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You are going to hear four short telephone conversations. Read the question for each
conversation. Answer after listening only once, if possible.
1. A seafarer is making a phone call from his ship which is in port. What is the reason for
his call?
2. Why is captain Ogawa phoning Transglobe Management Office?
3. A Chief Officer is making a phone call from his which is port. What is the reason for his
call?
4. Why is the seafarer phoning Klein &Sons Ship Managers?
2c Listening for specific information
1.
Swiftcabs booking form
NAME.
PICK-UP POINT..
DESTINATION
TIME..
PRICE QUOTED..
2.
DEFECT REPORT
DATE
PROBLEM
REPORTED TO
ACTION TAKEN
3.
Crew Medical
(Rating)
Problem
Cause
Action taken
Notes:
Serge
Boisset
MV ORION
7th July
MEMO
TO:
MESSAGE
..PHONED
YOU WERE OUT.
WHILE
ACTION:
.
3a.Useful phrases for telephoning
Here are some useful phrases for telephoning. Some of them are from the conversations in
Exercise 2b. Match each function with the appropriate phrases.
Stages
This is (Alexander)
(Alexander) speaking
(Alexander ) here.
My name is (Alexander).
Can/Could you (ask him to call me back)?
(tell him I called)?
Leaving a message
Saying what youll do
Stages
Apologising
Listen to the four conversations in Exercise 2a again. Tick the phrases you hear.
3b
Complete the dialogues using appropriate phrases from Exercise 3a.
1.
Receptionist: Good afternoon, Transatlantic Shipping. How can I help you?
Mr Reala:
Receptionist: Im sorry, Mr Reala, but Mr Laga is not at his desk at the moment.
.?
MrReala : Yes, I would.as soon as possible? Its an urgent matter.
Receptionist: Of course.Oh, just a moment, please. Mr Lagar has just walked in.Ill.
MrReala: Thanks.
MrLagar: Good afternoon, Hernando Lagar
MrReala:the cargo paperwork for the MV
Hawthorn. The Captain requires the paperwork urgently. Can you tell me if its ready?
MrLagar: Ah, were just preparing the documentation now, Mr Reala. It will be despatched to
the ship within the next hour.
MrReala: Good. Ill tell the Captain right away. Thank you.
MrLagar: Not at all. Goodbye.
2.
Staff member: Good afternoon. Marine Catering Supplies incorporated. Marie..
Caller
: Hello..Mr Brown.Is this the right extension number?
Staff member: Yes, this is the right number but.Mr Brown.for lunch. Im his
collegue. Can I help you?
Caller
: Oh, I really need to speak to him in person. When will he be back?
Staff member : Hell be back in an hour, I think. You could call back then.
Caller
: Im afraid I wont be able to: I have a meeting now.?
Staff member : Of course.
Caller
: My name is Fabio Vittori.our order. Could you tell him theres
been an alteration? I need to discuss it urgently but Ill explain more when I call again tomorrow.
Staff member : Okto him.
Caller
: Thanks.
4a
Listen to the cassette. A Captain is talking to a training Manager about the onboard
training programme. Complete the notice that the Captain will put up around the ship.
6 July
TIME:
1230
VENUE:
in the.room
REMARKS: ..provided
All..welcome.
5a
Checking information
Read these parts of the dialogue from Exercise 4a. Notice how the Captain checks
some details about the training session.
1. Captain : You can still make it on the 6th of July, cant you?
Training Manager: Oh, yes, no problem.
2. Captain: Erthey are aimed at all ranks, arent they?
Training Manager: Yes, I think they will be useful for everyone.
3. Training Manager: .there isnt usually an overhead projector in the meeting room, is
there?
Captain: No, Im afraid not. But theres a flip chart if you need to use it.
The short questions at the end of the sentences are called question tags. Question tags are placed
at the end of positive or negative statements. They are usually spoken, not written, and they show
that you expect a replay. Question tags are used to check if the information is correct or not and to
ask for confirmation When the speaker is not sure if the information he is checking is correct, his
voice goes up on the question tag. When the speaker is fairly sure that the information is correct,
his voice goes down on the question tag.
Notice that the auxiliary verb in the question tag is stressed. However, the auxiliary verb in the
statement is not stressed.
Listen to the cassette. You are going to hear ten sentences in which the speaker is
checking information. Is the speaker sure of the information? Tick the appropriate
box for each sentence.
The speaker is fairly sure
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
5c
Question tags
If there is an auxiliary or modal verb in the main statement, it is repeated in the question
tag.
If the statement is positive, the question tag is usually negative
You are the new joiner, arent you?
Gerry can play bridge, cant he? If the statement is positive, the question tag is usually negative
The weather was terrible, wasnt it?
If the statement is negative, the question tag is usually positive
The Training Officer didnt arrive, did he?
There isnt any coffee left, is there? If the statement is negative, the question tag is usually
positive
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
?
?
?
?
?
?
6a.
Listen to the following ship-to-ship VHF conversation exchange and answer the
following questions:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
What are the similarities and differences between telephoning and telephony?
What are the main stages in the development of the VHF exchange you heard?
Who is making the call and who is responding to the call?
How does the calling station address the responding station?
What introductory phrase does the calling station use for identification?
What word do both stations use when taking turns during the exchange?
What word is used to signify end of transmission?
Why do you think both interlocutors use words like: QUESTION and ANSWER ?
6b
Message Markers
1.QUESTION
2.INSTRUCTION
3.ADVICE
4.REQUEST
5.INFORMATION
6.WARNING
7.INTENTION
6c
In order to understand a message completely it is necessary to know its function. See if
you can identify the function of these messages by writing: question, instruction, advice,
request, information, warning or intention in the space provided, as appropriate.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
Use themessage markers and the message patterns described above to complete
these conversation extracts, which are based on those found in the Seaspeak
Reference Manual.
(a)
Information-
(b) : Over.
..-received: You intend to anchor now. Over.
(c)Question :
.: Negative,Over.
(d) Request:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
6e
Here is an outline of an intership exchange using Seaspeak:
Station making the call
1. Initial call
Address.
(Name/Callsign of station called, said twice)
Identification.
This is
(Name/Callsign of station called, said twice)
Indication of calling VHF channel.
On VHF channel
Over.
3.Indication of working VHF channel
Address and identification.
Indicate working VHF channel.
Switch to VHF channel
Over.
2. Response to call
Address and identification.Over.
6.Response to message
Address and identification.
Respond to message.
Over.
7.End of transmission
Address and identification.
Read back response to message.
Out.
Read the following situation and write down an intership exchange using the
outline and the message markers above.
Nippon Maru is at sea in the South Atlantic and is on passage from Buenos Aires to
Yokohama. She sees Gulf Trader going in the opposite direction. Knowing that there is
congestion at Buenos Aires (a vessel is aground near Practicos Interseccion Light Vessel),
Nippon Maru calls up Gulf Trader to inform her of the current situation and its cause. As
this is an inter-ship exchange, the Initial Call is made on VHF channel 16.
Answer Key Unit 10
2b
Conversation 1
Swiftcabs: Hello, Swiftcabs.
Seafarer: Hello, Id like to book a taxi, please.
Swiftcabs: Fine. Where from?
Seafarer: From the porterthe west loading bay. Can you come right to the ship? Its
the MV Aventura.
Swiftcabs: Yes, we can do that. What time do you want it for?
Seafarer: 7 oclock, please.
Swiftcabs: And where are you going?
Seafarer: Into the city centre. Can you tell me how much thatll be?
Swiftcabs: Ehabout 12 pounds, or thereabouts. And the name, please?
Seafarer: Rodriguez.
Swiftcabs: Fine, Mr Rodriguez. So, thats 7 oclock at the west loading bay.
Seafarer: Thats right. Thanks.
Swiftcabs: OK, then. Goodbye.
Seafarer: Goodbye.
Conversation 2
Staff member: Good morning. Transglobe Management Office.
Captain Ogawa: Good morning. This is Captain Ogawa of the MV Orion. Can I speak to
George Sanders in the Technical Support Department, please?
Staff member: Yes, could you hold the line, please?
Captain Ogawa: Yes, of course.
Mr Sanders: George Sanders speaking.
Captain Ogawa: Hello, George. Ogawa here.
Mr Sanders: Captain Ogawa, good to hear from you. How are things?
Captain Ogawa: Not so good. We seem to have developed a problem with our e-mail. The
Chief Engineer is unable to send any e-mails. I think weve lost our satellite link to the
web.
Mr Sanders: Oh, right. Well, well have to look into that straight away. Ill get one of the
system engineers to call you. He can talk the problem over with you.
2c.
1.
Swiftcabs booking form
NAME Rodiguez
PICK-UP POINT MV Aventura West
loading bay
DESTINATION: City Centre
TIME: 7pm
PRICE QUOTED: 12 pounds
2.
DEFECT REPORT
MV ORION
DATE
7th July
PROBLEM: Cant send e-mails-suspect loss
of satellite link.
REPORTED TO: George Sanders
ACTION TAKEN: Systems engineer will
phone back.
3.
Crew Medical
(Rating)
Notes:
Serge
Boisset
4.
Klein & Sons
MEMO
3a
Saying who you are: This is Alexander/Alexander speaking/Alexander here/ My name is
Alexander
Asking to speak to someone: Can/Could I speak to Bob, please?/Is Bob there?/Im trying
to get hold of Bob.(informal)
Giving your reason for calling: Im calling about (the crew change)/to (find out about the
crew change)./Its about (the crew change).
Asking to leave a message: Can/Could I leave a message (for him)?
Leaving a message: Can/Could you (ask him to call me back)?/(tell him I called)?
Saying what youll do: Ill call him back later/Ill give him a ring later.
Ending the conversation: Thank you./Thanks. Goodbye.
Answering the phone: Good morning, (Transglobe Management)./ Can I help you?/Good
morning,(Laura) speaking.
Asking someone to wait: Can/Could you hold the line, please?/ Can/Could you hold on ,
please?/Just a moment, please.
Apologising: Im afraid (he isnt here at the moment./Im sorry, but (hes gone out).
Offering to take a message: Can I take a message?/Would you like to leave a message?
Saying what youll do: Ill (get/ask him to call you)/Ill( just put you through)/Ill (give
him the message)/ Ill (pass the message on).
Ending the conversation: Thank you./Thanks.Goodbye
3b
(possible answers)
1)
Receptionist: Good afternoon, Transatlantic Shipping. How can I help you?
Mr Reala: Good afternoon, this is Josef Reala. Could I speak to Mr Lagar?
Receptionist: Im sorry, Mr Reala, but Mr Lagar is not at his desk at the moment. Would
you like to leave a message?
Mr Reala: Yes, I would. Could you ask him to call me as soon as possible? Its an urgent
matter.
Receptionist: Of courseOh, just a moment, please. Mr Lagar has just walked in. Ill
put you through.
Mr Reala: Thanks.
Mr Lagar: Good afternoon, Hernando Lagar speaking.
Mr Reala: Josef Reala here. Im calling about the cargo paperwork for the MV
Hawthorn. The Captain requires the paperwork urgently. Can you tell me if its ready?
Mr Lagar: Ah, were just preparing the documentation now, Mr Reala. It will be
despatched to the ship within the next hour.
Mr Reala: Good. Ill tell the Captain right away. Thank you.
Mr Lagar: Not at all. Goodbye.
2)
Staff Member: Good afternoon. Marine Catering Supplies Incorporated. Marie
speaking.
Caller: Hello. Im trying to get hold of Mr Brown. Is this the right extension number?
Staff Member: Yes, this is the right number but Im afraid Mr Browns gone out for
lunch. Im his colleague. Can I help you?
Caller: Oh, I really need to speak to him in person. When will he be back?
Staff Member: Hell be back in an hour, I think. You could call back then.
Caller: Im afraid I wont be able to. I have a meeting now. Could I leave a message?
Staff Member: Of course.
Caller: My name is Fabio Vittori. Its about our order. Could you tell him theres been an
alteration? I need to discuss it urgently but Ill explain more when I call again tomorrow.
Staff Member: OK. Ill pass the message on to him.
Caller: Thanks.
4a
Training Manager: Good morning.
Captain: Good morning, is Daniel Prowd the Training Manager there, please?
Training Manager: Speaking.
Captain: Captain Lessov here, MV Seadance. Its about the next meeting in your
Training Programme.You can still make it on the 6th of July, cant you?
Training Manager: Oh, yes, no problem.
Captain: Good. There are a couple of things I just wanted to finalise. Firstly, do you
have a working title for the meeting?
Training Manager: Well, I am going to focus on two things. Firstly, facts about collision
avoidance and, secondly, I wanted to go over regulations for inflatable liferafts. So, for
Session One, how about The Facts-Collision Avoidance and, for Session Two,
Regulations for Inflatable Liferafts.
Captain: Sounds fine. Er..the sessions are aimed at all ranks, arent they?
Training Manager:Yes, I think they will be useful for everyone.
Captain: OK, then, well see you on the 6 th . Dont bring your lunch-it will be provided,
as usual.
Training Manager: Good. Just one last thingthere isnt usually an overhead projector
in the meeting room, is there?
Captain: No, Im afraid not. But theres a flip chart if you need to use it.
Training Manager: Great. See you soon, then.
Captain: Yes, goodbye.
TRAININGPROGRAMME:NEXTmeeting
SESSION 1:TheFacts.CollisionAvoidance
SESSION 2:Regulations forinflatableliferafts
DATE:
6 July
TIME:
1230
VENUE:
5c
The speaker is fairly sure he is correct in sentences 1,5,6,8 and 10
The speaker is not sure if he is correct in sentences 2,3,4,7 and 9.
5d
1) isnt it?
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
dont you?
could you?
didnt it?
mustnt they?
did he?
was he?
isnt there?
can he?
does he?
6a
Tapescript
Station making the call
1 All ships, All ships, calling
Black tanker, position: fairway buoy;
Calling black tanker, position: fairway
Buoy.
This is Rattler, Golf Xray Xray Xray;
Rattler, Golf Xray Xray Xray. On VHF
Channel one-six.
Over.
WARNING
QUESTION
INFORMATION
INSTRUCTION
QUESTION
ADVICE
INTENTION
REQUEST
INSTRUCTION
WARNING
6d
(a)Information: Dredging operations are completed in the fairway. Over.
Information-received: Dredging operations are completed in the fairway. Over.
(b)Intention: I intend to anchor now. Over.
Intention-received: You intend to anchor now. Over.
Question: Is buoy number: two-three in the correct position? Over.
Answer: No, buoy number: two-three is not in the correct position. Over.
(d)Request: Please send welding equipment, reason: urgent repair.
Information: We have qualified welders on board. Over.
(e)Advice: Please proceed to Avonport, reason: there is cargo for you. Over.
Advice-received: Proceed to Avonport, reason: there is cargo for me. Over.
(f)Warning: A strong easterly wind is blowing at the berth. Over.
Warning-received: A strong easterly wind is blowing at the berth. Over.
(g)Instruction: Turn starboard immediately. Over.
Instruction-received: Turn starboard immediately, negative, reason: sailing vessel on my
starboard bow. Over.
(a) Instruction: Keep clear of the approach channel, reason: large vessel leaving.
(b) Intention: I intend to attempt rescue by Breeches-buoy.
(c) Question: What is your ETA at the channel entrance?
(d) Request: Please confirm that your length is two-zero-zero metres?
(e) Advice: Please pass ahead of me, reason: I am slowing down.
(f) Answer: Negative, shore-based radar assistance is not available.
(g) Warning-received: Ill keep a look out for wreckage.
6e
Station making the call
1.Polar Star,Nine Victor Alpha Tango;
Polar Star, Nine Victor Alpha Tango;
This is Rambler, Golf Xray Xray Xray;
Rambler, Golf Xray Xray Xray
On VHF Channel one-six.
Over.