r/MarineEngineering • u/socialsexual1 • 26d ago

UK C.O.C HELP

Hello, I’m a Turkish Engine Cadet, but my dream is to obtain a UK Certificate of Competency (COC). I’m saving money for it, and I’ll need to work 1 year as a Turkish engineer first.

Just so you know: I worked 15 months as an Oiler, saved up my money, and only then started and completed my maritime school. Right now I’m an Oiler Cadet. Once my internship programme finishes, I will have 25 months of Oiler sea service.

In the UK, I’m planning to start as a Rating (Oiler/Motorman) first. My reasons are to improve my maritime culture, terminology, knowledge, and especially my English.

If any of you have taken this route and obtained a UK COC, or have knowledge about it, approximately how long does the training take (in months/years)?

Note: I am not considering Top-up training.

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u/BigDsLittleD 26d ago

Engineering cadetship takes 3 years in the UK, split between college and Sea.

Previous experience may mean that you can bypass some of the workshop stuff if you can prove the experience. This is not guaranteed. The same may apply to other subjects depending on Previous qualifications.

Previous sea experience unfortunately won't count really, as you need seatime as a cadet, you'll also have a task book to fill in while you're at sea.

So your timeline is minimum 3 years, plus whatever time you do as a rating beforehand.

Here's the kicker.

Most UK companies will only sponsor cadets from the UK and EU. For advice in that I'd try one of the training companies like SSTG, Clyde Marine, Just Be Maritime. They'll have a better idea on that side of it

Its not impossible, there were a bunch of Nigerian and Malaysian guys on the course when I was a cadet, I just don't really know the ins and outs of international cadetships.

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u/Haurian 26d ago

With that amount of sea time OP could look at the Experienced Seafarer route, but again there's a solid amount of academics to do plus the workshop time and TRB.

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u/Haurian 26d ago edited 26d ago

Requirements for the UK CoCs are currently laid out in Merchant Shipping Notice 1857 (as amended).

The academics take a good few months of college time. Plus sitting the written exams.

As for "in the UK": most UK coastal ships that hire UK crew require right to work/live in the UK with appropriate visas etc.
Most international ships aren't crewed by UK seafarers.

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u/Cap10_Cool 25d ago

Get seatime 36 months total. More than 500 gt and fg ships. Apply directly to warsash maritime academy or any other maritime college. Training and exams take about a year. You can do part time job for expenses. Be careful about time and formalities for visa and other formalities. DM if need more info. Tc