A Certificate of Competency (COC) is an important credential for certain officer-level maritime positions.
COC requirements depend on the specific rank, regulation, sea service, training, assessment, and other qualifications applicable to the certificate being pursued.
Who May Need a COC?
COC certification is associated with officer-level positions such as certain:
Deck officers
Engineering officers
Management-level officers
The exact certificate and requirements depend on the position and applicable STCW regulation.
What Can Be Involved in a COC Application?
Depending on the certification pathway, applicants may need evidence relating to:
Appropriate education
Approved training
Required sea service
Competence
Medical fitness
Examination or assessment
Existing certificates
Other documentary requirements
There is no universal COC checklist for every officer.
Upgrading a COC
An experienced officer who wants to move to a higher rank may need additional sea service, training, assessment, or other requirements.
For example, management-level certification has its own requirements.
MARINA publishes documentary requirements and certification information through its STCW Administration Office.
Keep Your Records Organized
If you are working toward an officer certificate, maintain accurate records of:
Sea service
Training
Assessments
Existing certificates
Medical documentation
Verify Before Applying
Before submitting an application, check the latest MARINA requirements for the exact COC you are seeking.
MARINA's STCW system is the appropriate place to check official certification information because requirements can change.
Important: This article is a general guide and does not replace the current official requirements for a particular COC.
