STCW-UPD-L3.1

Refreshers and CoC revalidation

STCW-UPD-M3 · Putting it together · STCW-UPD-M3-A How refreshers feed CoC revalidation, and how to plan the cycle around yacht rotations.

For officers and engineers, the refresher evidence is part of the **CoC revalidation** application. **No refreshers in date, no revalidation.**

Where this sits

Governing: STCW regulation I/11; MSN 1861 (M) Amendment 1, sections 2, 5 and 9; MSF 4201 Rev 11/25. Builds on: Module 2. See also: Keeping Your CoC Valid.

Two clocks

If you hold a CoC you are running two five-year clocks:

  1. The CoC itself: STCW regulation I/11 requires revalidation at intervals not exceeding five years.
  2. Your safety training: each refresher must be within the last five years (MSN 1865 4.4).

Revalidation is where they meet. You cannot revalidate a CoC without refresher evidence that is in date at the time of application.

What MSN 1861 asks for

MSN 1861 section 5.1: when revalidating a CoC you must submit documentary evidence of MCA-approved or accepted updating-refresher training within the previous 5 years for:

  • PST (A-VI/1-1);
  • FPFF (A-VI/1-2);
  • PSCRB (A-VI/2-1);
  • AFF (A-VI/3).

The same list appears on the alternative route for those who cannot meet the sea service requirement, and on the shore-based refresher route for yacht-restricted deck CoCs (MSN 1861 section 9.9 onward). Masters and chief mates on the alternative route must also show a Medical Care CoP issued within the last 5 years.

The OOW (Yachts) question

CAUTION: Two notices disagree MSN 1865 Annex A lists only PST and FPFF as the refreshers required for the OOW (Yachts) <3000 GT CoC. MSN 1861 section 5.1 lists all four for any CoC revalidation. MIN 643 adds that an OOW (Yachts) CoC does not qualify you to enter an AFF refresher. If you hold this CoC, confirm with the MCA what it will accept before you apply. If you already hold PSCRB and AFF, keep them in date and avoid the question.

Timing

From MSN 1861 and MSF 4201:

  • a CoC received for revalidation within 6 months before expiry is revalidated to the fifth anniversary of the current expiry date; otherwise it runs five years from the date of revalidation;
  • apply on MSF 4201 (current revision Rev 11/25), by email to the address on the form;
  • the MCA aims to assess applications within 14 days of receipt;
  • UK GMDSS certificates are revalidated with the CoC at no extra cost.

Worked example: a Master (Yachts) <3000 GT CoC expires on 15 May 2027. From 15 November 2026, an application keeps the new expiry at 15 May 2032. For that application, his PST, FPFF, PSCRB and AFF refreshers must each be dated within the five years before he applies.

What else goes in

Refreshers are one part. MSN 1861 also asks for sea service or an equivalent occupation, a valid ENG1, photographs, ancillary certificates where applicable (for example ECDIS), and the fee. See Keeping Your CoC Valid for the full picture.

MGN 718

MGN 718 says failing to complete the violence and harassment module by 31 March 2027 may affect certificate revalidation. Attach the OneOcean Verification of Training to applications made after that date.

WARNING: Refreshers are the usual delay Out-of-date refreshers are among the commonest reasons for a revalidation application stalling. Check dates before you apply, not after the MCA writes back.

Practice questions

5 questions

recall · core

Which refreshers does MSN 1861 section 5.1 require for CoC revalidation? (a) AFF and Medical Care only (b) PST, FPFF, EFA and PSSR (c) PST, FPFF, PSCRB and AFF (d) PST and FPFF only

recall · core

What does STCW regulation I/11 require? (a) A new ENG1 every year (b) Resitting the oral exam every five years (c) Refresher training every three years (d) Revalidation of CoCs at intervals not exceeding five years

recall · core

If a CoC is received for revalidation within 6 months before expiry, to when is it revalidated? (a) The end of the calendar year (b) The fifth anniversary of the current expiry date (c) Five years from the date received (d) Six months after expiry

recall · core

Which form is used to apply for CoC revalidation? (a) MSF 4201 (b) MSF 4340 (c) MSF 4203 (d) MSF 4258

scenario · core

An OOW (Yachts) <3000 GT holder applies to revalidate. He has PST and FPFF refreshers from 2024 but has never held PSCRB or AFF, relying on MSN 1865 Annex A. What is the risk? (a) He must do the full EDH course (b) None; Annex A settles it (c) He must resit the OOW oral exam (d) MSN 1861 lists PSCRB and AFF refreshers for revalidation, so the MCA may ask for them; he should confirm with the MCA before applying

Independent study. xplor is not an accredited training provider and awards no certificate or Certificate of Competency. Refresher training must be completed with an MCA-approved or otherwise accepted provider, and the MCA decides what evidence it accepts. AI-drafted content pending subject-matter-expert review.