The UK MCA provides guidance for non-UK qualified offices on how to apply for or revalidate a certificate of equivalent competency (CEC) to serve on UK-registered vessels for deck and engineer officers who hold a STCW certificate of competency (CoC) from a country whose standards of competency and training are considered equal to those of the UK.
UK MCA says that as a non-UK officer you can apply for a certificate of equivalent competency (CEC) to serve on UK-registered vessels if you hold a STCW certificate of competency (CoC) from a country whose standards of competency and training are considered equal to those of the UK.
Find information about countries that have CoC and GMDSS certificates which are acceptable equivalents.
Your application must show evidence of your:
- standards of competency
- ability to use the English language (this may include an oral exam)
- knowledge of UK law relating to your job
Your CEC will contain the same limitations as your original CoC but in some cases there can be differences in coastal, motor ship and steamship limitations.
There are no nationality restrictions on officers or crew sailing on UK vessels, but there is a nationality restriction on masters of strategic vessels.
Further details may be found on UK MCA’s website
