Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic director focused on measurable results and operational excellence in maritime education. Integrates IMO/STCW regulations and ISO 21001/9001 f
Course · 300 h · 5 modules
Basic Nautical English Course
This course provides you with the essential language tools to communicate safely and efficiently in the maritime environment. Learn fundamental technical vocabulary, key phrases for VHF radio communication, and common expressions…
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts4 January
Places20 / 20
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Programme overview
What is the Basic Nautical English Course?
The Basic Nautical English Course
This course provides you with the essential language tools to communicate safely and efficiently in the maritime environment. Learn fundamental technical vocabulary, key phrases for VHF radio communication, and common expressions used in navigation and port operations. Master the skills needed to understand and give instructions, report incidents, and actively participate in the international maritime work environment.
Differential Advantages
- Practical Approach: exercises and simulations of real-life situations on board and in port.
- Specialized Vocabulary: comprehensive glossary of essential nautical and maritime terms.
- Effective Communication: intensive practice of pronunciation and listening comprehension.
- Up-to-date Learning Materials: multimedia resources and interactive exercises for dynamic learning.
- Flexibility: online format with 24/7 access to materials and personalized tutoring.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Start date
08-12-2026
Programme highlights
- Maritime English Fundamentals: Essential vocabulary for effective communication in navigation and port operations.
- Standard Communication: Key phrases and expressions for understanding and giving clear instructions in common onboard situations.
- Maritime Safety: Specific terminology related to emergency procedures, risk prevention, and international regulations.
- Practical Exercises: Simulations and role-playing to apply the language in real-world nautical scenarios.
- Continuous Improvement: Personalized feedback and additional resources to strengthen your maritime language skills.
- Acquire the necessary tools for safe and efficient communication in the international maritime environment.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Fundamentals of nautical English, initial maritime vocabulary and basic expressions of communication on board
- Introduction to Nautical English and its importance in international maritime navigation, security and communication
- Basic vocabulary of parts of the boat: bow, stern, port, starboard, deck, hull, bridge and main compartments
- Basic names of nautical equipment and elements: anchor, cape, vest, engine, rudder, propeller, radio and navigation lights
- Greetings, presentations and simple instructions in maritime and working on board
- Essential verbs and expressions for basic actions: Enter, Exit, Up, Down, Turn, Stop, Review and Insure
02
Basic on-board communication, simple commands, and functional language for manoeuvres and initial operations
- Basic expressions to give and receive simple commands during manoeuvres and daily activities on board
- Elemental vocabulary of directions, positions and movements in the boat and in the port environment
- Useful phrases for common operations: mooring, dropping ropes, anchoring, starting engine and preparing equipment
- Basic communication between crew: confirmation, repetition, request for help and simple report of completed tasks
- Use of numbers, hours, quantities and basic measurements in nautical context
03
Nautical English for safety, emergencies and initial response to risk situations at sea
- Basic Maritime Safety Vocabulary: Alarm, Fire, Leak, Man to Water, Emergency, Evacuation and Rescue
- Essential expressions for alerting, asking for help and reporting a dangerous situation on board
- Basic phrases related to life jackets, rafts, fire extinguishers and emergency equipment
- Simple communication to give safety instructions to passengers, crew or companions
- Understanding Short Messages and Emergency Orders in Basic Nautical English
04
Nautical English applied to navigation, basic meteorology and description of conditions at sea
- Basic Navigation Vocabulary: Heading, Speed, Position, Map, Buoy, Port, Channel and Defeat
- Simple expressions to indicate location, direction and movement of the boat
- Elemental lexicon of maritime meteorology: wind, rain, waves, fog, storm, calm sea and poor visibility
- Useful phrases to describe weather and sea conditions in basic operational conversations
- Initial understanding of simple weather reports and short notices related to navigation
05
Practical integration of basic nautical English for functional communication in real situations of navigation and work on board
- Integrated review of essential vocabulary of boat, navigation, security, meteorology and port
- Construction of short dialogues for regular crew tasks and basic operation of the boat
- Simulation of simple communications during manoeuvres, mild emergencies, revisions and coastal navigation
- Understanding and response to basic instructions given in English in real or simulated maritime contexts
- Preparation of practical phrases for functional interaction with international crew or port personnel
Workload
Study Time and Workload
300 hours of study, online and at your own pace. Move the slider to the hours a week you can really put in.
Hours a week8
Weeks to finish—
You finish around—
Who it is for
Nautical and Maritime Transport students who want a solid foundation in the essential technical vocabulary for their studies and future internships.Seamen and deck personnel looking to improve their onboard communication and better understand instructions in English.Junior bridge officers who need to boost their confidence when communicating with international crew, pilots, and port authoritie
Faculty
Academic direction and faculty
The teaching team at Navalis: working professionals who deliver and oversee the institute's programmes.
Eng. Diego Cifuentes
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Eng. Tomás Riera
Verified reviews
Student Reviews
Reviews collected and verified by Opynio, not written by us.
Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- 01Communicating effectively in maritime emergencies
- 02Understand and apply essential nautical terminology for navigation and maritime operations.
- 03Interpret and respond to standard maritime radio messages accurately.
- 04Navigate and understand basic nautical documents, such as charts and manuals, in English.
- 05Collaborate effectively with international crew members using English as the common language.
- 06Perform basic safety inspections and reports on board using appropriate technical vocabulary.
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Deck/Engine Room Crew: Improved communication on board and with the outside world.
02Shore Staff in Nautical Companies: International customer service, document management.
03Marina and Yacht Club Staff: Communication with foreign clients, navigation assistance.
04Nautical Tourism Sector: Boat rentals, water sports, maritime excursions.
05Fishing and Aquaculture: Communication with international markets, export management.
06Shipbuilding and Repair: Interpretation of technical manuals, communication with suppliers.
07Maritime Administration: Inspections, vessel control, maritime safety.
08NGOs and Maritime Rescue Organizations: Coordination of operations, communication in emergencies.
Questions
Entry Requirements
It indicates a serious and imminent emergency that endangers life or the vessel.
Yes. The itinerary includes ECDIS/Radar-ARPA/BRM with harbor, ocean, fog, storm, and SAR scenarios.
Online with live sessions; hybrid option for simulator/practical placements through agreements.
Starboard
Recommended functional SMCP. We offer support materials for standard phraseology.
Yes, with a relevant degree or experience in maritime/port operations. The admissions interview will confirm suitability.
Optional (3–6 months) through Companies & Collaborations and the Alumni Network.
Simulator practice (rubrics), defeat plans, SOPs, checklists, micro-tests and applied TFM.
A degree from Navalis Magna Institute + operational portfolio (tracks, SOPs, reports and KPIs) useful for audits and employment.
Online admissions
Admissions Process
No waiting for a phone call. If your documents are complete, you can pay in the same session.
Entry requirements
Academic/Professional Profile:No specific qualification is required. Interest in the maritime sector or related activities is recommended.Language Proficiency:Basic general English level (A1/A2) desirable, but not mandatory.Documentation:Completed application form.Technical Requirements (for online):Device with internet access.```
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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