How to apply for a UK CoC: fishing vessel officers
Guidance and application information for gaining a Fishing Certificate of Competency for deck and engineer officers, including conversions and upgrades.
Overview
Your application is for an oral exam leading to a UK certificate of competency (CoC) issued by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).
A UK CoC meets the applicable standards of training certification and watchkeeping (STCW) requirements.
Application forms and guidance notes
The application forms include guidance on completing the form and checklists showing which certificates you’ll need to provide.
Fishing deck officer
Use form MSF 4345 FD to apply for your CoC for any of the following:
- class 1 fishing
- class 2 fishing
- class 3 fishing
You can also use this form for conversions from fishing to:
- STCW OOW unlimited
- standby, seismic survey and oceanographic research vessels (OOW/chief mate/master)
- master code vessel less than 200 GT not more than 150 miles from a safe haven
- master code vessel less than 200 GT unlimited area
Download
- MSF 4345 (F) Application for an oral examination leading to issue, conversion or upgrade of a certificate of competency for fishing deck officers.
Find more information about training and certification for deck fishing vessel crew in MGN 411 (M+F)
Further information about conversions from fishing vessel certification to standby, seismic survey and oceanographic research vessels is available in the marine guidance note MGN 121 (M) part 13 Use of fishing vessel certificates of competency in standby, seismic survey and oceanographic research vessels – revised arrangements.
Fishing engineer officer – merchant navy
Use form MSF 4275 ME to apply for a CoC for any of the following:
- class 1 fishing
- class 2 fishing
Download
- MSF 4275 Application for an oral examination leading to the issue of a certificate of competency (STCW) for engine officers.
On the form please note that you are applying for a Fishing CoC.
Those applying for a Class 1 Fishing should follow conversion J in MIN 642.
Find more information about training certification for engineering fishing vessel crew.
Further information about conversions from fishing vessel certification to standby, seismic survey and oceanographic research vessels available in the marine guidance note MGN 121 (M) part 13 Use of fishing vessel certificates of competency in standby, seismic survey and oceanographic research vessels – revised arrangements.
Fishing Flag State Endorsements/Certificates of Equivalent Competency (FSE/CEC)
For information on hold to apply for a UK Fishing FSE/CEC download MSN 1825 (F) Certificates of equivalent competency: fishing vessels training and certification guidance, part F2.
For the application process follow Apply for an FSE for deck and engineer officers and complete MSF 4203.
Application process and contacts
Read the guidance notes in the application form to make sure you’ve filled in all the correct information. Check that you have the required certificates and qualifications and that you’ve got the paperwork you need to support your application. You’ll need to supply original copies of documents and certificates unless stated otherwise.
You must submit the following items with your application form:
- certified copy of passport (and visa if applicable)
- discharge book or certificates of discharge (original copies)
- sea service testimonials (original copies)
- 2 passport size photos (countersigned)
- fee as stated on application form
The application form specifies the additional documents you’ll need to supply either with your application or before your CoC can be issued. These will include:
- applicable ancillary course certificates
- evidence of completion of MCA approved training and education courses
For those applying for their First UK CoC; post your application, supporting documents and fee to MCA:
Seafarer Training and Certification Branch
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Spring Place
105 Commercial Road
Southampton
SO15 1EG
If you are applying for a subsequent application, we may accept your application via email, please follow the contact detail instructions given on the relevant application forms. Please note your application may be selected for screening and you may be requested to provide original documentation to our office in Southampton
MCA aims to process your NoE application within 28 days of receipt. You’ll receive an email:
- when your application has been received
- if any further information/evidence is needed
- when your certificate(s) and documents are being couriered back to you
Notice of eligibility (NOE) and oral exam
If you are required to take an oral exam you’ll need to obtain an NoE. An NoE will be issued if your application is in order and you meet the sea time requirements. NoEs are valid for 5 years. The NoE will be emailed to you, and contain a booking link for arranging your Oral Examination.
The NOE allows you to book an oral exam. Any further documentary evidence or certificates you’ll need to submit before the issue of your CoC are detailed in the relevant M Notice(s).
It’s recommended that you complete all education and training before sitting your oral exam.
Oral exam results and issue of CoC
Your exam result will be recorded by the MCA. An oral pass result is valid for 3 years so make sure all your certificates are valid when you return your apply for the issue of your CoC. MCA aims to issue a CoC within 14 days of receiving your NOE pass and any outstanding documents.
If you fail your exam you must apply for a re-sit. This can be done by contacting your relevant MCA Team via email.
Contact MCA
Contact the seafarer training and certification branch at MCA if you’ve got any queries about your application or exam.
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 3817 2200
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
MCA doesn’t offer a counter service.
Further information – training
Updates to this page
Published 1 May 2014Last updated 23 March 2023 + show all updates
-
Updated information surrounding application processes.
-
Under the Oral exam results and issue of CoC section an error was noted which stated that a Fishing CoC valid for seagoing service for 5 years. This has been corrected to reflect the correct policy that a UK Fishing CoC does not contain an expiry date.
-
First published.