Marlins test is a comprehensive set of tests and assessments developed by the company “Marlins” for certifying sailors working on ships and those seeking employment in the maritime industry. Founded in 1994, the company has extensive experience in personnel training and maintains a high standard of education within the maritime sector.
This page features a test “Marlins for Offshore Workers” designed to assess English language proficiency and specialized terminology across various professions. Additionally, it evaluates the professional skills required for safe and efficient operations on maritime vessels.
For preparation, one can utilize various e-learning programs and applications. The next crucial step would involve refreshing the knowledge pertinent to your specialization and storing it in memory.
This test have various questions, including:
- Listening;
- Grammar;
- Vocabulary;
- Time and numbers;
- Pronunciation;
- Reading.
Listening – you are given only two attempts to listen to an audio segment and the answer options, from which you need to select the correct one.
Grammar – you need to select the option with the correct grammatical construction (tasks involving constructing sentences correctly, using appropriate tenses, articles, etc.).
Vocabulary – professional terminology is tested in a format where you choose the correct term based on the image presented.
Numerals – tasks involve using compound numbers according to what is heard in the recording.
Pronunciation – tasks assess the accuracy of pronunciation, determined by ear.
Reading – you need to read a text related to the professional topic and insert the provided options for the missing words.
Each of the question categories is accompanied by a visual image, audio recording with dialogues, or interactive practice, enhancing engagement throughout the testing process.
After launching the simulator, you have 60 minutes to answer all the questions, with no possibility to go back and change your answers. Therefore, it’s important to read carefully and not rush with your responses. The assessment is considered passed if you have accumulated a sufficient number of correct answers at the end, the percentage of which is determined by the employer.
Successfully completing the Marlins test significantly increases your chances of employment.
The primary goal of the Marlins test is to assess the high level of English language proficiency among sailors working on ships. It’s important to understand that the maritime industry enforces strict safety and efficiency standards, thus making thorough preparation in language proficiency, specific procedures, and professional skills essential.
The Marlins test can also be used to assess the level of English language proficiency and maritime skills for the existing crew during training and skill enhancement processes. To pass it successfully, you need to prepare for various aspects depending on the type of test. The questions are tailored to the industry context, making this format suitable for all ranks and positions.
On our website, you can undergo testing to determine your level of competence.
Start test
Listening MC A seafarer is asking for directions to the ship’s agent. Where is it located?
2 plays left
Next to the fire station.
Near the port entry gates.
A few kilometres from the port.
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Grammar – Tenses Rearrange the words to make a correct sentence. How long the ship will stay in Barcelona?
the
stay
ship
in
will
Barcelona
long
?
how
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Listening MC Two officers are discussing the new Master. What’s the problem with him?
2 plays left
He’s not really intelligent enough.
He doesn’t make use of their experience.
He’s too young to be an effective Master.
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Listening MC Two crewmembers are talking about an injury. How did the man cut himself?
2 plays left
Using a tool.
When he fainted.
He was shaving.
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Listening MC The Chief Officer is talking to a new crew. What is the Chief Officer’s attitude towards difficult problems?
2 plays left
They should never ask stupid questions.
Their training will prepare them for all situations.
They should share their concerns and ask for help.
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Listening MC Two seafarers are working on the stern. Why is the seafarer’s hand bleeding?
2 plays left
Because he cut himself on barbed wire.
Because he was using a bent screwdriver.
Because he cut himself shaving that mooring.
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Listening MC The Chief Engineer is talking to the 3rd Engineer about the cook. Why is the cook pouring vodka on the deck?
2 plays left
He’s trying out a new method to remove rust.
Because the vodka is no good to drink.
Because he believes it’s good luck.
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Listening MC The AB is talking to the Captain about his health. What is the AB unable to do?
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Start his watch.
Take certain medication.
Finish his watch.
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Listening MC The survival craft equipment is being checked. What’s the problem with the mirror?
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It’s rusty.
It’s damaged.
It’s missing.
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Listening MC The Watch Officer is discussing a problem with the Captain. What type of problem is it?
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There’s a problem with the echo-sounder.
There’s a problem with the power supply.
There’s a problem with the agent.
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Listening MC Two deck officers are talking. According to the report, what is the cause of most accidents during mooring operations?
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Equipment failure.
Bad weather.
Handling of ropes or wires.
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Listening MC How close to port is the vessel?
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45.
30.
25.
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Listening – Image Multiple Choice What does the 2nd Engineer advise the cadet to do while he is working?
2 plays left
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Listening – Image Multiple Choice What is the weather forecast for the end of the week?
2 plays left
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Listening MC Two seafarers are talking about pollution. How many containers fall overboard every year?
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100 000.
12 000.
10 000.
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Listening – Image Multiple Choice Where’s the seafarer’s passport?
2 plays left
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Listening – Questions and Answers Listen and then choose the correct answer. You can only play the audio twice.
2 plays left
Not until we’ve tested the atmosphere.
Apparently he’s run out of rice.
I’m finding it really hard to sleep.
Yes, I saw it happen a few years ago.
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Listening – Questions and Answers Listen and then choose the correct answer. You can only play the audio twice.
2 plays left
Fine, there are only a few minor deficiencies.
Probably around 06:00 hrs UTC.
Because they hadn’t done a risk assessment.
It’s 2 700 miles West of Manila.
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Listening – Questions and Answers Listen and then choose the correct answer. You can only play the audio twice.
2 plays left
I think it’s a fishing vessel.
Because it’s unsafe.
In the workshop.
At least 6 hours.
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Listening – Questions and Answers Listen and then choose the correct answer. You can only play the audio twice.
2 plays left
I think it was that new rating.
Because we need to pick up some spare parts in port.
A minor one a few years ago entering the port.
He’s with the Chief Officer at the moment.
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Listening – Questions and Answers Listen and then choose the correct answer. You can only play the audio twice.
2 plays left
A few because it brings in extra revenue.
Yes, we’ve managed to extinguish it.
Because the containers haven’t been evenly distributed.
I’m using it at the moment.
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Time and Numbers Listen and then type the numbers you hear. How hot is the cabin?
2 plays left
.°C 43 7.
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Time and Numbers Listen and then type the numbers you hear. What percentage of marine pollution is from land?
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%. 75.
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Time and Numbers Listen and then type the numbers you hear. What is the date of birth?
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th November . 5 1986.
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Time and Numbers Listen and then type the numbers you hear. How heavy are the containers?
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lbs. 8377.
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Time and Numbers Listen and then type the numbers you hear. When does the ferry leave?
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:. 19 50.
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Grammar Choose the correct word(s). The lifeboats have already been ____.
Launched.
Launches.
To launch.
Launching.
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Grammar Choose the correct word(s). There are ___ places stowaways can hide on board.
A lot of.
Lots.
Lot of.
A lot.
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Grammar Choose the correct word(s). We don’t have ____ containers.
Many.
Lots.
Much.
Some.
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Grammar Choose the correct word(s). We ____ sail when the bomb exploded in port.
Have just set.
Had just set.
Just setting.
Are just set.
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Grammar Choose the correct word(s). We don’t have ____ time to go on shore.
Enough.
A lot.
Plenty.
Some.
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Grammar Choose the correct word(s). ____ you used a welding gun before?
Did.
Have.
Were.
Are.
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Grammar Choose the correct word(s). What ____ the risk of a pirate attack in these waters?
Are.
Does.
Is.
Has.
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Grammar Choose the correct word(s). Have you ____ the checklist in the ship security plan?
Seen.
Saw.
See.
Seeing.
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Grammar Choose the correct word(s). Who ____ lifeboats for launching?
Prepares.
Prepare.
To prepare.
Preparing.
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Grammar Choose the correct word(s). Why is the Master not satisfied ____ our work?
With.
Of.
From.
To.
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Grammar Rearrange the words to make a correct sentence. You must sign the visitors log book before boarding.
You
before
the
sign
book
log
visitors
must
boarding.
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Grammar Rearrange the words to make a correct sentence. Why that safety guards were missing on the machine?
Why
safety
missing
on
were
that
guards
the
machine?
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Grammar Rearrange the words to make a correct sentence. Is the company going to pay the ransom?
Is
company
pay
the
going
the
to
ransom?
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Grammar Rearrange the words to make a correct sentence. Ask the Captain if you have any doubts.
Ask
Captain
any
have
if
you
the
doubts.
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Grammar Rearrange the words to make a correct sentence. The cargo of grain was damaged by water.
The
grain
of
by
damaged
was
cargo
water.
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Grammar – Tenses Choose the correct sentence to describe the image.
The officer has answered the telephone.
The officer is going to answer the telephone.
The officer will probably answer the telephone.
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Grammar – Tenses Choose the correct sentence to describe the image.
They have already removed their immersion suits.
Perhaps they will remove their immersion suits.
They are in the process of removing their immersion suits.
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Grammar – Tenses Choose the correct sentence to describe the image.
A thermal protective suit is being donned.
A thermal protective suit is ready to be donned.
A thermal protective suit might be donned.
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Grammar – Tenses Choose the correct sentence to describe the image.
The guards have spotted a small vessel on the horizon.
The guards spotted a small vessel on the horizon.
The guards are going to spot a small vessel on the horizon.
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Grammar – Tenses Choose the correct sentence to describe the image.
The crew member has just left the deck.
The crew member is about to leave the deck.
The crew member is leaving the deck.
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Vocabulary Choose the words into the correct group. Each category should have two words. 1. Fuel pump, cooling system; 2. Kettle, oven; 3. Voyage plan, ship whistle.
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Vocabulary Choose the words into the correct group. Each category should have two words. 1. Hijack, murder; 2. Guilty, innocent; 3. Imprisonment, fine.
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Vocabulary Choose the words into the correct group. Each category should have two words. 1. Rainbow, clouds; 2. Mountains, forests; 3. Waves, icebergs.
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Vocabulary Choose the words into the correct group. Each category should have two words. 1. Oil spill, flooding; 2. Constipation, allergy; 3. Flammable liquids, organic peroxides.
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Vocabulary Choose the words into the correct group. Each category should have two words. 1. Chandlers, stevedores; 2. Abandon ship, man overboard; 3. Terrorism, smuggling.
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Vocabulary Drag the words in order of the numbered objects in the image. 1. Anchor chain; 2. Safety Harness; 3. Mooring rope; 4. Foremast.
1Safety Harness
2Anchor chain
3Foremast
4Mooring rope
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Vocabulary Drag the words in order of the numbered objects in the image. 1. Light switch; 2. Socket; 3. Plug; 4. Light bulb.
1Light bulb
2Socket
3Plug
4Light switch
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Vocabulary Drag the words in order of the numbered objects in the image. 1. Magazine; 2. File; 3. Cushion; 4. Sofa.
1Magazine
2Cushion
3File
4Sofa
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Vocabulary Drag the words in order of the numbered objects in the image. 1. Metal coat hanger; 2. Water spray; 3. Iron; 4. Cardboard box.
1Iron
2Cardboard box
3Metal coat hanger
4Water spray
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Listening – Image Multiple Choice The Master is briefing the crew. What needs to be organised correctly?
2 plays left
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Listening MC How many people are injured in the fire?
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3.
2.
4.
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Listening MC Listen to the SMCP emergency message. What is the current position of Adriatic DE 7216?
2 plays left
020° 13.7.
021° 15.8.
050° 13.8.
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Listening – Image Multiple Choice A cadet is asking about different currencies. What currency is the 100 note?
2 plays left
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Listening MC What’s in hold number 2?
2 plays left
TV.
Phones.
DVD.
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Listening – Q&A Listen and then choose the correct answer. You can only play the audio twice.
2 plays left
I think it was that new cadet.
It’s over there on the desk.
No, it’s going to take a while.
There’s plenty of it, but poor quality.
Next question
Listening – Q&A Listen and then choose the correct answer. You can only play the audio twice.
2 plays left
At least 6 hours.
Because it’s unsafe.
In the workshop.
I think it’s a fishing vessel.
Next question
Listening – Q&A Listen and then choose the correct answer. You can only play the audio twice.
2 plays left
I’m finding it really hard to sleep.
Not until we’ve tested the atmosphere.
Yes, I saw it happen a few years ago.
Apparently he’s run out of rice.
Next question
Listening – Q&A Listen and then choose the correct answer. You can only play the audio twice.
2 plays left
We’ll be ready to start in half an hour.
They’ve locked him in one of the cabins.
There’s going to be some heavy weather and rough seas.
It was me.
Next question
Listening – Q&A Listen and then choose the correct answer. You can only play the audio twice.
2 plays left
Get the fire hoses ready.
Because they weren’t stored securely.
One of the bulbs has fused.
I think I’m dehydrated.
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Time and Numbers Listen and then type the numbers you hear. How far is the ship from South Africa?
2 plays left
miles. 197.
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Time and Numbers Listen and then type the numbers you hear. What is the date of birth?
2 plays left
th November . 5 1986.
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Vocabulary Drag the words in order of the numbered objects in the image. 1. Hammer; 2. Wrench; 3. Pilers; 4. Spirit level.
1Wrench
2Spirit level
3Hammer
4Pilers
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Vocabulary Drag the words in order of the numbered objects in the image. 1. Calendar; 2. Glasses; 3. Monitor; 4. Fan.
1Fan
2Glasses
3Calendar
4Monitor
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Reading Drag the correct word to complete each sentence. … skyline …; … jam …; … restaurant …
jam
skyline
pollution
restaurant
The city ___ is a nice mix of old and new buildings.
There’s usually a traffic ___ approaching the port gates.
That’s really over-priced ___!
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Reading Drag the correct word to complete each sentence. … screen …; … text …; … tone …
charger
text
screen
tone
It’s so easy to use different apps with a touch ___ screen.
I never use predictive ___.
I’m bored with this ring ___.
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Reading Drag the correct word to complete each sentence. … act …; … apply …; … comply …
act
comply
obstruct
apply
Does the use of a water cannon ___ as a deterrent for pirates?
The regulations in SOLAS ___ to all vessels.
A ship must ___ with the requirements relating to crew accommodation.
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Reading Choose the correct word(s). …heavy… …recommendation… …balance… …porthole…
SEASICKNESS AND SEAFARERS
Some seafarers never suffer from seasickness, but others really do suffer – especially during rough seas and . Scientific studies show that some people become seasick just by thinking about motion sickness. The worst thing about seasickness is not being able to stop it. To acclimatise to shipboard life, one is to spend as much time as possible out on deck, using the horizon as a point to maintain . Positioning oneself in the middle of the vessel, which is the natural equilibrium point, is another option. Having a ” signs should be placed on them.
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Reading The following text has three paragraphs. Choose the correct title for each paragraph. There is one title you do not need. 1. How did the accident happen. 2. The oil spill and its effects. 3. An even greater disaster was avoided.
THE SEA EMPRESS DISASTER
The Sea Empress, a single hull oil tanker, was entering the Cleddau Estuary on her way to Milford Haven when she hit rocks in the middle of the channel. The ship’s cargo of 130 000 tonnes of crude oil started to spill into the sea.
Salvage teams attempted to bring the vessel under control, but 72 000 tonnes of oil escaped. Volunteers helped to recover over 7 000 dead or oiled birds (a small percentage of the number of birds affected), but the average survival rate was nine days. Miles of Welsh coastline were contaminated and the total cost of the clean-up was put at £60 million.
If the accident had happened a few weeks later, when millions of seabirds would have arrived to breed, or had the wind not changed direction, then the wildlife and economy of Pembrokeshire, in Wales, would have suffered more.
Next question
Reading Drag the correct word to complete each sentence. … outage …; … shock …; … generator …
outage
electron
shock
generator
The power ___ caused the lighting to go out.
He got an electric ___ from the wire.
The emergency ___ quickly restored the power.
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Reading Drag the correct word to complete each sentence. … oil …; … steel …; … turbine …
oil
ore
turbine
steel
The fuel ___ was transported on a large tanker.
We will collect a cargo of iron ___ from Port Walcott.
The wind ___ parts were discharged from the vessel in Antwerp.
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Reading Drag the correct word to complete each sentence. … platform …; … lane …; … wave …
buoy
platform
lane
wave
The oil ___ is 20 miles away.
Cross the shipping ___ safely!
The strong winds have created a rogue ___!
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Reading Choose the correct word(s). …either… …great… …blocking… …sewage…
POLLUTION AT SEA
Most of the waste we produce on land eventually reaches the sea, through deliberate dumping or from run off through drains and rivers. Oil spills cause harm to the marine environment – but are only responsible for about 12 % of the oil running into the sea each year. Solid garbage also finds its way to the sea. Plastic bags are often found the airways of many marine species including whales, dolphins, seals and turtles. Also, approximately 80 % of urban discharged into the Mediterranean Sea is untreated or under treated. Tiny animals such as plankton absorb these chemicals before being eaten by fish.
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Reading Drag the correct word to complete each sentence. … disease …; … treatment …; … position …
disease
cure
treatment
position
Cholera can be a fatal ___.
The engineer needs urgent hospital ___.
Put him in the recovery ___.
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Reading Drag the correct word to complete each sentence. … player …; … retirement …; … job …
player
retirement
redundancy
job
It’s important to be a good team ___ when working on board a vessel.
He’s planning to take early ___ after working at sea for many years.
Ivor started out in a low-paid ___ before choosing a career at sea.
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Reading Drag the correct word to complete each sentence. … manual …; … contract …; … pass …
pass
warrant
contract
manual
Check the manufacturer’s ___ to see how often you should change the filters.
Have you signed your sea employment ___ for that new position?
You’ll need to get a dockyard ___ if you want to go ashore.
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Listening MC Because of the local holiday we expect to complete discharging on ____.
2 plays left
Tuesday.
Thursday.
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Listening MC The fire team are ____ the fire water hoses.
2 plays left
Stowing.
Slowing.
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Listening MC That new build ship is really ____.
2 plays left
Fast.
Vast.
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Listening MC I want you to complete checking as soon as possible and then make sure all these items are ____.
2 plays left
Locked.
Logged.
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Listening MC The Bosun’s in a bad mood and he’s very ____.
2 plays left
Angry.
Hungry.
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Listening MC What’s the ____?
2 plays left
Route.
Rate.
Next question
Listening MC The final destination of the cargo is ____.
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Austria.
Australia.
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Listening MC These ____ are dirty, they need washing.
2 plays left
T-shirts.
Two shirts.
Next question
Listening MC When are you going to see the ____?
2 plays left
Sights.
Signs.
Next question
Listening MC A seafarer is speaking to an airport official before boarding his flight. Where are the passengers for Flight GR 342 to Frankfurt boarding?
2 plays left
At gate seventeen.
At gate thirty four.
At gate twenty seven.
Next question
Listening MC The Chief Engineer is reporting an engine problem to the Officer of the Watch. How long does the Chief Engineer want to shut down the engine for?
2 plays left
Two hours.
One hour.
A few minutes.
Next question
Listening MC A journalist is talking on the radio about lighthouses and lightships. Where are the Goodwin Sands?
2 plays left
England.
Egypt.
The Pharaon islands.
Next question
Listening MC A recorded telephone message is giving information about the Museum of Natural History. What are the opening times on a Sunday?
2 plays left
10:00 am – 3:00 pm.
9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Closed all day.
Next question
Listening MC The Master and Chief Officer are discussing a recent incident on board another vessel. Why was the cook helping with mooring operations?
2 plays left
It was an emergency.
He was ordered to.
It was a training exercise.
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Listening MC A radio announcer is giving the shipping forecast. What will the weather be like over the next 24 hours?
2 plays left
Strong winds but gradually decreasing overnight.
Light winds with poor visibility.
Force 3-4 winds for the next 24 hours.
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Grammar – Tenses Choose the correct sentence to describe the image.
The fire extinguisher will be neatly coiled.
The fire extinguisher has been neatly coiled.
The fire extinguisher is being neatly coiled.
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Grammar – Tenses Choose the correct sentence to describe the image.
The crew members have been chipping for half an hour.
The crew members stopped chipping half an hour ago.
The crew members were chipping over half an hour ago.
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Grammar – Tenses Choose the correct sentence to describe the image.
The crew member is going to pull the line.
The crew member has finished pulling the line.
The crew member is pulling the line.
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Grammar – Tenses Choose the correct sentence to describe the image.
He became a Master in 2006.
He’s going to become a Master later this year.
He’s been a Master since last year.
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Grammar – Tenses ____ isn’t shore-based radar assistance available yet?
How much.
What.
Why.
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Grammar – Tenses By the time the emergency team arrived, the fire ____ located by the 3rd Officer.
Have already been.
Already been.
Had already been.
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Grammar – Tenses We ____ sail when the bomb exploded in port.
Have just set.
Are just set.
Had just set.
Next question
Grammar – Tenses He ____ to make a radio link call to inform us about this accident.
Did not attempt.
Is not attempted.
Do not attempt.
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Grammar – Tenses Rearrange the words to make a correct sentence. How many people helped to extinguish the fire?
to
extinguish
many
helped
fire
people
?
how
the
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Grammar – Tenses Rearrange the words to make a correct sentence. Which side the ship will moor?
which
side
will
?
ship
the
moor
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Grammar – Tenses Rearrange the words to make a correct sentence. What safety measures are carried out on vessels?
?
on
safety
what
measures
out
carried
vessels
are
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Grammar – Tenses Rearrange the words to make a correct sentence. You need a licence to operate this machine.
need
operate
machine
a
you
this
to
licence
Next question
Grammar – Tenses Rearrange the words to make a correct sentence. Where they will rig the pilot ladder?
will
?
they
the
rig
pilot
where
ladder
Next question
* In some questions may be more, than one right answer.
“Marlins test” finished! Your result:
Listening:
Grammar:
Vocabulary:
Reading:
Total score:
Thanks