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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ · Frequently Asked- 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 roughly 1,200-1,500 THB per attempt depending on the centre. You must pay again for retakes — making practice essential.
- Are the Cruise, Cargo and Offshore tests different?
- Yes — Cruise tests focus on hospitality (hotel, restaurant, guest service), Cargo tests on operations (machinery, navigation, bridge commands), and the Offshore test (METO) on rigs, supply vessels, FPSOs and wind farms. Vocabulary and context differ significantly. 360Marlins offers separate question pools for all three 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.