European Day of Languages

Let’s play to learn about languages:

https://wordwall.net/embed/bd27048fead04ef194abdc23aef7bb47?themeId=21&templateId=69&fontStackId=21

Kahoot

https://create.kahoot.it/share/european-day-of-languages/5aabac5d-1615-4caf-978a-ae388c7e61e1

https://www.baamboozle.com/game/12450

PARTS OF A SHIP

In this video,  you’ll learn the main parts of a ship:

https://share.google/rxJyhpigNRNuWmaDh


Translation of the terms.into Spanish


ZONA DE POPA (STERN AREA)
| Inglés (STCW) | Español | Definición Técnica y Contexto STCW |
|—|—|—|
| Rudder | Timón | Competencia A-II/1 (Navegación): El dispositivo de gobierno principal. El oficial de guardia debe verificar su respuesta y ángulo durante el práctico. |
| Propeller | Hélice | Competencia A-III/1 (Máquinas): Sistema de propulsión. El oficial de máquinas debe vigilar vibraciones y rumbos críticos. |
| Stern | Popa | La parte trasera del buque. Punto crítico para maniobras de remolque por la popa. |
| Poop Deck | Toldilla | Cubierta elevada en la popa. Tradicionalmente sobre los alojamientos de los oficiales. |
| Funnel Deck | Cubierta de la chimenea | Cubierta adyacente a la chimenea. Punto de escape para gases de motor y ventilación. |
| Lifeboat | Bote salvavidas | Competencia A-VI/2 (Botes de Supervivencia): El oficial es responsable de la preparación y puesta a flote de estas embarcaciones en una emergencia. |
ZONA DE MEDIOS Y SUPERESTRUCTURA (MIDSHIP & SUPERSTRUCTURE)
| Inglés (STCW) | Español | Definición Técnica y Contexto STCW |
|—|—|—|
| Monkey Island | Cubierta de compases | El punto más alto de la superestructura. Aloja antenas, radar, gonio y el compás magistral. El oficial de guardia debe estar familiarizado con este equipo. |
| Funnel | Chimenea | Estructura para la evacuación de gases de escape de los motores principales y auxiliares. |
| Bridge | Puente de mando | El centro de control y navegación del buque. Es donde el oficial de guardia ejerce su función según el Capítulo VIII (Watchkeeping). |
| Accommodation | Alojamientos | Espacios para la tripulación y pasajeros. Crucial para los protocolos de evacuación y puntos de reunión. |
| Main Mast | Palo mayor | Mástil principal que aloja luces de navegación, antenas de comunicación y señales visuales de emergencia. |
ZONA DE PROA Y CARGA (BOW & CARGO AREA)
| Inglés (STCW) | Español | Definición Técnica y Contexto STCW |
|—|—|—|
| Cargo Hold | Bodega de carga | El espacio de almacenamiento principal para la carga. El oficial debe garantizar su limpieza, ventilación y segregación (MARPOL/SOLAS). |
| King Post | Columna de grúa | Mástil robusto diseñado para soportar las grúas de carga. |
| Crane | Grúa | Maquinaria para la manipulación y estiba de carga. El oficial de guardia supervisa las operaciones de carga/descarga. |
| Deck | Cubierta | La superficie principal del buque. El oficial debe asegurar que esté libre de riesgos y que la carga esté trincada. |
| Foremast | Palo de trinquete | Mástil de proa. Aloja la luz de tope y señales visuales de navegación. |
| Forecastle | Castillo de proa | Cubierta elevada en la proa. Zona crítica para maniobras de fondeo y amarre. |
| Forward | Proa / Sección de proa | La sección delantera del buque, donde se encuentra el castillo de proa. |
| Hull | Casco | La estructura principal del buque, que garantiza su estanqueidad y navegabilidad. Crucial para el control de averías (inundaciones). |
| Stem | Roda | La parte más delantera del casco, donde se unen los costados de estribor y babor. Es el “corte” del buque en el agua. |
| Bow | Proa | La sección delantera del buque en su conjunto. Donde se alojan los orificios del escobén y el ancla. |

Bulbous bow:proa de bulba
| Anchor | Ancla | Competencia A-II/1 (Maniobra): El oficial es responsable de la preparación y operación de los chigres de fondeo para un fondeo seguro. |
| Keel | Quilla | La “columna vertebral” del buque. Es la línea de base estructural más baja. El oficial de máquinas debe vigilar el estado del casco y quilla en la varada. |

BBC Learning English – Real Easy English / Talking about dream jobs

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/real-easy-english/250725

Navigational English: Maritime Terms Every Sailor Should Know!

Marlins Test

What is the Marlins Test?

It is a Maritime English test for seafarers world wide. It has two parts: written and oral.

There are three types of tests:

-Marlins Test for seafarers

-for offshore workers

-for cruise ship staff

Where can you sit the exam?

These are the approved test centres:

https://marlins.co.uk/approved-test-centres/

in Spain: https://marlins.co.uk/approved-test-centres/categories/spain

It assesses a seafarer’s ability to communicate clearly in English to meet international safety and operational compliance standards set by STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping), SOLAS, and the ISM Code.

Core Test Sections

The primary computer-based test pulls randomly from a database of over 500 questions and evaluates six distinct skills:

  • Listening Comprehension: Distinguish spoken orders, emergency announcements, and vessel communications over radio/PA systems.
  • Grammar: Functional use of tenses, prepositions, and structural patterns in professional contexts.
  • Vocabulary: Maritime terminology (e.g., standard vessel parts, operations, equipment, safety tools) vs. plain English.
  • Reading: Interpret technical safety notices, shipboard manuals, watch checklists, and weather/navigational notices.
  • Times and Numbers: Interpret numerical data, coordinates, dates, times, and measurements accurately under pressure.
  • Pronunciation & Sound Clarity: Distinguish key sounds and terms common to shipboard communication.

The Past Simple

The Past Simple tense is used in Maritime English just as in general English: to describe actions and events that were completed at a definite time in the past. This is particularly useful for reporting incidents, log entries, and recounting past voyages or maintenance work.
Formation of the Past Simple
The rules for forming the past simple tense remain the same as general English:
Regular Verbs: Add “-ed” to the base form (e.g., dock, docked; sail, sailed).
Irregular Verbs: These follow no specific pattern and must be learned individually (e.g., go becomes went; see becomes saw; put remains put).
Key Uses in a Maritime Context
In a shipping or seafaring context, the past simple is essential for clear communication, especially when language barriers exist and precision is critical, as emphasized by the IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCP).
Examples of its use include:
Reporting past events: “The vessel arrived in port yesterday”.
Describing a sequence of actions: “The Captain first met his wife when he was eighteen. Three lifeboats were launched at once. They sailed as soon as the message was received.”.
Logbook entries: “We departed the port of [Port Name] at 0800 hours on [Date]” (using a verb like depart or leave, the latter being irregular: left).
Describing past states or habits (often with “used to”): “I used to work as an apprentice then”.
Examples in Sentences
Here are specific examples using maritime vocabulary:
“Captain Fokas went on board two hours ago”.
“The rescue team was monitored by the Mate”.
“We sailed to Brazil on my father’s yacht”.
“The Chief Engineer oversaw the repairs last week” (oversaw is the past simple of oversee).
“They shipped the cargo last month”.
Training materials for seafarers often include specific exercises for the past simple tense, recognizing its importance in professional communication.
Las respuestas de la IA pueden contener errores. Más información

“-ED” PRONUNCIATION

Watch this video and you’ll understand how to pronounce the “-ed” ending.

Continue reading →

Who was Juan Sebastián Elcano?

How Seafood Is Caught

Effective Communication On Board

Watch the video about communication on board and answer the questions:

Listening comprehension

EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION ON BOARD SHIP


🎧 Listening Comprehension: Maritime Communication

Level: B1 (Pre-intermediate)
Instructions: Listen to the audio and choose the correct answer (A, B, or C) for each question.


1. What is the main goal of good communication procedures on board a ship?

A) To reduce fuel consumption
B) To achieve safe and efficient ship operation
C) To improve crew entertainment


2. What does one-way communication mean?

A) Both people understand each other
B) Only one person reacts
C) No reaction is received from the other person


3. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a method of communication?

A) Telepathy
B) Writing
C) Nonverbal signals


4. What percentage of maritime incidents are related to communication problems?

A) 10–20%
B) 70–80%
C) 40–50%


5. Why is communication between bridge and engine personnel sometimes difficult?

A) Because they work in different time zones
B) Because of differences in culture, language, and experience
C) Because they use different equipment


6. What language should be used for clear and precise messages on the bridge?

A) Local dialect
B) Standard Maritime English
C) Morse code


7. What is Seaspeak?

A) A type of radio equipment
B) A standardized maritime communication system
C) A training manual for engine maintenance


8. What does the message marker “Warning” indicate in Seaspeak?

A) A request for help
B) A message about observed facts
C) A message about danger


9. What certificate must the Officer of the Watch have?

A) General Operator’s Certificate
B) Fishing License
C) Medical Certificate


10. What is the VHF watchkeeping range?

A) 5–10 nautical miles
B) 20–30 nautical miles
C) 100–200 nautical miles


11. What should be recorded in the radio log?

A) Crew birthdays
B) Weather forecasts
C) Communications related to safety and distress


12. What is the most important thing to do during an emergency?

A) Panic and call for help
B) Stay calm and follow procedures
C) Turn off all communication devices