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UK MCA Master Workboat 500 GT Unlimited Requirements - Certificate of Competency


UK MCA Master Workboat Less Than 500 GT Unlimited CoC Requirements for Master 200 GT, OOW Yacht 3000 GT, OOW Unlimited and Fishing Class 1 CoC Holders

workboat 500gt master

A Workboat is a vessel of less than 500 GT engaged to carry out multipurpose functions in support of marine projects ranging from harbor construction and maintenance to offshore projects. A workboat may undertake occasional international voyages for repositioning of the vessel.

Workboats may carry specialist equipment and stores in support of their function to facilitate the specific tasks for which they are designed and these vessels are not permitted to carry Cargo.

Workboat crews require specialized training to develop competence to work safely across a range of operations. Examples of typical workboat operations include but are not limited to - anchor handling, dredging/ploughing, hydrographic surveying, maintenance of Navigational aids, and transfer of industrial personnel.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) Certificate of Competency issued will be Master Workboat less than 500 GT Unlimited area. Workboat CoCs cover the following STCW functions - navigation at the management level, controlling the operation of the ship and care for persons on board, radio communications, and cargo handling and stowage.

Candidates meeting the requirements will be issued with an STCW Certificate of Competency (CoC) limited to service in workboats less than 500 GT with an unlimited area of operation. If you hold a CoC restricted to workboats you are required to revalidate the certificate at intervals not exceeding five years for it to remain valid for service.

workboat mca master


You may also read: International Maritime Organisation (IMO) STCW Requirements 

MCA General Requirements for Master Workboat 500 GT Unlimited

  • Complete the minimum period of seagoing service
  • A valid ENG1 (medical fitness certificate) or accepted equivalent
  • Approved workboat training record book
  • Complete the appropriate programs of education and training
  • Hold applicable additional certificates
  • Master Workboat less than 500 GT oral examination

MCA Master Workboat 500 GT Unlimited Requirements

To qualify for issue of this certificate you must already hold one of the following CoCs:

MCA Master Workboat 500 GT Requirements for Candidates with Master 200 GT CoC

Sea Service Requirements

  • Complete 36 months sea service in vessels of any size, including not less than 12 months sea service and 120 days watchkeeping service in vessels 15 meters or over in load line length, whilst holding a Master (Code vessel 200 GT). You must have completed 6 months sea service on a workboat of 15m or over in load line length. Your 6 months service onboard a workboat can be completed within the 12 months specified above however this is not mandatory.

Additional Certificate Requirements

mca workboat 500gt certificates for master 200 gt
Table: Certificates required for Candidates with Master 200 GT CoC

Master Workboat 500 GT Requirements for Candidates with OOW Unlimited CoC

Sea Serice Requirements

  • Complete 12 months sea service holding an OOW unlimited CoC, including not less than 120 days watchkeeping service in vessels of 15m or over in load line length. You must have completed 6 months sea service on a workboat of 15m or over in load line length. Your 6 months service onboard a workboat can be completed within the 12 months specified above however this is not mandatory.

Additional Certificate Requirements

mca workboat 500gt certificates for oow unlimited
Table: Certificates required for Candidates with OOW Unlimited CoC

Master Workboat 500 GT Requirements for Candidates with OOW Yachts 3000 GT CoC

Sea Service Requirements

  • Complete 12 months sea service since gaining OOW (Yachts less than 3000 GT), including not less than 120 days watchkeeping service in vessels of 15m or over in load line length. You must have completed 6 months sea service on a workboat of 15m or over in load line length. Your 6 months service onboard a workboat can be completed within the 12 months specified above however this is not mandatory.

Additional Certificate Requirements

mca workboat 500gt certificates for oow yachts 3000gt
Table: Certificates required for Candidates with OOW Yachts 3000 GT CoC

Master Workboat 500 GT Requirements for Candidates with Class 1 Fishing CoC

Sea Service Requirements

  • Complete 6 months sea service in a workboat 15m or over in load line length including not less than 120 days watchkeeping service in vessels of 15m or over in load line length.

Additional Certificate Requirements

mca workboat 500gt certificates for class1 fishing
Table: Certificates required for Candidates with Class 1 Fishing CoC

Disclaimer: For general information purpose - please check with MCA for the latest requirements and accurate info