GMDSS Certificate Changes - What you need to know in 2025
By: Fred (but mainly Emma)
Heads-up! From the 12th of May 2025, the process for getting your GMDSS certificate is changing - and we want to make sure you’re prepared.
Read: Min 716 (M+F) Amendment 1
What is changing?
Until now, AMERC oversaw GMDSS courses and exams - but from the 12th of May 2025, the MCA will take over responsibility - including course approval, certification, and endorsements.
Why the change?
We know the MCA processes can feel a bit admin-heavy at times — but this shift is meant to streamline the process and put everything under one roof, making things clearer (and cheaper!) for everyone involved.
New Application Process
After successfully completing your GMDSS training course and exam, your training centre will issue a Course Completion Certificate.
Then it’s up to you to submit it to the MCA - using the correct form, depending on your situation.
Which schools are MCA approved?
Check the latest list of approved training centres HERE
Before you start filling out forms…..
Let me save you time and money.
For most of our students, you’ll be applying for your “GMDSS General Operator’s Certificate and GMDSS STCW Endorsement” at the same time as your CoC.
In that case:
You do NOT need to fill out MSF 4354
You only need to complete MSF 4343
Once you have passed your Oral exam, send your CoC application (including your GMDSS cert) to: deck@mcga.gov.uk
If for some reason you need your GMDSS GOC STCW before your COC, then you need to fill out MSF 4354 and send your application to gmdss@mcga.gov.uk
See MCA Flow chart HERE
🚨 Fred Tip: Don’t waste your time or money doing an ROC. Go straight for the GOC.
(Years ago I got duff advice: the school recommended I do my ROC first, then a satellite endorsement and then finally my GOC! What a waste of time money!)
Still unsure which form to use, or when to apply? No worries, just drop me an email at fred@fredsoralprep.com
