MarineSoft's Maritime Language Training Tools

Maritime Language Training
with

FlexiMod English for Mariners
SMCP Training Tools
TOME Test of Maritime English

MarineSoft
Entwicklungs- und Logistikgesellschaft mbH
Friedrich-Barnewitz-Strae 2
18119 Rostock
GERMANY

+49 381 12835-0
+49 381 12835-55
info@marinesoft.de
www.marinesoft.de

MarineSofts Maritime Language Training Tools
MarineSoft GmbH January 2013 Page 2 of 28
Overview
1. Tools for Maritime Language Training ................................................................................. 3

2. FlexiMod English for Mariners .......................................................................................... 4
2.1 Unit 4 That is for our safety Example...................................................................... 6

3. SMCP Training Tools .......................................................................................................... 9
3.1 Basic Drill Part A ......................................................................................................... 10
3.2 Basic Drill Part B ......................................................................................................... 12
3.2.1 Interactive learning-forms for training mode ....................................................... 13
3.3 Content Training .......................................................................................................... 15
3.4 Application Training/Multimedia Training ..................................................................... 16
3.4.1 Routine Communication Scenarios .................................................................... 18
3.4.2 Distress Communication Scenarios ................................................................... 19
3.5 SMCP Assessment...................................................................................................... 20
3.6 Training Package ........................................................................................................ 21

4. TOME - Test of Maritime English ....................................................................................... 22
4.1 TOME Approval Certificate .......................................................................................... 26

5. System Requirements ....................................................................................................... 27
5.1 FlexiMod English for Mariners .................................................................................. 27
5.2 SMCP Training Tools .................................................................................................. 27
5.3 TOME Test of Maritime English ................................................................................ 28

1. Tools for Maritime Language Training

Why is it necessary?

In maritime information technology, there is a growing demand for the educational development
of employees and service personnel. Nowadays a comprehensive knowledge in the technical
fields of safety, emergency and risk management is required by the personnel. This knowledge
must be supplemented by maritime English language proficiency and practical ship operation
experience in order to guarantee maximum safety at sea.

To meet the requirements specified in the IMO Model Course 3.17 Maritime English, our long
experience in teaching courses in Maritime English, the assessment of the competencies in
Maritime English of different kinds of crew members as well as the demands of our international
clients (shipping companies and maritime academies) MarineSoft has developed the product
FlexiMod English for Mariners.

FlexiMod is strictly based on the curriculum of IMO Model Course 3.17 Maritime English, Core
Section 1, and was developed as follows:

linguistic aspect, integrating the three language systems
(grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation) with practice of the four language com-
munication skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) and
maritime contents including maritime topics and parts of the SMCP.

As an essential step towards the reduction and elimination of communication shortcomings as
demanded by STCW 95 and ISM Code, MarineSoft has adapted the approved Standard Marine
Communication Phrases to a separate well-proved learning tool based on the blended learning
method. Offering realistic scenarios of ship navigation and operation, the SMCP Training
Tools provide different interactive training activities subdivided by training of communication,
basic language and special skills like the underlying principles of the SMCP.

As a result of these two complex training systems, MarineSofts TOME Test of Maritime
English was developed. TOME is a test for officers and crew on vessels of any type and it
assesses the language skills of mariners around the world. TOME in its complete form is com-
prised of the linguistic content of FlexiMod and the maritime content of the SMCP.

2. FlexiMod English for Mariners

As result of a joint venture between The Private Academy of Business and Technical Educa-
tion and the MarineSoft GmbH, both located in Rostock, Germany, the courseware FlexiMod
English for Mariners was developed.

Long experience in teaching courses in Maritime English, the analysis of the command of Mari-
time English of different kinds of crew members as well as the demands of our international cli-
ents (ship owners and maritime academies) have clearly shown that only a book, even if it is of
good quality and serves all targets and items defined in a curriculum like the IMO Model Course
3.17, is not sufficient to cover all the manifold

- organisational conditions
- objectives requirements of different groups of learners as far as job requirements
- subjective pre-conditions of the trainers/instructors
- subjective pre-conditions of the learners as far as their level of English are concerned.

With FlexiMod English for Mariners we are able to assist maritime English teachers with
comprehensive courseware material for maritime English. The paperwork covers 20 Units for
approximately 90 hours of teaching (1 teaching hour corresponds to 45 minutes).

The courseware was developed under two main aspects:

The linguistic aspect follows a multi-syllabus approach that integrates the three language
systems (grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation) with practice of the four language
communication skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing). Each of the units considers
this approach and is subdivided into exercises to practice these skills. The courseware is ac-
companied by a CD ROM with listening exercises for each unit. For teaching purposes the ma-
terial is structured into instructor information, worksheets, worksheets with solutions, handouts
and tests. Two kinds of tests are prepared for use: knowledge-based tests for testing grammar
and vocabulary and skill-based tests like listening or writing tests.

The second aspect is the maritime content. It includes generalised maritime topics, most of
which will be relevant to all trainees, however, the instructor may want to adapt, extend or sup-
plement the maritime topics to suit the particular needs of the trainees.

In correspondence to Core Section 1 of IMOs Maritime English Course 3.17 maritime topics are
as follows:

Part 1

Unit 1 That's me the sailor
Unit 2 That's my job
Unit 3 That's my vessel
Unit 4 Thats for our safety
Unit 5 That's our voyage
Unit 6 That's the right way
Unit 7 That's my free time

Part 2

Unit 8 What is he doing there?
Unit 9 Would you like some more?
Unit 10 What assistance is required?
Unit 11 How many cubic metres cargo space are required?
Unit 12 What are your specifications?
Unit 13 What about the passengers?
Unit 14 What is the weather like?

Part 3

Unit 15 I left the bridge as usual at midnight
Unit 16 I did not transmit a distress alert
Unit 17 I require medical assistance
Unit 18 I haven't inspected the engine yet
Unit 19 I would like to confirm in written form
Unit 20 I read you good

FlexiMod is deliverable as:

Computer Based Training or
Web Based Training (controlled by a Learning Management System)
o including teachers manual (incl. solutions + Audio CD).

2.1 Unit 4 That is for our safety Example

Topic: Describing location and purpose of safety equipment

Hours: 3

Objectives

Targets Topics
Grammar
a) Preposition of place
b) Repetition there is/there are and preposition of
place
Vocabulary
a) Safety equipment
b) Checking the conditions of the safety equipment
c) Places on a vessel
d) Parts of a room
e) Furniture
Phonology a) Word stress
Communication Skills
a) Listening: Making a crew member familiar with the
safety equipment
b) Writing: The condition of safety equipment and what
has to be done.
c) Reading: Survival equipment
d) Speaking: What about the safety equipment on
board of your vessel?
SMCP
a) SMCP B4.1.1 Conduct of Passengers on Board
b) SMCP B4.1.2 Briefing on Safety Regulations, Pre-
ventive Measures and Communication

Recommended sequence in the learning and teaching process
Safety equipment
Vocabulary: a) Safety equipment;
Phonology: a) Words stress;
Grammar: b) Repetition there is/there are and preposition
of place
Making a crew member familiar
with the safety equipment
Communication skills: a) Listening
Checking the conditions of the
safety equipment
Vocabulary: b) Condition of a) Safety equipment
Communication skills: b) Writing
Places on the vessel Vocabulary: c) Places on the vessel
Locations on the vessel Grammar: a) Prepositions of place
Survival equipment
Communication skills: c) Reading;
SMCP: Extra text for reading
Rooms and furniture
Vocabulary: Parts of a room and furniture
Grammar: b) Repetition there is/there are and preposition
of place
What about the safety equipment
on board of your vessel?
Communication skills: d) Speaking
SMCP
B4.1.1 Conduct of Passengers on Board;
B4.1.2 Briefing on Safety Regulations, Preventive
Measures and Communication


The following pictures are taken from MarineSofts Learning Management System.

Example picture
from FlexiMod CBT version


3. SMCP Training Tools

Based on realistic scenarios of ship navigation and operation, the training system offers differ-
ent interactive training activities subdivided by training of communication, basic language and
special skills like the underlying principles of the SMCP.

There are two components to work with the training program - individual and group learning.

MarineSofts SMCP Training Tools utilise modern and effective learning methods in a flexible
environment, independent of local and temporal limitations. Therefore, it is well suited for self-
study, as well as group training, with the evaluation of participants by means of tests or a train-
er.

Due to the multinational nature of the shipping and maritime industry, on-board training in Eng-
lish language, standard communication and technical competency according to the IMO Model
Courses will become more and more important to ensure effective ship operation and improve
on-board safety.

To be a successful competitor in the international seafaring means to take responsible action in
accordance with the current maritime requirements and demands.

The training system contains tools, which help the trainee to obtain necessary information to
utilise the needed phrases and scenarios - through the following training parts:

Basic Drill Part A
Basic Drill Part B
Content Training
Application Training
Multimedia Training
SMCP Assessment

The trainee's progress throughout the learning courses is stored in a SMCP database and can
be evaluated immediately by a trainer.

The full course package consists of the basic drill of the standard phrases, application and mul-
timedia scenarios, exercises for the training of special content and initial assessment tests.

According to the personal preconditions of trainees it is recommended to carry out the training
process within two phases. Basically students have to drill this specialised Standard Marine
Communication Vocabulary.

Multimedia communication modules are implemented in the system to enable intensive listening
and speaking activities. After that training trainees should be able to react orally by using given
information in accordance with different routine and distress situations. The trainees can make
familiar themselves with the contexts of real life-based scenarios (multimedia scenarios) during
the second phase (e.g. role-play scenario Approaching port).

The training concept can be used in particular to refresh or study Maritime English, for the train-
ing of standard maritime vocabulary, pronunciation and the drill of specific grammar and content
topics. A sophisticated skill of Maritime English is an essential precondition for the right com-
prehension of tasks and instructions for other training forms like GMDSS or simulation based
engine training.

3.1 Basic Drill Part A

Covering the revised SMCP textbook Basic Drill Part A is designed to teach and train the ba-
sics, which determine the use of the SMCP. The training is focussed on the drill of maritime vo-
cabulary and phrases structure. Learning forms like multiple choice, fill in or drag & drop ques-
tions offer a widespread range of interactions for the user. Each phase can be used inde-
pendently of each other.

In compliance with the mandatory part A
of the SMCP these courses are available:

General Procedures
External Communication Phrases
A1 Distress Traffic
A2 Urgency Traffic
A3 Safety Communications
A4 Pilotage
A5 Specials
A6 Vessel Traffic Service
A7 Standard GMDSS Messages
A8 On-Board Communication Phrases

Course overview


Navigation page

A1 Distress Traffic
Distress Communication
Example page

A1 Distress Traffic
Fire, Explosion

3.2 Basic Drill Part B

Two learning modes are included
training and test.

The training mode allows to work through an exercise/lesson as often as needed by a trainee.
Immediate feedback is given within the training mode. Additionally each text phrase has a
sound version using a natural voice in Basic Drill Part A and a computer generated voice in
Basic Drill Part B.
A maritime glossary describing and explaining most of the technical terms in English is always
usable. Each lesson finishes with a brief test.
In addition to the mandatory part A the following
courses are available too:

On-board Communication Phrases
B1 Operative Ship Handling
B2 Safety on Board
B3 Cargo and Cargo Handling
B4 Passenger Care

Training mode for topic Passenger Care
Attending to Passengers in an Emergency

3.2.1 Interactive learning-forms for training mode

Training mode for topic Passenger Care - a com-
bination of drag & drop and multiple-choice
techniques
Training mode for topic Message Markers -
Fill in template
Training mode for topic Passenger Care - a typi-
cal multiple choice question


Example of an evaluation page (Quiz Summary)
Scoring of the results
Training mode for topic Message Marker -
Drag & drop techniques

3.3 Content Training

This training part is dedicated mainly to the training of selected single topics. Basically the un-
derlying principles of the SMCP and their specialties compared with general English should be
explored and trained with the help of these modules.

Topics, which can be trained, are:

Principle 1 KISS = Keep It Short and Simple,
Principle 2 Avoid synonyms and give preference to words with Latin roots,
Principle 3 Avoid contracted forms,
Principle 4 Fully worded answers,
Message Marker
o for applying Message Markers in the right way,
o for building correct instructions,
Vocabulary trainer for maritime nouns, verbs and adjectives

3.4 Application Training/Multimedia Training

The Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Module is suitable for the training of persons such as VTS
operators and navigators in the Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCP). Based on
standard situations in ship-to-shore, ship-to-ship and on-board communication various situa-
tions have been created to train listening and speaking abilities in particular. Aiming to foster the
ability to apply the phrases in the right context, real communication behaviour is trained.
Comparable to the basic training design every application training scenario covers a listening
test to assess trainees understanding of the situation.

Arriving the point of listening training the user/trainee can decide between two training proce-
dures.

First one should listen to the whole communication regarding the activities happened within this
scene and try to understand them.

If it is too difficult to understand what was happened the user/trainee can choose the second
way and start the text-based communication to follow the dialogues step by step.
Each spoken text can be activated immediately after each other or has to be built.

Starting Screen

A short introduction informs about the situa-
tion/actions happened in this scenario.

Single scenario

Necessary facts and activities are ex-
plained here.


Communication training
(Multimedia modules)

The short text below the picture sums up the
activities and facts, to carry out a role-play.

As it is highly important to apply the
phrases in the right manner; it is just so
important to understand them exactly.
Therefore listening tests have been in-
cluded to evaluate listening comprehen-
sion. Each module covers a listening
test, which based on the former dia-
logues trained in this module.

Text-based communication training
(Application training)

The short text below the picture explains
how to build up the text-based communica-
tion.

3.4.1 Routine Communication Scenarios

The following scenarios are offered for Routine Communication training on-board and ashore:

Approaching port

Approaching port consists of an introduction to the basic situation
as well as a description of seven different situations during the pro-
cedure Approaching port. Each situation comprises the correspond-
ing on-board and external communication.

Leaving port

Leaving port combines the introduction situation with five communi-
cation situations, which are mainly external communication situa-
tions completed by necessary on-board communication.

Pilotage

Pilotage combines the introduction situation with eleven communi-
cation scenes mainly describing the external communication be-
tween ship and shore, ship and pilot boat, ship and port control
completed by on-board communication between pilot and crew.

Tug Assistance

The module Tug Assistance describes within six situations an ar-
rangement of berthing under tug assistance. The main emphasis
has been put on the communication between the ship and port con-
trol facilities as well as the ship and the tugs.

Passenger Care

Passenger Care combines the introduction with six single commu-
nication scenes. They mainly describe the on-board communication
between the Captain, the officers and passengers. The phrases of
this module should be used by Masters, officers and crew members
of passenger ships and ferries to inform the passengers about safety
aspects and to organise their conduct in case of an emergency.

3.4.2 Distress Communication Scenarios

The Distress Communication part covers the modules:

Fire on Board

Fire on Board consists of one introduction and seven communica-
tion scenes. According to international regulations all passengers
must be assembled in a drill, which has to take place within 24 hours
after leaving port and have to be informed on safety aspects in case
of an emergency. This module helps to train all the phrases needed
to inform the passengers in a correct manner.

Search and Rescue

Search and Rescue combines the introduction situation with twelve
single situations mainly describing the distress communication
among ships participating in a search and rescue operation. The
introduction to each situation is given by VTS reporting procedures
as the identification by radar, sailing plans or position reports. This
module aims for a good emergency preparation of the captain and
his crew to use these phrases in an emergency correctly and without
hesitation. The fate of ships and their crew may fate on this.

Collision

Collision consists of eleven situations. The content describes a col-
lision between the vessels Artic Light and Mustang as well as
communication with Vessel Traffic Station/Hamburg Port Control.
This module includes external communication, on-board communi-
cation and emergency steps to master the situation.

3.5 SMCP Assessment

This training part serves mainly the purpose of self-evaluation. Therefore several test topics are
pre-defined to build individual multiple-choice tests. The trainee/user can choose between the
number of ten to fifty questions to generate a global or a specific test from the following sub-
jects:

Global Assessment
Routine Communication
Standard Orders

The test questions are built in a random order. All questions are chosen from a data pool of
about 1500 questions.

3.6 Training Package

The SMCP Training Tools are available as single and network version.

The SMCP Training Package contains the following training parts:

SMCP Phrases, of Part A and Part B including maritime vocabulary, structure, grammar and
o SMCP Procedures, Spelling,
o SMCP Distress Urgency Safety Signals,
o SMCP Message Marker,
o SMCP Responses,
o SMCP Numbers, Positions, Bearings.

Content Package including
o SMCP underlying principles (four modules)
o SMCP vocabulary trainer (nouns, verbs and adjectives)

Application Scenarios, for Routine and Distress Communication, for self-study purposes of
SMCP structure (applied in conjunction with maritime scenarios)
(all application scenarios include a listening test)
o Approaching Port,
o Leaving Port,
o Tug Assistance,
o Pilotage,
o Passenger Care,
o Fire on Board,
o Search and Rescue,
o Collision.

Multimedia Scenarios, for Routine and Distress Communication, especially designed for
classroom training and shouting lessons
o Approaching Port,
o Leaving Port,
o Tug Assistance,
o Pilotage,
o Passenger Care,
o Fire on Board,
o Search and Rescue,
o Collision.

SMCP Assessment with
o Global Assessment test for mandatory SMCP part,
o Routine Communication test,
o Distress Communication test,
o Standard Orders test.

The Network Version also includes a

Course Management System (CMS) for administration of:
o Courses,
o Students,
o Result administration,
o Additional reports,
o Certificates.

4. TOME - Test of Maritime English

TOME Test of Maritime English is a test for officers and crew on vessels of any type.
It has been developed in order to assess the language skills of Mariners around the world.

TOME in its complete form consists of three main sections:

Section 1: Listening Comprehension
Section 2: Reading Comprehension
Section 3: Mastering of SMCP (Standard Marine Communication Phrases)

As TOME is a complex test,

it can be used in three different formats:
- for crew members 1 (low format = 33 tasks in each section),
- for crew members 2 (medium format = 66 tasks in each section),
- for officers (full format = 99 tasks in each section),

the skills to be tested can be selected:
- you can choose either Listening, Reading and SMCP at
Basic Level,
Intermediate Level or
Advanced Level.

The following skills and topics will be tested:

Topics

Listening and Reading
Personal information
Vessel and crew
Giving locations
Routine operation on board
Safety equipment
Emergency situations
Cargo handling
Passenger care
Vessel specifications
Reporting events and accidents
VHF messages
Written forms of communication

SMCP
Generals
Message Markers
Responses
Distress/Urgency/Safety Communication
VTS Communication
Cargo and cargo handling
Passenger Care

Skills

Grammar
Pronouns
Short answers
Prepositions and conjunctions
Tenses: Present, Past, Present Perfect
Question and Negation
Adjective and adverb
Imperatives
Passenger care
Engine parts

Vocabulary
Adjectives of nationality
Spelling
Verbs of work routine, maintenance of the engine
Safety equipment and its conditions
Route and directions
Emergency situations
Verbs describing accidents
Cargo handling



4.1 TOME Approval Certificate

5. System Requirements

The following system requirements have to be fulfilled:

5.1 FlexiMod English for Mariners

1. English Operating System Windows 7

2. Internet Explorer Version 7.0

3. Processor: minimum Pentium 4, 1,2 GHz

4. Free HD memory: minimum 300 MB

5. RAM: minimum 512 MB

6. Screen resolution: 1024 x 768 Pixel and 16 Bit colours

7. Other requirements: CD-ROM Drive, Printer

5.2 SMCP Training Tools

IMPORTANT:
When you want to use more than 10 clients running at the same time a Windows Server Oper-
ating System is required.




4. Free HD memory: minimum 1,0 GB


6. Screen resolution: 1024 x 768 Pixel and 16 Bit colours

7. Other requirements: CD-ROM Drive, latest Acrobat Reader, Printer

5.3 TOME Test of Maritime English

IMPORTANT:
If TOME is used as network version a network bandwidth of 100 Mbit or higher is required.




4. Free HD memory: minimum 200 MB


6. Screen resolution: 1024 x 768 Pixel and 16/32 Bit colours

7. Other requirements: CD-ROM Drive, latest Acrobat Reader, Printer

For further information please contact:

MarineSoft GmbH
Friedrich-Barnewitz-Str. 2
18119 Rostock
Germany

Phone: +49 381 12835-0
Fax: +49 381 12835-55
Email: sales@marinesoft.de
Web: www.marinesoft.de

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