UK Flag State Endorsements (FSEs)

All seafarers that serve on board a UK flagged vessel holding non-UK Certificates of Competency (CoC) are required to hold a valid UK Flag State Endorsement (FSE), these are also known as a Certificate of Equivalent Competency (CEC). These certificates are issued on a like-for-like basis against a valid non-UK Certificate of Competency and are issued in line with the international convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW). Full requirements for obtaining a UK FSE are outlined in MSN 1867 amendment 1.

Application process and how to apply

FSE

We work to make the application process as seamless as possible and aim to issue an FSE within 28 days of receipt of a completed application. For all FSE application forms, information on additional documentation and further guidance on FSE applications, please see our FSE application guidance on gov.uk.
 

Certificate of Receipt of Application (CRA)

If a company is making an application on behalf of a seafarer, a Certificate of Receipt of Application (CRA) can be issued upon request. This can enable seafarers to embark a vessel as required and remains valid for a period of up to three months.

To request a CRA, please submit application form Confirmation of Receipt of Application (Flag State Endorsement) MSF 4359 (FSE CRA) with the corresponding FSE application.
 

Emergency CRA

If an urgent embarkation of a seafarer is required outside of our standard opening hours, which are Monday to Friday 08:15 to 17:30 excluding UK public holidays, we can issue an Emergency CRA (ECRA). This is issued (additional fee applies) when applications are received and permits the seafarer to embark the vessel prior to a FSE application being submitted for a maximum period of one month.

Authority to Operate (ATO) certificates (endorsement of non-UK GMDSS)

We also issue Authority to Operate (ATO) certificates. This is a UK endorsement of a recognised foreign GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System) certificate.
 

How to apply for an ATO

Please send a covering letter and an attested copy of the applicant’s GMDSS to the FSE Team at fse@mcga.gov.uk

UK Legal and Administrative Processes (UKLAP)

All Masters, Chief Mates, Chief Engineers and Second Engineers need to have knowledge of UK Legal and Administrative Processes (UKLAP) to enable safe and efficient ship operation in compliance with UK regulations.
 

Examination process

All Masters must take and pass the UKLAP Grade 1 examination to receive a full FSE.

If a seafarer needs to take the UKLAP 1 examination, we will issue a Notice of Assessment (NOA). The NOA email will contain a link to access the online computer-based examination, a username and password. The UKLAP 1 examination is an online computer-based, proctored examination. The exam is available to be taken 24/7 and taken anywhere.

Chief Mates, Chief Engineers and Second Engineers need to have knowledge of UKLAP equivalent to Grade 2 and must be assessed by their company, and the details of the test kept on record in the company office for inspection by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).

More information, including the UKLAP 1 Syllabus, can be found in MSN 1867 (M) - Amendment 1 - Recognition of non-UK certification for the issue of a Flag State Endorsement and MIN 690: Guidance on the MCA Oral Examination Booking, the Issue of Notices of Eligibility (NOEs) and the Online Oral Examination Processes - Amendment 5.

Verification of a UK Flag State Endorsement

If you are a foreign maritime agency or an employer that needs to verify UK Flag State Endorsements (previously a Certificate of Equivalent Competency) you can do this online through our official verification checker.

If you are unable to verify through the online verification website, please contact the exams team for verification on exams@mcga.gov.uk

Useful information

• Administrations whose CoCs are accepted towards the issuing of a UK FSE
• UK Flag State Endorsement application form and guidance

For help or guidance, please contact the team.