Certificate of Competency vs STCW Endorsement — What is the Difference?

Seafarers often confuse a Certificate of Competency (CoC) with an STCW endorsement. They are different qualifications with different purposes, and most maritime careers require both. This guide explains the distinction and when you need each.

What is a Certificate of Competency (CoC)?

A Certificate of Competency is a national qualification issued by a flag state's maritime authority. It certifies that a seafarer has met the education, examination, and sea service requirements for a specific rank — such as Master, Chief Officer, Chief Engineer, or Officer of the Watch.

The CoC is your primary professional qualification. It determines what roles you can hold on a vessel and is recognised by port state control inspections worldwide.

Key characteristics:

• Issued by a specific flag state (UK MCA, Transport Canada, AMSA, USCG, etc.)
• Tied to a specific rank and department (deck or engine)
• Requires formal education, examinations, and documented sea service
• Valid for 5 years, renewable through revalidation
• National in scope — issued under domestic maritime law

What is an STCW endorsement?

An STCW endorsement is a certificate of proficiency issued under the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers. It confirms that a seafarer meets the international minimum training standards for specific safety and operational competencies.

Unlike a CoC, an STCW endorsement does not certify rank. It certifies specific skills — such as Basic Safety Training, survival craft, fire fighting, or medical care.

Key characteristics:

• Based on international standards (IMO STCW Convention)
• Certifies specific competencies, not rank
• Valid for 5 years, renewable through refresher training
• Required in addition to a CoC for most maritime roles
• Recognised by all STCW Convention parties

Key differences at a glance

• Purpose: CoC = rank qualification. STCW = safety competency.
• Issuer: CoC = national authority. STCW = national authority implementing international standards.
• Scope: CoC = determines what roles you can hold. STCW = determines what safety training you have completed.
• Requirements: CoC = education + exams + sea service. STCW = training course + assessment.
• Validity: Both valid 5 years. Both require renewal.

When you need both

Most maritime roles require both a CoC and relevant STCW endorsements. For example:

• An Officer of the Watch needs a CoC (STCW II/1) and STCW Basic Safety Training
• A Master needs a CoC (STCW II/2) and multiple STCW endorsements (management level)
• A rating needs an STCW endorsement for their specific duties (A-II/4 or A-III/4)

The CoC qualifies you for the role. The STCW endorsements confirm you have the safety training required to perform it.

Cross-country recognition

CoCs are issued by specific flag states and may not be automatically recognised by other flag states. A UK MCA CoC is not the same as a Transport Canada CoC, and working on a Canadian vessel with a UK CoC may require an endorsement or validation. The specific route for UK-trained officers serving on Canadian vessels is the Recognition Agreement pathway under STCW Reg I/10(5) — see our Canada guide for the full step-by-step.

STCW endorsements, by contrast, are based on international standards and are widely recognised. A Basic Safety Training certificate issued under STCW A-VI/1 is accepted by all STCW Convention parties.

This is why many seafarers pursue both: a CoC from their home flag state and STCW endorsements that provide international portability.

Frequently asked questions

Can I work with just an STCW endorsement and no CoC?

STCW endorsements alone do not qualify you for officer or management roles. Ratings may work with STCW endorsements and a certificate of competency at the rating level, but officers require a full CoC.

Do I need an STCW endorsement if I already have a CoC?

Yes. The CoC certifies your rank and professional qualifications. STCW endorsements certify specific safety competencies. Most flag states require both.

Which is more important — CoC or STCW?

Both are essential but serve different purposes. The CoC is your primary professional qualification. STCW endorsements are supplementary safety certifications. You cannot serve as an officer without a CoC, and you cannot serve without the required STCW endorsements.

How do I get an STCW endorsement?

Complete an approved training course for the specific STCW competency. For Basic Safety Training, see our STCW BST guide. For other endorsements, contact an approved training provider.

Related training

If you are working towards a Certificate of Competency (CoC) or STCW endorsement, the following online training modules from Marine Pro Academy cover the operational and safety competencies that pair with your CoC:

• STCW Basic Safety Training Bundle — the four-module STCW A-VI/1 package (PST + FPFF + EFA + PSSR). Required alongside your CoC for most officer and rating roles. Start the BST Bundle (MPA).
• Watchkeeping Deck (Bridge Watchkeeping) — STCW A-VIII/2 training for OOW-level deck officers preparing for a CoC. Start the Watchkeeping Deck course (MPA).
• Watchkeeping Engine (Engine Room Watchkeeping) — STCW A-VIII/2 training for engineering officers preparing for a CoC. Start the Watchkeeping Engine course (MPA).

See also: STCW Basic Safety Training | Canada maritime guide | UK maritime guide