Converting from a Yacht CoC to a Small Vessel CoC

Many Yacht engineers ask us if they should convert their current Yacht CoC to an SV CoC.

For those who already hold an Engineering CoC, there are conversions to Small Vessel CoCs listed in MIN 642. Starting with Conversion A1 (converting Y4 to SV EOOW) going all the way through to Conversion R (converting a Merchant Navy 2ndEngineer Unlimited to Chief Engineer SV <3000GT & <9000kW) and covering Tugs, Fishing and Merchant Navy on the way.

The Yacht CoC conversions are:

A1 – Y4 to Engineer Officer of the Watch (EOOW) SV <3000GT & <9000kW CoC

A2 – Y4 to Chief Engineer SV <500GT & <3000kW CoC

A3 – Y4 to Chief Engineer SV <3000GT & <9000kW CoC (this conversion should be approached with caution, as it is essentially converting a Y4 straight to a Y1)

B – Y3 to Chief Engineer SV <500GT & <3000kW CoC

C – Y3 to Chief Engineer SV <3000GT & <9000kW CoC (this too is a big leap in knowledge and experience required)

D – Y2 to Chief Engineer SV <3000GT & <9000kW CoC

E – Y1 to Chief Engineer SV <3000GT & <9000kW CoC

The application form for conversion to a Small Vessel Engineering CoC can be found here.

Some of these conversions are a straight swap, but many require courses and oral exams, but it’s all plainly laid out in MIN 642.

For those trying to decide whether to convert their Yacht CoC to a Small Vessel CoC – you do not have to convert to the SV CoC unless you need it to work on a Workboat/Fishing vessel etc. You will still be able to get your Yacht CoC endorsed every 5 years, and it will still be a recognised CoC. You can convert at any time, there is no need to rush into a conversion unless you see yourself leaving yachting, or you need to move up to a larger capacity CoC.

We have listed the basics of how to convert your Yacht CoC to an SV CoC here:

IF YOU HOLD A Y4 COC;

Conversion A1 – converting Y4 to EOOW SV <3000GT & <9000kW

whilst holding a Y4 CoC, complete 6 months YACHT service, of which at least 4 months must be SEA service on yachts of at least 350kW.

Conversion A2 – converting Y4 to Chief Engineer SV <500GT & <3000kW

(i) whilst holding a Y4 CoC, complete 12 months YACHT service, of which at least 6 months must be SEA service on yachts of at least 350kW.

(ii) successfully complete the following written modules: 

  1. SV Statutory & Operational Requirements;
  2. SV Auxiliary Equipment II (if you did SV Aux Equipment I instead of the old Y4 Aux Equipment for your Y4 CoC)

(iii) complete the Human Element Leadership & Management (Management Level) course

(iv) pass the oral exam for Chief Engineer SV <500GT & <3000kW.

NOTE: This conversion is equivalent to upgrading Y4 to Y2.

Conversion A3 – converting Y4 to Chief Engineer SV <3000GT & <9000kW

(i) whilst holding a Y4 CoC, complete 12 months SEA service on yachts of at least 350kW, including a minimum of 6 months SEA service on yachts of 750kW or more (NOTE: the 6 months on yachts over 750kW can be done before you obtained your Y4 CoC)

(ii) successfully complete the following written modules:

  1. SV Statutory & Operational Requirements; 
  2. SV Auxiliary Equipment II (if you did SV Aux Equipment I instead of the old Y4 Aux Equipment for your Y4 CoC);
  3. SV Applied Marine Engineering; 
  4. General Science I & II

(iii) complete the Human Element Leadership & Management (Management Level) course

(iv) pass the oral exam for Chief Engineer SV <3000GT & <9000kW.

NOTE: This conversion is equivalent to upgrading Y4 to Y1, therefore we strongly advise that you only continue along this route if you feel you have adequate experience.

IF YOU HOLD A Y3 COC;

Conversion B – converting Y3 to Chief Engineer SV <500GT & <3000kW

this is a direct conversion, with no service requirements, however you must complete the Human Element Leadership & Management (Management Level) course

Conversion C – converting Y3 to Chief Engineer SV <3000GT & <9000kW

(ia) Whilst holding a Y4 CoC – complete 12 months SEA service

or

(ib) whilst holding a Y3 CoC – complete 12 months YACHT service, of which 6 months must be SEA service.

6 months of the above SEA service must be on board vessels 750kW or more, and the remainder on vessels of at least 350kW.

(ii) successfully complete the following written modules: 

  1. SV Applied Marine Engineering; 
  2. General Science I & II

(iii) complete the Human Element Leadership & Management (Management Level) course

(iv) pass the oral exam for Chief Engineer SV <3000GT & <9000kW.

NOTE: This conversion is equivalent to upgrading Y3 to Y1.

IF YOU HOLD A Y2 COC;

Conversion D – converting Y2 to Chief Engineer SV <3000GT & <9000kW

(i) whilst holding a Y2 CoC, complete 3 months SEA service on yachts of at least 750kW

(ii) complete the Human Element Leadership & Management (Management Level) course (if you gained your Y2 CoC before HELM M was a requirement)

(iii) pass the oral exam for Chief Engineer SV <3000GT & <9000kW.

IF YOU HOLD A Y1 COC;

Conversion E – converting Y1 to Chief Engineer SV <3000GT & <9000kW

this is a direct conversion, with no courses or service requirements, however you must complete the Human Element Leadership & Management (Management Level) course if you gained your Y1 CoC before HELM M was a requirement.