What Is Maritime English?
Maritime English is the standardized form of English used for safety-critical communication in the international shipping industry. Governed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), maritime English ensures that officers, engineers and ratings from different language backgrounds can communicate clearly during navigation, cargo operations, emergency procedures and port state interactions.
The cornerstone of maritime English is the IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCP), adopted under IMO Resolution A.918(22) in 2001. SMCP replaced the earlier Standard Marine Navigational Vocabulary (SMNV) and provides a comprehensive framework of standardized phrases for use in all safety-related maritime communications. Competence in SMCP is a mandatory requirement under the STCW Convention (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) for all certified maritime officers and ratings worldwide.
Maritime English extends beyond vocabulary memorization. It encompasses precise pronunciation for VHF radio communication, understanding of bridge-to-bridge dialogue protocols, engine room communication standards and the ability to issue and respond to emergency commands under pressure. According to the IMO, communication failures remain a leading contributing factor in maritime accidents, making maritime English proficiency a direct safety concern for every seafarer.
Why Maritime English Proficiency Matters
The global shipping industry employs approximately 1.89 million seafarers from over 150 countries. On a single vessel, crew members may speak five or more native languages. Maritime English serves as the common operating language that prevents miscommunication during critical operations such as pilotage, anchoring, mooring, collision avoidance and emergency response. Port state control inspections frequently assess English language competence, and failing to demonstrate adequate maritime English can result in vessel detention, operational delays and career setbacks for individual seafarers.
Key Maritime English Terms and Commands
Maritime professionals must command a precise vocabulary that covers navigation, vessel structure, safety procedures and communication protocols. The following terms represent core maritime English vocabulary that every seafarer encounters daily. Termify teaches each term with its IMO-sourced definition, native pronunciation audio and IPA transcription.
Navigation and Helm Commands
Vessel Structure and Stability
Mooring and Cargo Operations
Safety and Emergency Communication
Radio Communication (GMDSS)
IMO SMCP: The Three Parts Explained
The IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases are organized into three distinct parts, each addressing a specific domain of maritime communication. Understanding this structure helps seafarers systematically build their maritime English competence from general terminology through to specialized external communications.
General Maritime English
Foundational phrases used across all shipboard contexts, forming the base vocabulary every seafarer must know.
- Instruction marker phrases ("advice", "warning", "information")
- Responses and acknowledgements
- Distress, urgency and safety signals
- Standard organizational phrases
- Cardinal and ordinal numbers at sea
On-Board Communication
Phrases for internal ship operations between bridge, engine room, deck and cargo teams.
- Helm orders and engine orders
- Watchkeeping handover phrases
- Safety announcements and drills
- Cargo handling and tank operations
- Passenger and crew safety commands
External Communication
Phrases for ship-to-shore, ship-to-ship and port communication using VHF radio and GMDSS systems.
- Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) communication
- Pilotage and berthing phrases
- Search and rescue (SAR) coordination
- Meteorological and navigational warnings
- Port state control inspection phrases
Termify organizes its maritime English module following the IMO SMCP structure, allowing seafarers to study each part systematically. Every phrase includes the official IMO wording, contextual usage notes, native pronunciation and IPA transcription for precise verbal delivery during VHF communications.
Who Needs Maritime English?
Maritime English proficiency is a regulatory requirement for all STCW-certified seafarers and a practical necessity for anyone working in the international shipping industry. Whether you are a cadet beginning your maritime career or an experienced chief officer preparing for promotion, maritime English competence directly affects your safety record, career progression and employability.
Deck Officers
Bridge communication, navigation orders, pilotage and VTS interaction require SMCP fluency at all ranks from Third Officer to Master.
Marine Engineers
Engine room communication, machinery reports, maintenance coordination and emergency response require precise technical English.
GMDSS Radio Operators
Distress, urgency and safety communications on VHF, MF/HF and satellite systems demand perfect SMCP phrase delivery.
Maritime Cadets
Academy students preparing for sea service must build SMCP vocabulary before their first voyage as part of STCW requirements.
Ratings (AB, OS)
Able Seamen and Ordinary Seamen need helm command comprehension, mooring vocabulary and safety drill phrases for daily operations.
Port State Control
Inspectors and port officials assess crew English competence during PSC inspections under the Paris MoU and Tokyo MoU frameworks.
Maritime English Exam Preparation
Several internationally recognized assessments evaluate maritime English proficiency. Termify's structured vocabulary modules, spaced repetition system and career quizzes provide targeted preparation for each examination. The following table summarizes the key maritime English assessments and how Termify supports preparation for each.
| Examination | Administering Body | Key Focus Areas | Termify Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marlins English Test | Marlins (Videotel/KVH) | Listening comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, SMCP recognition | Core SMCP vocabulary, pronunciation, dialogue scenarios |
| STCW English Assessment | Flag State / Maritime Academies | SMCP competence per STCW Tables A-II/1, A-III/1, A-IV/2 | Full SMCP phrase modules aligned to STCW competence tables |
| ISF Watchkeeper Test | International Shipping Federation | Bridge watchkeeping English, helm orders, lookout reports | Navigation commands, watchkeeping vocabulary, safety phrases |
| CES (Crew Evaluation System) | Seagull Maritime | Maritime knowledge including English communication | Maritime terminology, safety procedures, operational vocabulary |
| GMDSS GOC/ROC | National Maritime Authorities | Radio communication procedures, distress phrases | GMDSS vocabulary, distress/urgency/safety communication phrases |
Termify's career quiz feature generates timed assessments modeled on real maritime English test formats. After each quiz, you receive a detailed score breakdown and a shareable PDF certificate documenting your maritime English proficiency level.
Real-World Maritime Communication Scenarios
Maritime English is not learned in isolation but through realistic communication scenarios that reflect actual shipboard and port operations. Termify includes dialogue-based learning scenarios that simulate the communication patterns seafarers encounter every day. Each scenario uses authentic SMCP phrasing and teaches both the speaker and listener roles.
⚓ Bridge-to-Bridge: Collision Avoidance
Practice ship-to-ship VHF communication for crossing, overtaking and head-on situations under the COLREGs.
MV Horizon: "This is Motor Vessel Horizon calling vessel on my port bow. I am altering my course to starboard. Over."
MV Atlas: "Motor Vessel Horizon, this is Motor Vessel Atlas. Understood. I am maintaining my present course and speed. Over."
⚙ Bridge-to-Engine Room
Coordinate speed changes, machinery status reports and emergency procedures between bridge and engine room teams.
Bridge: "Engine room, bridge. Stand by engine. We are approaching the pilot station."
Engine Room: "Bridge, engine room. Standing by engine. Main engine ready for maneuvering."
🔌 Ship-to-Port: VTS Communication
Practice arrival reporting, berthing instructions and traffic management communication with Vessel Traffic Services.
MV Horizon: "Port Control, this is Motor Vessel Horizon. Request permission to enter the fairway. My position is bearing 045 degrees, distance 2 nautical miles from the breakwater."
Port Control: "Motor Vessel Horizon, Port Control. Permission granted. Proceed to berth number 7. Pilot boarding at buoy Alpha."
🚨 Distress Communication: Mayday Call
Practice the standard Mayday procedure for distress situations including fire, flooding, grounding and abandon ship scenarios.
MV Horizon: "Mayday, Mayday, Mayday. This is Motor Vessel Horizon, Motor Vessel Horizon, Motor Vessel Horizon. MMSI 123456789. My position is latitude 51 degrees 30 minutes North, longitude 001 degree 20 minutes East. I am on fire and require immediate assistance. 20 persons on board. Over."
⛓ Mooring Operations
Coordinate with deck teams and shore parties during berthing, mooring line handling and unberthing procedures.
Bridge: "Forecastle, bridge. Make fast head line and forward spring. Check all lines."
Forecastle: "Bridge, forecastle. Head line fast. Forward spring fast. All lines checked and secure."
📋 Port State Control Inspection
Prepare for English competence assessments during PSC inspections, including safety equipment demonstrations and document reviews.
Inspector: "Can you explain the abandon ship procedure for this vessel?"
Officer: "When the abandon ship alarm sounds, all crew proceed to their muster stations. Life jackets are donned and a headcount is taken. Lifeboats are prepared for lowering on the captain's order."
Why Choose Termify for Maritime English?
Termify is the only 100% free professional English app that provides IMO SMCP-sourced maritime vocabulary with native pronunciation, IPA transcriptions and offline access designed for seafarers. Unlike general language apps that teach everyday conversation, Termify is purpose-built for maritime professionals who need precise, industry-standard terminology for safety-critical communication at sea.
100% Free, No Subscriptions
All 700+ maritime terms, pronunciation audio, quizzes and certificates are completely free. No credit card required, no in-app purchases, no hidden fees.
IMO SMCP Official Sources
Every maritime term and phrase is sourced from official IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases documentation, ensuring accuracy and regulatory compliance.
Native Pronunciation + IPA
Each term includes native English pronunciation audio and IPA transcription, critical for clear VHF radio communication where mispronunciation causes safety hazards.
Full Offline Mode
Download all content before departure and study throughout your voyage. No internet connection required at sea. Designed specifically for maritime working conditions.
Spaced Repetition Learning
Termify's adaptive algorithm prioritizes terms you find difficult, ensuring long-term retention of critical maritime vocabulary through scientifically proven spaced repetition.
Career Quizzes + PDF Certificates
Test your maritime English with timed career quizzes and earn shareable PDF certificates to demonstrate your proficiency to employers and maritime authorities.
Dialogue Scenarios
Practice real bridge-to-bridge, bridge-to-engine room and ship-to-port communication scenarios with authentic SMCP phrasing used in actual maritime operations.
23 Interface Languages
Study maritime English with interface support in 23 languages including Filipino, Indonesian, Chinese, Hindi, Russian, Arabic, Turkish and more.
Maritime English — Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about maritime English, IMO SMCP, exam preparation and how Termify helps seafarers build communication competence.
What is the IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCP)?
The IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCP) is a standardized set of English phrases adopted by the International Maritime Organization under Resolution A.918(22) in 2001. SMCP replaced the Standard Marine Navigational Vocabulary (SMNV) and provides a common language framework for safety-critical communications at sea. It covers general maritime terminology, on-board communication (bridge, engine room, deck) and external communication (ship-to-shore, ship-to-ship, VTS). All STCW-certified seafarers are required to demonstrate competence in SMCP as part of their certification requirements.
Is Termify really 100% free for maritime English?
Yes, Termify is 100% free with no subscriptions, no in-app purchases and no hidden fees. All maritime English terms, IMO SMCP vocabulary, native pronunciation audio, IPA transcriptions, dialogue scenarios, career quizzes and PDF certificates are available at no cost. The app also supports full offline mode, which is particularly important for seafarers who need to study during voyages with limited internet connectivity.
Can Termify help me prepare for the Marlins English Test?
Termify covers the core maritime vocabulary and SMCP terminology that forms the foundation of the Marlins English Test for Seafarers. The app includes navigation terms, bridge commands, safety phrases, engine room vocabulary and port communication terminology that directly aligns with Marlins test content areas. Regular practice with Termify's spaced repetition system and career quizzes builds the vocabulary confidence needed for the Marlins assessment. While Termify is not a Marlins test simulator, mastering the vocabulary within the app provides strong preparation for the language skills evaluated in the test.
What STCW English requirements does Termify address?
The STCW Convention requires all officers and ratings to demonstrate competence in IMO SMCP. Termify covers the English requirements specified in STCW Table A-II/1 (navigation at the operational level), Table A-III/1 (marine engineering at the operational level) and Table A-IV/2 (GMDSS radio communication). Each vocabulary module within Termify is structured to align with these competence tables, helping seafarers systematically build the English skills assessed during STCW certification and renewal.
Does Termify work offline for use on ships at sea?
Yes. Termify includes full offline mode specifically designed for maritime professionals. All terms, definitions, pronunciation audio, IPA transcriptions and quizzes can be downloaded to your device before departure. You can study and practice throughout your entire voyage without any internet connection. This is a core feature of Termify, built specifically to accommodate the connectivity limitations that seafarers face during extended periods at sea.
How is Termify different from Duolingo or Babbel for maritime professionals?
General language learning apps like Duolingo and Babbel teach everyday conversational English but do not include industry-specific maritime terminology. They do not cover IMO SMCP phrases, bridge commands, engine room vocabulary, GMDSS communication procedures or safety drill terminology. Termify is purpose-built for maritime professionals with all vocabulary sourced from official IMO documentation. Every term includes IPA transcription for precise pronunciation, native audio recordings and real-world dialogue scenarios that simulate actual shipboard communication patterns.
What is the difference between Mayday, Pan-Pan and Securite?
Mayday is the distress signal used when a vessel or person is in grave and imminent danger requiring immediate assistance (for example, fire, flooding or sinking). Pan-Pan is the urgency signal used when a situation is serious but does not pose an immediate threat to life or vessel (for example, engine failure with no immediate danger). Securite is the safety signal used to broadcast navigational or meteorological warnings to nearby vessels (for example, debris in the fairway or weather warnings). All three signals follow specific SMCP procedures for transmission on VHF Channel 16. Termify teaches the complete procedure for each signal type with pronunciation and dialogue examples.