SeaTALK Maritime English Training Modules - Engineer Officers (Management Level) - Level Descriptor (CEFR)

The SeaTALK Maritime English training module for Engineer Officers is linked to the level descriptors of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), allowing students to cross-reference their progress according to its levels. The CEFR describes foreign language proficiency at six levels: A1 and A2 (Basic User), B1 and B2 (Independent User), C1 and C2 (Proficient User), using “can do” descriptors to define the individual’s proficiency at each level.

The SeaTALK Maritime English training module for Engineer Officers presents a specific English for Specific Purposes (ESP)-related training module for Maritime English education and training, the requirements of which are compatible with, and complementary to the CEFR.

 

SeaTALK English language competence descriptors with reference to CEFR – Management level (Deck & Engineering Officers)

Wide range of vocabulary successfully and efficiently used in all communicative situations. Firm grasp of terminology and specialized idioms is employed. Vocabulary choice is rarely inaccurate, paraphrase is successfully used. Full control of all simple and almost consistent of complex grammar structures in a number of organizational patterns to deal with routine and emergency situations on board and ashore. Fully conversant with the IMO SMCP . Demonstrates mastery of writing conventions in handling professional correspondence. Understands written and spoken discourse from professional and social life with considerable ease. Demonstrates the ability to tailor speech and register to a specific audience and applying reformulation strategies.

Communication is effective and flexible enough for all purposes of professional and social life. Communication is clear without causing misunderstanding. Can demonstrate effective language use unhampered by any linguistic limitations in most cases. Can produce clear, smoothly flowing, well-structured complex stretches of written and spoken language, logically consistent and argumentative, expressing nuance and proper use of register. Can use IMO and other professional documents and sources independently to extract information. Can communicate fluently on radio complying with the Radio Regulation. Can handle professional correspondence as required in all situations. Can give clear orders, deliver briefings, presentations, participate effectively in discussions, meetings and handle formal social events, court cases. Can negotiate and advocate positions, persuade or advise, speculate about hypothetical situations producing appropriate discourse. Can express him/herself confidently, clearly and politely in all relevant situations adopting a level of formality appropriate to the circumstances. Can perform and respond spontaneously to a wide range of language functions related to job and rank.

Reading skills – understanding, interpreting, analysing, evaluating information from the maritime discourse; understanding complex reports, manuals and contracts, including issues that are implied rather than stated; interpreting detailed and lengthy information and making inference; confident in comprehending different types of authentic texts and register; understanding any formal or informal correspondence; scanning quickly through complex texts from a variety of genres.

Writing skills – producing clear, well-structured complex letters in an appropriate style; creating a discursive text following a format (Witness statement/Note of Protest/Report), appropriate layout, style and register; linking ideas into coherent paragraphs; using symbolic and abbreviated forms with ease; presenting points of view, developing an argument highlighting the most important points and supporting them with examples.

Listening skills – understanding: any kind of spoken language whether live or broadcast, delivered at fast speech in a noisy environment; a wide range of demanding long texts; the content of routine and emergency messages despite interference from pronunciation and accent; explicitly and implicitly stated information; relatively large information loads; recommendations, questions and requests; general and specific information; lectures, presentations; technical information such as instructions for operating equipment and specifications for products; following lectures and presentations that contain a high degree of maritime terminology.

Speaking skills – using the appropriate SMCP phrase in various situations; taking part in meaningful interactions - adopting a level of formality where appropriate; managing conversations successfully; giving an elaborate description of a procedure or account of an experience; presenting and reformulating ideas, giving a clear and well-structured presentation, expanding and supporting points of view with reasons and relevant examples and handling difficult questioning; arguing a case on a professional issue; formulating relevant instructions, dealing with complaints, expressing probabilities; summarising information; paraphrasing effectively.

 

Base and Target Language Levels

The SeaTALK Maritime English training module for Engineer Officers (Management Level) has been linked to the level descriptors of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), describing foreign language proficiency at six levels: A1 and A2 (Basic User), B1 and B2 (Independent User), C1 and C2 (Proficient User), using “can do” descriptors to define the individual’s proficiency at each level.

The base language requirement level for the SeaTALK Maritime English training module for Engineer Officers (Management Level) is the threshold of B1/B2 of the CEFR. The assessment method for this training module is the MarTEL Phase 3 Marine Engineering Test which tests the following (Maritime) English communication skills: Integrated Reading/Writing, Integrated Listening/Speaking and Integrated Reading/Speaking. The MarTEL Phase 3 Marine Engineering Test is designed to test English language usage in maritime contexts and professional discourse. In passing the MarTEL Phase 3 Marine Engineering Test the student has a degree of proficiency in Maritime English aligned from B2 to C1 of the CEFR.