Certificate of Competency

Cargo ship

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency 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 and Certificates of Equivalent Competency for UK Merchant Ships and Fishing Vessels.

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

Colleges throughout the UK offer courses leading to examinations for the Certificates of Competency: information on courses will normally be available from these colleges.

Eligibility

It is the responsibility of candidates to ensure that they comply with requirements governing entry to courses and examinations before embarking on a course of study.  Requirements are determined by the MCA and are given in the appropriate publication.

There is no requirement to hold an Notice of Eligibility prior to attending any of the following MCA approved examinations:

• SQA OOW written examinations for Navigation/Stability and Operations

• SQA Chief Mate/Master written examinations for Navigation/Stability and Structure

• SQA Management level written examinations for Engineering Knowledge – General/Motor or General/Steam.

Proof of identity - candidates must produce a discharge book, passport or other acceptable form of identification which includes a photograph before entry to an examination is allowed.