Certificate of Competency (CoC)
Officers and engineers — issuing administration, validity, renewal, EAR for second flags.
What it is
A national maritime administration's certification under STCW that a deck or engine officer is competent to hold a specific level of watchkeeping or command. Issued at the OOW (II/1), CO (II/2 chief mate), Master (II/2 master), and equivalent engine levels (III/1, III/2, III/2 chief).
Who needs it
Deck and engine officers and engineers. Not the same as a Certificate of Proficiency (CoP).
When it is checked
- Sign-on muster.
- Port-state-control inspection.
- Flag endorsement (EAR) application.
Common mistakes
- Letting the 5-year validity lapse — see /stcw/revalidation.
- Sailing under a second flag without an EAR.
- Carrying a non-genuine or unverifiable certificate — flag administrations publish verification portals.
Validity
5 years from issue. Renewable subject to sea service or refresher courses.
Related
Primary sources
High confidence
Last verified