- This Marine Information Note (MIN) provides information on the change to the format of STCW Certificates of Competency (CoC).
- It also gives information on Flag State Endorsement / Certificates of
Equivalent Competency (FSE/CEC). - The information is issued by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA),
including sample images of the new certificates. - This MIN also provides information on changes to the application process that seafarers should follow to obtain and revalidate certification from the MCA.
A recent press release published by GOV.UK deals with the MIN information on STCW certificates.
Introduction & Background
1.1. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has reviewed the format of STCW
Certificates of Competency (CoC) and Equivalent Competency (CEC).
1.2. Commencing in January 2021 the MCA will begin issuing full certificates with a five-year
validity.
The certificates will be issued in the new format, as shown in Annex A, and will
be a resumption in the issuance of physical certification by the MCA.
1.3. The MCA has also updated the application process to allow for applications to be made
online using the submission of electronic documents.
However, those applying for their
first UK Certificate should note that they will be required to continue applying with a
physical application as detailed in section 3.
2. The format of the New Certificates
2.1. The MCA has modernised the UK certificate format to a new photocard design, an example of which is shown in Annex A.
This card includes the relevant information for
the qualification you hold. I
some cases, you may receive multiple certificates depending on the type and number of capacities you have qualified for. Each certificate issued will carry a unique certificate number.
3. The Application Process for those applying for their First UK CoC
3.1. Those applying for their first UK CoC will be required to provide original documents in
support of your application.
You should ensure that your application form and all supporting documents are submitted to the address detailed in section 4.
If your application requires the submission of a Training Record Book (TRB), the original
physical TRB will need to be submitted to the MCA.
4. Changes to the Application Process for those already holding a UK CoC
4.1. For those who already hold a UK CoC, the MCA now accepts subsequent applications
to be made electronically via email for the upgrade and revalidation of certificates.
Please see Annex B for the current application forms and associated M-Notices.
4.2. The application form must be completed and emailed to the relevant processing team
with the required documentation.
The application form will detail the required supporting evidence that must be provided. Supporting documents must be attached to the ‘application email’ directly, or within a ‘.zip file’. We are unable to accept ‘.rar extensions’
or links to file-sharing services such as OneDrive, Google Drive or Dropbox.
4.3. We will require a percentage of applicants to submit original documentation 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.
4.4. Where you are required to submit original supporting documents, please send them to
the following address:
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Seafarer Services (Bay 2/11)
Spring Place
105 Commercial Road
Southampton
SO15 1EG
UK
5. Application Process
The Application Process for those applying for a UK Flag State Endorsement (FSE)/
Certificate of Equivalent Competency (CEC).
5.1. Those applying for a UK FSE/CEC should apply electronically following the guidance
available on www.gov.uk and within the application form. Links to these documents are included in Annex B.
Did you subscribe to our daily newsletter?
It’s Free! Click here to Subscribe!
Source: GOV.UK
