We accept applications for registration on the Experienced Seafarer Route and Alternative Route for Small Vessel Engineering as per MSN 1904 (replacing MIN 524) and associated MIN 642.
These routes apply to those working onboard fishing vessels, yachts, tugs, workboats, standby vessels, seismic survey vessels, oceanographic research vessels and government patrol vessels, <9000kW and <3000GT.
Alternative route registration
To make an application to be considered under the alternative route – engineering degree graduate/HND/HNC/marine engineering apprenticeship holders (NVQ Level 3+) – you will need to provide the following evidence by email:
- Copy of your qualification award certificate.
- Copy of your academic transcript.
- If qualification gained outside UK, a copy of ENIC statement of comparability, as well as English translation of certificate and transcript (as appropriate)
Note: HND, HNC, and apprenticeship (NVQ Level 3+) qualifications must have been completed in the UK or an EU State. Apprenticeships must be in a marine engineering discipline.
You will also need to pay a one-off application fee here. This fee is non-refundable - please ensure you're confident regarding your eligibility.
Send the above documentation and proof of payment to: wma.lia@solent.ac.uk
When we have received all of the above, our panel will consider your application and you will be notified of the outcome within six to eight weeks. This process includes the issuance of an official training record book, together with a formal registration letter giving details of your unique registration number and official start date. You will also receive an action plan, detailing the further requirements to be met for the issue of the first small vessel engineering Certificate of Competency.
Small vessel engineer career progression chart
Experienced seafarer route registration
To make an application to be considered under the experienced seafarer route and to officially register and be issued with a training record book, you must provide the following information by email:
- 24 months' on-board service on vessels of at least 200kW, which must include a minimum of six months' seagoing service. All within an engineering role. This needs to be verified by the PYA, or Nautilus.
- Hold an Approved Engine Course 1 and Approved Engine Course 2 - a copy of your certificates is required.
- Hold the STCW basic safety training certificates: (copies required)
- Personal Survival Techniques (STCW Code A-VI/1-1)
- Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (STCW Code A-VI/1-2)
- Elementary First Aid (STCW Code A-VI/1-3)
- Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (STCW Code A-VI/1-4)
You will also need to pay a one-off application fee here. This fee is non-refundable - please ensure you're confident regarding your eligibility.
When we have received all of the above, your evidence will be assessed and you will be advised of the outcome within six to eight weeks. This process includes the issuance of an official training record book, together with a formal registration letter giving details of your unique registration number and official start date.
Experienced seafarer route FAQs
Experienced seafarer route flowchart
Small vessel engineer career progression chart
Contact us
To begin your application, or if you have any questions or need any clarification on which route is applicable to you, please contact us.
