CoP (Certificate of Proficiency)
Abbreviation: CoP
A STCW certificate covering a specific function (BST, AFF, MFA) rather than a rank — held by both officers + ratings.
Quick facts
- Standard
- STCW 1978 as amended
In practice
Every seafarer carries multiple CoPs — BST + AFF + MFA + PSC are the minimum for most seagoing roles. Refresher intervals typically 5 years.
Regulatory detail & full definition
A Certificate of Proficiency (CoP) is issued by a flag state proving that a seafarer holds a specific STCW-required functional competency — e.g. Basic Safety Training (BST), Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF), Medical First Aid (MFA), Proficiency in Survival Craft (PSC), Security-Related training (SSO / DSO / ISPS). Unlike a CoC, a CoP does not authorise serving in a specific rank; it evidences a specific competency that a rank may require.
Authoritative source: IMO — STCW Convention ↗
Related
Source: STCW
High confidence
Editorial confidence: how we grade.