Accredited Maritime Training Centre

What is the MCA and How Does benefit you

The Marine and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is the UK accrediting body for the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (or STCW). In this capacity the MCA sets and monitors the standards for approved training providers. The Convention prescribes minimum standards relating to training, certification and watchkeeping for seafarers which countries are obliged to meet or exceed.

The Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB) is the UK shipping industry’s central body for promoting and developing sector specific education, training and skills. The 1978 STCW Convention (which has since been amended several times) was the first to establish basic requirements on training, certification and watchkeeping for seafarers on an international level.

Previously the standards of training, certification and watchkeeping of officers and ratings were established by individual governments, usually without reference to practices in other countries. As a result standards and procedures varied widely, even though shipping is one of the most international of all industries.

The MNTB, in conjunction with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), developed the STCW ‘short course criteria’ specification documents. These are required for approval of training under the IMO’s Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, as subsequently amended.

Falmouth Training Solutions is accredited by the MCA to deliver a wide range of ‘short course’ training. As an MCA accredited training provider, we are regularly monitored so you are assured of the highest standards of tuition, equipment and facilities.

You can find the latest MNTB certification and training requirements in the MCA document MSN1865 (M)