Structured revision and exam-technique coaching for the two SQA written safety papers required on the UK MCA route to an Officer of the Watch (Unlimited) Certificate of Competency.
This is an exam-preparation course aimed at candidates who need to pass the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) written safety papers that form part of the UK MCA route to an STCW II/1 Officer of the Watch (Unlimited) Certificate of Competency (CoC). It is not itself an MCA-approved qualification — it is revision and coaching support layered over the formal SQA examination process. The MCA sets the written examination syllabus; the SQA administers the papers on the MCA's behalf at approved examination centres across the UK.
The underpinning international regulation is STCW Convention Regulation II/1 and STCW Code Section A-II/1 (Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on ships of 500 GT or more). The relevant UK domestic instrument is MSN 1856 (M+F) Amendment 1 — Training and Certification Guidance for Master and Deck Officers. There is no regulatory requirement to attend a prep course; the SQA exams themselves are what is mandated for most candidates, and the prep course is commercial coaching support to help candidates pass them.
The online format typically offers structured self-paced modules for each paper, integrated practice questions and quizzes, progress tracking, and scheduled live tutor clinics (for example twice-weekly) where candidates can ask questions and work through problems with an experienced mariner or instructor.
Formula sheets are provided in both examinations.
Holding the MCA OOW Unlimited CoC (STCW II/1) permits the holder to serve as Officer of the Watch on any merchant vessel of 500 GT or more, on any voyage, with no restriction on tonnage or trading area. It is a UK-issued STCW Certificate of Competency recognised internationally under the STCW Convention (Manila Amendments 2010). Passing these SQA written papers is one component of the process — alongside the MCA Part A computer-based exam and Part B face-to-face oral examination — required before the CoC is issued.
The MCA OOW Unlimited CoC must be revalidated every 5 years to remain valid for employment (governed by MSN 1861). Revalidation requires a valid ENG1 medical certificate, evidence of minimum 12 months sea service as a deck officer in the previous 5 years (or at least 3 months in the 6 months immediately before revalidation), and fire and safety refresher training. The SQA written papers do not need to be re-sat at revalidation — they are a one-time qualification requirement. Candidates who have not maintained sea service may need to complete an approved refresher and updating course before revalidation is granted.