Accessibility.SkipToMainContent

The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has confirmed that oral exams will be suspended from 23 March for anyone who has arrived from outside the UK in the last 14 days, as part of a range of measures to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus.

The MCA has also confirmed that current oral exam pass certificates will be valid for an additional six months with timelines being reviewed again in mid-April.

Officer cadets currently studying for UK Certificates of Competency (CoC) (including Foundation Degree, Higher National Certificate/Diploma (HNC/D) and Scottish Professional Diploma SPD) will be able to continue their studies remotely as college campuses close.

The MCA has called on colleges to abide by government advice to assess whether written examinations should go ahead, but has confirmed that current certificates will remain valid for up to an additional six months if evidence can be provided that Covid-19 measures have affected the time taken to achieve the pass result.

Those who are not able to attend an exam will be able to defer to the next available date.

STCW short courses will go only ahead where travel restrictions permit, and seafarers are advised to check guidance on exemptions on renewing STCW Updating Training. If seafarers are unable to attend the relevant short courses for their CoC to be issued, then the MCA will not be able to issue a certificate until the course is passed.

For additional advice or support, members are advised to check the following websites or contact the union.

MCA: Training provision and Covid-19
MCA: Oral exams and Covid-19
MCA: Medical care and Covid-19

Nautilus Members who are concerned or are experiencing difficulties related to the coronavirus outbreak are advised to contact their industrial organiser for assistance.


Tags

More articles

Featured
Health and safety

Nautilus FAQs on Covid-19 Coronavirus

  • Telegraph
  • 17 March 2021
Health and safety

Maritime professionals top of agenda as Union and social partners lobby for vital protections

  • News
  • 20 March 2020
Government

Covid-19: UK government designates seafarers as key workers

  • News
  • 20 March 2020
General secretary message

Remember Seafarers who keep trade flowing

  • Telegraph
  • 20 March 2020
Health and safety

Seafaring charities step in to assist stranded cruise crew at Tilbury

  • News
  • 20 March 2020
Members at work

Thames Clippers to maintain full pay for crews under reduced timetable

  • News
  • 20 March 2020
Health and safety

Nautilus backs calls for multi-million-pound government support package

  • News
  • 20 March 2020
Health and safety

MCA to extend medical certificates by up to three months

  • News
  • 20 March 2020
Colleges

Yacht training college UKSA to close during Covid-19 pandemic

  • News
  • 20 March 2020
Health and safety

Nautilus flags global union support for cruise crew affected by coronavirus pandemic

  • News
  • 19 March 2020
Health and safety

Covid-19: UK ferries on short crossings to allow some passengers to stay in vehicles

  • News
  • 19 March 2020
Health and safety

Seafaring charities step in to assist stranded cruise crew at Tilbury

  • News
  • 20 March 2020
Health and safety

Nautilus flags global union support for cruise crew affected by coronavirus pandemic

  • News
  • 19 March 2020
Health and safety

UK to work 'tirelessly' with unions to support transport workers

  • News
  • 19 March 2020
Health and safety

IMO urges member states to take pragmatic approach to seafarer certification

  • News
  • 19 March 2020
Health and safety

Belgium drops minimum safe manning requirements as ship inspections cease

  • News
  • 19 March 2020

Become a Nautilus member today