Frequently Asked Questions






What is STCW 95 and how does it effect me?

In 1995 the International Maritime Organisation convention adopted amendments to the International Standards of Training, Certification and Watch keeping for Seafarers (STCW 95) which is now legally binding for signatory countries.  Most of the convention was in force in 1996 with full compliance by Feb 1 2002.  The convention gives minimum legal standards for qualifications and training at sea, in short Captains, Mates, Watchkeepers and Engineers must complete MCA/STCW95 training and meet other eligibility criteria.  Crew must also be suitably trained.
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Do I need STCW 95?

Yes. You are legally required to hold appropriate STCW 95 qualifications.
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How do I contact the MCA?

UKSA is always available to contact the MCA on your behalf.  We will be able to answer most of your questions and provide the forms and paperwork that you require. If you do need MCA advice we recommend visiting the MCA’s extensive website www.mcga.gov.uk which will guide you through legislation and requirements to working on vessels over 24m.
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What is a Notice of Eligibility?

Before attending your final orals examination you must prove your eligibility to hold the certificate of competence. By completing form MSF 4343 for Masters, Chief Mates and Deck Officers / MSF 4278 for Engineer Officers together with proof of your sea time and experience to the MCA you will receive a notice of eligibility.
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I have “overseas” qualifications, are they acceptable?

The MCA recognise some “overseas “qualifications which are known as equivalencies.  Some are accepted outright and some require additional training.  You will need to apply for a Certificate of Equivalent Competency. You can do so by downloading and completing application form MSF 4203. Please consult the following Marine Guidance Notice (MGN): MGN 221 (M) part 19 for a Merchant Navy application: or MGN 220 (F) part 20 for a Fishing application. You will also need to check: Marine Information Note (MIN) 163 (M & F) as this contains some recent changes to the requirements for obtaining a Certificate of Equivalent Competency.
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Master 200gt is non-mandatory, what does that mean?

The Master 200gt is a STCW 95 certificate that is designed as a bridging qualification between the RYA Yachtmaster and MCA Deck Officer Structure. The RYA Yachtmaster allows you to work either on vessels up to 24m or British registered vessels up to 200gt. Some overseas Administrations do not recognise Yachtmaster qualifications without STCW 95 endorsements. Master 200gt will enable students to overcome this problem.
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What evidence do I need of seatime?

It is your responsibility to prove your record of yacht service and collect any testimonials from previous owners and captains.  Anybody commencing OOW will need to present this information in a “Training Record Book”. If you are completing Yacht Rating Training you will need to complete a “Yacht Rating Task Book”
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What is a Training Record Book / Yacht Rating Task Book and where can I obtain them?

A Training Record Book is a log of your experience and sea time required for the Deck Officer Training Scheme. A Yacht Rating Task Book is a log of your experience enabling you to achieve Yacht Rating Qualification. Both books are available at UKSA.
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What do the qualifications entitle me to do?

A full explanation is given in the following pages for both Deck and Engineering.
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I have Engineering Training Qualifications. Will I have to train again?

The MCA will recognise certain apprenticeships instead of training, but you still need sea time.  Provide as much information as possible including certification.
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I am Merchant Navy or RN qualified, can I work on a yacht?

Simply, yes. MGN 156 and MGN 195M both give clear guidance on this. The MCA will consider every case on an individual basis.
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What are the Service definitions?

Onboard Yacht Service is the time spent signed on a yacht irrespective of the vessel activity.

Actual Sea Service is time spent at sea which may include time at anchor or river and canal transits associated with a passage.

Stand-by Service is time moored whilst fully crewed, victualled, fuelled and stored ready to proceed safely to sea.

Yard Service is time when standing by a build, refit or repair.

Sea Service includes a combination of Actual Sea Service, Stand-by Service and/or Yard Service.

Watchkeeping Service is Actual Sea Service spent as a Watchkeeping Officer in full charge of a navigational watch for less than 8 out of every 24 hours whilst the vessel is on a voyage.
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