There is only one place to look for the details and intricacies of the MCA qualification system and that is on their web site.

Use this link to get to the master document, the M notice. MSN 1802 M

A few extracts are given below to show the sort of things involved…

(Limited to yachts and not more than 3,000gt)

• Attained a minimum age of 19 years
• Fully meet the medical fitness and eyesight standard (ENG 1 or similar)
• Minimum of 36 months service (over the age of 16) in vessels over 15m in registered length
• Proof of attendance and successful completion of a shorebased Yachtmaster navigation course
• Certificate of Competency as Yachtmaster Offshore Practical exam (RYA or similar approved)
• Personal Survival Techniques Certificate
• Basic Fire Fighting and Fire Prevention Certificate
• Elementary First Aid Certificate
• Personal Safety and Social Responsibility Certificate
• GMDSS Certificate
• Navigation and Radar Course Completion Certificate +Exam Pass (10 days)
• General Ship Knowledge Course Completion Certificate +Exam Pass (5 days)
• MCA Oral Examination
• Completion of the approved Training Record Book.

(Limited to yachts and not more than 3,000gt)

• Must hold Officer of the Watch Certificate
• Advanced Fire Fighting Certificate
• Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats or similar MCA approved course
• Proficiency in Medical First Aid Certificate
• Proof of attendance and successful completion of a shorebased Ocean Yachtmaster course

(Limited to 500 gt and not more than 150 nm from a safe haven)

• 12 months service as Officer of the Watch (must be able to prove by testimonial service as a watch keeper)
• Medical Care on Board Certificate
• MCA Oral Examination

(Limited to yachts and not more than 3,000 gt)

• Attained the minimum age of 23 years
• Fully meet the medical fitness standard (ENG 1 or similar)
• 24 month service in vessels over 15 m in length as Officer of the Watch, whilst holding an Officer of the Watch Certificate
• Certificate of Competency as Yachtmaster Ocean, Oral exam. (RYA or similar approved)
• Advanced Fire Fighting Certificate
• Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats or similar MCA approved course
• Navigation, ARPA and Radar Simulator Course Completion Certificate + Exam Pass (10 days)
• Ship Stability Course Completion Certificate +Exam Pass (5 days)
• Business and Law Course Completion Certificate + Exam Pass (5 days)
• Seamanship Course Completion Certificate +Exam Pass.(5 days)
• Medical Care on Board Certificate
• MCA Oral Examination

Note: All examinations are to be conducted by the Scottish Qualifications Authority. (SQA) It is likely that some of the modules for Master (3000 tonnes) will be moved down to Master (500 tonnes).

We hope that you can find the information you require on these pages, if you have any further questions, or require advice, please call us.