Marlins English Language Test: format, scoring and how to prepare
If you are applying for a job at sea, sooner or later a manning agency will sit you in front of an English test. For most of the industry that test is the Marlins English Language Test. Here is what it looks like inside, what score you realistically need, and how to prepare without wasting time.
What the test is
The Marlins English Language Test is a computer-based English assessment used by shipowners, cruise lines and manning agencies worldwide to check the English of seafarers before employment. It is not required by any international regulation: STCW requires officers to know English, but it does not name any test. Marlins became the industry standard because employers adopted it, and today many job adverts simply state the minimum Marlins score they expect.
Format: 85 questions, six sections
| Section | Questions | What it checks |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 25 | Understanding spoken English, different accents |
| Grammar | 30 | Tenses, prepositions, modals, sentence structure |
| Vocabulary | 15 | General and maritime words |
| Pronunciation | 9 | Recognising sounds and stress |
| Reading | 1 | Understanding a written text |
| Time & numbers | 5 | Times, dates, figures heard or written |
There is no hard time limit, but around 60 minutes is the suggested maximum. Questions are drawn from a larger bank, so two people sitting next to each other do not get the same test. The result is a single percentage score, available immediately.
Scoring: there is no official pass mark
Marlins does not decide who passes. Your employer does. Typical thresholds seen in job adverts and company policies:
- Most positions: 70-80%
- Senior officers: often 85% and above
- DP positions: usually 86% and above
- Some ratings positions: lower thresholds are accepted
Where you take it and what it costs
There are two routes. Approved Test Centres run the test under supervision, and their certificates are the ones most widely accepted by employers and flag administrations; prices are set locally by each centre. You can also buy the test online as an individual for about 23 USD, but be aware that some employers only accept results from approved centres, so check with your agency first.
How to prepare, section by section
Listening carries the most questions. Train your ear daily: English radio, maritime videos, podcasts, and practice questions with audio. Grammar is the second biggest block and the easiest to improve with focused drills: tenses, prepositions and modal verbs cover most of what appears. Vocabulary means both everyday and shipboard words: mooring, galley, muster station, PPE. Time and numbers is short but free points if you practise converting spoken times like "quarter past seven in the evening" into 19:15 without hesitation.
Start by finding your level: our free 20-question English check uses the same section types and shows you exactly where you are losing points, with an explanation for every answer.
Frequently asked questions
- What score do I need to pass?
- There is no official pass mark. Employers set their own thresholds: most expect 70-80%, senior officers often 85%+, DP positions 86%+.
- How many questions are there?
- 85 questions in six sections, with listening (25) and grammar (30) making up most of the test.
- How much does it cost?
- About 23 USD online as an individual; Approved Test Centres set their own prices, and many employers cover the cost.
- Can I retake it?
- Yes, there is no retake limit. Practise until your mock results are safely above the threshold you need.
This guide describes the test for information purposes. SeamanEnglish is an independent training site and is not affiliated with Marlins, Seagull or Ocean Technologies Group. Details such as prices and formats can change: always confirm with the test provider or your agency.