Shadowing Practice: English for seaferers. - Learn English Speaking with Video
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387 sentences
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1
Captain to the bridge, please.
2
Engine failure.
3
Helmsman, take the wheel.
4
Steer 265.
5
I'm switching the steering to manual.
6
Steer 265.
7
Steering switch to manual, sir.
8
I'll take over, third mate.
9
Are there any ships near?
10
Understood.
11
You're taking over, sir.
12
No ships nearby.
13
All clear.
14
Have you spoken to the engine room yet?
15
Not yet, sir.
16
Very well.
17
Hoist the not -under -command signal.
18
Hoist the not -under -command signal.
19
What was the alarm?
20
It was the jacket water pressure alarm field.
21
It looks like complete failure of the starboard pump.
22
The jacket water temperature is very high.
23
Yes, the standby pump hasn't started for some reason.
24
There is no water pressure there at all.
25
The engine failed because of the cooling water problem.
26
Go down to the jacket water pumps on the starboard side, check the main pump and start the standby pump.
27
Yes, sir.
28
Check the main jacket water pump on the starboard side.
29
Check the main pump and start the standby pump.
30
Chief here, we've got a jacket water problem and we are investigating.
31
I will advise you as soon as I have any further information.
32
Yes, Chief.
33
The standby pump has started.
34
good jacket water pressure is rising yeah shall we start the
35
main engine no let's get a report on the pump first the jacket water pump seems okay
36
i think the pump stopped
37
because of the power problem
38
i started the standby pump manually thank you have we got enough starting there yes chief the bottle is full
39
Chief engineer here.
40
We have found a problem and I'm going to start the main engine.
41
Thank you, Chief.
42
Carry on, please.
43
Then slow ahead.
44
Start the main engine, please.
45
Second.
46
Starting main engine.
47
Then slow ahead.
48
Captain to the bridge, please.
49
Engine failure.
50
Captain, to the bridge, please.
51
Engine failure.
52
Helmsman, take the wheel.
53
Helmsman, take the wheel.
54
Steer 265, steering switch to manual, sir.
55
Steer 265, steering switch to manual, sir.
56
understood you're taking over sir no ships nearby all clear understood you're taking over sir no ships nearby all clear
57
have you spoken to the engine room yet have you spoken to the engine room yet
58
very well hoist the not under command signal very well hoist the not under command signal
59
it looks like complete failure of the starboard pump the jacket water temperature is very high
60
it looks like complete failure of the starboard pump the jacket water temperature is very high
61
Yes, the standby pump hasn't started for some reason.
62
There is no water pressure there at all.
63
Yes, the standby pump hasn't started for some reason.
64
There's no water pressure there at all.
65
the engine failed because of the cooling water problem the engine failed because of the cooling water problem
66
go down to the jacket water pumps on the starboard side
67
go down to the jacket water pumps on the starboard side check the main pump and start the standby pump
68
Check the main pump and start the standby pump.
69
The standby pump has started.
70
The standby pump has started.
71
Good.
72
Jacket water pressure is rising.
73
Good.
74
Jacket water pressure is rising.
75
The jacket water pump seems okay.
76
I think the pump stopped because of the power problem.
77
The jacket water pump seems okay.
78
I think the pump stopped because of a power problem.
79
I started the standby pump manually.
80
I started the standby pump manually.
81
Chief Engineer here, we have found a problem and I'm going to start the main engine.
82
Chief Engineer here, we have found the problem and I'm going to start the main engine.
83
The fire is in Zone 9.
84
Is anyone down there?
85
No, I don't think so.
86
Take the 4th and go to Zone 9 and see what the problem is.
87
Okay.
88
Chief Engineer here.
89
We're investigating the fire in Zone 9.
90
The 4th Engineer, the Electrical Officer and myself are in the engine room.
91
Understood, Chief.
92
Keep us informed.
93
We have shut down all the ventilation fans.
94
We are closing the ventilation flaps.
95
We are stopping the engine.
96
Understood, Captain.
97
All ventilation fans shut down.
98
Ventilation flaps being closed and engine stopped.
99
The fire is on line.
100
There is a lot of smoke coming from the workshop.
101
How large is the fire?
102
It's difficult to say.
103
There is a lot of smoke, but it's not flames.
104
Chief Engineer, Captain.
105
The fire is in Zone 9
106
and we think in the workshop area
107
there is no indication of how large the fire is there
108
is a lot of smoke understood chief the fire is in zone nine you think in the workshop area
109
there is no indication of how large the fire is there is a lot of smoke
110
arabia captain to mate arabia netto captain fire in zone nine believed to be in workshop
111
this is a genuine emergency understood captain fire zone 9 left
112
to be in workshop area the second engineer will lead the
113
fire party the fire party is master arabia bridge to mates
114
fire party mustered the master is now complete understood master list complete arabia second to bridge
115
i will inspect the fire i will advise you
116
when the fire party leaves the master station arabia bridge to second understood
117
have a second idea yes sir okay both second junior the fire is in zone nine the fire is in zone nine Is anyone down there?
118
Is anyone down there?
119
No, I don't think so.
120
Take the fourth and go to Zone 9 and see what the problem is.
121
No, I don't think so.
122
Take the fourth and go to Zone 9 and see what the problem is.
123
Understood, Chief.
124
Keep us informed.
125
Understood, Chief.
126
Keep us informed.
127
We have shut down all the ventilation fans and are closing the ventilation flaps.
128
We have shut down all the ventilation fans and are closing the ventilation flaps.
129
we're stopping the engine we are stopping the engine how large is the fire how large is the fire
130
It's difficult to say.
131
There is a lot of smoke, but it's not flames.
132
It's difficult to say.
133
There's a lot of smoke, but there's no flames.
134
Fire in Zone 9.
135
Believe to be in workshop.
136
This is a genuine emergency.
137
Fire in Zone 9.
138
Believe to be in workshop.
139
This is a genuine emergency.
140
The second engineer will lead the fire party, the fire party is Mustard.
141
The second engineer will lead the fire party, the fire party is Mustard.
142
bridge to mates fire party mustard the muster is now complete bridge to mate fire party mustard the muster is now complete
143
second to bridge i will inspect the fire second to bridge I will inspect the fire.
144
I will advise you when the fire party leaves the muster station.
145
I will advise you when the fire party leaves the muster station.
146
Captain, come to the bridge, please.
147
We have steering failure.
148
Hoist the not -under -command signal.
149
Hoist the not -under -command signal, sir!
150
I've switched the steering to non -follow -up, sir.
151
There's no traffic near us at this moment.
152
Good.
153
I'll take over third.
154
Call the second mate to the bridge.
155
Hello, second.
156
Third here.
157
The captain wants you on the bridge immediately.
158
We have steering failure.
159
Bridge, captain.
160
OK, third mate and helmsman on their way to the steering flat.
161
You and the helmsman go to the emergency steering position.
162
The engineers will be waiting for you.
163
Go to the emergency steering position.
164
I will inform you when we arrive, sir.
165
why have you lost steering i'm not sure
166
i think the steering motor has failed why hasn't the second motor started
167
we are investigating there are you ready to disengage yes we are ready to disengage
168
up the bridge the henchman
169
and i are emergency steering position the engineers are ready to
170
change over the pin sir understood third change over the pin
171
and steer from the emergency steering position change over the pin
172
and steer from the emergency position sir disengage the pin disengage pin pin disengage it
173
up the bridge change over to emergency steering completed what is
174
your course sir change over complete steer five degrees to starboard steer five degrees to starboard five degrees to starboard
175
arabia captain to second engineer have you found the steering problem
176
arabia second sheet to bridge yes sir steering motor failure
177
we have isolated number one motor it will not restart
178
we are checking number two motor
179
we expect to change back to bridge control in about 10
180
minutes out of beer captain to second inform me as soon
181
as you are ready for the changeover yes sir my degree starboard
182
I'm on sir five degrees starboard helm on sir five degrees helm on thank you third the engineers tell me
183
that it will be about 10 minutes before
184
we can change back to bridge control very well sir captain come to the bridge please
185
we have steering failure captain come to the bridge please
186
we have steering failure I've switched the steering to non follow -up sir
187
there is no traffic near us at this moment
188
I've switched the steering to non follow -up sir there is no traffic near us at this moment.
189
You and the helmsman go to the emergency steering position.
190
The engineers will be waiting for you.
191
You and the helmsman go to the emergency steering position.
192
The engineers will be waiting for you.
193
Why have we lost steering?
194
I am not sure.
195
I think the steering motor has failed.
196
I'm not sure.
197
I think the steering motor has failed.
198
Aft to bridge.
199
The helmsman and I are at the emergency steering position.
200
Aft to bridge.
201
The helmsman and I are at the emergency steering position.
202
The engineers are ready to change over the pin, sir.
203
The engineers are ready to change over the pin, sir.
204
Disengage the pin.
205
Disengage the pin.
206
Aft to bridge, change over to emergency steering completed.
207
Aft to bridge, change over to emergency steering completed.
208
What is your course, sir?
209
What is your course, sir?
210
Five degrees to starboard.
211
Five degrees to starboard.
212
We have isolated number one motor and it will not restart.
213
We have isolated number one motor and it will not restart.
214
we are checking number two motor
215
we expect to change back to bridge control in about 10 minutes
216
we are checking number two motor we expect to change back to bridge control in about 10 minutes
217
inform me as soon as you are ready for the changeover
218
inform me as soon as you are ready for the changeover
219
Look out!
220
Arabia, third mate, to the bridge.
221
We had an accident on the up -deck starboard side.
222
Some drums of lube oil are leaking and the oil might go into ducts.
223
Sound the alarm.
224
I'll start containment.
225
Arabia, bridge to third mate.
226
Oil spill on deck.
227
Starboard up.
228
I'll sound the alarm.
229
Boys in!
230
Get some anti -pollution equipment.
231
First, get the squeegees and bales of absorbent materials.
232
Yes, sir.
233
Bring squeegees and bales of absorbent materials.
234
Before you go, check that all the scuppers are plugged.
235
Check all scuppers plugged, sir.
236
Arabia, master to third mate, what is the situation?
237
How much oil is spilled?
238
Arabia, third mate to master.
239
The amount of oil is small.
240
I think about 40 litres.
241
Is any oil likely to go into the dock?
242
I expect that we will be able to contain the spill on board, sir.
243
Arabia, master to third mate.
244
Understood.
245
No oil has gone overboard and you expect to contain the spill on board.
246
Arabia, third mate to master.
247
Yes, sir.
248
I will advise you if there is any change.
249
All scuffers are plugged, sir.
250
Thank you.
251
Go ahead then to stop the floor point.
252
seems to be you have a problem here yes second do
253
you need any help yes please take us some shovel scoop
254
and empty bucket please please bring some shovel scoop and empty packets quickly help them go ahead
255
I think the situation is under control yes again now it seems to be okay may I contact the bridge yes please
256
Arabia second to bridge
257
Arabia captain to second i am on the aft deck the oil spill is under control
258
the third officer and the crew here are containing the spill on board understood thank you very much
259
third mate to the bridge we had an accident on the aft deck starboard side third mate to bridge
260
we've had an accident on the aft deck starboard side
261
some drums of lube oil are leaking
262
and the oil might go into dock some drums of lube oil are leaking
263
and the oil might go into the dock
264
sound the alarm i'll start containment sound the alarm i'll start containment
265
get some anti -pollution equipment first get the squeegees and bales of absorbing materials get some anti -pollution equipment
266
First, get the squeegees and the bales of absorbent material.
267
Before you go, check that all the scuppers are plugged.
268
Before you go, check that all the scuppers are plugged.
269
Master to third mate, what is the situation?
270
How much oil is spilled master to third mate?
271
What is the situation?
272
How much oil is spilled
273
Third mate to masters the amount of oil is small.
274
I think about 40 liters third mate to master
275
The amount of oil is small.
276
I think about 40 liters
277
Master to third mate.
278
Understood.
279
No oil has gone overboard, and you expect to contain the spill on board.
280
Master to third mate.
281
Understood.
282
No oil has gone overboard, and you expect to contain the spill on board.
283
Help them to stop the flow of oil.
284
Help them to stop the flow of oil.
285
Please bring some shovels, scoops and empty buckets, quickly.
286
Please bring some shovels, scoops and empty buckets, quickly.
287
i think the situation is under control i think the situation is under control
288
i am on the aft deck the oil spill is under control
289
i'm on the aft deck the oil spill is under control the third officer
290
and the crew here are containing the spill on board the third officer
291
and the crew here are containing the spill on board
292
We've got a man overboard, starboard time.
293
Keep a good lookout for him.
294
I have thrown a smoke signal.
295
Yes, sir.
296
Man overboard, starboard time.
297
I see him.
298
What's going on, sir, mate?
299
Man overboard, starboard, sir.
300
I've gone hard to starboard.
301
The heading is now 325.
302
How long has he been in the water?
303
About three minutes, sir.
304
Are there any other ships near?
305
No, sir.
306
All clear was a smoke float thrown?
307
Yes, sir.
308
I've launched the combine light boil smoke signal from the bridge wing.
309
Very good.
310
Any lookouts posted?
311
Yes, sir.
312
A crewman has been posted on the bridge wing.
313
Who is missing?
314
No report yet, sir.
315
Thank you, third mate.
316
I'll take the helm.
317
Call a helmsman to the bridge.
318
Arabiya, mate to captain.
319
Emergency boat crew master.
320
Arabiya, bridge to mate emergency boat crew mustard
321
we've got a man overboard on the starboard side he's been
322
in the water for about four minutes prepare to lower the rescue boat Netto captain, man overboard starboard side.
323
Prepare to lower the disco boat.
324
Stand by to lower the disco boat.
325
Release grab four and aft.
326
Release the grab, sir.
327
Release him.
328
Arabiya, mate to captain.
329
Rescue boat ready for lowering, sir.
330
Arabiya, bridge to mate.
331
Understood.
332
Half a stern.
333
Half a stern.
334
Arabiya, bridge to mate.
335
Lower the rescue boat.
336
Mate to captain.
337
Lower the rescue boat.
338
lower the way lower the windsor
339
Arabiya, mate to captain, rescue boat clear of falls and away sir.
340
Arabiya, bridge to mate, understood, rescue boat clear of falls and away, keep me advised.
341
We've got a man overboard starboard side.
342
Keep a good look out for him.
343
We've got a man overboard starboard side.
344
Keep a good look out for him.
345
I have thrown a smoke signal.
346
I have thrown a smoke signal.
347
Man overboard starboard sir, I've gone hard to starboard.
348
Man overboard starboard sir, I've gone hard to starboard.
349
The heading is now 3, 2, 5 The heading is now 3,
350
2, 5 How long has he been in the water?
351
How long has he been in the water?
352
Are there any other ships near?
353
I've launched the combined life buoy and smoke signal from the bridge wing.
354
I've launched the combined life buoy and smoke signal from the bridge wing.
355
Yes, sir.
356
A crewman has been posted on the bridge wing.
357
Yes, sir.
358
A crewman has been posted on the bridge wing. Who is missing?
359
Who is missing?
360
No report yet, sir.
361
No report yet, sir.
362
Thank you, third mate.
363
I'll take the helm.
364
Thank you, third mate.
365
I'll take the helm.
366
call the helmsman to the bridge call the helmsman to the bridge
367
mate to captain man overboard starboard side prepare to lower the
368
rescue boat mate to captain man overboard starboard side prepare to lower the rescue boat
369
Stand by to lower the rescue boat.
370
Stand by to lower the rescue boat.
371
Release gripes fore and aft.
372
Rescue boat ready for lowering, sir.
373
Rescue boat ready for lowering, sir.
374
Bridge to mate.
375
Understood.
376
Lower the rescue boat.
377
Bridge to mate.
378
Understood.
379
Lower the rescue boat.
380
Lower away.
381
Lower away.
382
Mate to captain.
383
Rescue boat clear of falls and away, sir.
384
Mate to captain.
385
Rescue boat clear of falls and away, sir.
386
Thank you.
387
Thank you.
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Vocabulary and speaking notes for this lesson
This speaking lesson is built on the video “English for seaferers”. The speaker keeps coming back to these words: sir, bridge, mate, starboard, pump. This video has 387 sentences and 2899 words to shadow. The speech runs for 30:40. The speaker talks slowly, about 95 words per minute, so there is time to copy every sound. Only 81% of the words are among the 3,000 most common in English, so the vocabulary is demanding.
Key vocabulary in this video
15 words from the video worth learning, with pronunciation and meaning:
| Word | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| steer verb | /stɪɹ/ | To guide the course of a vessel, vehicle, aircraft etc. (by means of a device such as a rudder, paddle, or steering wheel). |
| pump noun | /pʌmp/ | A device for moving or compressing a liquid or gas. |
| rescue verb | /ˈɹɛs.kjuː/ | To save from any violence, danger or evil. |
| jacket noun | /ˈd͡ʒæk.ɪt/ | A piece of clothing worn on the upper body outside a shirt or blouse, often waist length to thigh length. |
| spill verb | /spɪl/ | To drop something so that it spreads out or makes a mess; to accidentally pour. |
| ventilation noun | /ˌvɛntɪˈleɪʃ(ə)n/ | The replacement of stale or noxious air with fresh. |
| deck noun | /ˈdɛk/ | Any raised flat surface that can be walked on: a balcony; a porch; a raised patio; a flat rooftop. |
| inform verb | /ɪnˈfɔɹm/ | To communicate knowledge to. |
| workshop noun | /ˈwɝk.ʃɑp/ | A room, especially one which is not particularly large, used for manufacturing or other light industrial work. |
| alarm noun | /əˈlɑɹm/ | A summons to arms, as on the approach of an enemy. |
| plug noun | /plʌɡ/ | A pronged connecting device which fits into a mating socket, especially an electrical one. |
| mustard noun | /ˈmʌstəɹd/ | A plant of certain species of the genus Brassica, or of related genera (especially Sinapis alba, in the family Brassicaceae, with yellow flowers, and linear… |
| helm noun | /hɛlm/ | The tiller (or, in a large ship, the wheel) which is used to steer the rudder of a marine vessel; also, the entire steering apparatus of a vessel. |
| manual noun | /ˈmæn.j(u)əl/ | Synonym of handbook. |
| scoop noun | /skup/ | Any cup-shaped or bowl-shaped tool, usually with a handle, used to lift and move loose or soft solid material. |
Phrasal verbs you will hear
| Word | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| take over verb | To assume control of something, such as a business or enterprise, and sometimes by force. | |
| shut down verb | To close, terminate, or end; to stop operating, either permanently or temporarily. | |
| follow up verb | To take further actions remaining after an event; to continue, revisit, or persist; especially, to maintain communication or verify. | |
| go ahead verb | /ˌɡoʊ əˈhɛd/ | To proceed with; to begin. |
| look out verb | To be vigilant and aware often as an imperative to alert a person to danger. |
Sentences worth repeating
Short, complete lines from the video that you can reuse in everyday conversation:
- I'm switching the steering to manual.
- I'll take over, third mate.
- Have you spoken to the engine room yet?
- Why have we lost steering?
- What is your course, sir?
Grammar in this video
The structures the speaker uses most, with the exact words from the video:
| Structure | In the video |
|---|---|
| Present perfect have/has + past participle — a past action that still matters now | Have you spoken · hasn't started · has started |
| Passive voice be + past participle — the focus is on what happens, not who does it | being closed · are plugged · is spilled |
Pronunciation to watch
The speaker uses 44 contractions and reduced forms, such as I'll, I've, I'm. Say them the short way, as you hear them.
- The “sh” and “zh” sounds: ventilation /ˌvɛntɪˈleɪʃ(ə)n/, workshop /ˈwɝk.ʃɑp/, pollution /pəˈluʃən/, indication /ɪndɪˈkeɪʃən/, sheet /ʃit/
- Long words — get the stress right: ventilation /ˌvɛntɪˈleɪʃ(ə)n/, investigate /ɪnˈvɛs.tə.ɡeɪt/, manually /ˈmænj(u)əliː/, indication /ɪndɪˈkeɪʃən/
How to practise with this video
- Listen to the whole video once without speaking and note the words you do not know.
- Shadow it sentence by sentence at normal speed, repeating each one until your rhythm matches the speaker.
- Record yourself and compare with the original, paying attention to words like steer, pump, rescue.
What is the Shadowing Technique?
Shadowing is a science-backed language learning technique originally developed for professional interpreter training and popularized by polyglot Dr. Alexander Arguelles. The method is simple but powerful: you listen to native English audio and immediately repeat it out loud — like a shadow following the speaker with just a 1–2 second delay. Unlike passive listening or grammar drills, shadowing forces your brain and mouth muscles to simultaneously process and reproduce real speech patterns. Research shows it significantly improves pronunciation accuracy, intonation, rhythm, connected speech, listening comprehension, and speaking fluency — making it one of the most effective methods for IELTS Speaking preparation and real-world English communication.