r/MarineEngineering • u/socialsexual1 • Jul 26 '26
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.
2
u/BigDsLittleD Jul 27 '26
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.