Certification for Deck Officers on Commercial and Private yachts
Guidance for applying for a Deck CoC for Commercial and Private Yachts.
Applying for a Deck Commercial and Private Yachts CoC
To apply for a deck officer CoC specific to Yachts, please use form MSF 4343.
Detailed information and guidance about yacht training and certification is available in MSN 1858 Amendment 1.
Click here for the Yacht OOW less than 3000GT training record book. More information can be found in MSN 1858 Amendment 1 which details the sea service requirements for OOW Yachts that may grant an exemption from completing the TRB
Exam Syllabuses
Exam Syllabuses can be found on the MCA examination syllabuses page.
For Oral Exam Syllabuses please refer to UK seafarer careers: Training provision, information and examination syllabuses - Oral exam syllabuses
For written Exam Syllabuses please refer to UK seafarer careers: Training provision, information and examination syllabuses - written exam syllabuses.
New Sea Time Requirements
All seagoing service on board Yachts should be approved by either;
Failure to do this can cause severe delays of around 160 days. Further information can be found in MIN 543
Conversions to a Yacht CoC
These conversions are subject to change, however your requirements will be listed on your NOE.
| UK Certificate Held | CoC Required | Conversion |
|---|---|---|
| Fishing CoC Class 1 | Master Code <200GT, Unlimited Area | A |
| Fishing CoC Class 1 | Master (yachts less than 500GT) | B |
| Fishing CoC Class 2 / Second Hand Full | Master Code <200GT, Less than 150 nautical miles from safe haven | C |
| UK OOW, CoC, II/1 (unlimited) | Master Code <200 GT, Unlimited area | D |
| FSE OOW, II/1 (unlimited) | Officer of the Watch (yachts less than 3000 GT) | E |
| UK OOW, CoC, II/1 (unlimited) | Chief Mate (yachts less than 3000 GT) | F |
| UK OOW, CoC, II/1 (unlimited) | Master (yachts less than 500 GT) | G |
| UK OOW, CoC, II/1 (unlimited) | Master (yachts less than 3,000 GT) | H |
| FSE OOW, II/1 (unlimited) | Master (yachts less than 500 GT) | I |
| FSE OOW, II/1 (unlimited) | Master (yachts less than 3000 GT) | J |
| FSE Chief Mate, II/2 (unlimited) | Master (yachts less than 3000 GT) | K |
| FSE Master II/2 (unlimited) | Master (yachts less than 3000 GT) | L |
| FSE Master, <500 GT, unlimited area, FSE II/2 | Master (yachts less than 3000 GT) | M |
| French, Italian, New Zealand Yacht OOW CoC. | Master (yachts less than 500 GT) | N |
| French, Italian, New Zealand Yacht OOW CoC. | Master (yachts less than 3000 GT) | O |
| French, Italian, New Zealand Yacht Master < 500 GT CoC. | Master (yachts less than 3000 GT) | P |
| French, Italian, New Zealand Yacht Master < 3000 GT CoC | Master (yachts less than 3000 GT) | Q |
If you would like to obtain a Master yachts, less than 3,000 GT, II/2, Certificate of Competency, with the exception of ‘Celestial Navigation’, all IAMI written examinations must be passed prior to the issue of your Notice of Eligibility (NOE).
‘Celestial Navigation’ training module passes are valid for 1 year. All other yacht training module and examination certificates are valid for 3 years. The training module pass certificate must be in date at the time of the issue of the Certificate of Competency.
Seagoing service definitions for this conversion section can be found in MSN 1858 Amendment 1.
The Ancillary Course Certificate Table on this page lists the ancillary and safety courses applicable to each yacht CoC.
All the references to a CoC or FSE pertain to those issued by the MCA unless otherwise started.
Conversions from a Fishing CoC
Conversion A
If you hold a United Kingdom (UK) Class 1 (fishing vessel) CoC you must meet the following requirements to obtain a Master (code vessels less than 200 GT unlimited area) Officer of the Watch (yachts less than 500 GT) CoC:
- Hold the applicable ancillary technical and safety course certificates listed in Table A;
- Hold a valid ENG1 (Medical Fitness Certificate) or accepted equivalent.
Conversion B
If you hold a UK Class 1 (fishing vessel) CoC you must meet the following requirements to obtain a Master (yachts less than 500 GT) CoC:
- Hold the applicable ancillary technical and safety course certificates listed in Table A;
- Successful completion of the MCA approved training modules and passing the subsequent IAMI written examinations for:
- Business and Law (Master Yachts);
- Navigation, Radar and ARPA Simulator (Master Yachts);
- Pass the IAMI Celestial Navigation written examination;
- Hold a valid ENG1 (medical fitness certificate) or accepted equivalent;
- Pass the Master (yachts less than 500 GT) oral examination (to include command elements of Oral examination for Master Code Vessel less than 200 GT).
If you hold an Irish Deck Class 1 or Class 2 (fishing vessel) CoC you will be eligible to apply for the United Kingdom Fishing Class 1 (fishing vessel) CoC, provided that you meet the relevant sea time requirements. After you complete all of the requirements to obtain a UK Class 1 (fishing vessel) CoC, you will eligible to apply for conversions A and B.
Conversion C
If you hold a UK Class 2 (fishing vessel) or Second Hand Full (fishing vessel) CoC you must meet the following requirements to obtain a Master (Code vessels less than 200 GT not more than 150 miles from safe haven) Officer of the Watch (yachts less than 500 GT) CoC:
- Hold the applicable ancillary technical and safety course certificates listed in Table A;
- Hold a valid ENG1 (Medical Fitness Certificate) or accepted equivalent.
Conversions from an OOW II/1 CoC or FSE
Conversion D
If you hold a UK OOW unlimited, regulation II/1 CoC you must meet the following requirements to obtain a Master (code vessels less than 200 GT unlimited area) CoC:
- 3 months’ seagoing service on vessels of between 15 metres and 24 metres or under 200 GT.
- Hold the applicable ancillary technical and safety course certificates listed in Table A;
- Hold a valid ENG1 (Medical Fitness Certificate) or accepted equivalent;
- Pass MCA oral examination for the Master (Code vessels less than 200 GT) oral examination.
Seagoing service for the Master code less than 200GT CoC can be in the form of seagoing service testimonials or a company letter signed by the owner or operator. This cannot be self-certified.
Conversion E
If you hold an OOW unlimited, Regulation II/1 that is eligible to obtain an FSE you must meet the following requirements to obtain a UK Officer of the Watch (yachts less than 3000 GT) CoC:
- Hold the applicable ancillary technical and safety course certificates listed in Table A.
- Hold a valid ENG1 (Medical Fitness Certificate) or accepted equivalent
- Pass the OOW (yachts less than 3000 GT) oral examination.
Conversion F
If you hold a UK OOW unlimited, Regulation II/1 CoC you must meet the following requirements to obtain a Chief Mate (yachts less than 3000 GT) endorsement on your CoC:
- Hold the applicable ancillary technical and safety course certificates listed in Table A;
- Hold a valid ENG1 (Medical Fitness Certificate) or accepted equivalent.
Conversion G
If you hold a UK OOW unlimited, Regulation II/1 CoC you must meet the following requirements to obtain a Master (yachts less than 500 GT):
- Hold the applicable ancillary technical and safety course certificates listed in Table A;
- 12 months’ seagoing service whilst holding an OOW Unlimited II/1 CoC;
- Successful completion of the MCA approved training modules and subsequent IAMI written examinations for:
- Business and Law (Master Yachts);
- Navigation, Radar and ARPA Simulator (Master Yachts);
- Pass the IAMI Celestial Navigation written examination;
- Hold a valid ENG1 (medical fitness certificate) or accepted equivalent;
- Pass the Master (yachts less than 500 GT) oral examination.
Conversion H
If you hold a UK OOW unlimited, Regulation II/1 CoC you must meet the following requirements to obtain a Master (yachts less than 3000 GT) CoC:
- Hold the applicable ancillary technical and safety course certificates listed in Table A;
- 24 months’ seagoing service whilst holding an OOW CoC;
- Successful completion of the MCA approved training modules and subsequent IAMI written examinations for:
- Business and Law (Master Yachts);
- Navigation, Radar and ARPA Simulator (Master Yachts);
- Pass an MCA approved Celestial Navigation examination;
- Hold a valid ENG1 (medical fitness certificate) or accepted equivalent;
- Pass the Master (yachts less than 3000 GT) oral examination.
Conversion I
If you hold an OOW unlimited, regulation II/1 that is eligible to obtain an FSE you must meet the following requirements to obtain Master (yachts less than 500 GT) CoC:
- Hold the applicable ancillary technical and safety course certificates listed in Table A;
- 12 months’ seagoing service whilst holding OOW II/1 CoC;
- Successful completion of the MCA approved training modules and passing the subsequent IAMI written examinations for:
- Seamanship and Meteorology (Master Yachts);
- Stability (Master Yachts);
- Business and Law (Master Yachts);
- Navigation, Radar and ARPA Simulator (Master Yachts);
- Pass the IAMI Celestial Navigation written examination;
- Hold a valid ENG1 (medical fitness certificate) or accepted equivalent;
- Pass the Master (yachts less than 500 GT) oral examination.
Conversion J
If you hold an OOW unlimited, Regulation II/1 that is eligible to obtain an FSE you must meet the following requirements to obtain Master (yachts less than 3,000 GT):
- Hold the applicable ancillary technical and safety course certificates listed in Table A;
- 24 months’ seagoing service whilst holding OOW II/1 CoC;
- Successful completion of the MCA approved training modules and passing the subsequent IAMI written examinations for:
- Seamanship and Meteorology (Master Yachts);
- Stability (Master Yachts);
- Business and Law (Master Yachts);
- Navigation, Radar and ARPA Simulator (Master Yachts);
- Pass the IAMI Celestial Navigation written examination;
- Hold a valid ENG1 (medical fitness certificate) or accepted equivalent;
- Pass the Master (yachts less than 3,000 GT) oral examination.
Conversions from a Chief Mate or Master CoC or FSE
Conversion K
If you hold a Chief Mate unlimited, Regulation II/2, that is eligible to obtain an FSE you must meet the following requirements to obtain Master (yachts less than 3000 GT):
- Hold the applicable ancillary technical and safety course certificates listed in Table A;
- 12 months’ sea going service whilst holding Chief Mate CoC;
- Successful completion of the MCA approved training modules and passing the subsequent IAMI written examinations for:
- Business and Law (Master Yachts);
- Navigation, Radar and ARPA Simulator (Master Yachts);
- Pass the IAMI Celestial Navigation written examination;
- Hold a valid ENG1 (medical fitness certificate) or accepted equivalent;
- Pass the Master (yachts less than 3000 GT) oral examination.
Conversion L
If you hold a Master unlimited, Regulation II/2, that is eligible to obtain an FSE to you must meet the following requirements to obtain a Master II/2 (yachts less than 3000 GT) CoC:
- Hold the applicable ancillary technical and safety course certificates listed in Table A.
- Successful completion of the MCA approved training modules and subsequent IAMI written examinations for:
- Business and Law (Master Yachts);
- Navigation, Radar and ARPA Simulator (Master Yachts);
- Pass the IAMI Celestial Navigation written examination;
- Hold a valid ENG1 (medical fitness certificate) or accepted equivalent;
- Pass the Master (yachts less than 3000 GT) oral examination.
Conversion M
If you hold a Master less than 500 GT or 3000 GT unlimited area, Regulation II/2 that is eligible to obtain an FSE you must meet the following requirements to obtain a Master (yachts less than 3000 GT):
- Hold the applicable ancillary technical and safety course certificates listed in Table A;
- 12 months’ seagoing service whilst holding a Master II/2 CoC;
- Successful completion of the MCA approved training modules and subsequent IAMI written examinations for:
- Seamanship and Meteorology (Master Yachts);
- Stability (Master Yachts);
- Business and Law (Master Yachts);
- Navigation, Radar and ARPA Simulator (Master Yachts);
- Pass the IAMI Celestial Navigation written examination;
- Hold a valid ENG1 (medical fitness certificate) or accepted equivalent;
- Pass the Master (yachts less than 3000 GT) oral examination.
Conversions from a French, Italian or New Zealand Yacht CoC
Conversion N
If you hold an OOW Yacht, less than 3000 GT, Unlimited area Regulation II/1,CoC issued by the French, Italian or New Zealand Maritime authority you must meet the following requirements to obtain Master II/2 (yachts less than 500 GT) CoC:
- Hold the applicable ancillary technical and safety course certificates listed in Table A;
- 12 months’ onboard service and 120 days watchkeeping service whilst holding an OOW CoC;
- Successful completion of the following training and education requirements: Successful completion of the MCA approved training modules and subsequent IAMI written examinations for:
- Navigation and Radar (OOW yachts);
- General Ship Knowledge (OOW yachts);
- Seamanship and Meteorology (Master Yachts);
- Stability (Master Yachts);
- Business and Law (Master Yachts) ;
- Navigation, Radar and ARPA Simulator (Master Yachts)
- Pass an MCA approved Celestial Navigation examination;
- Hold a valid ENG1 (medical fitness certificate) or accepted equivalent;
- Pass the Master (yachts less than 500 GT) oral examination.
Conversion O
If you hold an OOW Yacht restricted, less than 3000 GT, unlimited area regulation II/1, CoC issued by the French, Italian or New Zealand Maritime authority you must meet the following requirements to obtain Master II/2 (yachts less than 3,000 GT) CoC:
- Hold the applicable ancillary technical and safety course certificates listed in Table A;
- 24 months’ onboard service and 240 days watchkeeping service whilst holding an OOW CoC;
- Successful completion of the MCA approved training modules and subsequent IAMI written examinations for:
- Navigation and Radar (OOW yachts);
- General Ship Knowledge (OOW yachts);
- Seamanship and Meteorology (Master Yachts);
- Stability (Master Yachts);
- Business and Law (Master Yachts);
- Navigation, Radar and ARPA Simulator (Master Yachts);
- Pass an MCA approved Celestial Navigation examination;
- Hold a valid ENG1 (medical fitness certificate) or accepted equivalent;
- Pass the Master (yachts less than 3,000 GT) oral examination.
Conversion P
If you hold a Master Yacht restricted, less than 500 GT regulation II/2, CoC issued by the French, Italian or New Zealand Maritime authority you must meet the following requirements to obtain Master II/2 (yachts less than 3000 GT):
- 12 months’ onboard service and 120 days watchkeeping service whilst holding a Master Yacht II/2, Yacht CoC;
- Hold the applicable ancillary technical and safety course certificates listed in Table A;
- Successful completion of the MCA approved training modules and subsequent IAMI written examinations for:
- Seamanship and Meteorology (Master Yachts);
- Stability (Master Yachts);
- Business and Law (Master Yachts);
- Navigation, Radar and ARPA Simulator (Master Yachts);
- Pass the IAMI Celestial Navigation written examination;
- Hold a valid ENG1 (medical fitness certificate) or accepted equivalent;
- Pass the Master (yachts less than 3000 GT) oral examination.
Conversion Q
If you hold a Master Yacht restricted, less than 3,000 GT unlimited area, regulation II/2 CoC issued by the French, Italian or New Zealand Maritime authority you must meet the following requirements to obtain Master II/2 (yachts less than 3000 GT):
- Hold the applicable ancillary technical and safety course certificates listed in Table A;
- Successful completion of the MCA approved training modules and subsequent IAMI written examinations for:
- Seamanship and Meteorology (Master Yachts);
- Stability (Master Yachts);
- Business and Law (Master Yachts);
- Navigation, Radar and ARPA Simulator (Master Yachts);
- Pass the IAMI Celestial Navigation written examination;
- Hold a valid ENG1 (medical fitness certificate) or accepted equivalent;
- Pass the Master (yachts less than 3000 GT) oral examination.
Ancillary Course Certificate Table
For the MCA’s acceptance of certificates from foreign Flag States for various certificates, please see Section 5 of MSN 1858 Amendment 1 or Section 4 of MIN 643
| Ancillary Course Certificate | Master Code Vessel <200 GT II/2 | Master Code Vessel <200 GT II/2 | OOW Yacht <3000 GT | Chief Mate Yacht <3000 GT | Master Yacht <500 GT <3000 GT | STCW Reference | Updated Training required |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Survival Techniques - see note A | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | A-V1/1-1 | Yes |
| Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting - see note A | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | A-VI/1-2 | Yes |
| Elementary First Aid - see note A | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | A-V1/1-3 | |
| Personal Safety and Social Responsibility - see note A | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | A-V1/1-4 | |
| Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats - see note B | Yes | Yes | Yes | A-V1/2 | Yes | ||
| Advanced Fire Fighting - see note B | Yes | Yes | A-VI/3 | Yes | |||
| Medical First Aid - see note B | Yes | Yes | A-V1/4-1 | ||||
| Medical Care - see note B | Yes | A-VI/4-2 | Every 5 Years | ||||
| ECDIS - see note C | Optional | Optional | Yes | Yes | Yes | A-II/1 and A-II/2 | |
| GMDSS (GOC) - see note D | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | A-IV/2 | ||
| GMDSS (ROC) - see note D | Yes | Yes | Yes | A-IV/2 | |||
| HELM (operational) - see note C | Yes | Yes | Yes | A-II/1 | |||
| HELM (management) - see note C | Yes | Yes | A-II/2 |
For the issue of a CoC:
A - For these Certificates the MCA will accept certificates issued under the authority of any IMO White List country.
B - For these Certificates the MCA will accept certificates issued under the authority of any EU/EEA Member State, and may accept those issued under the authority of Canada, New Zealand and South Africa.
C - For these Certificates the Certificates must be MCA-approved.
D - For these Certificates the MCA will accept certificates issued under the authority of any EU Member State and those listed on the approved list available from our website: www.gov.uk and search “GMDSS”.
Updating Training
You will be required to provide documentary evidence of either completing the training course or updating your training within the preceding 5 years for these certificates for all CoC applications. To satisfy Port State Control requirements you will need to hold evidence onboard your vessel of completing or updating your training within the last 5 years. For further information relating to STCW course certificates, including their validity, please refer to [MSN 1865 amendment 1]https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/msn-1865-m-amendment-1-uk-requirements-for-emergency-occupational-safety-security-medical-care-and-survival-functions).
Proficiency Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (Other than fast rescue boats) - (Restricted)
Proficiency Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (Other than fast rescue boats) - (Restricted), previously Non-STCW Advanced Sea Survival, may be accepted in lieu of Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats for Yacht CoCs. Your CoC will be endorsed with the following limitation: “Not for use on ships equipped with davit launched lifeboats”
Non-STCW Advanced Sea Survival and Proficiency Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (Other than fast rescue boats) - (Restricted) must be updated every 5 years in line with Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats. The MCA would recommend that all seafarers hold an STCW Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats Certificate of Proficiency. This is due to potential problems of Port State Control Officers outside of the UK, not accepting non-STCW Advanced Sea Survival.
GMDSS
Any person operating any radio equipment must be appropriately qualified. The GMDSS course forms part of the education and training required to obtain a UK CoC. To obtain a UK CoC you must hold a valid GMDSS certificate issued by the UK or an administration recognised by the MCA. The certificate must have an STCW endorsement. For further information about the GMDSS and how to obtain an STCW endorsement, please refer to MSN 1864 amendment 1 or search our website www.gov.uk for “GMDSS”.
Medical Care
The Medical Care certificate is valid for a period of 5 years. This must be valid when you apply for your Certificate of Competency. If you serve on an EU-registered vessel as a Master or are the person in charge of medical care on a vessel operating in the unlimited area, you will need to have undertaken approved Medical Care training or a refresher course within the previous 5 years. This is the requirement of Article 4(1) (b) of Directive 92/29 EEC.
ECDIS
MCA Approved ECDIS Training is a mandatory requirement for OOW (yachts less than 3000GT), Chief Mate (yachts less than 3000 GT), Master (yachts less than 500 GT and 3000 GT).
If you are applying for a Master Code Vessel, less than 200 GT, CoC and do not complete an MCA-approved ECDIS course you will receive the following limitation:
“From the 1 January 2017 this certificate is not valid for service on ships fitted with ECDIS.”
Last updated 7 November 2023 + show all updates
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Clarified Conversions D, F, G, H are from UK CoCs only.
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Update to reflect new M Notices.
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Updated Sea Time requirements for French, Italian and New Zealand Yacht Licence holders.
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MIN 520 replaced with MIN 535, Medical Care guidance added
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New sea time requirements added
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First published.