Mandatory management-level leadership and management training required for Masters, Chief Mates, Chief Engineers and Second Engineers applying for a UK MCA Certificate of Competency.
HELM M — Human Element, Leadership and Management (Management Level) — is a mandatory MCA-approved course that fulfils the STCW training requirements for leadership and management competencies at the management level. The regulatory basis is the STCW Convention (2010 Manila Amendments), Regulations II/2 and III/2, Tables A-II/2 and A-III/2. The underpinning IMO document is Model Course 1.39, and the MCA's current guidance is contained in Marine Information Notice MIN 690(M).
The course is theory-based and delivered through facilitated discussion, group exercises and maritime case studies. Topics include human resource management, situational awareness, decision-making under pressure, workload management, team leadership, resource allocation, and the development and implementation of standard operating procedures for those managing and leading crew aboard commercial vessels. All UK MCA-approved providers run the course over five days, typically 09:00–17:00, and require 100% attendance for certification.
Any seafarer applying for a UK MCA management-level Certificate of Competency must hold this certificate. It applies to Masters and Chief Mates on vessels of 500 GT or more, Chief Engineers and Second Engineers on vessels with main propulsion machinery of 750 kW or more, and Electro-Technical Officers at management level. It is also relevant for shore-based managers and senior staff who carry management responsibilities aboard commercial vessels.
Holding HELM M as part of your management-level CoC application opens progression to the most senior deck and engineering officer roles in the commercial maritime sector: Master (Yachts <500 GT), Master (Yachts <3000 GT), Chief Mate (Yachts <3000 GT), Chief Engineer, and Second Engineer. These certificates are recognised by the MCA and underpin command and senior engineering positions on commercial vessels worldwide. HELM M is a one-time training requirement — once completed and recorded, it does not need to be repeated.
Renewal and revalidation: HELM M does not carry an expiry date and does not require periodic revalidation. Multiple MCA and provider sources confirm there is no requirement to resubmit a HELM certificate when revalidating a CoC — unlike GMDSS, ECDIS or medical certificates which require five-yearly renewal. HELM M is treated as a foundational competency demonstration: complete it once and it remains valid indefinitely. Always verify the current position directly with the MCA, as STCW requirements can evolve.
Additional UK providers offering this course include Stream Marine Training (Paisley), Falmouth Training Solutions, Glasgow Maritime Academy, UKSA (Cowes), Nautilus International, and South Shields Marine School. Use the link below to browse all available locations.
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