Guide: How to apply for your COC after you PASS!
By: Fred Wilson (but mainly Emma Wilson)
You passed your exam - BIG CONGRATS!
So, first of all, you should have received a lovely PASSED email from the MCA - it’s usually fairly instant.
The email explains how you apply for your COC and what documents are needed.
It also acts as your NOE pass.
It looks something like this……
But if you don’t recieve it within 5 days, then contact the MCA:
“The examination outcome will be communicated to the candidate via email. Should no result be received within five working days, candidates should contact Examinations Team via email at exams@mcga.gov.uk”
THIS IS WHAT YOU NEED TO SEND TO THE MCA:
FOR UR FIRST COC - OOW (YACHT LESS THAN 3000 GT)
❶ Cover Letter/email
See an example here.
❷ The PASS email the MCA sent you
This email acts as your NOE. We no longer have a physical piece of paper - See the example here.
❸ The documentation
OOW (Yacht less than 3000 GT)
The following documents are required for the issue of your CoC:
ENG1 or acceptable equivalent
Evidence of successful completion of the MCA approved training module AND passing the corresponding IAMI written examinations for:
‘Navigation and Radar (OOW Yachts)’ (pass < 3 years old),
‘General Ship Knowledge (OOW Yachts)’ (pass < 3 years old)
The following Certificates must be issued under the authority of an MCA accepted country or an MCA Approved Training Provider:
GMDSS (as of 12th of May 2025 MCA has taken responsibility from AMERC - see Blog).
Personal Survival Techniques (less than 5 years old or you must also submit updated training) (STCW Code A-VI/1-1).
Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (less than 5 years old or you must also submit updated training) (STCW Code A-VI/1-2).
Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boats (PSC&RB) or Restricted Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boats (PSC&RB) or Advanced Sea Survival for Yachtsmen (less than 5 years old or you must also submit updated training) (STCW Code A-VI/2-1).
ECDIS
EDH, this course must have been completed, and the certificate issued at least 18 months prior to the issue of your Certificate of Competency.
HELM Operational as per MSN 1856 Amendment 1. We can accept some Royal Navy Equivalents.
❹ Scan all supporting documents to:
deck@mcga.gov.uk
UMMM, Don’t I need to send original documents if it’s my first COC?
Recent Change (13/11/24)
The MCA now accepts scanned copies of all Certificate of Competency (CoC) applications, including first-time applications. While this hasn’t been officially amended in MIN 655, the MCA has confirmed this change to us directly.
Please see the correspondence below:
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
