Master (Near Coastal) <500gt CoC

Several years ago there was an issue with some flag states not accepting the Master (Workboat) <500gt CoC or the Master (Code Vessel) <200gt CoC for operation in their waters.

In 2019 the MCA made an agreement with the German flag state, to accept UK issued Master <500gt Near Coastal CoC’s in German waters, as an alternative.

As with the Master (Workboat) <500gt CoC, there are several entry routes to obtain this CoC, if you don’t already hold OOW Unlimited or any other commercial CoCs:

  • Master (Code Vessels) <200gt;
  • Master (Workboat) <500gt;
  • Fishing Class 1 (UK).

Master (Code Vessels) <200gt CoC holders

will need to complete 36 months sea service in vessels of any size, including 12 months sea service and 120 days watchkeeping service onboard vessels 15 metres or over in loadline length (6 months of this must be on a workboat), whilst holding a Master <200gt CoC.

In addition, you will need to complete the Master Workboat <500 Training Record Book.

The courses required for this route are:

CPSC&RB/Advanced Sea Survival certificate
GMDSS GOC certificate
Efficient Deck Hand (EDH) certificate
Human Element Leadership & Management (Management Level) certificate
Advanced Fire Fighting Certificate
Medical First Aid Aboard Ship Certificate
Proficiency in Medical Care Aboard Ship Certificate
ECDIS certificate

Master <500gt Modules:

Master Seamanship & Meteorology Course Completion & Pass Certs
Master Stability Course Completion & Pass Certs
Master Business & Law Course Completion & Pass Certs
Master Navigation, Radar and ARPA Simulator Course Completion & Pass Certs

You must also hold a valid ENG1 medical certificate, and pass the Master (Workboat) <500gt oral exam.

Master (Workboat) <500gt CoC holders

will need to complete the MCA Cargo module at an MCA approved training provider.

UK Fishing Class 1 CoC holders

will need to complete 12 months sea service whilst holding n STCW UK CoC, onboard a vessel over 15 metres in loadline length

you will also need to complete the MCA Cargo module at an MCA approved training provider.

you must complete the NARAS/NAEST (O), or MN ENS, Radar, ARPA and ECDIS, or Fishing NCC, Fishing ENS and ECDIS

you must then sit MCA oral exam syllabus ‘D’.

NOTE: Updating Training for CoC applications– anyone serving on board ship, who holds any of the following certificates must, as of 1st January 2017, have documentary evidence of either completing the training course or updating training within the last 5 years:

  • Personal Survival Techniques
  • Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boats (CPSC & RB)
  • Proficiency in Fast Rescue Boats (PFRB)
  • Basic Fire Fighting
  • Advanced Fire Fighting