SeaTALK Maritime English Training Modules - Engineer Electro-Technical Officers (Operational Level) - Level Descriptor (CEFR)

The SeaTALK Maritime English training module for Engineer Electro-Technical 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 Electro-Technical 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 – Operational level (Engineer Electro-Technical Officers)

Grammar and vocabulary sufficient to use Maritime English with confidence and perform a variety of language functions. Good control of simple and some complex structures to ensure meaningful interaction. Frequently used structures mostly controlled but some complex structures may be inaccurately used. Vocabulary and specific terminology sufficient to talk about and take part in emergency operations; good command of the SMCP , relevant terminology and communication procedures in most situations. Demonstrates almost full command of the IMO SMCP for VHF communication. Understands factual information, main points and details, yet comprehension may slow down in complicated or unexpected situations or when faced with unknown accent or slang. Uses a wide range of concrete and abstract vocabulary including work-related terminology, some specialized high frequency idioms and expressions. Demonstrates good control of writing conventions. Selects appropriate layout; describes cause and effect using appropriate conjunctions. Defines paragraphs, demonstrates correct use of cohesive devices and discourse markers most of the time.

Can use the language fluently, accurately and effectively in most cases. Can distinguish the level of formality. Can read and understand general and specific information from maritime text types and formats. Can communicate on the radio in compliance with the Radio Regulations. Able to understand written and spoken instructions. Can write witness statements, emergency reports and other relevant messages. Can initiate, maintain and end discourse in routine everyday and work-related situations with ease. Can sustain a monologue by developing an argument but some limitations are possible when explaining functions, causes, and consequences. Can give clear and relevant instructions. Can express him/herself confidently, clearly and politely in most situations adopting a level of formality appropriate to the circumstances. Can perform and respond with some hesitation to a wide range of language functions related to job and rank.

Reading skills – understanding, interpreting, analysing, maritime and technical specific information; understanding main points and details; recognising symbolic writing and abbreviated forms; recognizing different types of authentic text and register; deducing information from documents and complex authentic texts.

Writing skills – providing relevant information in ship documents; conveying the content of a message; completing information in different types of text; creating a discursive text following a format (witness statement/report), appropriate layout, style and register linking ideas into coherent paragraphs; using symbolic and abbreviated forms.

Listening skills – understanding: the content of routine and emergency messages despite interference from pronunciation and accent; explicitly and implicitly stated information; main idea and supporting details; relatively large information loads; understanding correctly: commands, instructions, recommendations, questions and requests; general and specific information; speech at different rates; reduced forms of words; explicitly stated information; inferences; main idea and supporting details.

Speaking skills – taking part in meaningful interactions - adopting a level of formality where appropriate; entering and maintaining a conversation; describing procedures, presenting ideas, comments and supporting points of view; explaining stages in a process; asking for relevant information; verbalising symbolic, numerical and diagrammatic representations; successfully explaining problems and processes, giving instructions, opinions, examples; making comparisons, complaints, suggestions; reporting events, expressing probabilities; summarising information; paraphrasing successfully; using the appropriate SMCP phrase in various emergency situations.

 

Base and Target Language Levels

The SeaTALK Maritime English training module for Engineer Electro-Technical Officers (Operational 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 Electro-Technical Officers (Operational Level) is B1. The assessment method for this training module is the MarTEL Phase 2 Marine Engineering Test which tests the following 5 (Maritime) English communication skills: SMCP , Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing. The MarTEL Phase 2 Marine Engineering Test is designed to test English language usage in maritime contexts and professional discourse. In passing the MarTEL Phase 2 Marine Engineering Test the student has a degree of proficiency in Maritime English aligned from the thresholds of B1/B2 to B2/C1 of the CEFR.