Security of material

MarTEL tests are consistent throughout all of their European test centres. Each test centre will be examined by an external assessment body to check that the centre is keeping to the standards set by the project. The assessment body will also check the overall running of the centre and marking to ensure that it meets a high quality.

MarTEL qualifications grade scores consistently and fairly. Each test has been designed to make sure that each section and subsequent questions are of the same difficulty.

Many awarding and accrediting bodies across Europe, including Edexcel, have been involved with the MarTEL project helping to not only create the test and the subsequent standards but also to ensure that proper strict quality controls are present to in all MarTEL centres Europe-wide.

All of MarTEL’s Examiners are fully qualified and follow strict standardised assessment regulations that are checked by an external assessment body. MarTEL has a quality-controlled system of recruitment, training, benchmarking, certification and monitoring. MarTEL markers are regularly monitored and tested to retain their certification.

The development of the test

MarTEL has been designed by experts in the field of Maritime English and the Merchant Navy. Each test has been evaluated and piloted to ensure that each section of the test is of a similar level of difficulty and meets the requirements that the industry needs.

MarTEL, similar to the EU Leonardo funded SOS Project (2005-2007) has been developed in collaboration with BTEC/Edexcel. It is intended that test takers will be rewarded with an Edexcel qualification when they have passed the test.

The test has been developed by a wide range of experts and MET institutions from different countries across Europe. Captains, cadets, Officers and Engineers as well as Maritime English lecturers have been involved in creating and evaluating the tests to make sure that they cover everything that is likely to occur in real life situations at sea.

Pilot tests have also been carried out on cadets in several MET institutions across Europe to ensure the tests are of a high quality.