1. Overview:

• With this detailed 2024 guide by Merchant Navy Decoded, you may make the transition from GP Rating to 3rd Officer with a UK Certificate of Competency (CoC) in the Merchant Navy. 

• Know eligibility criteria, 2nd Mate examination procedures in the UK, and the Notice of Eligibility (NOE). 

• Examine the direct course costs in the UK and the option of a blended program with India. Find out if examinations can be taken from India and how to apply for a UK CoC. 

• Access an MCA-approved centers list in India and learn about the necessary documents for UK visa applications.

Rest assured with Merchant Navy Decoded as your trusted platform for all the latest updates & queries  regarding Merchant Navy

GP Rating to Officer, UK CoC Guidance Series 

2. 2nd Mate UK CoC Eligibility:

 Eligibility criteria for GP Rating to become 3rd officer in the UK:

1. 36 months at sea as deck ratings of OS, AB, Pump Man, and Bosun.
2. You should be gaining sea time on a foreign going (FG) vessel that is at least 80 gross tons (80 Grt) and 24 meters long overall (LOA). 
3. In the past 12 months, you should have at least 6 months of experience according to your navigational watchkeeping certificate.

3. 2nd Mate Exam in the UK for GP Rating

Those wishing to progress from a GP Rating to a 3rd Officer with a UK Certificate of Competency must pass written and oral examinations. 

Written Exam 

Higher National Certifications (HNC)

• 100 Marks (MCQ, Long and Short Answer)
• 75% required to pass 

Signal Exam (Morse Code)

Navigation

• 100 Marks ( 5 Questions Written)

Stability+ Cargo Work 

• 50 Marks Each 

Oral Exam

There is an oral test consisting of two parts: Part A and Part B.

You must clear both part A and part B together, if you fail part A then you need to give part A again but if you fail part B you need to give both part A and part B.

4. How to book UK CoC courses for 2nd Mate?

Step 1: Research and Choose:

Select a college offering the CoC program of your interest.

Step 2: Document Collection:

Gather the required documents.

Step 3: Application Submission:

Apply to the college through their application process, online or offline.

Step 4: Admission Review:

Wait for the college to review your application and provide an admission decision.

Step 5: Letter of Acceptance:

Receive a formal Letter of Acceptance if admitted.

Step 6: Confirm Intent to Enroll:

Confirm your enrollment by following the provided instructions and possibly paying a deposit.

Step 7: Letter of Acceptance

The college will send you a letter of acceptance (LOA) for visa application (for international students).

Step 8: Student Visa Application:

If applicable, apply for a student visa using the issued CAS.

Step 9: Tuition and Fees Payment:

Pay the required tuition and fees according to the college’s instructions.

Step 10: Seat Confirmation:

Consider your seat booked after completing all the steps. Attend any required orientation or onboarding sessions.

5. What are COP and Watchkeeping certificates?

Certificate of Proficiency (COP) is a certificate given by the Directorate General of Shipping in India. It is critical for personnel in the Merchant Navy who want to extend their careers beyond ratings. 

The COP helps in progression to higher ranks and necessitates 18 months of sailing experience. To apply, candidates must provide a variety of documents, including an INDOS receipt, a passport, a watchkeeping certificate, and others. 

The application process is assisted by the previous employer, and the status can be tracked via the DG Shipping website. The COP represents competency and is essential for career advancement in the Merchant Navy.

You can apply for COP and watchkeeping certificate from the government website by the DG shipping.

6. What is NOE?

Notice of Eligibility (NOE) is crucial for obtaining a UK Certificate of Competency (CoC) in the merchant navy.

It is obtained by passing an oral exam and remains valid for 5 years.

Eligibility Criteria

• To be eligible for NOE, applicants need a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) and a Tar Book.
• Completion of 9 months of sea time with IV(B) Watchkeeping is required.

Documents Required for NOE

• Various documents, including passport, CDC, COP, and medical fitness certificates, are needed for NOE application.

Application Process

• Apply for UK CoC by submitting an enrollment form with the necessary documents.
• Once the college confirms the seat, apply for NOE.
• After the NOE application, it undergoes review by the UK MCA.
• If approved, candidates proceed to book and prepare for the oral exam.
• Successful completion leads to the Certificate of Competency.

Do you want to know how to apply  NOE ( Notice of Eligibility) refer to the descriptive blog by Merchant Navy Decoded

7. UK CoC courses fees (Directly from the UK):

Expense Categories	Cost in GBP	Cost in INR
IELTS	363 GBP	₹36,351.58
Enrollment Fee (1000 GBP+ 8145 GBP)	9145 GBP	₹9,145,000
Maintenance Funds for Visa (1023*9) GBP	9207 GBP	₹91,350.00
Living Expenses (Monthly)	200-300 GBP	₹20,000 – ₹30,000
Chest Report	25 GBP	₹2,500.00
Flight Ticket	250- 500 GBP	₹25,000 – ₹50,000
UK Student Visa	1100 GBP	₹1,10,000
Total	20290-20640 GBP	₹20,29,000- ₹20,64,000

Here’s the breakdown of expenses in both GBP and INR (GBP = 100 INR)

8. UK CoC Courses fees (Blended Program UK + India):

Expense Categories	Cost in GBP	Cost in INR
IELTS	Not Required	Not Required
Enrollment Fee	8025 GBP	₹8,02,500
Maintenance Funds for Visa (1023*6) GBP	9207 GBP	₹92,700
Living Expenses (Monthly)	200-300 GBP	₹20,000 – ₹30,000
Chest Report	Not Required	Not Required
Flight Ticket	250- 500 GBP	₹25,000 – ₹50,000
UK Visitor u Visa	130- 400GBP	₹13,000- ₹40,000
Total	17,812- 18,432 GBP	₹17,81,200- ₹18,43,200

Here’s the breakdown of expenses in both GBP and INR (GBP = 100 INR)

9. UK Visa Cost (Visiter Visa and Student Visa):

UK Visa application fees vary on the type of visa you want to apply for. We have mentioned the suggested visa type for you, for further information you can refer to the UK official website for the same:

Visa Type	Type	Application fees  (GBP)
Visiter	Short-term (up to 6 months, single or multiple entry)	12627 GBP
Visiter	Visiting academic – more than 6 months up to 12 month	21959 GBP
Study	Student – main applicant and dependants	53801 GBP
Work	Offshore worker	69941 GBP

10. Can you give UK CoC Exams from India?:

Yes, you can now take the UK CoC exam from India through the India + UK Program, a blended learning program, to take the UK Certificate of Competency (CoC) exam in India. 

With the help of this program, engine rating and deck rating can receive training in both India and the UK, making it an affordable and convenient choice to become an officer. 

While some training is done in India, certain components like the written and oral SQA exams—need to be completed in the UK to meet UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) criteria. 

Do you want to know the pros and cons of a blended program? Refer to this blog

11. List of UK MCA-approved centers in India:

There are four UK MCA-approved centers in India such as Anglo-Eastern Training Centre, T.S. Rahaman, HIMT Chennai, and BP Marine Academy. 

Do you want to know more about the UK MCA-approved centers?

12. Documents required for UK Visa:

Depending on the type of visa you’re seeking, different documents are needed for a UK visa. However, typical documents frequently consist of:

1. Valid Passport
2. Completed Visa Application Form
3. Passport-sized Photographs
4. Proof of Financial Means (e.g., bank statements)
5. Accommodation Details
6. Flight Itinerary
7. Proof of Employment or Studies
8. Travel Insurance
9. Biometric Information (fingerprint and photo)
10. Additional Requirements (varies by visa type)

Ensure all documents are genuine, up-to-date, and meet the specific requirements for your visa application

13. Top Reasons for the Rejection of UK Visa:

1. Low Funds: Failure to provide documentation of sufficient funds to cover costs.
2. Inaccurate or incomplete information is provided, or necessary documents are not submitted.
3. Shady Travel History, previous visa offenses, or questionable travel trends.
4. The absence of Strong Ties to the Home Country, raises questions about returning home because there is no indication of a job or a family.
5. Irregular travel plans constitute an incomplete travel itinerary.
6. Previous criminal history or connections to security threats are security concerns.
7. Applying for the incorrect visa category is known as a visa category mismatch.
8. Insufficient Goal of Visit, the trip’s goal is not made clear.
9. Health issues include infectious infections or not meeting necessary health needs.

14. Conclusion:

This blog helps GP Ratings in the Merchant Navy move up to a 3rd Officer with a UK CoC. It explains eligibility, 2nd Mate exams, and the NOE’s role. Financial aspects are discussed, comparing UK course costs with a blended program in India. The guide outlines steps for applying, securing the NOE, and understanding financial details. For those in India taking UK CoC exams, approved centers, and visa documents are covered, emphasizing accurate submissions to avoid rejection. It simplifies the process, offering valuable insights straightforwardly.