MarTEL

MarTEL- is standardised tests of Maritime English for safer seas. It is acknowledged by all concerned that effective knowledge of English at sea and in ports is a must for all seafarers responsible for safety and security of the ship, its crew and its passengers.

MarTEL offers the tests at three different phases. Phase 1 is based on upper intermediate/advanced level of English, Phase 2 is for Officers of Watch for Deck and Marine Engineers and Phase 3 is for senior officers such as senior deck and senior marine engineers. Each test will be based on key skills of English language; Grammar, Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing.

MarTEL tests are presently being piloted by the original project partners. A large number of partners from outside the original partnership have been supportive of the development of the MarTEL standards and are also piloting the tests in their own institutions and organisations.

In the coming months the test will be available in a large number of institutions across Europe. Initially the test will be available quarterly and then on a monthly basis.

MarTEL has three levels of grading these are Pass, Merit and Distinction. Also, a percentage mark will be given.

To prepare the candidate, each phase of MarTEL comprises of a study guide for each phase which will give examples of the type of questions that will be in the test for that phase. In the guidelines there are a number of samples and practice tests to prepare the test taker. These guidelines are free of charge and are available on the website. In addition, a sample study unit has been developed to support each phase of MarTEL tests that outlines the study areas that will be tested.

MarTEL tests were founded and developed by the European Union (EU) and eight major players in the maritime education and training community across Europe as well as several external consultants, examiners and verifiers. The external verification includes countries both inside and outside the partnership. MarTEL partnership has many years of experience in EU project developments and work very closely with the rest of the International maritime community. They have a number of years of experience in the testing and assessment of maritime education and training following internationally recognised assessment processes and programmes.