Frequently asked questions 

  • How do I navigate the website?

The SeaTALK front page (Home) gives a short description of the platform content. Here you will find frequently asked questions (FAQs) and a video on how to use SeaTALK. At the top of the page select one of the seven training modules. Each module contains six sub-pages, namely: Description, Learning Materials and Competences, International Requirements, Level Descriptor (English language competence descriptor with reference to CEFR), Assessment and Introduction for Teachers. Learning Materials and Competences includes a grid displaying occupational standards (derived from the STCW) and language learning outcomes according to seafaring rank and level. You will find the corresponding Maritime English learning materials under the language learning outcome. The Description section provides information on the module duration, unit value etc. Under International Requirements you will find background information on international requirements and recommendations. Under the Level Descriptor (English language competence descriptor with reference to CEFR) you will find a SeaTALK language level descriptor that links the training modules to CEFR levels. The Assessment section provides information on the MarTEL Maritime Tests of English Language, which are used as the assessment method for the SeaTALK Maritime English training modules. Detailed information on the SeaTALK approach is provided in the Introduction for Teachers section. 
  • What types of learning materials are provided?

The SeaTALK platform provides English language Maritime English learning materials in various formats, including text files, recordings, listening comprehensions and various types of exercises.  The materials have been provided by the SeaTALK partner consortium, assisted by external contributors. The materials include items from other projects (partly) funded by the European Union. 
  • Can I use the materials on the website free of charge?   

Yes, all the learning materials available on the SeaTALK platform are free of charge.  

  • How do I use the SeaTALK learning materials?

The SeaTALK training modules aim to support Maritime English teachers providing opportunities to:

·            design course objectives, syllabus and classroom activities within the framework of STCW competences;

·            develop their own materials to match the relevant competences;

·            become aware of the communicative needs of seafarers in relation to the learning outcomes in the competence grid;

·            select, modify and exploit content from the learning materials platform according to their own students’ specific needs;

·            involve learners in tasks incorporating the communicative approach with a focus on the communicative functions of language;

·            manage assessment and develop their own tests.

Students, seafarers and independent learners can also benefit from this unique framework. They have opportunities to:

·            access common Maritime English syllabi with a link for teaching/learning materials;

·            track progress in their studies from one competence to another;

·            familiarize themselves with ECTS allocation in terms of formal educational components and ECVET points linked to the qualification;

·            verify and improve their level of knowledge of Maritime English with regard to IMO requirements.

  • Where do I find information about assessment?

Each of the SeaTALK training modules contains a sub-section on assessment. The assessment method applied for the SeaTALK Maritime English training modules is the MarTEL Maritime Tests of English Language, designed to test English language usage in a professional maritime context.
  • Does SeaTALK provide guidelines for teachers?

Yes, there is a sub-section called Introduction for Teachers in each of the Maritime English training modules. Under each of the modules you will find six sub-pages, namely: Description, Learning Materials and Competences, International Requirements, Level Descriptor (English language competence descriptor with reference to CEFR), Assessment andIntroduction for Teachers. Learning Materials and Competences includes a grid displaying occupational standards (derived from the STCW) and language learning outcomes according to seafaring rank and level. You will find the corresponding Maritime English learning materials under the language learning outcomes. Under International Requirements you will find background information on international requirements and recommendations. Under the Level Descriptor (English language competence descriptor with reference to CEFRyou will find a SeaTALK language level descriptor that links the training modules to CEFR levels. The Assessment section provides information on the MarTEL Maritime Tests of English Language, which are used as the assessment method for the SeaTALK Maritime English training modules.