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Guidance: How to apply for a UK Certificate of Competency

Maritime Coastguard Agency

February 21
10:12 2023

Overview

Your application is for an oral exam leading to a UK certificate of competency (CoC) issued by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).

A UK CoC meets the applicable standards of training certification and watchkeeping (STCW) requirements.

Application forms and guidance notes are available for deck and engineer officers working on:

  • merchant navy vessels
  • commercially and privately operated yachts and sail training vessels
  • workboats and tugs

Application process and contacts

Submitting your application

MIN 655 gives detail on the current process for those applying to the MCA for certification.

Read the guidance notes in the application form to make sure youve filled in all the correct information. Check that you have the required certificates and qualifications and that youve got the paperwork you need to support your application. Youll need to supply original copies of documents and certificates unless it states otherwise.

You must submit the following items with your application form:

  • certified copy of passport (and visa if applicable)
  • discharge book or certificates of discharge
  • sea service testimonials
  • 2 passport size photos (countersigned)
  • medical fitness certificate ENG 1 or a recognised non UK equivalent This can be expired but must show that you were medically fit to sail
  • fee to be paid following the link on the application form

The application form also specifies the additional documents youll need to supply either with your application or before your CoC can be issued. These will include:

  • applicable ancillary course certificates
  • evidence of completion of MCA approved training and education courses

First time applicants should post your application, supporting documents :

Seafarer Training and Certification Branch
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Spring Place
105 Commercial Road
Southampton
SO15 1EG

All other applicants should where possible make their application via email to the relevant processing team, including scans of the required supporting documents.

Some applicants may be requested to submit their original documents in support of their application. Should your application be selected for this screening, or should we require to see original documentation for other reasons, you will be contacted requesting the submission of original documentation

The MCA aims to process your NoE application within 28 days of receipt. Youll receive an email:

  • when your application has been received
  • if any further information/evidence is needed
  • when your certificate(s) and documents are being couriered back to you
  • when your NoE is issued

Notice of eligibility (NOE) and oral exam

If you are required to take an oral exam youll need to obtain an NOE. An NOE will be issued if your application is in order and you meet the sea time requirements. NOEs are valid for 5 years.

The NOE allows you to book an oral exam our oral exam using the Online Booking Service. More information on this new process can be found in MIN 675

Any further documentary evidence or certificates youll need to submit before the issue of your CoC can be found in the relevant M Notices, and in our guidance pages here.

Its recommended that you complete all education and training before sitting your oral exam.

You can find more information about the oral exam syllabus in MIN 653 Amendment 1 for Deck Officers MIN 654 Amendment 1 for Engineering Officers and ETOs

Oral exam results and issue of CoC

Your exam result will be recorded on our system. You will be provided with an email confirming your Oral Exam result. An oral pass result is valid for 3 years so make sure all your certificates are valid when you apply for issue of your CoC. MCA aims to issue a CoC within 14 days of receiving your application and any outstanding documents. A CoC is valid for seagoing service for 5 years. If youre a deck officer you should submit your GMDSS certificate with your NOE pass so that your endorsement expiry date can be synchronised with the date on your CoC. If you fail your exam you can apply for a re-sit. Youll be provided instructions in your Oral outcome email.

Contact MCA

Contact the Seafarer training and certification branch at MCA if youve got any queries about your application or exam.

Email: deck@mcga.gov.uk
Email: engineering@mcga.gov.uk
Email: revalidation@mcga.gov.uk
Email: exams@mcga.gov.uk

The MCA doesnt offer a counter service.

Application forms and guidance notes

Deck officers

Merchant navy

Use form MSF 4274 below to apply for an oral examination leading to the issue of a CoC for masters, chief mates and deck officers in the merchant navy

You can also use this form to get an upgrade from:

  • OOW (unlimited) to chief mate (less than 3000 GT)
  • chief mate (unlimited) to master (less than 3000 GT unlimited or more than 3000 GT near coastal).

Download

  • MSF 4274 Application for an oral examination leading to the issue of a certificate of competency (STCW) for masters, chief mates and deck officers in the merchant navy

Further information about training and certification is available in the marine guidance note MSN 1856 (M) below.

Download

Commercial and private yachts

For information on Yacht CoCs for Deck Officers, please see the Guidance Page, Certification for Deck Officers on Commercial and Private yachts.

Using yacht sea service towards a merchant navy application

Use form

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