Help Improve MCA’s Oral Exam Booking System!
By: Fred (but mainly Emma)
The MCA are now asking for feedback.
Read: Help shape the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s digital services
We all know how frustrating the current MCA oral exam booking process can be:
Slow email responses (busy periods 6–8 weeks)
Oral exams booked out 3-4 months in advance and most students don’t know that
No flexibility if you need to cancel or change dates
Impact on jobs and leave — some students even had to resign to sit their exams!
We've heard your stories - and now there's a chance to do something about it.
The MCA are making changes and they want your feedback!
What is changing?
The MCA is developing two new online services:
Maritime Certification Portal
Apply for a Notice of Eligibility (NOE)
Book & manage oral exams (from Oct 2025)
Apply for a Certificate of Competency (CoC)
Vessel Surveys Portal
Request and manage vessel surveys online
They’re testing these new systems in a private beta, and seafarers like you can help shape them.
Why get involved?
Instead of just putting up with a system that doesn't work, this is our chance to help fix it.
By signing up, you may be asked to:
Test the new booking tools
Share your experience with exams & certificates
Give feedback that directly improves the service
Participation is voluntary, and registering doesn't commit you to anything.
Take action!
The more feedback the MCA receives, the better chance we have of creating a process that works for us.
Please take a couple of minutes to sign up and spread the word among your crew mates.
Register HERE
Cheers
