The MCA has recently published an amendment to MSN 1858, which opens a new qualification pathway to Yacht Deck Officers. The result is a new Yacht Unlimited CoC certification, opening a safe and professional pathway for careers in the large yacht sector (over 3,000 GT). Deck Officers can now safely advance their careers on large yachts, a rapidly growing sector of the industry, and become Chief Mate or Master of Yachts over 3,000 GT.

The new Yacht Unlimited CoC follows the MCA’s ongoing Cadet Training and Modernisation Programme and was created through extensive collaboration between the MCA, seafarer representatives, maritime colleges and industry operators.

The previous unlimited certification route required experienced Master of Yachts to first obtain an Officer of the Watch (OOW) Unlimited Merchant CoC. They then had to complete further training and additional seagoing service, progressing through Chief Mate Unlimited and further seagoing service before ultimately achieving Master Unlimited. This long-winded process frequently took many years to complete and proved unfeasible for many experienced professionals.

Today, the new route streamlines progression, allowing seagoing service on yachts to be accepted as operationally appropriate, while continuing to be fully aligned with the high competency and safety standards of the STCW convention for Unlimited CoC.

This approach avoids unnecessary duplication of service and loss of career continuity for experienced seafarers. The new route enables progression from Master (Yachts) less than 3,000 GT to a Master Unlimited (Yachts) CoC, and a new route for Chief Mate Unlimited (Yachts) CoC.

Keep yourself updated on Bluewater social media channels, where first-hand industry insights and guidance will be shared.

Contact our dedicated Training Team, training@bluewateryachting.com, to help plan your next career move and book the necessary courses. We have training facilities in Antibes and Palma, two of the main yachting hubs of the Mediterranean.

We look forward to meeting you!

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