" mean?
2. What does "Stand by" mean?
3. What does "Received" mean?
4. What does "Proceed to anchorage" mean?
5. What does "What is your present position?" mean?
Exercise 3: Emergency English
Choose the best phrase for the emergency situation.
1. There is a fire in the engine room.
2. A crew member has fallen into the sea.
3. The vessel needs immediate help.
4. The ship cannot steer properly.
5. The vessel is taking in water.
Exercise 4: Maritime Grammar
Choose the correct sentence.
1. Choose the correct sentence.
2. Choose the correct sentence.
3. Choose the correct sentence.
4. Choose the correct sentence.
5. Choose the correct sentence.
Speaking Practice for Seafarers
Use these prompts for oral practice, radio communication practice or certificate preparation.
1Port Arrival
Practise a short radio exchange with port control.
- Question: What is your vessel name, position and destination?
- Answer: This is MV Atlantic Star. Our present position is two nautical miles south of the harbour entrance. We are proceeding to berth number four.
2Safety Drill
Explain a safety drill to a new crew member.
- Prompt: Explain where to go, what to wear and what to do.
- Useful phrase: When you hear the alarm, proceed immediately to the muster station and bring your lifejacket.
3Engine Problem
Report a technical problem clearly.
- Prompt: Say what the problem is, where it is and what action is being taken.
- Useful phrase: We have a problem with the main engine. The engineering team is investigating the cause.
4Weather Warning
Describe bad weather and its effect on the voyage.
- Prompt: Mention wind, visibility, sea state and speed.
- Useful phrase: Due to strong winds and reduced visibility, we are reducing speed and monitoring the situation.
Maritime English must be clear, short and reliable.
Practise standard phrases, safety vocabulary, emergency communication and clear reporting. At sea, good English supports safe teamwork.
Clarity. Safety. Communication. Confidence.
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