About

Maritime and Coastguard Agency Qualifications

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is an Executive Agency in the Department for Transport (DfT). One of its responsibilities is the issue of Certificates of Competency for Deck Officers and Marine Engineer Officers in the Merchant Navy, Certificates of Competency for Deck Officers and Marine Engineer Officers for Fishing Vessels, Certificates of Competency for Yacht Engineer Officers and Certificates of Equivalent Competency for UK Merchant Ships and Fishing Vessels.

Centres throughout the UK (and overseas centres for Yacht examinations) offer courses leading to examinations for the Certificates of Competency: information on courses will normally be available from these centres.

Written examinations for the Certificates of Competency are administered for and on behalf of the MCA by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA).

Written examinations for the Certificates of Equivalent Competency are also administered for and on behalf of the MCA by SQA.

The examinations are prepared and moderated by people involved in the industry and/or training, and approved by the MCA.