We use some essential cookies to make this website work.
We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.
We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.
You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.
You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.
Departments, agencies and public bodies
News stories, speeches, letters and notices
Detailed guidance, regulations and rules
Reports, analysis and official statistics
Consultations and strategy
Data, Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports
A list of doctors in the UK who can carry out ENG 1 medicals.
This list is for seafarers who need to get an ENG1 medical fitness…
The safety of small workboats and pilot boats - a code of practice
How to get an ENG1 or ML5 medical certificate.
Information on how to revalidate a UK CoC (and UK GMDSS at the same time).
Code of safe working practices for merchant seafarers (COSWP) 2026 edition, outlines the updates reflected following the 2025 annual review.
How to find MCA approved training providers for STCW short course and ancillary training.
Contains the small commercial vessel (SCV) code text and advises how the standards of the SCV code may be used for already coded vessels.
Information on how to gain a UK CoC for working Deck and Engineering Officers working on board merchant vessels and yachts.
Details on how to dispose of your unwanted distress flares.
A list of overseas-based approved doctors for UK seafarers.
A list of the Coastguard Rescue Service areas across the UK and the volunteer stations in each of them.
Guidance for non-UK qualified officers on how to apply for, or revalidate a Flag State Endorsement to work on UK-registered commercial vessels.
This MSN outlines the training and assessment requirements for masters and deck officers, equivalent arrangements for simulator time, and also requirements that training providers must meet for the purposes of approval by th…
The safety of small vessels in commercial use for sport or pleasure – a code of practice
Details for owners, operators, and masters of vessels on inland waters, including categorisation, how to apply, safety requirements and best practice.
Every three years, ports and marine facilities are requested to make a declaration confirming their compliance with the Ports and Marine Facilities Safety Code.
This notice provides details of the 2026 amendments to the code of safe working practices for merchant seafarers (“the Code”, also “COSWP”).
List of administrations whose Certificate of Competency (CoC) are accepted towards issuing a UK Flag State Endorsement (FSE)
The structure and requirements of “The Merchant Shipping (Boatmasters’ Qualifications, Crew and Hours of Work) Regulations 2015
Guidance on gaining a GOC, ROC, LRC, STCW Endorsement or revalidating an STCW endorsement for a GMDSS certificate for working at sea on UK vessels.
Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.
To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. Please fill in this survey (opens in a new tab and requires JavaScript).