The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) will begin issuing electronic Flag State Endorsements/Certificates of Equivalent Competency (E-FSE) certificates under Regulation I/10 of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) from 1 September 2026. 

Further details can be found in the MCA Publication MIN 655 Amendment 1.

This change represents an important step in the MCA's wider digital transformation programme, supporting our ambition to modernise services, improve customer experience, and provide more efficient, secure and accessible digital services to seafarers and the maritime industry.

The move to electronic certificates does not change the legal status, validity or acceptance of UK FSEs. Electronic certificates will continue to provide evidence that the United Kingdom recognises a Certificate of Competency issued by another STCW Party in accordance with Regulation I/10.

During a transitional period of up to 5 years and 6 months, both physical and electronic FSE certificates may remain in circulation. Existing certificates will remain valid until their expiry date and will be replaced through normal endorsement, certification or revalidation processes.

The introduction of electronic certificates is the first stage in a broader programme of certificate digitisation, designed to make MCA services easier to access while maintaining the high standards of security, compliance and international recognition expected by the maritime sector.