Prepare for the Marlins Test of Spoken English (TOSE) for seafarers. Learn shipboard communication standards, emergency commands, and maritime safety terms.
Get ready for Marlins Speaking!The Marlins English Test for Seafarers (TOSE) is the global standard for maritime language assessment. Designed for officers, engineers, cruise line crew, offshore workers, and yacht staff, this test validates spoken English compliance according to STCW safety regulations to ensure clear onboard communication, emergency readiness, and safety at sea.
The Marlins speaking assessment checks verbal command precision and descriptive safety scenarios. Review a typical onboard emergency monologue card below.
The Test of Spoken English (TOSE) is an interactive face-to-face or computer-based interview divided into three focus areas:
The examiner asks conversational questions regarding your maritime background, vessel type, onboard duties, watch schedules, and maritime career objectives.
You receive cards displaying typical onboard events or safety hazards. You must describe what is happening, identify any violations, and detail correct preventive actions.
You participate in a role-play or discussion about emergency drills (muster, lifeboat, fire), SOLAS/MARPOL regulations, or safety checklists relevant to your ship rank.
Watch this guide to see how clear English phrasing prevents maritime incidents and satisfies international port state control requirements.
Your spoken performance is scored on a scale from 'Beginner' to 'Excellent' based on three maritime communication criteria:
Assesses your command of standard shipboard words, abbreviations, and emergency phrases matching IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases.
Evaluates whether your accent or pronunciation prevents international crew members from understanding safety commands in loud environment conditions.
Measures how quickly and accurately you understand shipboard commands and instructions, responding with professional correctness.
Maritime authorities require seafarers to demonstrate adequate English knowledge to satisfy STCW regulations and safeguard ships, cargo, and lives in international voyages.
The Test of Spoken English (TOSE) is a one-on-one interview conducted by a certified marlins training center assessor, or online under controlled environment conditions.
The TOSE evaluates functional marine English, general seafaring dialogue, situational safety descriptions, and interactive response to watchkeeping instructions.
