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 ↗

Source: STCW

High confidence

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