Skip to main content
360Marlins
Back to Courses
03 / TEST · Maritime English

Marlins Test
Practice Marlins Test online

Configure your test settings and start practicing

12
Test categories
5
Skills covered
100%
Improve your English
Real-time
Learning analytics
Step 01

Select Your Sector

Select your ship type

Step 02

Test Mode

Select test mode

Step 03

Difficulty Level

Select difficulty level

Step 04

Focus Areas

Select topics to practice

Quick presets
Or pick individually
Checking access...
About · Marlins Test

What is the Marlins Test? everything you need to know

Marlins English Language Test

The Marlins English Language Test is the international standard for assessing seafarers' English proficiency in the maritime industry. Developed by Marlins (UK), it is used by shipping companies worldwide to evaluate candidates before signing employment contracts.

Major cruise lines (Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, MSC, Princess) and cargo operators (tankers, container ships) require candidates to pass the Marlins Test at a minimum score before hiring.

Five Test Sections

  • 01

    Listening

    Audio comprehension of real shipboard conversations, commands, alerts, and crew exchanges.

  • 02

    Grammar

    Tense, structure, and sentence accuracy in maritime contexts.

  • 03

    Vocabulary

    Technical, operational, and ship-specific vocabulary for cruise and cargo work.

  • 04

    Reading

    Manuals, signage, official documents, and onboard text comprehension.

  • 05

    Time & Numbers

    Listening to and speaking about time, numbers, coordinates, sizes, and units of measure.

Passing Score

Most cruise lines require 70% minimum, with premium lines (Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival) often requiring 80% or higher. Cargo companies typically require 60-70%. The score requirement varies by position — bridge officers and front-of-house staff need higher scores than back-of-house roles.

How to Prepare

Practice with realistic questions that mirror the actual exam. Focus on weaker sections (Listening is typically the hardest for non-native speakers). Use Exam Mode to simulate real test conditions with timer, and review explanations for every wrong answer to recognise question patterns.

FAQ · Frequently Asked

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the practice tests on 360Marlins the same as the real exam?
No — they are training resources designed to mirror the real exam in structure, difficulty, and question type. Scores on this site do not count as official Marlins certification, which must be obtained through an authorised testing centre.
Where do I take the test and how much does it cost?
You must take the test through an authorised Marlins testing centre. In Thailand there are several centres, with fees of approximately 1,500-2,500 THB per attempt. You must pay again for retakes — making practice essential.
Are Cruise and Cargo tests different?
Yes — Cruise tests focus on hospitality (hotel, restaurant, guest service) while Cargo tests focus on operations (machinery, navigation, bridge commands). Vocabulary and context differ significantly. 360Marlins offers separate question pools for both sectors.
How are Basic / Real / Advanced difficulty levels different?
Basic = easier than the real exam, good for beginners. Real = equivalent to the actual test centre exam. Advanced = harder than real, to prepare you for the toughest questions. Recommended progression: Basic → Real → Advanced.
How long does it take to prepare?
Depends on your starting level. With B1+ English you might need 2-4 weeks. With weaker English, allow 2-3 months. Aim for 30 min/day in Practice Mode plus a weekly Exam Mode session to track progress.
Does Marlins Test certification expire?
Marlins certification is valid for 2 years. If you don't work at sea during that time, you'll need to retake the test before your next contract.
Related · Continue Reading

Learn more about working at sea

Career Center — 120+ Positions

Cruise & cargo ship positions with salary, requirements, and career paths.

Read more

Lifetime Package — ฿2,950

Pay once, practice forever. Includes Thai-language explanations.

Read more

How to Apply Step-by-Step

8 steps from preparation, documents, application, interview, to boarding.

Read more

Cruise Lines — 24 Companies

Brand profiles, hiring positions, benefits, and how to apply.

Read more

Documents You Need

Seaman Book, STCW, medical certificate, and all required documents.

Read more

About 360Marlins

What makes us different, founder background, and our mission.

Read more

Disclaimer: Practice test for training only

All tests on this website are practice tests created for training purposes. They are not official Marlins Tests. Results are not certified by Marlins or any organization.