WHAT IS THIS COURSE?

Course Overview

The Chief Mate (Unlimited) CoC prep is a shore-based preparation course for the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) Chief Mate Certificate of Competency, issued under STCW Convention Regulation II/2 and Code A-II/2. It is not a qualification in itself — its purpose is to prepare candidates to sit the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) written examinations, administered on behalf of the MCA, and the MCA oral examination (Oral B). On passing both, the MCA issues the Chief Mate (Unlimited) Certificate of Competency. The MCA is the issuing authority; the SQA runs the written papers in the UK. Regulatory requirements are set out in MSN 1856 (M+F) and its amendments.

Programmes typically cover Ship Stability and Structure (SQA written paper), Navigation (SQA written paper), Navigation Aids and Equipment Simulator Training at management level (NAEST(M)), and Human Element Leadership and Management at management level (HELM(M)), along with structured oral examination preparation. Some providers also bundle the Medical Care on Board Ship (STCW) short course within the full package — this certificate is a prerequisite before sitting Oral B and must be held regardless.

Course format and duration vary by provider. Full-time classroom blocks run approximately 9–16 weeks; Warsash Maritime runs approximately 14 weeks for a full package including NAEST(M) and HELM(M). Blended and distance-learning routes can extend to 8–9 months including pre-study. SQA examination fees are payable separately to course fees in all cases.

Prerequisites

Valid OOW Unlimited (STCW II/1) CoC accepted by the MCA
Minimum 12 months approved seagoing watchkeeping service while holding the OOW II/1 certificate
HND / Advanced Diploma / Foundation Degree / Scottish Professional Diploma in Nautical Science (or MCA-approved equivalent academic qualification)
Valid ENG1 medical fitness certificate (or accepted equivalent)
Proficiency in Medical Care on Board Ship (STCW) certificate — required before sitting Oral B
NAEST(O) and an MCA-approved ECDIS (IMO Model 1.27) course completed
Notice of Eligibility (NOE) from the MCA — form MSF 4274; allow approximately 28 days; valid 5 years

What You'll Study

Ship Stability and Structure — SQA written examination
Navigation — SQA written examination
Navigation Aids and Equipment Simulator Training at management level (NAEST(M))
Human Element Leadership and Management at management level (HELM(M))
MCA Oral B examination preparation
Medical Care on Board Ship (STCW) — bundled by some providers

WHERE IT TAKES YOU

Career Progression

BEFORE

OOW Unlimited (STCW II/1)

Officer of the Watch Unlimited CoC, plus at least 12 months approved watchkeeping service and an MCA-accepted academic qualification in Nautical Science. Candidates typically complete a cadetship before sitting the OOW examinations.

THIS COURSE

Chief Mate (Unlimited) CoC prep

Prepares you to pass SQA written papers (Stability and Navigation) and MCA Oral B. On passing both, the MCA issues a Chief Mate (Unlimited) CoC (STCW II/2), qualifying you as second-in-command and head of the deck department on any size merchant vessel, unlimited area.

NEXT STEP

Master (Unlimited) — STCW II/2

The top deck certificate, required to command any merchant vessel on any voyage. Typically requires at least 36 months of qualifying sea service as Chief Officer or Master on vessels over 3,000 GT before applying for the Master Unlimited CoC.

Holding the Chief Mate (Unlimited) CoC qualifies you to serve as Chief Officer and head of the deck department on any merchant vessel worldwide, regardless of tonnage or trading area. Vessels of 500 GT or more on international voyages are required by STCW to carry an officer certified to this level as second-in-command. Shore-side roles for officers at this level include fleet management, marine superintendent, MCA marine surveyor, harbour master, and maritime lecturer. Some providers — notably those operating post-cadetship routes — confer a concurrent Master limited to vessels under 3,000 GT alongside the Chief Mate certificate.

COURSE AT A GLANCE

Key Facts

Duration

9–16 weeks

Typical Cost

£2,462–£8,700

Issuing Body

MCA (UK)

Written Exams Via

SQA

Certificate Validity

5 years

STCW Regulation

II/2

Revalidation: The MCA CoC must be revalidated every 5 years using MCA form MSF 4201. Revalidation requires either at least 12 months of qualifying seagoing service within the previous 5 years, or at least 30 months in an acceptable shore-based maritime occupation within the same period. A valid ENG1 medical certificate is required at the time of revalidation. GMDSS and ECDIS endorsements should be submitted alongside the CoC revalidation to synchronise expiry dates.

Cost range reflects the UK market as researched: written exam support only (e.g. Fleetwood Nautical Campus, per term from approximately £2,462) through to full packages including NAEST(M), HELM(M) and orals preparation (e.g. WMA, approximately £8,700). SQA examination fees are payable separately to course fees. Always confirm current pricing directly with the provider.

Important: Course dates, availability and prices shown on this page are indicative only and were gathered from providers' public websites. Always confirm current dates, availability and pricing directly with the training provider before making any booking or payment. All bookings are made directly with the provider — YachtSync is not a party to any booking and accepts no responsibility for date changes, cancellations, pricing errors or any other changes made by providers. Course information is for guidance only; verify requirements with the relevant authority (MCA, RYA, STCW) before enrolling.