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Masters UK COC

UK COC holder Master of the ship observing the functioning of the vessel

Introduction:

The highest-ranking officer on a merchant vessel, known as the Captain or Master, holds overall command of the ship. The captain bears the responsibility to oversee the ship's safe and efficient operation, covering aspects such as seaworthiness, safety and security, cargo handling, navigation, crew supervision, compliance with legal requirements, as well as the safety and welfare of all passengers and cargo onboard.

For those aspiring to achieve the position of captain in the merchant navy and obtain the UK STCW COC, this blog offers in-depth information about the eligibility steps and other requirements for being the Captain/Master

 

HND Nautical Science:

This course is designed for students to progress from OOW level (deck) to Master level. The Route will enable the candidates to achieve Master/Captain Certification by the SQA examination.

 Learners who have achieved the Advanced Diploma qualification and Chief Mate Certificate of Competency, after gaining the additional required sea-time, can progress on to the Masters Orals course, studying towards their final MCA/ Master Certificate of Competency. It is during this service period at sea that you will have the opportunity to accumulate the further sea service required to progress to the Master (unlimited) Certificate of Competency.

 

Master mariner with UK COC
Master mariner with UK COC

 

 Eligibility:

From 2nd mates to Masters

  • Application Form
  • Passport – 1st page and address page
  • Must complete 36 months watch-keeping service while holding an OOW unlimited II/1 Certificate of Competency or 
  • 24 months if at least 12 months of such seagoing service has been served as Chief Mate while holding a Chief Mate unlimited II/2 CoC.
  • Notice of Eligibility (NOE) by MCA
  • Personal medical fitness certificate recognized by the MCA

 

From Chief Mates to Masters

If you didn’t clear the Master license with Chief mate due to less sea-time, you can now clear these exams by just giving your oral examination additionally

  • Application Form
  • Passport – 1st page and address page
  • Must complete 36 months watch-keeping service while holding an OOW unlimited II/1 Certificate of Competency or 
  • 24 months if at least 12 months of such seagoing service has been served as Chief Mate while holding a Chief Mate unlimited II/2 COC.
  • Notice of Eligibility (NOE) by MCA
  • Personal medical fitness certificate recognized by the MCA

 

Note: If you already hold a UK COC, please apply for a Notice of Eligibility (NoE) with the MCA. The MCA will mention in the NoE the subjects for which you need to do the course, the written exams that you need to clear along with the MCA oral exams to be issued with a Master COC

 

Courses and Certification:

In addition to the above, candidates must be in possession of the following short Course & certificates before the Certificate of Competency (COC) can be issued by the MCA. The MCA, UK approved STCW advanced courses (AFF+MFA+PSC & RB) are now being done in Mumbai online.

The courses include:

  • Master’s Medicare
  • Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF)
  • Medical First Aid (MFA)
  • Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Craft (PSC & RB)