Monthly Archives: September 2026

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

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.