Basic Nautical English Course
This course gives you the essential language tools to communicate safely and efficiently in the maritime world. You will learn the fundamental technical vocabulary, key phrases for VHF radio communication and the everyday expressions used in navigation and port operations, so you can understand and give instructions, report incidents and take an active part in the international maritime workplace. It is designed for nautical students, deck crew, junior officers, shore staff and newcomers to the sector.
Prior knowledge check
These are the skills this program gives you. Tick the ones you already master and we will tell you which part of the syllabus is for you.
You are starting from scratch in this subject. The program is designed precisely for that.
What is the Basic Nautical English Course?
This short course gives you a practical, accessible start in nautical English. You will learn the vocabulary for the parts of the vessel and its equipment, greetings, simple instructions and essential action verbs; the functional language for orders, directions, mooring, anchoring and reporting tasks, together with numbers, times and measurements; the safety vocabulary for alarms, fire, leaks, man overboard and life-saving equipment; the language of navigation and basic marine weather; and an integrating module in which you build short dialogues and simulate real communications on board and in port.
What sets this course apart: a hands-on approach with exercises and simulations of real situations on board and in port; a complete glossary of essential nautical and maritime terms; intensive pronunciation and listening practice; up-to-date multimedia resources and interactive exercises; and flexible online study with 24/7 access to the materials and personalized tutoring.
Program highlights
- Vessel English: parts of the ship, equipment, greetings and essential action verbs.
- Orders on board: directions, mooring, anchoring, confirmations and task reports.
- Safety English: alarms, fire, leaks, man overboard and emergency equipment.
- Navigation and weather: course, speed, position, buoys, wind, waves and visibility.
- Standard phrases for VHF radio and short emergency messages.
- Simulated dialogues for maneuvers, inspections and coastal navigation.
Syllabus of the Basic Nautical English Course
5 modules. Select a module to see its content.
Fundamentals of nautical English, initial maritime vocabulary and basic expressions for communication on board
- 1.1. Introduction to nautical English and its importance for navigation, safety and international maritime communication
- 1.2. Basic vocabulary for the parts of the vessel: bow, stern, port, starboard, deck, hull, bridge and main compartments
- 1.3. Basic names of nautical equipment and items: anchor, line, lifejacket, engine, rudder, propeller, radio and navigation lights
- 1.4. Greetings, introductions and simple instructions in a maritime and on-board working context
- 1.5. Essential verbs and expressions for basic actions: enter, leave, go up, go down, turn, stop, check and secure
Basic communication on board, simple orders and functional language for maneuvers and initial operations
- 2.1. Basic expressions for giving and receiving simple orders during maneuvers and everyday activities on board
- 2.2. Elementary vocabulary for directions, positions and movements on the vessel and in the port area
- 2.3. Useful phrases for common operations: mooring, casting off lines, anchoring, starting the engine and preparing equipment
- 2.4. Basic communication between crew members: confirming, repeating, asking for help and reporting completed tasks
- 2.5. Using numbers, times, quantities and basic measurements in a nautical context
Nautical English for safety, emergencies and initial response to hazardous situations at sea
- 3.1. Basic maritime safety vocabulary: alarm, fire, leak, man overboard, emergency, evacuation and rescue
- 3.2. Essential expressions for raising the alarm, asking for help and reporting a dangerous situation on board
- 3.3. Basic phrases relating to lifejackets, liferafts, fire extinguishers and emergency equipment
- 3.4. Simple communication for giving safety instructions to passengers, crew or guests
- 3.5. Understanding short messages and emergency orders in basic nautical English
Nautical English applied to navigation, basic meteorology and describing conditions at sea
- 4.1. Basic navigation vocabulary: course, speed, position, chart, buoy, port, channel and track
- 4.2. Simple expressions for stating the vessel's location, direction and movement
- 4.3. Elementary marine weather vocabulary: wind, rain, waves, fog, storm, calm sea and poor visibility
- 4.4. Useful phrases for describing weather and sea conditions in basic operational conversations
- 4.5. Initial understanding of simple weather reports and short navigational warnings
Practical integration of basic nautical English for functional communication in real navigation and on-board work situations
- 5.1. Integrated review of essential vocabulary for the vessel, navigation, safety, weather and port
- 5.2. Building short dialogues for routine crew tasks and basic vessel operation
- 5.3. Simulating simple communications during maneuvers, minor emergencies, inspections and coastal navigation
- 5.4. Understanding and responding to basic instructions given in English in real or simulated maritime contexts
- 5.5. Preparing practical phrases for functional interaction with international crews or port staff
Duration and format of the Basic Nautical English Course
It is 300 hours. Tell us how many you can study each week and we will tell you when you will really finish.
This is the pace at which most students finish. It fits well with the installment plan.
Academic leadership and faculty
The Navalis teaching team: working professionals who teach and supervise the programs.
Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance
Eng. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints
Capt. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Senior Lecturer in Ship Handling, Electronic Navigation (ECDIS/Radar/ARPA) and GMDSS; STCW Compliance and Bridge Resource Management Coordinator
Dr. Pau FerrerSenior Lecturer in Naval Architecture and Simulation; Director of the Hydrodynamics and CFD Laboratory
Dr. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator
Eng. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator
Eng. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line
Eng. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration CoordinatorObjectives of the Basic Nautical English Course
Career opportunities after the Basic Nautical English Course
Questions about the Basic Nautical English Course
It is the distress signal used by radio to report a grave and imminent danger to life or to the vessel. The course explains how it differs from Pan-Pan and Sécurité calls.
It is the right-hand side of the vessel when facing the bow; the left-hand side is port. These terms are among the first you will learn in the course.
No. A basic level of general English (A1/A2) is helpful but not compulsory, because the course starts from essential vocabulary and simple expressions.
No. It is designed for students, deck crew, junior officers, shore staff and anyone new to the maritime world who wants a practical introduction to nautical English.
Fully online, with recorded lessons, interactive exercises, downloadable materials and personalized tutoring, so you can study at your own pace from anywhere.
The course comprises 300 hours of study across 5 modules of 60 hours each, ending with an integrating module of dialogues and simulated communications.
Yes. You will learn the basic terms for wind, rain, waves, fog, storms and visibility and how to understand simple weather reports and short navigational warnings.
More programs in Bridge and navigation
Admission process
No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enroll in the same session.
- Profile: no specific qualification is required; an interest in the maritime sector or related activities is recommended, and a basic level of general English (A1/A2) is desirable but not compulsory.
- Language: sufficient command of English to follow the classes and the technical documentation.
- Technical resources: a computer, tablet or smartphone with an internet connection to access the recorded lessons, exercises and downloadable materials.
- Admission: online application, review of your profile and a short interview with the academic team.
- 01ApplicationYour details, background and documents.
- 02Instant reviewWe check that everything is complete and in order.
- 03EnrollmentChoose full payment or instalments and reserve your place.
Admission is provisional until the committee validates the documents provided. If you do not meet the requirements, the full amount is refunded.
Ask us before you enroll
Leave your details and admissions will write to you to answer any questions. If you are already sure, you can apply and pay in the same session.