MCA approved logo asset guidance
Who can use the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s approved logo and recognition assets, where they can be used, and how it must look.
This guidance is specifically in relation to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) approved logo assets. These are separate graphic identifiers as provided by the MCA to indicate status such as approval, recognition, certification or authorisation.
This guidance does not apply to the standalone MCA logo, HM Coastguard identity, government crest or associated HM government branding. The MCA logo is protected under Crown Copyright and cannot be used without permission from the MCA.
Who can use MCA approved logo assets
You can use MCA approved logo assets if you are:
- an MCA approved training provider
- a maritime education programme approved by the MCA
- an MCA Certified Recruitment and Placement Agency
- carrying out surveys on behalf of the MCA
- an MCA accredited or approved course provider
The MCA will email you the artwork on request, subject to the appropriate validation, status and approvals.
The MCA can withdraw permission to use the approved logo assets at any time.
Where you can use the approved logo assets
You can use the approved logo assets on:
- websites
- email signatures
Where you cannot use the approved logo assets
You cannot use it on:
- vehicles
- uniforms
- staff ID
- merchandise
Displaying the approved logo assets
You must keep a clear space around the MCA approved logo assets. This must be at least as high and wide as the crown from the logomark.
You must not:
- stretch or distort the approved logo asset
- change the colour of the approved logo asset
- change the lettering or wording
- make the approved logo asset bigger or more prominent than your logo
- use the approved logo asset to suggest you or an organisation are part of the MCA
You must not use the MCA’s logo, or wording referencing the MCA, to mislead or potentially mislead others, for example, to promote oral preparatory courses.
Where to put the MCA approved logo assets
Put the approved logo assets at the bottom of emails and letters with your other accreditation logos and symbols.
Wording use with the approved logo assets
You must use the supplied strapline and additional wording (such as ‘Approved MCA training provider’) below the MCA approved logo assets. This wording may vary depending on your services and status. You must not use the MCA logo on its own without the accompanying wording.
Use on backgrounds
The approved logo assets are only available in black and should ideally only be used on a plain white background.
If you need to place the MCA approved logo asset on a photographic background, make sure it’s used over a light background and that it’s sitting on a clear, uncluttered part of the image.
Report misuse of the logo
The MCA logo is protected under Crown Copyright and therefore cannot be used without specific permission from the MCA.
Contact the MCA if you think the MCA logo is being misused or used without permission.
It will help if you send:
- website links or screenshots if you saw it online
- photos if you saw it somewhere else
Report suspected misuse to the MCA Communications team.
Email: public.relations@mcga.gov.uk