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Overview

As radio personnel servingrequiring ona UKGMDSS registeredGOC, vesselsROC or LRC you must apply to the MCA to getobtain your originalCertificate globalof maritimeCompetency.

As distressradio andpersonnel safetyserving systemon (GMDSS)UK certificateregistered endorsedvessels soyou itmust meetsapply to the standardsMCA forto training,get certificationyour andGMDSS watchGOC keepingor (STCW)ROC requirements.endorsed Thisso appliesit tomeets generalSTCW operators certificates (GOC) and restricted operators certificates (ROC).requirements.

You must revalidate youryour STCW endorsement STCW endorsement every 5 years.

How to apply

Complete the application form MSF 4354 below.

Download

• MSF 4354 Application Application for initialinitial GMDSS STCWGOC, endorsementROC or LRC certification. Application for STCW endorsement and subsequent revalidation toto GMDSS certificate GMDSS certificate of competency

Refer to marine guidance notenote MSN 1864 (M) Amendment MSN1 1864and (M)MIN Amendment716 1 below for further information.

Download

• MSNMSN 1864 (M) Amendment 18641
• MIN (M)716 (M+F) Amendment 1

Read the guidance notes in your application form to check you are submitting the documents correctly.

If you are applying for your GMDSS GOC, ROC or LRC only you must include:

• GMDSS Course Completion Certificate from an approved training provider
• 2 passport style photographs
• Attested copy of your passport
• Correct fee as per application form

If you are applying for your first STCW endorsement you must include:

• originala copy of your UK GMDSS GOC or ROC
• valid medical fitness certificate, ENG1 or recognised non-UK equivalent
• 4 elements of STCW basic training certificates or a UK CoC

The basic training certificates are:

• personal survival techniques (STCW(STCW Code A-VI/1-1)
• fire prevention and fire fighting (STCW(STCW Code A-VI/1-2)
• elementary first aid (STCW(STCW Code A-VI/1-3)
• personal safety and social responsibilities (STCW(STCW Code A-VI/1-4)

To revalidate an STCW endorsement you must include:

• originala copy of your UK GMDSS GOC or ROC
• valid medical fitness certificate; ENG1 or recognised non-UK equivalent

And either:

• An attested copy of your Certificate of Competency
• Evidence of having completed or updated the training for Personal Survival Techniques and Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting within the last 5 years.

Email your application and supporting documents to the MCA:

The MCA aims to process your application within 14 days of receipt. You’ll receive an email:

• if any further information/evidence is needed
• when your certificate(s) and documents are being couriered back to you

MCA does not offer a counter service.

Accepted non-UK GMDSS

The MCA will accept some non-UK GMDSS towards the application of a UK CoC.CoC.

• Find information about countries that have GMDSS certificates which are acceptable equivalents.

GMDSS that is accepted will be marked “yes”.

Further information

RadioIf operatorsyou workinghave onlost offshoreyour oiloriginal andGOC, gasROC installations or fishingLRC, vesselsplease don’tcomplete needMSF GMDSS4299. endorsement.This Ifcan youthen dobe requestsent an endorsement you’ll need to comply with MCA application requirements and provide STCW basic training certificates.gmdss@mcga.gov.uk.