UK COC- terms and definitions

Introduction

The maritime world is a realm of its own, with a language rich in abbreviations and terms that can often feel like a foreign code. Even those persons who are in this industry but are looking for some kind of skill enhancements, may get confused with how to enhance skills and specially the terminology used.  This blog is catered to those persons who are in pursuit of a UK Certificate of Competency (CoC) and help them understand some of the jargons/abbreviations used. Some of the issues faced by candidates applying for UK COC includes- 

Unfamiliarity with terms used in the UK: The UK COC may have its own specialized terminology. Candidates who are new to the field might find it challenging to understand and use these terms correctly. 

Complexity of Abbreviations: Maritime abbreviations can be quite complex and may not follow common language patterns. Candidates might struggle to decode these abbreviations, leading to confusion and misunderstandings.

Variation in Abbreviations: Abbreviations can vary between different countries and regions. Candidates might encounter variations in abbreviations and terms used in the UK compared to those used in their home country.

Legal and Regulatory Terms: The maritime industry involves legal and regulatory terminology that may be intricate. Misunderstanding these terms could have legal consequences and impact a candidate's eligibility for courses or certifications.

Application Process: The application process for COC courses often involves submitting various documents, certificates, and forms, each with its own set of requirements and abbreviations. Misunderstanding these could result in incomplete applications.

Language Barrier: Candidates from non-English-speaking countries might face language barriers when trying to comprehend and correctly use maritime abbreviations, especially if English is not their first language.

Technical Complexity: Some abbreviations represent technical concepts related to navigation, engineering, and safety. Candidates without prior maritime experience might find it challenging to grasp these concepts.

These challenges can be hard to tackle if proper research work prior to application process is not done. While the research option seems appealing the probability of it consuming almost portion of your schedule is very high. The remedy of this predicament is this blog. In this blog, we cast light on the crucial terms that anchor UK CoC courses and illuminate the path to maritime mastery.

Following are the key terms used on UK CoC courses: 

UK – United Kingdom

CoC - Certificate of Competency

STCW - International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers. All certificates provided by any flag state is governed and guided by the rules as provided under STCW guidelines

MCA - Maritime and Coastguard Agency

Its United Kingdom governing body who’s main aim to prevent the loss of life at Sea and on the coast also deals in Maritime matters and provides certification to seafarers. All UK Maritime institutions works under their guidelines.

MSN - Merchant Shipping Notice 

Through MSN, governing bodies provides update where it caters different topics and guidelines. MSN contains the technical details of regulations called “statutory Instruments”

NOE - Notice of Eligibility 

Validity 5 years. It is a must needed application to appear for Oral Examination for applying UK CoC. It is issued by MCA by considering all required documents and sea time requirements.

LIA - Letter of Initial Assessment 

It’s a letter from college providing the result of assessment on whether the candidate has met the eligibility criteria as per MCA guidelines. Basis this document, the candidate can appear for the designated courses.

LOA – Letter of Acceptance 

It’s letter from college Head in which college provides an acceptance to the student to appear for any UK CoC course or any other course.

NARIC - National Academic Recognition Information Centre 

It’s an agency responsible for providing official information on international education, training and skills acquired outside the UK and accordingly states if it matched the UK Standard.

LOC - Letter of Comparability 

It is a document which states and confirms that recognition of overseas academic, vocational and / or professional qualification are to the comparable standards in the UK. It is issued by Naric (National Academic Recognition Information Centre)

GT - Gross Tonnage 

The size of all carrying capacity of a ship measured in gross tonnage and measurements of which will be cubic capacity.

ENG1 

 Must have Medical Certificate for Seafarer’s and important document which approved by respective governments authorized under Approved Doctors, Void certificate can’t sail further.

COP - Certificates of Proficiency  

It is a certificate issued to a seafarer, stating that all the required training, competencies or seagoing services under STCW Convention been met.

Operational - This will be identified as an “O” on the Certificate of Competency;

Management - This will be identified as “M” on the Certificate of Competency.

SQA - Scottish Qualification Authority

It is a Scotland’s national accreditation body which accredits all educational qualification done under their regulatory requirement which is also accredited by the UK government. All UK CoC examination and certification are conducted as per their standards.

MNTRB - Merchant Navy Training Record Book

It is a training book which is applied under MCA guidance requirement from college where the EOOW has to apply in order to complete his training on ship and same needs to filled in order to get the final eligibility criteria from college and MCA.

Unlimited – Meaning Worldwide 

 Here Unlimited means there is no restriction of seagoing areas.

NAEST certificate - Navigation Aids, Equipment and Simulation Training certificate. 

It is required at Operational / Management level. It is certificate which you will receive after successfully completing the course. This certificate is about fundamental knowledge and skills required to keep a safe navigational watch with proper use of navigational equipment provided onboard ship to maintain safety of navigation. It has 2 levels Operational and Management level which is done as per their rank.

HELM - Human Element, Leadership and Management certificate. 

It is required at Operational / Management level - It is a course in which mainly emphasis given on teams and teamwork and how this helps in building effective team by Clear and Concise communication, here all team members are made to involve into a situation and get the best result of it. Successfully completing the course will get you the certificate. There are 2 levels Operational (3 days course) & Management (5 days course)

HND – Higher Nautical Diploma: 

The Higher Nautical Diploma (HND) is a prestigious qualification in the maritime field that equips individuals with advanced knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career in various sectors of the maritime industry.

IELTS - International English Language Testing System

It is a widely recognized English language proficiency test designed to assess the language skills of individuals who wish to study, work, or live in English-speaking countries. It measures the test taker's ability to listen, read, write, and speak in English, and the results are used by educational institutions, employers, immigration authorities, and other organizations to determine an individual's English language proficiency.

IAMI - International Association of Maritime Institutions 

It’s primarily association of colleges and other organizations which is involved in providing training to personnel in Merchant navy. It aims and provides examination and assessment services to industry.

OOW Deck - Officer of the Watch - II/1 Unlimited

OOW Deck personnel are skilled mariners who hold a certificate indicating their competency to carry out these duties on various types of vessels without geographical limitations. Their expertise contributes to the safe and efficient movement of ships, making them essential for maritime operations worldwide. This role involves overseeing the vessel's course, monitoring weather conditions, and ensuring compliance with navigation rules and safety protocols.

EOOW – Engine Officer of the Watch

The Engine Officer of the Watch (EOOW) is a vital maritime position responsible for overseeing the safe and efficient operation of a ship's machinery and equipment during designated watchkeeping shifts. This role involves monitoring engine performance, troubleshooting technical issues, and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations.

Conclusion:

We have shared an exhaustive list of all the terms used in UK COC application process. Yet if you fill that we have missed few terms or you would like us to cover any topic of your choice or you need any kind of assistance regarding COC application then connect to us by commenting below or by visiting our website or write to us on education@seaandbeyond.com or call/whatsapp: +91 8928896420 or +91 9326970603