Ashore and coming back
Governing: MSN 1861 (M) Amendment 1, sections 3.6, 9 and Annex A; MSF 4258. Builds on: L1.2.
Acceptable occupation
If you cannot show the sea service, section 3.6 lets you revalidate by showing at least 30 months' employment in an occupation the MCA considers equivalent, in the 5 years immediately before revalidation. You must show that you performed functions relating to the duties of the CoC you hold. Annex A lists occupations normally accepted, including:
- marine pilots, harbour masters, VTS operators;
- MCA surveyors, classification society surveyors, hydrographic surveyors;
- maritime college lecturers;
- technical, engineering and marine superintendents, ship repair managers;
- officers working on vessels over 24 m within categorised waters;
- engineering and deck officers actively managing yacht repair, refit or construction.
Other occupations may be considered. The evidence is a company letter on headed paper with your job title, dates and a description of your duties (MSF 4201 says the same).
TIP — Yacht project managers Build captains and refit managers often assume they have "lost" their ticket. If you have been managing a build or refit for 30 months of the last 5 years, you are on the MCA's list.
When the standard route fails: MSF 4258
Section 9 sets out an alternative route, applied for on MSF 4258, for those who cannot meet sea service or occupation requirements.
| Situation | Outline (MSN 1861 Amendment 1) |
|---|---|
| CoC expired within the last 10 years | Notice of Eligibility, pass an oral, receive a temporary CoC at a lower rank for 6 months (extendable); full revalidation after 3 months' seagoing service |
| OOW / EOOW | May sit the full oral instead; on passing, full revalidation without the sea service |
| Expired over 10 years | OOW-level oral, 3 months as OOW on ships over 80 GT or 24 m, then the original certificate's oral; NAEST courses depending on time ashore |
| Over 20 years away | NAEST course(s), written Navigation and Stability papers, and orals |
Masters and chief mates on the alternative route also need a Proficiency in Medical Care certificate issued within 5 years.
CAUTION — Detail matters The table summarises a long section. Read MSN 1861 Amendment 1 section 9 and the MSF 4258 form for the exact steps for your certificate before committing.
The yacht shortcut: shore-based refresher
Section 9.9 gives yacht-restricted deck officers a practical option. You can revalidate by completing a shore-based refresher at an MCA-approved provider:
| CoC | Refresher |
|---|---|
| OOW (Yachts) | MCA-approved Navigation and Radar and General Ship Knowledge modules, passing the corresponding MCA safety exams |
| Master (Yachts) | MCA-approved Navigation, Radar and ARPA Simulator (Master Yachts) module and its safety module exam |
With the course certificate and pass, you submit MSF 4201, your original CoC, refresher training evidence (PST, FPFF, PSCRB, AFF), photo, ENG1, an MCA-approved ECDIS certificate and the fee (section 9.10).
TIP — Time ashore planning If you are going ashore for a few years, revalidate before you leave. A CoC with five fresh years on it gives you time to decide whether to go back.