Certificate of Competency Application Procedure

How to apply for an MCA Certificate of Competency and understand which route applies to you.

Important scope note:
This page explains how to apply for an MCA Certificate of Competency (CoC) and
how to identify the correct application route.
It does not explain how to book an oral examination or what the oral exam is like.

Applying for a Certificate of Competency is a structured process that requires candidates
to meet eligibility requirements, submit the correct application, and receive confirmation
from the MCA before progressing to examination.

The most important first step is identifying which certification route applies to you,
as the requirements and application forms differ depending on whether you are applying
under the Merchant Navy or Yacht route.

Identifying the correct application route

Merchant Navy route

This route applies to candidates seeking Certificates of Competency for service on
UK-registered merchant vessels.

  • Officer of the Watch (Unlimited)
  • Chief Mate (Unlimited)
  • Master (Unlimited)
  • Officer of the Watch < 3000 GT
  • Master < 3000 GT

Eligibility and certification requirements for these certificates are set out
in the relevant Merchant Shipping Notices.

Yacht route (vessels over 24 metres)

This route applies to candidates seeking Certificates of Competency for service on
large yachts over 24 metres in length.

  • Officer of the Watch (Yachts)
  • Master (Yachts)

Yacht certification follows a separate regulatory framework and uses different
application forms to the Merchant Navy route.

Common steps in the application process

  1. Confirm eligibility
    Ensure you meet the sea service, training, and ancillary certificate requirements
    for the certificate you are applying for.
  2. Submit the correct application
    Complete and submit the appropriate application form for your route, along with
    supporting evidence.
  3. MCA assessment
    The MCA assesses your application to confirm eligibility for examination.
  4. Issue of Notice of Eligibility or Assessment
    Once eligibility is confirmed, the MCA issues a Notice of Eligibility (NoE)
    or Notice of Assessment (NoA) by email.

Where the oral examination fits in

The oral examination takes place after the application has been
assessed and eligibility confirmed.

Depending on the certificate, candidates may be required to complete a
written examination before progressing to the oral, or may proceed
directly to the oral examination once the NoE or NoA is issued.

What happens after you pass your exams and oral?

Passing your written examinations and oral examination does not
automatically result in a Certificate of Competency being issued.
Candidates must make a final application to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA)
for the certificate to be issued.

When you can apply

You may apply for the issue of your Certificate of Competency once:

  • All required written examinations have been passed
  • The oral examination has been successfully completed
  • Any outstanding ancillary certificates or sea service have been completed

Is the certificate issued automatically?

No. The MCA does not automatically issue Certificates of Competency.
It is the candidate’s responsibility to submit an application for certificate issue.

What you must submit

To have your Certificate of Competency issued, you must submit an application to the MCA,
together with the required supporting evidence.

  • The appropriate application form for certificate issue
  • Evidence of passed written examinations and oral examination
  • Valid ancillary certificates (as required)
  • Proof of sea service (where applicable)
  • The applicable certificate issue fee

Applications for the issue of a Certificate of Competency must be made using the
official MCA process on the GOV.UK website:


Apply for a Certificate of Competency (GOV.UK)

Who issues the certificate?

Certificates of Competency are issued by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA)
once the application has been assessed and approved.
Certificates are normally issued electronically, with physical documentation
provided where applicable.

What happens if information is missing?

If any information or documentation is missing, the MCA will contact you to request
further details. Certificate issue will not proceed until all requirements are satisfied.

What this page does not cover

  • How to book an MCA oral examination
  • What happens during the online oral exam
  • Examiner expectations or preparation strategies