Deck Officer Class 2 Certificate of Competency (Fishing Vessel) Written Exam Preparation Course including MCA Signals

What is special about this course?

This course is suitable for candidates who are aiming to obtain a Deck Officer (Fishing Vessel) Class 2 Certificate of Competency from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). It is designed to prepare candidates to sit the SQA written examinations which are required as part of this qualification.

A Deck Officer Class 2 Certificate of Competency (Fishing Vessel) is required by Skippers of UK registered fishing vessels of more than 16.5 metres in length and qualifies the holder to command a fishing vessel up to 30 metres in length in the Limited Area around the UK. It is also qualifies the holder to act as a deck officer on any UK registered fishing vessel inside or outside the Limited Area.

Funding may be available through Seafish for this course.

Entry requirements

Sea Service Requirement: 3 years sea service with a minimum of 2 years on fishing vessels over 12m in length.

Candidates should satisfy themselves that they meet all the entry requirements for the issue of a Notice of Eligibility (NOE) by the MCA.

This course prepares students to undertake the written examinations that are part of the requirements to obtain a Deck Officer (Fishing Vessel) Class 2 Certificate of Competency from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).

These written examinations are as follows:

  • Navigation
  • Chartwork and Pilotage
  • Meteorology
  • Safety and Management

The MCA Signals Exam will also be completed during the course.

How will I study my course?

    Face-to-face classroom-based learning.

    How long will my course last?

    11 Weeks

    How will I be assessed?

      MCA Signals is assessed by a combination of written and practical exams.

    Where can I study my course?

    Fees

    For the latest information on fees please see our fees policy.

    What can I do on completion of my course?

    On completion of the course candidates should be ready to sit their written exams. If successful in these exams, and once they have completed the additional elements, candidates can then go on to obtain their Deck Officer Class 2 Certificate of Competency (Fishing Vessel).

    To obtain a Deck Officer Class 2 Certificate of Competency (Fishing Vessel) candidates are required to achieve the following ancillary courses:

    • STCW Medical First Aid at Sea
    • NAEST (Operational)
    • STCW Advanced Fire Fighting
    • GMDSS General Operator’s Certificate (GOC) or GMDSS Restricted Operator’s Certificate (ROC)

    You will also be required to complete an oral examination. An oral examination preparation course is offered separately.

    Holding this Certificate of Competency qualifies the individual to be skipper of a UK registered fishing vessel of more than 16.5 metres in length and to command a fishing vessel up to 30 metres in length in the Limited Area around the UK. It is also qualifies the holder to act as a deck officer on any UK registered fishing vessel inside or outside the Limited Area.

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    I want to start in 2025/26

    We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at UHI Shetland. UHI Shetland operates a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of age, disability, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion and/or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.