English Language Proficiency and Maritime Communication
This domain tests your ability to give and receive clear, unambiguous information in English, internally in the engine room and externally with the bridge, port and other ships.
The standard
SMCP, the IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases, is the reference for external and internal communication. Message markers are Instruction, Advice, Request, Information, Warning, Question, Answer and Intention. Distress is MAYDAY, urgency is PAN PAN, safety is SECURITE. Use the phonetic alphabet for spelling, speak numerals digit by digit, and use 'over', 'out' and 'received' correctly.
Engine room communication
Report parameters precisely, with units and limits: 'Main engine exhaust temperature on unit three is 420 degrees Celsius, alarm limit 400.' Use standard manoeuvring terms: stand by, dead slow ahead, finished with engines.
Worked example
You need the bridge to know the steering gear is on the emergency pump. Say: 'Information: steering gear is running on the emergency pump. Request: reduce speed to half ahead.' Not: 'the steering is broken, maybe slow down.' The reasoning: message markers make intent explicit and the request can be read back and confirmed.
Traps
Using MAYDAY for a non-distress urgency; saying 'yes' when you mean 'I understand'; omitting units; translating word for word from your first language; failing to read back a distress relay.