MIN 655 Amendment 1 (M+F) new-style certificates for UK seafarers and those working onboard UK ships
Published 24 August 2026
© Crown copyright 2026
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Introduction
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has reviewed the format of Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), Certificates of Competency (CoC), STCW Flag State Endorsements (FSE) / Certificates of Equivalent Competency (CEC).
In January 2021 the MCA launched a new photo-card style certificate to replace the previous paper and book format. Examples of these can be found in Annex A.
From 1 September 2026 FSEs will be issued electronically under Regulation I/10 of the International Convention on STCW. This comes as part of the MCA’s wider programme to modernise maritime services and the digitalisation of certification processes.
The MCA has also continued to update the application process to allow for more applications to be made online using the submission of documents electronically. Details are provided on the relevant application forms.
The format of UK certificates
The MCA previously modernised the UK certificate format to a photo-card design, examples of which are shown in Annex A. This card includes the relevant information for the qualification held.
In some cases, seafarers may receive multiple certificates depending on the type and number of capacities they have qualified for. Multiple certificates will carry distinct separate certificate numbers.
The new format
As explained above, FSE certificates will be issued electronically from 1 September 2026. An example of the format of these can be found in Annex B.
The move to electronic certificates does not change the legal status, validity or acceptance of UK FSE’s. Electronic certificates will continue to provide evidence that the UK recognises a CoC issued by another STCW party in accordance with Regulation I/10.
For a transitional period of up to 5 years and 6 months, both physical and electronic FSE certificates may remain in circulation. Existing certificates will remain valid until their expiry date and will be replaced through normal endorsement, certification or revalidation processes.
The application process for those applying for a UK CoC requiring the submission of a training record book
Those applying for a UK CoC requiring submission of a training record book (TRB) will need to provide this to the MCA through physical submission.
If the applicant has completed an electronic TRB instead of a physical TRB, this should be noted on the application form in the appropriate section. Please send the physical TRB and, if required, associated workbooks to:
Seafarer Operations
Maritime & Coastguard Agency,
Bay 2/11,
Spring Place,
105 Commercial Road
Southampton,
SO15 1EG.
The remaining application can be made electronically by following the steps outlined on the form.
The application process for those applying for a UK CoC
For those applying for a UK CoC for which a TRB is not required, the MCA accepts electronic applications via email for both the issue and revalidation of certificates.
The application should be made to the relevant processing team, as noted on the application form. This should include all required supporting evidence and the completed form when required. Documents must be attached to the email directly or within a zip file.
We are unable to accept .rar extensions or links to file-sharing services such as OneDrive, Google Drive or Dropbox.
Please note that we do require a percentage of applicants to submit original documentation in support of their application.
Should an application be selected, or should we require to see original documentation for other reasons, we will be in contact requesting the submission of original physical documentation.
In these cases please ensure the original supporting documents are submitted to:
Seafarer Operations
Maritime & Coastguard Agency,
Bay 2/11,
Spring Place,
105 Commercial Road
Southampton,
SO15 1EG.
The application process for those applying for a UK FSE
The application process for a UK FSE remains unchanged.
Those applying for a UK FSE should apply electronically following the guidance available on www.gov.uk and within the application form.
More information
Seafarer Operations
Maritime & Coastguard Agency,
Bay 2/11,
Spring Place,
105 Commercial Road
Southampton,
SO15 1EG.
Telephone: 0333 399 0040
Phone lines are open 8:30am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday (closed on UK bank holidays.