Maritime and Coastguard Agency LogMARINE INFORMATION NOTE

MIN 535(M)

Final Clarification on the Requirements for Updating

Ancillary & Safety Training and Completing Tanker
Training
Notice to all Shipowners, Seafarers and all those concerned with Maritime Training

This MIN replaces MIN 520 and should be read with MSN 1865 and MSN 1866.
This MIN expires on the 14th December 2021.

Summary

This notice is designed to advise MCA Approved Training Providers (ATPs) and Seafarers
about the current and future requirements (After 1st January 2017) relating to Updating
(refresher) Ancillary and Safety Training and completing Basic & Advanced Tanker Training.

This notice is an updated version of MIN 520 and serves as a final reminder of the
documentary evidence relating to STCW updating training that you must submit prior to
applying for the revalidation, issue or upgrade of a UK Certificate of Competence after 31st
December 2016.

This MIN also provides guidance on the pragmatic approach that Port State Control
Officers (PSCO) have been asked to take during inspections in relation to certification
requirements introduced by the 2010 Manila amendments.

To find a list of MCA approved courses go to www.gov.uk and search MCA ATP.T
T

1. Introduction

This MIN is split into two main parts:

1.1 The International Maritime Organisation guidance to PSCO’s on checking seafarer

certification in accordance with the 2010 Manila Amendments.

1.2 The first is designed as a reference guide to enable MCA-approved training providers to
check the pre-requisites for seafarers undertaking:

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  PSC certification requirements introduced by the 2010 Manila amendments
(section 2);
 The ancillary and safety courses that need updating every 5 years (section 3);
 Basic and advanced tanker training (section 4).

1.3 The second sets out an explanation to seafarers regarding the requirements of:

 Ancillary and safety courses that the MCA can accept towards the issue of
your first Certificate of Competency (CoC) (section 5.1);
 Updating the ancillary and safety courses that lead to the upgrade or
revalidation of a UK CoC (section 5.2 and 5.3);
 What evidence you will need to carry onboard with you (Section 5.4);
 Basic and Advanced tanker training that leads to the issue of a Tanker
Endorsement in a UK CoC (section 6).

1.4 In addition this MIN clarifies that seafarers on MNTB/MCA-approved routes can
undertake MCA-approved Efficient Deck Hand (EDH) training (Section 7).

2. Documentation of ancillary and safety courses required onboard

The IMO recently published (MSC 1/Circ.1560). The Circular recommends that from 1st January
2017 until 1st July 2017, Port State Control Officers (PSCO) take a pragmatic and practical approach
to the STCW 2010 Manila Amendment requirements, for seafarers to hold updated ancillary and
safety training certification onboard a vessel. Please note that whilst the circular recommends this
approach by Port States, it cannot be guaranteed that all will. It is therefore recommended that all
Seafarers without the required certification take a copy of the Circular with them onboard. This circular
is available on our website: you can either click here or search www.gov.uk for “Manila
Amendments”. If you are applying for a new CoC or are upgrading/revalidating an existing CoC
you must still meet the requirements detailed in section 5 of this notice.

3. The ancillary and safety courses that need updating every 5 years (refresher)

3.1 Seafarers serving onboard ships who are qualified in any of the following, were
advised that from the 1st January 2017, have documentary evidence of either having
completed the training course or updated their training within the last 5 years:

(a) Proficiency in Personal Survival Techniques (PST) STCW A-VI/1-1, (recognised

equivalent pre 31 January 2000: Basic Sea Survival);
(b) Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats other than Fast Rescue Boats
(PSC & RB), STCW A-VI/2-1 (recognised equivalent pre 31 January 2000:
Proficiency in Survival Craft or Lifeboatman’s Certificate);
(c) Proficiency in Fast Rescue Boats (PFRB) STCW A-VI/2-2;
(d) Proficiency in Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (FP & FF), STCW A-VI/1-2
(recognised equivalent pre 31 January 2000: MNTB 2 Day Fire Fighting Course);
(e) Proficiency in Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF) STCW A-VI/3 (recognised
equivalent pre 31 January 2000: MNTB 4 Day Fire Fighting Course).

Tables showing which updating training is required for the holders of CoCs and Certificates of
Proficiency (CoP) is available in MSN 1865 (Annex A, pages 12 to 14).

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 3.2 Pease note there is no requirement for seafarers to update Personal Safety and Social
Responsibilities (STCW Code Table A-VI/1-4), Elementary First Aid (STCW Code – Table A-
VI/1-3) or Proficiency Medical First Aid ( A-VI/4-1).

3.3 Holding a UK Certificate of Competency is proof that you have met the requirements for the
following STCW training1:

 Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities;

 Elementary First Aid;
 Proficiency Medical First Aid

3.4 Holding a UK issued Watch Rating Certificate (STCW II/4 or STCW III/4), UK AB (Issued
under the ILO Convention 1946) Certificate, Able Seafarer Deck (STCW II/5) or Able Seafarer
Engine (STCW III/5) Certificate is proof that you have met the requirements for the following
STCW training2:

 Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities

 Elementary First Aid

3.5 Pre-Requisite Qualifications Accepted for MCA-Approved Updating Training

The table below details the pre-requisite certificates that will allow a seafarer to undertake MCA-
approved refresher training. Further information can be found in MSN 1865. It is the MCA-
approved training centre’s responsibility to check the pre-requisites have been met prior to the
candidate undertaking the course3.

1 Therefore you will not need to hold these STCW certificates onboard in addition to your Certificate of
Competency.
2
Therefore you will not need to hold these STCW certificates onboard in addition to your Navigational
Watch Rating Certificate or Able Seafarer Certificate.
3 The MCA may request documented evidence that the pre-requisite check has taken place.

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Updating Training Required Pre-Requisite evidence required to enter onto course

Personal Survival Techniques Personal Survival Techniques from any STCW country.
(or recognised pre-equivalent in
section 3.1) UK-issued Watch Rating Certificate (STCW II/4 or III/4).
This includes Yacht Ratings.
UK AB4, Able Seafarer Deck or Able Seafarer Engine
Certificate (STCW II/5 or III/5).
UK CEC
UK CoC
UK Ships Cooks Certificate of Competency
Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (or Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting from any STCW country.
recognised pre-equivalent in section
3.1) UK-issued Watch Rating Certificate (STCW II/4 or STCW
III/4). This includes Yacht Ratings.
UK AB4, Able Seafarer Deck (STCW II/5) or Able Seafarer
Engine (STCW III/5) Certificate.
UK CEC

UK CoC

UK Ships Certificate of Competency

Proficiency in Survival Craft and Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats issued by
Rescue Boats (or recognised pre- any STCW country that the MCA accepts for the issue of a
equivalent in section 3.1) CEC.
UK AB4, Able Seafarer Deck (STCW II/4) Certificate.

UK CEC

UK CoC (not including Master of Code Vessels)

Advanced Fire Fighting5 (or Advanced Fire Fighting issued by any STCW country that
recognised pre-equivalent in section the MCA accepts for the issue of a CEC.
3.1) UK CEC

UK CoC (not including Master of Code Vessels)

Medical Care Refresher Medical Care or Medical Care Refresher issued by the
MCA, EU administration, Canada, South Africa or New
Zealand.
Fast Rescue Boat Fast Rescue Boat Certificate issued by MCA or other EU
administration

4This is an AB Certificate issued under the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention 1946 (No 74).
5Training providers that are not approved to provide MCA-approved Updating Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting
must ensure the seafarer has completed an MCA-approved Updating Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting course
prior to enrolment. The training centre is responsible for checking this.
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4. Summary Basic and Advanced Tanker Training.

4.1 This flow chart is designed to summarise the requirements to enrol on an MCA-approved Tanker Training Course and if successful issue
the candidate with either a Course Completion Certificate (Seafarer holds a UK CoC) or Certificate of Proficiency (Seafarer holds a non-
UK CoC or does not hold any CoC).

Seafarer must meet the full

requirements for MCA
Issue applicable Certificate of
advanced tanker
Yes Proficiency for Basic Tanker
endorsement relevant to the
Training as per MSN 1865
endorsement they require as
Yes
listed in MSN 1866 section 4.
No

Does seafarer hold

relevant basic tanker Did the seafarer meet
endorsement (oil & chemical or No the requirements prior to Does seafarer hold
gas) or course completion 9th June 2015? a UK CoC?
certificate. No

MCA or EU approved
Advanced Yes
basic tanker training
certificates or have 3
months seagoing service
on any tanker (< 5 years Seafarer must meet the full
old) requirements for MCA basic
Candidate arrives at an Is seafarer applying for Issue Course Completion
tanker endorsement relevant
MCA-approved Tanker a basic or advanced tanker Basic Certificate as per MNTB
to the endorsement they
Training Centre endorsement? guidelines
require as listed in section 3.2
or 3.3 of this MIN

Does Seafarer hold

Yes
a UK CoC?

No

Issue applicable Certificate of

Proficiency for Basic Tanker
Training as per MSN 1865

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 4.2 Basic training for oil and chemical tanker cargo operations (STCW Convention
Regulation V/1-1 para 1);

To have your CoC endorsed or be issued with a CoP for basic training for oil and chemical
tanker cargo operations, you must:

(a) Complete MCA-approved MNTB Tanker Fire Fighting training6;

(b) Hold a current ENG1 medical certificate or MCA-accepted equivalent;
(c) Complete either:

 3 months’ approved seagoing service on oil and/or chemical tankers; and be

assessed as meeting the learning objectives of the MNTB basic training for
oil and chemical tanker cargo operations by a training centre approved by the
MCA to deliver that programme; or

 An MCA-approved MNTB basic training programme for oil and chemical

tanker cargo operations;

(d) Hold the four MCA-accepted7 basic training certificates of proficiency:

 Personal Survival Techniques (STCW Code A-VI/1-1);

 Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (STCW Code A-VI/1-2);
 Elementary First Aid (STCW Code A-VI/1-3);
 Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (STCW Code A-VI/1-4).

4.3 Basic training for liquefied gas tanker cargo operations (STCW Convention
Regulation V/1-2 para 1)

To have your CoC endorsed or be issued with a CoP for basic training for liquefied gas
tanker cargo operations you must:

(a) Complete MCA-approved MNTB Tanker Fire Fighting training4;

(b) Hold a current ENG1 medical certificate or MCA-accepted equivalent;
(c) Complete either:

 3 months’ approved seagoing service on liquefied gas tankers; and be

assessed as meeting the learning objectives of the MNTB basic training for
liquefied gas tanker cargo operations by a training centre approved by the
MCA to deliver that programme; or

 An MCA-approved MNTB basic training programme for liquefied gas tanker

cargo operations;

(d) Hold the four MCA-accepted7 basic training certificates of proficiency:

 Personal Survival Techniques (STCW Code A-VI/1-1);

 Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (STCW Code A-VI/1-2);
 Elementary First Aid (STCW Code A-VI/1-3);
 Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (STCW Code A-VI/1-4).

6 Where this course is delivered as part of an MNTB approved officer cadet training programme, it is
acceptable for the tanker fire-fighting component to be delivered as part of either Fire Prevention and Fire
Fighting or Advanced Fire Fighting.
7 The MCA will accept basic training certificates issued under the authority of an administration included

in the IMO list of STCW Parties (the so called “White List”).

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 5. Accepted Ancillary and Safety Training Certificates

5.1 From the 1st January 2017 if you are applying for a new CoC or to revalidate a UK CoC
you will be required to submit documentary evidence of either having completed the
training course or updated your training within the last 5 years for:

 Proficiency in Personal Survival Techniques;

 Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting;
 Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats other than Fast Rescue Boats;
 Proficiency in Advanced Fire Fighting.

5.2 First UK Certificate of Competency

This section details what Certificates of Proficiency the MCA will accept towards the issue
of your first Certificate of Competency.

5.2.1 The following Certificates must be MCA-approved:

 High Voltage (operational)8;

 High Voltage (management)8;
 Human Element, Leadership and Management (HELM) operational,
 HELM management;
 Navigation Aids and Equipment Simulator Training (NAEST) operational;
 Electronic Chart Display & Information System (ECDIS);
 NAEST management;
 Efficient Deck Hand (EDH).

5.2.2 The following Certificates must be issued under the authority of any administration
recognised as an IMO STCW white list party:

 Personal Survival Techniques;

 Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting;
 Elementary First Aid;
 Personal Safety and Social Responsibility.

5.2.3 MCA will accept certificates issued under the authority of any EU Member State, as
well as; Canada, New Zealand and South Africa9 for:

 Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats other than Fast Rescue Boats;
 Proficiency in Advanced Fire Fighting;
 Proficiency in Medical First Aid;
 Proficiency in Medical Care.

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For the purpose of issuing and revalidating a UK Certificate of Competency the MCA will accept High
Voltage Certificates issued by the National Maritime College of Ireland.

9The MCA will accept these certificates of proficiency issued by India and Pakistan up until 01 January
2017. After this date the MCA may accept some certificates of proficiency issued by DG Shipping-
approved training providers, for details please refer to our website, search www.gov.uk for “MCA ATP”.

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Completing MCA-approved updating training in lieu of a certificate listed in paragraph
5.2.3 will not be accepted. You must complete the full course prior to the issue of your
first UK CoC.

5.3 Subsequent UK Certificates of Competency

This section will detail the Ancillary Training Certificates and Certificates of Proficiency the MCA
will accept towards upgrading or revalidating your UK CoC.

5.3.1 The following Certificates (if required) must be MCA-approved:

 High Voltage operational10;

 High Voltage management10;
 HELM operational;
 HELM management;
 NAEST operational;
 ECDIS11;
 NAEST management;
 EDH.

5.3.2 The following Certificates must be issued under the authority of any administration
recognised as an IMO STCW white list party:

 Personal Survival Techniques or Updating Personal Survival Techniques;

 Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting or Updating Fire Prevention and Fire
Fighting.

5.3.3 The MCA will accept certificates issued under the authority of any country that we accept
for the issue of a Certificate of Equivalent Competency (CEC) for:

 Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats other than Fast Rescue Boats
or Updating Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats other than Fast
Rescue Boats;
 Proficiency in Advanced Fire Fighting or Updating Advanced Fire Fighting.

A list of those countries the MCA accepts for a CEC can be found on our website: go to
www.gov.uk and search “MCA CEC”.

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For the purpose of issuing and revalidating a UK Certificate of Competency the MCA will accept High
Voltage Certificates issued by the National Maritime College of Ireland.
11 For the purpose of revalidation only the MCA may accept some ECDIS simulator training courses that

are in compliance with the current IMO Model Course 1.27. For a list of MCA-approved and accepted
courses please refer to www.gov.uk and search “MCA ATP” or “MCA Approved Training Providers”.
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5.4 Onboard Required Documentary Evidence

If you are serving onboard ship and are qualified in any of the following, you must, as of the
1st January 2017, have documentary evidence of either having completed the training course
or updated your training within the last 5 years for;

 Proficiency in Personal Survival Techniques;

 Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting;
 Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats other than Fast Rescue Boats;
 Proficiency in Advanced Fire Fighting.

For use on UK registered vessels the MCA will accept updating training for:

 Proficiency in Personal Survival Techniques and Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting
Certificates from any IMO STCW white list party;
 Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats other than Fast Rescue Boats and
Proficiency in Advanced Fire Fighting from any country that we accept for the issue
of a Certificate of Equivalent Competency (CEC).

5.5 For those applying for Yacht Certificates of Competency

For yacht Certificates of Competency only, non-STCW Advanced Sea Survival may be accepted
in lieu of Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats, however, your Certificate of
Competency will be endorsed with the following limitation:

“Not for use on ships equipped with davit launched lifeboats”

Non-STCW Advanced Sea Survival must be updated every 5 years in line with Proficiency in
Survival Craft and Rescue Boats. The MCA would recommend that all seafarers hold an STCW
Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats Certificate of Proficiency. This is due to potential
problems of Port State Control Officers outside of the UK, not accepting non-STCW Advanced
Sea Survival.

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6. Basic and Advanced Tanker Training that leads to the issue of a Tanker Endorsement in a UK CoC

6.1 This diagram is designed to summarise the requirements for the holder of a UK CoC to be issued with a Basic or Advanced Tanker
Endorsement.
You must meet the full
requirements for MCA Advanced The MCA will issue you with an
Yes
tanker endorsement as per MSN Advanced Tanker Endorsement
1866
Yes

Do you hold
relevant basic tanker Did the you meet
endorsement (oil & chemical or No the requirements prior to 9th
gas) or course completion June 2015?
certificate. No You must meet the full
requirements for MCA basic
On your advice the MCA will
tanker endorsement prior to
hold or cancel your application.
obtaining an Advanced Tanker
You hold MCA or EU endorsement
approved basic tanker
Advanced training certificate or have 3
months seagoing service on
any tanker (< 5years old).

You must meet the full

Did you meet requirements for MCA basic The MCA will
Have you applied for a basic or
Application received Basic the requirements prior to 9th No tanker endorsement applicable issue you with a Basic Tanker
advanced tanker endorsement?
June 2015? to the endorsement you require. Endorsement
These are listed below

Yes

Basic Oil and Chemical (one endorsement) Basic: Gas Endorsement

(a) MCA-approved MNTB Tanker Fire Fighting training;

(a) MCA-approved MNTB Tanker Fire Fighting training;
(b) ENG1 medical certificate or MCA-accepted equivalent (to be
(b) ENG1 medical certificate or MCA-accepted equivalent (to be
checked by Training centre);
checked by Training centre);
(c) Complete either:
(c) Complete either:
I. 3 months approved seagoing service on liquefied gas tankers; and
I. 3 months approved seagoing service on oil or chemical tankers; and
be assessed as meeting the learning objectives of the MNTB basic training
be assessed as meeting the learning objectives of the MNTB basic training
for liquefied gas tanker cargo operations by a training centre approved by
for oil and chemical operations by a training centre approved by the MCA
the MCA to deliver that programme; or
to deliver that programme; or
II. An MCA-approved MNTB basic training programme for liquefied gas
II. An MCA-approved MNTB basic training programme for oil and
tanker cargo operations;
chemical tanker cargo operations;
(d) Hold the following MCA-accepted basic training certificates of
(d) Hold the following MCA-accepted basic training certificates of
proficiency (CoC is proof):
proficiency (CoC is proof):
Personal Survival Techniques
Personal Survival Techniques
Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting
Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting
Elementary First Aid
Elementary First Aid
Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities
Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities

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6.2 Holders of a UK CoC and an MCA-Approved Advanced Tanker Training Certificate Issued
Over 5 Years Prior to an Application for a Tanker Endorsement

If you obtained an MCA-approved Advanced Tanker Training Certificate that is over 5 years old
and a UK CoC without the corresponding endorsement, you may have this endorsement added to
your CoC if you can demonstrate continued proficiency applicable to the Tanker Training
Certificate you hold. You will need to demonstrate at least 3 months’ seagoing service on the
applicable tanker type within each of the 5 year periods from when your MCA-approved Advanced
Tanker Training Certificate was issued. You will be charged the required fee for each endorsement
added to your CoC.

7. Pre-Requisite Requirements for an MCA-Approved Efficient Deck Hand Course

7.1 In addition to the pre-requisites mentioned in MSN 1862 (Paragraph 4.2, page 4) the following will
also permit entry onto the EDH course:

 Enrolment onto the following Officer of the Watch (STCW II/1) courses;

o An MNTB-approved cadet training programme;

o An MCA-approved overseas collaborative programme (1+1);

 Holding a UK Class 1 and 2 Fishing Certificates of Competency (Deck or Engineering);

 Holding a Seafish Fishing 16.5m Skippers Certificate (with evidence of at least 6 months
seagoing service).

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More Information

Seafarer Training and Certification

Maritime and Coastguard Agency,
Bay 2/11
Spring Place,
105 Commercial Road,
Southampton,
SO15 1EG.

Tel : +44 (0) 23 8032 9231.

Fax : +44 (0) 23 8032 9N/A.
e-mail: exams@mcga.gov.uk .

Website Address: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/maritime-and-coastguard-agency .

General Inquiries: infoline@mcga.gov.uk

File Ref: N/A

Published: December 2016

Please note that all addresses and
telephone numbers are correct at time of publishing.

© Crown Copyright 2016.

Safer Lives, Safer Ships, Cleaner Seas.

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