Industry GuidanceDeck Officer
Introduction
Masters and deck officers serving in UK registered private or commercial yachts and sail training vessels of 24 metres and over in load line length and under 3000gt must be qualified in accordance with the UK’s Training and Certification Regulations (SI 1985/1306) or the MCA code of practice for Safety of Large Commercial Sailing and Motor Vessels (known as the mega yacht code).
The route to certification is structured to provide continuing professional development. Those meeting the requirements will be issued with an STCW 95 certificate of competence limited to service on yachts and sail training vessels.
Eligibility
Certification
To become eligible to qualify for certification you must meet the following requirements.
Medical Fitness
Hold and produce a valid medical fitness certificate (ENG1 Medical) issued by an approved medical practitioner.
Sea Time
There is a minimum sea time requirements for each certificate. Which must be performed in the deck department on vessels of 15m or more loadline length; sea service is counted from the date of engagement to the date of discharge (crew agreement); at least 12 months in the proceeding five years. For those who hold Master (Code vessels less than 200gt), Officer of the Watch (Yacht less than 500gt) Certificate of Competency's this service is reduced to 6 months in the proceeding five years.
Proof of Sea Service
Candidates will be required to present documentary proof of Onboard Yacht Service and Sea Service for each Certificate of Competency. Candidates for Master (Yacht less than 500gt) and Master (Yachts less than 3000gt) will need to provide proof of Watchkeeping Service.
This can be done by submitting the following documents:
- Merchant Navy Discharge book
- PYA Service Record Book
- RYA Log Book
- RN Certificates of Service
- Certificates of Discharge
- IYT Log Book
Testimonials
Provide signed testimonials from Masters, Owners or Superintendents (An approved format is available from UKSA).
Training / Task books
Training record book
During your initial 3 years sea service, whilst working toward Officer of the Watch you must complete the MCA approved Training Record Book. This is not required if the candidate can provide evidence of 36months Sea Service in vessels of atleast 24 / not less than 80gt.
Yacht Rating Task Book
A Yacht Rating Task Book must be complete to enable the issue of a Yacht Rating Certificate.
English Language
To be successful in the training modules a good understanding of written and spoken English is required. To be successful at MCA level of examination you must communicate clearly and effectively in spoken English.
Notice of Eligibility
Before attending MCA orals you must prove your eligibility for final examination and certification by the MCA. You can download an application form from the Training and Certification section on the MCA’s website. You must complete the form and submit it together with proof of your seatime, experience, age and a fee to the MCA who will issue a “Notice of eligibility”.
Re-sits
If a candidate fails an examination for any training module they will be allowed one re-sit, without the need to re-take the training module, provided that the second attempt is taken within 12months of the failed attempt.
Experienced Seafarers
Those who have missed previous deadlines for training must submit details of yacht service in 15M and above for individual consideration by the MCA Seafarers Standards Branch.
