MCA Engine Room Rating Certificate of Proficiency (COP) Requirements for Working in the UK Registered Merchant Ships
Engine Room Ratings are involved in assisting the up-keeping of the Engine Room, including maintaining the main engine, generator and auxiliary equipment, and more. They are responsible for - keeping all machinery spaces and equipment clean and free of hazards to ensure a safe working environment; understand the tasks to safely discharge or receive fuel, lube and dirty oils,
They are also responsible for - handling engine room chemicals; perform all watchkeeping duties assigned, standing fire watches, and becoming familiar with the layout of the vessel; perform or assist in all maintenance activities; maintain good mechanical skills and judgment, with the ability to follow written and oral instructions to name a few.
Every Rating forming part of an engine room watch, or with designated duties to perform in a periodically unmanned engine room, on a seagoing ship powered by main propulsion machinery of 750kW propulsion power or more, must be certificated to perform such duties.
- MCA General Requirements for Engine Room Ratings
- MCA Engine Room Watch Rating (ERWR) Certificate
- MCA Able Seafarer Engine (ABE) Certificate
- Required Ancillary Safety Training
You may also read: International Maritime Organisation (IMO) STCW Requirements for Ratings
MCA General Requirements for Engine Room Rating
- Meet the minimum age requirements (lowest minimum age is 16)
- Complete the minimum period of seagoing service
- A valid ENG1 (medical fitness certificate) or accepted equivalent
- Complete the appropriate programs of education and training
- Hold applicable ancillary and safety course certificates
MCA Engine Room Watch Rating (ERWR) Certificate (STCW A-III/4) Requirements
- Be at least 16 years old
- Have at least 6 months’ seagoing service on vessels2 with at least 350kW in propulsion power; this seagoing service can be reduced to 2 months with 'special training' i.e. when following an Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB)/ Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) approved or accepted qualification
- Have completed the Basic Safety Training
- Have completed the ERWR training record book or the relevant section of the MNTB training record book (TRB)
- If you hold a Motorman or non-STCW ERWR Certificate and have appropriate seagoing service in the engineering department, of either 6 months’ seagoing service within the last 5 years; OR 3 months’ seagoing service within the last year. You can complete the Basic Safety Training to upgrade to an ERWR Certificate STCW Code section A-III/4.
- You can obtain an ERWR Certificate from an MCA-approved or you can apply directly to the MCA’s Seafarer Training and Certification Branch
MCA Able Seafarer Engine Certificate (STCW A-III/5) Requirements
- Be at least 18 years old;
- Meet the requirements for certification as a UK Engine Room Watch Rating under the STCW Convention regulation III/4
- While qualified to serve as a UK Engine Room Watch Rating, complete either - At least 6 months’ seagoing service on vessels with at least 350kW in propulsion power and approved training. The approved training can be the attainment of a Diploma in Maritime Studies Able Seafarer Engine Room (MSQ/MSA); OR 12 months’ seagoing service as a rating on vessels with at least 350kW in propulsion power and pass an MCA-approved Engine Course
- Complete the relevant sections of the MNTB TRB while serving on board
Required Ancillary Safety Training for Engine Room Ratings
Table: Ancillary and Safety Course Certification for Engine Room Ratings - Credits: MCA
Disclaimer: For general information purpose - please check with MCA for the latest requirements and accurate info