What Is an MCA Notice of Eligibility (NOE)?
A clear guide to what an NOE is, when you need one, how long it lasts, and what it allows you to do.
The simple definition
An NOE (Notice of Eligibility) is the MCA’s confirmation that your application and evidence have been assessed and you are eligible to proceed to the oral examination stage (where an oral exam is required).
When do you need an NOE?
If your certificate route requires an oral exam, you must obtain an NOE before you can book (or be allocated) an oral exam slot. GOV.UK confirms that NOEs are issued when your application is in order and sea service requirements are met.
Official guidance: Apply for a UK CoC (Deck & Engineer Officers) – GOV.UK
How long is an NOE valid for?
GOV.UK states that an NOE is valid for 5 years. It is your permission window to proceed to the oral exam stage.
(For deck officer oral applications, MCA forms also confirm NOE validity and note that oral exam passes are time-limited.)
Important change: NOEs are no longer issued as PDFs
MIN 690 confirms that the NOE/NOA format has been updated and candidates will no longer receive a PDF document. Instead, eligibility and booking information is issued in the updated email-based format.
Official reference: MIN 690 (Amendment 5) – GOV.UK
What happens after an NOE is issued?
Once your NOE (or NOA) is issued, you can progress to the oral exam stage. In most standalone oral routes, MIN 690 describes receiving a booking link and unique PIN to access the online booking process. Some certificates follow a Part A / Part B structure, where Part A must be completed before Part B (oral) is booked or allocated.
Where do you submit an NOE application?
GOV.UK provides the current Seafarer Training & Certification contact details for NOE and CoC applications (Deck and Engineering mailboxes).