Question 1

Is UK COC important for a maritime career?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a UK Certificate of Competency (COC) is essential for a maritime career. It is a globally recognized certification issued by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) that verifies a seafarer's professional training and legal qualifications to work in deck or engine roles on merchant vessels.

Question 2

What is a UK Certificate of Competency (CoC)?

Accepted Answer

A UK CoC is an official qualification issued by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) that certifies a seafarer's competence to serve in specific roles aboard UK-registered commercial vessels. It aligns with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW)

Question 3

Why UK CoC is beneficial for seafarers?

Accepted Answer

Having a UK Certificate of Competency (CoC) can be beneficial for Indian seafarers due to its global recognition, higher training standards, and potential for a wider range of job opportunities, especially with international shipping companies. It may also be advantageous for those seeking rapid advancement through shorter, more direct pathways for certain roles compared to the Indian system.

Question 4

What are the benefits of blended learning program?

Accepted Answer

The blended program for the UK CoC exam offers aspiring engineers and deck officers the opportunity to receive training in both India and the UK. The blended program approach combines the benefits of training in both countries. It not only provides a strong foundation but also ensures that candidates receive advanced and specialized training. This program is designed to be cost-effective, making it more accessible to aspiring officers

Question 5

How do I apply for a UK CoC?

Accepted Answer

For Engine side (Class 4) UK CoC : Minimum 24 months sea time along watchkeeping certificate III/4 and sea testimonials from onboard ship or sea service letters from company.
For Deck side (OOW) UK CoC : Minimum 36 months sea time along with watchkeeping certificate III/4 and sea testimonials from onboard ship or sea service letters from company and 6 months bridge watch keeping letter from the ship.

Question 6

Who is your collaborative partner in UK ?

Accepted Answer

We are official collaborative partners with South Shields Marine School part of Tynecoast College, United Kingdom (UK).

Question 7

What is blended learning program and do you offer blended learning program for engine and deck ?

Accepted Answer

A blended learning program for obtaining a UK Certificate of Competency (CoC) combines online theoretical coursework with practical assessments conducted at a UK maritime training institution. This flexible approach is particularly advantageous for seafarers who are working at sea or are based internationally, as it allows them to study remotely while fulfilling the necessary practical requirements.
Currently we offer blended learning program for Class 4 UK CoC which is 3+3 (3 months in SME India and 3 months in UK) in collaboration with South Shields Marine School, UK and OOW blended learning program 3+6 (3 months in SME India and 6 months Face to Face learning in the UK in collaboration with South Shields Marine School, UK) and Chief Mate blended learning program 3+6 (3 months online with SSMS, UK and 6 Face to Face Learning, with South Shields Marine School, UK).

Question 8

What is the eligibility to apply for the Officer of the Watch (OOW) UK course from India?

Accepted Answer

Minimum 36 months’ sea time as in a rank of OS (Ordinary Seaman), AB (Able Bodied Seaman), Pumpman or Bosun along with watchkeeping certificate III/4 and sea testimonials from onboard ship or sea service letters from company and 6 months bridge watch keeping letter from the ship.
Documents required for course booking as follows:
1. Deposit Form
2. Passport
3. Indian CDC first page stamp pages, last address page in one pdf format.
4. Pancard

Question 9

How to apply for the UK LOA & MNTB TAR-Book?

Accepted Answer

You need to have completed a minimum of 24 months of sea time as an Oiler / Motorman /Fitter or Wiper to apply for the UK MNTB TRB.
If you do not have the C/E testimonials, then that sea time will not be counted. In such a case, you can request your company to give you a company sea time letter for each ship.
You also need to have STCW III/4 Watch Rating Certificate. If you do not have it from your country’s maritime administration, you can get the Panama watch keeping certificate also.
Documents required are as follows:
1. 2 Current Passport first page and last page in pdf format
2. ENG 1/ Medical Certificate dg approved medical in one pdf format
3. Indian CDC first page stamp pages,last address page in one pdf format
4. Watch Keeping Certificate III-4 in one pdf format
5. COP Copy in one pdf format
6. PST, FPFF, PSSR, EFA Certificate in one pdf format
7. Ship Security Certificate in one pdf format
8. SEA TESTIMONIALS recent sailing - older sailing in one pdf format
9. Pancard

Question 10

Does SME assist students travel to the UK?

Accepted Answer

Yes. SME supports students with complete visa support including documentation, cover letters, funds guidance, form filling and provide references for accommodation in the UK.

Question 11

What are the visa maintenance funds to be shown for UK Visa purpose?

Accepted Answer

Visa maintenance funds per month as per UKVI requirement is £1136

Question 12

Are there any academic exemptions available for engineering graduates?

Accepted Answer

Engineering graduates with a B.E. or B.Tech in Mechanical or Marine Engineering may be eligible for academic exemptions in the UK COC Operational level (III/1) and management level (III/2) program. We assist with the NARIC application and IAMI exemption process to ensure your academic background is properly evaluated by UK authorities.

Question 13

How does SME help students complete their UK COC course in India and the UK?

Accepted Answer

Students at SME's Navi Mumbai location in India and South Shields Marine School (SSMS) in the UK can finish part of their training here in India and part of it in the UK. We handle everything from getting your booking done until you get your UK visa, to taking sample tests, and preparing for the exam. This way, you can focus on learning and do well.

Question 14

How does SME help students prepare for MCA oral exams and SQA written tests?

Accepted Answer

We offer students practice exams, one-on-one oral exam training, and subject-specific help sessions to help them prepare for MCA oral exams. Our training has led to a high pass rate for deck and engine officers.

Question 15

What is the passing percentage in UK?

Accepted Answer

We are pleased to report that 90% of our students successfully pass their UK CoC examinations on their first attempt. The remaining 10% achieve success on their second attempt. This demonstrates our commitment to providing high-quality training and support to ensure our students' success.

Question 16

What are the benefits of joining SME?

Accepted Answer

Our preparatory classes, led by MCA/SQA experts, focus on the UK exam syllabus and patterns. We aim for a 100% pass rate through exam-oriented teaching, mock tests, and feedback. If unsatisfied, we offer a free of cost revision until you clear your exams. Additionally, we provide assistance with accommodations, facilities, career guidance, UK Visa services, and more. We maintain long-term relationships with candidates, offering ongoing support during their UK exams.

Question 17

What are the processing times?

Accepted Answer

• Notice of Eligibility (NoE): Typically issued within 28 days.
• Certificate of Competency (CoC): Usually issued within 30 working days after passing the oral examination and submitting all necessary documents.

Question 18

How to reach our Corporate Office?

Accepted Answer

Visit our Corporate Office at A-303 Shelton Sapphire, Sector 15, CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra 400614, India. Landmark: Near Court Service Road.

Question 19

Is online payment facility available for fees?

Accepted Answer

You can pay your fees online through NEFT/Bank Transfer/Cash Deposit funds to the following accounts:
Beneficiary Name: SCHOOL OF MARINE EDUCATION
Bank Name: Axis Bank
Branch: Belapur, Navi Mumbai, India
Bank Account no: 919010050572331
Type: Saving Accounts
IFSC code: UTIB0000861

Set Sail Towards a Brighter Career with SME