Where this sits
Governing: MSN 1865 (M) Amendment 1, sections 2.3 and 4.4; MIN 643 (M+F), sections 3 to 6; MSN 1861 (M) Amendment 1, section 5. Builds on: L1.1.
What the evidence is
A full basic or advanced course leads to a Certificate of Proficiency (CoP). A refresher leads to documentary evidence (DE), typically a course completion certificate linked to the STCW regulation (MIN 643 delivery table). You do not get a new CoP; you get proof that your existing one has been updated.
MIN 643 section 5.4 puts it plainly: courses that require refresher training "do not expire as such". But to work on vessels that must comply with STCW or the 2022 Regulations, they must have been completed or refreshed within the last five years. That is why people talk about "expired" certificates even though the paper carries no expiry date.
Where it must be
- On board: MSN 1865 section 2.3 requires documentary evidence of safety and security training to be kept on board. The company and master are responsible for the records. On yachts, the captain or purser usually holds copies.
- With you: keep originals, or accepted digital versions, in your certificate folder.
- At inspection: Port State Control officers may ask for evidence of maintained competence. MSN 1861 section 5.4 says presenting documentary evidence from an MCA-approved refresher course meets that requirement.
Whose certificates the MCA accepts
MIN 643 sets out what the MCA accepts from other administrations:
| Purpose | PST and FPFF (or refreshers) | PSCRB and AFF (or refreshers) |
|---|---|---|
| Service on UK-registered vessels (6.2) | Any IMO STCW White List party | Any country accepted for a UK FSE/CEC |
| Revalidation or upgrade of a UK CoC (4.6, 4.7) | Any White List party | Any country accepted for a UK FSE/CEC |
MSN 1861 section 5.2 says the same for revalidation: the MCA accepts updating courses approved by administrations with which it has an agreement to recognise CoCs for FSE purposes. The list of FSE countries is on gov.uk.
CAUTION: Online courses from abroad MIN 643 section 4.2: no online course will be accepted from any administration where the STCW Code requires face-to-face practical training. A practical refresher done "online" elsewhere will not count.
How refreshers may be delivered (UK approvals)
From the MIN 643 delivery table:
| Refresher | Online | Peripatetic |
|---|---|---|
| PST | No | No |
| FPFF | No | No |
| PSCRB | No | No |
| PFRB | No | No |
| AFF | Marked yes, with a footnote that the provider must offer the full AFF course | Same |
In other words, the practical refreshers are done at an approved centre with the right facilities: pool, fireground, survival craft.
MGN 718 evidence
The violence and harassment module (L1.1) produces a digital Verification of Training from OneOcean. MGN 718 says the MCA accepts it for a new or revalidated CoC or CoP, and at Port State Control or flag state inspection. No other certificate is needed.
TIP: Scan everything Keep a PDF of every certificate and refresher in one folder on your phone and in cloud storage. Yachts change crew agents, captains and flags; your evidence has to follow you.