Guidance

MCA course criteria for Small Ships Navigation and Radar: second edition

Updated 20 July 2026

Introduction

This document sets out the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) requirements for Small Ships Navigation and Radar training.

It covers the minimum training requirements for:

• the safe use of radar
• approved electronic charting systems (ECS)
• bridge watchkeeping
• the application of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972 (COLREGs), as amended

Training centres approved by the MCA may deliver the following courses:

• Small Ships Radar and Meteorology
• Small Ships Electronic Charting System (approved) and Bridge Watchkeeping

Training delivered in line with these criteria meets the MCA requirements for these courses.

Course approval must comply with Annex F of MSN 1865 (Amendment 1) and MIN 643.

Training may be delivered at locations other than the training centre’s main site (peripatetic delivery) within the UK.

Where a course is delivered peripatetically, the training centre must ensure that the quality of training, assessment, facilities, equipment and learner support is the same as at its main training facility.

All requirements in this document, including those relating to:

• facilities and equipment
• simulators
• training materials
• quality management
• health and safety

must be met at every delivery location.

Training providers must notify the MCA of all planned courses at least 3 weeks before the course start date.

Notifications should be sent to stc.courses@mcga.gov.uk.

If a course is arranged at short notice, the training provider must notify the MCA as soon as possible.

The MCA may carry out unannounced audits of any approved training location.

For more information about peripatetic training, see MSN 1865 (Amendment 1), Annex F, section 4.3.

This training supports the mandatory requirements of Workboat Code Edition 3 for radar and electronic charting systems.

It is required for masters and crew who:

• are responsible for a navigational watch
• operate radar equipment

The aim of Electronic Charting System (approved) and Bridge Watchkeeping 

This course gives learners the knowledge and practical skills needed to:

• maintain a safe navigational watch

• use electronic charts and other electronic navigational aids

• maintain a safe navigational watch

• use electronic charts and other electronic navigational aids

The aim of Small Ships Radar and Meteorology   

This course gives learners the knowledge and practical skills needed to:

• use radar safely and effectively
• obtain and interpret weather information
• support the safe navigation of small vessels

Competence: Electronic Charting System (approved) and Bridge Watchkeeping

Learners must be able to:

• plan and carry out a coastal passage
• determine and monitor position
• maintain a safe navigational watch

Competence: Small Ships Radar and Meteorology

Learners must be able to:

• maintain a safe navigational watch using marine radar
• use meteorological information to support safe navigation

Training plans

Training centres must submit training plans as part of the MCA course approval process.

Training should engage learners through a range of interactive teaching methods.

These may include:

• practical demonstrations
• simulation exercises
• team exercises
• continuous assessment
• summative assessment (theory and practical)
• other teaching methods approved by the MCA

A training day must:

• include no more than 8 contact hours
• not exceed 10 hours in total

Training must be based on the learning outcomes set out in this document.

Training centres are responsible for developing their own training schedules and session plans. These should ensure that the course content is delivered in a logical and effective way, enabling learners to achieve the required learning outcomes.

Training duration: Electronic Charting System (approved) and Bridge Watchkeeping 

The course must be at least 20 hours long and delivered over a minimum of 3 days.

Training may be delivered through shorter sessions where this meets local needs and has been agreed with the training provider.

Training providers are encouraged to use flexible methods of delivery where appropriate.

Training duration: Radar and Meteorology 

The course must be at least 16 hours long and delivered over a minimum of 2 days.

For both courses, training may be delivered through shorter sessions where this meets local needs and has been agreed with the training provider. Flexible methods of delivery are encouraged where appropriate.

Entry requirements 

Learners must confirm on the day of the course that they are fit and well enough to take part in practical exercises.

Learners should have:

• a basic understanding of navigational principles
• basic chartwork skills
• knowledge of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972 (COLREGs), as amended

Learners are also recommended to:

• have experience navigating small vessels
• hold a certificate that permits commercial operation in Area Category of Operation 6 or above

Learners taking the combined 5-day course must complete the Small Ships Radar and Meteorology module before the Small Ships Electronic Charting System (approved) and Bridge Watchkeeping module.

Small Ships Electronic Charting System (approved) and Bridge Watchkeeping module 

This module can be taken as a standalone course.

Learners should have:

• a basic understanding of navigational principles
• experience navigating small vessels

Small Ships Radar and Meteorology module

This module is intended for masters and crew of commercially operated small vessels of less than 24 metres who:

• are responsible for using radar
• have not previously completed approved radar training

Assessment requirements 

Assessments must allow learners to demonstrate that they have achieved the required competences.

Assessment methods must be:

• valid
• reliable
• Authentic

Each learner must receive an assessment plan at the start of the course.

Training providers must have a process that allows learners to appeal assessment decisions.

Assessment evidence must demonstrate that learners meet the required competence criteria.

Evidence may be gathered through a range of assessment methods, including:

• written examinations
• oral questioning
• observation of practical exercises and simulations

Training providers must keep formal assessment records and make them available for MCA audits and verification activities.

At the end of the course, learners must demonstrate the knowledge and skills set out in the course aims and learning outcomes.

Assessment of competence 

The purpose of assessment is to determine whether a learner has achieved the required standard of competence.

Assessors must evaluate learner performance throughout the course. Feedback should be provided during debriefing sessions, and assessors should take account of any improvement shown during the training.

Assessors should consider a failed assessment where a learner:

• responds to a potentially dangerous situation in an unacceptable way
• fails to show sufficient improvement after feedback and further practice

Where a learner does not meet the required standard, the training provider must withhold the certificate until the learner has completed additional training and a further assessment.

Assessors must discuss any areas of concern with the learner.

Improvement during training

A learner does not automatically fail because they make mistakes during training.

Assessors should consider whether the learner:

• recognises and understands their mistakes
• responds positively to feedback
• demonstrates improvement
• achieves the required standard of competence by the end of the course

The learner’s overall performance at the end of the course should be used to determine whether they have achieved the required level of competence and are eligible for certification.

For the Small Ships Electronic Charting System (approved) and Bridge Watchkeeping module, assessors should recognise that this may be the learner’s only simulator-based training within the qualification. It may therefore provide the main opportunity for the learner to demonstrate competence in key navigational skills.

Qualifications of instructors and assessors

Training and assessment must be carried out by instructors and assessors who meet the requirements in Table A5.1, Appendix 5 of Workboat Code Edition 3, as amended.

Instructors and assessors must hold, as a minimum:

• a management-level certificate that allows them to work commercially as a master on a small vessel of less than 24 metres in Area Category of Operation 1, or
• an equivalent qualification accepted by the MCA

Instructors and assessors must also:

• have successfully completed both modules of the Small Ships Navigation and Radar course, or demonstrate equivalent qualifications and experience that exceed the course requirements and are accepted by the MCA
• be familiar with the simulator equipment used for training, including its capabilities and limitations
• hold a teaching qualification accepted by the MCA, or have successfully completed the IMO (write out in full and then abbreviate) train the trainer course in accordance with Regulation I/6 and Section A-I/6 of the STCW Convention and Code 1978, as amended, or an equivalent qualification

Examples of teaching qualifications accepted by the MCA

Examples include:

• Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS)
• Certificate in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (CTLLS)
• City and Guilds Level 3 Award in Education and Training
• Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (DTLLS)
• Postgraduate Certificate in Education
• Certificate in Education
• Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) Levels 3 and 4 in Learning and Development
• Scottish Training Qualification for Further Education (TQFE)
• Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE)
• Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)

Facilities and equipment 

Training centres applying for MCA approval must provide suitable facilities for practical, theoretical and classroom-based training.

Facilities must:

• support effective teaching and learning
• provide access to appropriate training equipment and learning resources
• allow all learners to participate fully in the training
• operate under a quality management system (QMS) that complies with STCW Convention Regulation I/8

Training centres should provide equipment and simulator workstations on a one-to-one (1:1) basis wherever possible.

Where operational or logistical requirements make this impractical, the learner-to-workstation ratio must not exceed 2 learners to 1 workstation (2:1).

Training providers must not justify shared workstations solely on the basis of cost or commercial considerations.

Where a training provider proposes a learner-to-workstation ratio greater than 1:1, they must:

• justify the arrangement as part of the approval process
• provide evidence that training quality and learner outcomes will not be affected

Training providers must demonstrate that the use of shared workstations does not reduce the quality or effectiveness of the training.

Learners must have sufficient:

• hands-on operating time
• practical experience
• instructor support
• assessment opportunities

to achieve the required learning outcomes and competences to the same standard expected under a 1:1 arrangement.

Minimum equipment requirements

Training must use the following equipment, either live or simulated:

• a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver
• an echo sounder
• an automatic identification system (AIS)
• an electronic charting system (ECS) approved for navigation, including systems approved for carriage on coded vessels
• a marine radar
• a radar and automatic radar plotting aid (ARPA) simulator approved by the MCA through the course approval process, or meeting the requirements of Workboat Code Edition 3, as amended

Training centres may use a training vessel to supplement simulator-based training where appropriate.

Equipment performance standards

Radar and ARPA equipment must meet the performance standards set out in IMO Resolution MSC.192(79).

Electronic chart display and information systems (ECDIS) must meet the performance standards set out in IMO Resolution MSC.232(82), as amended.

Guidance on approved ECS and Mini-ECDIS systems is available in MGN 319 (Amendment 2)

General performance standards for simulators used in training 

Any simulator used for mandatory simulator-based training must:

• be suitable for the learning outcomes and training activities
• accurately replicate the operation of relevant shipboard equipment, including its capabilities, limitations and potential errors
• provide a realistic operating environment that allows learners to develop the required skills
• allow a range of operating conditions to be simulated, including emergency, hazardous and unusual situations where relevant
• provide an interface that allows learners to interact with the equipment, the simulated environment and, where appropriate, the instructor
• allow instructors to control, monitor and record exercises for debriefing and feedback

Simulator standards for assessment

Any simulator used to assess competence or demonstrate continued proficiency must:

• be suitable for the assessment objectives
• accurately replicate the operation of relevant shipboard equipment, including its capabilities, limitations and potential errors
• provide a realistic operating environment that allows learners to demonstrate the required skills
• provide an interface that allows learners to interact with the equipment and simulated environment

• allow a range of operating conditions to be simulated, including emergency, hazardous and unusual situations where relevant

• allow assessors to control, monitor and record exercises for the assessment of learner performance

Health and safety: conduct of training

Training centres must comply with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and any associated regulations, guidance and approved codes of practice.

Training centres operating outside the UK must comply with the relevant health and safety legislation in the country where the training is delivered.

Training centres must:

• assess risks to the health and safety of learners, instructors and other staff
• put appropriate control measures in place
• monitor the effectiveness of those measures
• review and update risk controls when necessary

Training centres must have procedures for responding to:

• emergencies
• incidents
• accidents

In the UK, these arrangements must comply with the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, as amended.

The safety of learners and instructors must be maintained throughout all training activities.

Practical exercises must be designed and delivered to meet the learning outcomes and requirements of the course.

Training centres must develop and maintain safe working procedures that meet their statutory health and safety obligations.

Quality standards 

Training centres must have a quality management system to monitor the delivery of training and the assessment of competence.

The quality management system must ensure that:

• training is delivered consistently
• assessments are carried out fairly and effectively
• course objectives and learning outcomes are achieved

Training centres must maintain documented quality assurance procedures.

The MCA will inspect these procedures at intervals of no more than 5 years.

Quality management and evaluation arrangements may form part of a training centre’s wider quality assurance system.

Training centres must issue certificates only to learners who have achieved the required standard of competence.

Certificates must be issued in the format shown in Annex A.

Instructor to learner ratio 

The instructor-to-learner ratio must not exceed 1:12 for either practical or classroom-based training.

A course must have a minimum of 3 learners.

Training centres must determine any additional staffing requirements, taking account of:

• health and safety requirements
• the learning outcomes of the course
• the needs of learners

The UK General Data Protection Act 2018 (GDPR) 

Training centres must provide learners with a privacy notice when collecting personal data.

The privacy notice must explain:

• why personal data is being collected and processed
• how long personal data will be retained
• who personal data may be shared with

Training centres must ensure that personal identifiers are not displayed on certificates or other training documentation.

This includes:

• passport numbers
• National Insurance numbers
• driving licence numbers
• birth certificate numbers

Learning outcomes: Small Ships Electronic Charting System (approved) and Bridge Watchkeeping 

Outcome 1

The learner can explain the functions and applications of electronic charts and approved electronic charting systems, and apply safe navigation principles when using them.

Charts

The learner must understand:

• the differences between vector, raster, official and non-official charts
• chart ordering and updating procedures
• data sources and category zone of confidence (CATZOC)
• chart symbols and the use of feature interrogation (pick reports)

Electronic charting systems

The learner must understand:

• approved and non-approved electronic charting systems
• relevant standards and regulations
• system inputs and outputs
• sensor configuration and setup

Device setup

The learner must be able to:

• load and select charts
• select appropriate chart scales
• use orientation and zoom functions
• configure base, standard and custom displays
• use vectors and trails
• apply overlays, including ARPA and automatic identification system (AIS) data

Safety settings

The learner must be able to:

• calculate safety depths and contours
• configure contour and safety depth settings
• use anti-grounding functions
• interpret alarms and indications
• use man overboard functions

Position monitoring

The learner must understand:

• methods of position fixing
• the application of position fixing to electronic charting systems
• how to monitor global navigation satellite system (GNSS) integrity
• position verification and datums
• alternative methods of position fixing during GNSS disruption or loss

Tides

The learner must be able to:

• carry out tidal calculations using digital tools
• apply tidal calculations when planning and monitoring routes

Routes

The learner must be able to:

• explain the requirement for route planning
• create, validate and edit routes
• monitor routes during passage

Outcome 2

The learner can apply the principles of bridge watchkeeping.

The learner must understand:

• setup procedures for GNSS and other navigational aids
• operational limitations and common errors in bridge equipment
• the use of echo sounders, including warning limits and common operating errors
• relevant M Notices and the Bridge Procedures Guide (BPG)
• the use of marine radio communication equipment
• the use of automatic identification systems (AIS)
• different AIS system types and performance characteristics
• the limitations, benefits and reliability of AIS data
• the use of AIS when complying with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs)
• sources of navigational warning information
• passage planning and the use of relevant navigational publications
• compass errors and corrections
• course monitoring when using hand steering or autopilot
• watchkeeping briefings and handover procedures
• bridge record keeping

Learning outcomes: Small Ships Radar and Meteorology  

Outcome 1

The learner can explain radar theory and operate marine radar safely and effectively.

The learner must understand:

• the different types of radar and their uses
• the use of radar as a ranging device
• the use and limitations of radar for bearing measurements
• the effect of horizontal beam width, particularly when detecting land targets
• sea-stabilised and ground-stabilised operating modes
• radar display setup procedures, including performance monitoring functions
• the purpose and correct alignment of the heading marker
• sea clutter and rain clutter controls
• relative motion and true motion displays
• true and relative trails and vectors
• head-up (unstabilised) and north-up (stabilised) displays
• shadow sectors and blind arcs
• false echoes and their causes

The learner must be able to:

• use radar plotting techniques to support collision avoidance
• use radar for position fixing and navigation
• apply parallel indexing techniques
• use semi-automatic and automatic plotting aids
• recognise and account for errors associated with automatic plotting aids

Outcome 2

The learner can obtain, interpret and apply meteorological information to support safe navigation.

The learner must understand:

• how to obtain weather information
• how to use weather forecasts and reports when planning a passage
• the actions required when operating in reduced visibility
• the limitations that reduced visibility can place on a voyage
• the effect of wind on a vessel’s track
• the effect of wind on tides and tidal streams
• local weather anomalies
• the effects of weather on navigational sensors and equipment

The learner must be able to:

• interpret weather information and forecasts
• assess the impact of weather conditions on navigation
• apply weather information when planning and conducting a passage
• take appropriate action in response to changing weather conditions

Guidance on the training programme: Small Ships Electronic Charting System (approved) and Bridge Watchkeeping

The training covers the basic principles of coastal navigation, passage planning and the use of electronic aids to navigation commonly found on small vessels. The training is designed to be mainly practical and includes simulator-based exercises representative of real situations and tailored wherever possible to local navigational circumstances. The exercises will be appropriate to the maturity and experience of the participants and will seek to promote high standards of safe navigation and watchkeeping. The group discussion and analysis after every exercise is regarded as a significant contribution to achieving the aims of this training.

1. 1. The training must include the programme of simulator exercises described in this section, but training centres are free, within the following general guidelines, to design the details of their own exercises.
2. 2. The conduct of the simulator exercises and of the training must be adapted as appropriate to take account of the prior experience of the participants.
3. 3. The format of practical exercises will consider the following:
   1. 1. The principles of safe navigational watchkeeping.
   2. 2. The use of typical navigational equipment including correct set up procedures.
   3. 3. Sound principles of chartwork using electronic means.
   4. 4. Selection of navigational data appropriate to prevailing circumstances.
   5. 5. Use of other electronic aids to navigation including AIS.
   6. 6. Effective bridge watchkeeping organisation.
   7. 7. The planning and execution of passages in confined and open waters, including the use of relevant navigational publications.

Required exercises

Practical exercises must be based on 3 themes.

These exercises should emphasise the principles of safe navigational watchkeeping and bridge procedures as they apply to small vessels.

Theme 1: Passage planning in coastal waters

Learners should be able to:

• set up an approved electronic charting system (ECS) for passage planning in coastal waters
• monitor a vessel’s track using an approved ECS
• determine position using an approved ECS and electronic navigational aids

Theme 2: Navigation in coastal waters and collision avoidance

Learners should be able to:

• prepare a passage plan that includes margins of safety, clearing lines, limits and other relevant navigational information
• conduct pre-departure and arrival briefings to support effective bridge teamwork
• work effectively as part of a bridge team when making landfall and navigating in coastal waters
• apply bridge resource management principles
• demonstrate effective communication and maintain a communications log

Theme 3: Passage through areas of heavy traffic and navigational constraints

Learners should be able to:

• carry out collision avoidance manoeuvres
• interact effectively with vessel traffic services
• recognise the limitations of ECS and AIS when used for navigation
• respond appropriately to equipment malfunctions, including the management of alarms
• maintain safe navigation in areas of high traffic density and navigational restrictions

Guidance on the training programme: Small Ships Radar and Meteorology 

This course covers the principles of radar operation and meteorology using equipment commonly found on small vessels.

The course should be mainly practical and include simulator-based exercises that reflect real operating conditions. Where possible, exercises should be relevant to local navigational environments.

Training should take account of learners’ experience and ability, and promote high standards of safe navigation and watchkeeping.

Learner discussions and post-exercise debriefs are an important part of the training and should be used to reinforce learning and improve performance.

Practical exercises should emphasise the principles of:

• safe navigational watchkeeping
• bridge procedures
• radar operation
• collision avoidance
• passage planning

Before any assessment takes place, learners must be given sufficient time to become familiar with the simulator and its equipment.

Required exercises

Practical exercises must be based on 2 themes.

Theme 1: Navigation in clear visibility

Learners should be able to:

• use different radar display modes, orientations and stabilisation settings
• apply parallel indexing techniques
• determine the vessel’s position using radar
• monitor the vessel’s progress during a passage
• use parallel indexing when making landfall and navigating in coastal waters
• demonstrate safe and effective use of radar during routine navigation

Theme 2: Navigation and collision avoidance in clear and restricted visibility

Learners should be able to:

• determine and monitor the vessel’s position when making landfall and navigating in coastal waters
• produce and carry out a passage plan
• apply parallel indexing techniques during navigation
• assess and account for the effects of tidal streams and wind
• recognise and respond appropriately to equipment malfunctions
• navigate safely through areas of heavy traffic
• plan and conduct passages through traffic separation schemes and other areas with high concentrations of vessel traffic
• apply radar information to support collision avoidance and safe decision-making

Annex A

Specimen certificate: Small Ships Electronic Charting System (approved) and Bridge Watchkeeping

To be produced and registered locally by the Issuing Authority.

Certificate no:	(Issuing Authority to allocate)
MCA Approval Certificate No:	(MCA Approval Certificate No.)
Issuing Authority:	(Centre’s name and address)
Tel:	(Phone number)
Email:	(Email address)
Title of Certificate:	Small Ships Electronic Charting System (approved) and Bridge Watchkeeping Course
This is to certify that:	(Full name of candidate)
Date of birth:	(DD/MM/YYYY)
has successfully completed small ships “Electronic Charting System (approved) and Bridge Watchkeeping” course approved by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
This Certificate is issued under the authority of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, an executive agency of the Department for Transport
Issuing Authority Stamp and Date	(Stamp and date)
Signature and name of Principal or authorised representative of the Approved Training Centre	(Signature and name)
Signature of person to whom this certificate was issued	(Signature)

Inquiries concerning this certificate should be addressed to the Issuing Authority at the address above.

Specimen certificate: Small Ships Radar and Meteorology Course

To be produced and registered locally by the Issuing Authority.

Certificate no:	(Issuing Authority to allocate)
MCA Approval Certificate No:	(MCA Approval Certificate No.)
Issuing Authority:	(Centre’s name and address)
Tel:	(Phone number)
Email:	(Email address)
Title of Certificate:	Small Ships Radar and Meteorology Course
This is to certify that:	(Full name of candidate)
Date of birth:	(DD/MM/YYYY)
has successfully completed small ships ships “Radar and Meteorology” course approved by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
This Certificate is issued under the authority of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, an executive agency of the Department for Transport
Issuing Authority Stamp and Date	(Stamp and date)
Signature and name of Principal or authorised representative of the Approved Training Centre	(Signature and name)
Signature of person to whom this certificate was issued	(Signature)

Inquiries concerning this certificate should be addressed to the Issuing Authority at the address above.