Small vessel engineer certification FAQs

Alternative route

Do I need an ENIC statement of comparability for my qualification?

• If your qualification was gained outside the UK, yes! We can accept relevant engineering degrees from any country, when they are accompanied by an ENIC document, showing comparability to a UK Level 6 qualification.
• If you are using an HND/HNC/apprenticeship (NVQ Level 3+) for entry, it must originate from the UK or an EU state. Those from an EU state will need an ENIC document showing equivalent comparability.
• Any HND/HNC/apprenticeship (NVQ Level 3+) gained outside an EU state, will not be eligible for the alternative route, regardless of the ENIC document.

Is my qualification subject considered relevant?

• It will be suitable if your qualification is in marine engineering, mechanical engineering, aeronautical engineering or electro-mechanical subject matter. If not then you should have completed at least four of the following modules to be considered relevant: applied mechanics, applied heat, mathematics, engineering drawing, naval architecture/ship construction, and electro-technology. Proof of these modules must be provided with your application.
• Apprenticeships (NVQ Level 3+) must be in a marine engineering discipline, or at least covering 70% of the AEC 1 and 2 syllabi to be considered relevant.

Can I be exempt from any courses?

• It may be possible to gain exemptions for AEC1, AEC2 and Workshop Skills Training if you can prove you have completed similar training previously.
• The exemption service is provided by IAMI and individuals will have to provide them with evidence of previous training to be considered for any exemption.

If I am exempt from AEC or workshop skills, can I be provided with a certificate?

• No. Exemption means you will not have to complete the course in your progression toward the certificate of competency. It does not entitle you to a course completion certificate. The only way to get a course completion certificate is to attend and complete the relevant course.

What courses and sea time will be required to progress on this route?

• As per your action plan, you will require all the courses listed. These are detailed in MSN1904 Section 4.7
• You will require the appropriate amount of sea time depending on your qualification. Again, it will be stipulated on your action plan, see MSN1904 Section 5 for details on sea time.

I have already completed sea time before registration, can this count toward the action plan requirement?

• No, the MCA state that sea time must be completed on the alternative route after registration.

What CoC will this route lead to?

• A Small Vessel Engineer Officer of the Watch Certificate of Competency, <9000kW, <3000GT

Will I be restricted to a small vessel CoC forever?

• No. Once you gain the first SV CoC, this can be upgraded with further sea time, courses and exams to an SV Chief Engineer CoC. This could then be developed further to a Chief Engineer Unlimited CoC. Therefore, there are routes available to allow you to work on large merchant vessels of any size and power.

Experienced seafarer route

Does my sea time need to be verified?

• Yacht sea time must be verified by either PYA or Nautilus to ensure its accuracy.
• Alternatively we can accept sea time that is backed up by both of the following methods: sea service testimonials, and discharge book entries. All dates must match and clearly represent your sea time. Any inconsistencies will be not be counted.

Will my previous training and experience be considered for exemptions?

• No. When registering on the experienced seafarer route we only assess that you have met the sea time requirement, and the required STCWs and AECs.
• If you feel you could be exempt from Workshop Skills, or General Engineering Science later on in your progression, this can be assessed by IAMI.

I have already completed over 36 months' sea time, do I still need to register?

• Yes. All candidates must register with a training provider to progress toward the first small vessel engineering CoC.
• Regardless of how much sea time you have completed previously, all candidates will be required to complete a further 12 months after registration.

What courses and sea time will be required to progress on this route?

• You will require all the courses detailed in MSN 1904, Section 4.6
• Sea time requirements are detailed in MSN 1904, Section 5

What CoC will this route lead to?

• A Small Vessel Engineer Officer of the Watch Certificate of Competency, <9000kW, <3000GT

Will I be restricted to a Small Vessel CoC forever?

• No. Once you gain the first SV CoC. This can be upgraded with further sea time, courses and exams to an SV Chief Engineer CoC. This could then be developed further to a Chief Engineer Unlimited CoC, meaning there are routes available to allow you to work on large merchant vessels of any size and power.