This graduate thesis investigates the potential of freely accessible online video content as a resource for learning technical English in the field of marine engineering.
English has become the working language of the international maritime industry; therefore, clear comprehension and use of technical terminology is essential for the safe and efficient operation of vessels, the execution of maintenance procedures, and communication within multinational crews. However, access to specialized instructional materials for maritime English is not always readily available.
The study examines how publicly accessible videos from platforms such as YouTube and Vimeo can support the acquisition of maritime technical terminology and professional communication skills. The research is based on the framework of IMO Model Course 3.17 Maritime English (IMO, 2015), which defines the linguistic competences required for marine engineers.
Using a qualitative content analysis approach, a selected inventory of videos related to marine engineering systems and procedures was evaluated according to criteria such as technical accuracy, linguistic clarity, pedagogical value, authenticity, accessibility, and learner engagement. A structured evaluation rubric was developed to assess the educational value of the videos. A total of 112 videos were identified that met the established criteria and were recognized as useful instructional resources. In the second phase, we identified the most frequent keywords and terms from the transcripts through corpus analysis, using the tool Sketch Engine.
The results indicate that carefully selected video materials can effectively support the learning of technical English by combining visual demonstrations of machinery with spoken explanations and technical terminology. The study concludes that freely accessible video content can serve as a valuable supplement in maritime education and self-directed learning.
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