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Form

How to apply for a UK deck certificate of competency

Complete form MSF 4274, for a notice of eligibility (NOE) for an oral examination leading to the issue of a deck CoC (STCW) for masters, chief mates and OOW.

Updates to this page

From:
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Published:
17 April 2014
Last updated:
11 June 2026
Show all updates

  1. Added electronic Training Record Book to required documents for cadets who are using them.

  2. Complete format change, simplifying the view of requirements and guidance.

  3. Updated version of application form, and inclusion of separate signature and photo forms. Updated information on electronic application submission.

  4. Important information added to the payment section.

  5. New version of form available

  6. Field for Sponsoring Company Email Address (UK Cadets only) added to form

  7. COVID-19 update (unable to accept applications by post)

  8. Updated form version

  9. Application form updated with fee change.

  10. Application form updated

  11. Application form updated & summary updated

  12. Application form has been updated

  13. Title updated

  14. Removed 6 week warning as this is no longer in effect.

  15. New version of the Form available advising the new requirements as of 01/01/2017

  16. New form version

  17. First published.

Documents

Application for an oral examination leading to the issue of a certificate of competency (STCW) for masters, chief mates and deck officers in the merchant navy (MSF 4274)

Ref: Rev 06/26

PDF, 557 KB, 14 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email infoline@mcga.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Passport Photo Form

Ref: Rev 07/24

PDF, 433 KB, 5 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email infoline@mcga.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Details

Application Information

Please email your application and scanned documents to deck@mcga.gov.uk.

If this is your first UK CoC application and your are claiming reduced sea time using a paper Training Record Book, please post it to UK Seafarer Services (Training & Certification), Maritime and Coastguard Agency, Spring Place, 105 Commercial Road, Southampton SO15 1EG.

Other information

It is important that the guidance notes and instructions on pages 8 to 14 are read when completing the application.

Please note you may be selected for random screening, 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.

The MCA is unable to provide a counter service.

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