The proper familiarization of new crew members to the vessel is an important part of ensuring that accidents and incidents are avoided. While many seafarers joining vessels are highly experienced, often they lack specific knowledge of the vessel they are to join. These gaps in knowledge can result in major problems should an unexpected or emergency situation arise.

The Master or relevant head of department must never presume that a new joiner has the necessary level of experience on the vessel to operate effectively. In every circumstance they must satisfy themselves through proper observation and assessment that the crew member is capable of performing at an appropriate level of competence.

This section describes the familiarisation procedure for new crew members along with details of routine and additional training that will be carried out.

Language Requirement
The working language of the ship and the company is English. All employees, shipboard or shoreside are required to have a suitably sufficient knowledge of the English language to fulfil their role effectively. The level required is role dependant, however in every case employees should be able to communicate key safety concepts in English to others.

Those whose first language is English, or those who received their maritime training and examination at an institution and in a country whose primary language for education is English are assumed to have sufficient English language competence to fulfil their duties onboard.

In all others cases, English proficiency is to be assessed during interview.

In the case of Masters, the Company is to interview the Master directly and be satisfied that they can communicate sufficiently in English to be able to:
- Effectively command the vessel,
- Lead an emergency response effectively,
- Pass key operational information to the Company and external parties,
- Communicate to commercially interested parties in a suitable manner.

In the case of other Officers, the Company is to assess their English at interview. These Officers should be able to understand questions relating to operations onboard a ship and respond in a suitably clear manner.

In the case of other Crew, the Company may delegate assessment of English competence to the manning agent or partner, who must interview the potential crew member directly. They must be able to communicate on key safety topics effectively.

Language Assessments
In case of doubt as to competence level, the crew member is to be assigned an English language assessment for completion. The following English language assessments are acceptable:
- OTG Ocean Training Group English
- Marlins English

The Company will not accept English assessments carried out for previous roles or by other Companies as evidence of English language competence. 

Language Training
The Company will provide English language training free of charge to any crew member who requests it (whose first language is not English). The nature and extent of the training provided will depend on the role and the current language proficiency of the individual crew member.

Additionally, the Company may direct any crew member to undertake English language training if deemed necessary (at the Company's expense). In such a case, this training will be considered a mandatory condition of employment.