A key stage in your training is the issue of a Certificate of Competency* for which the following must be achieved:
The SSTG recruitment process includes the requirement for all candidates to undertake a Merchant Navy Medical examination and gain an unrestricted medical certificate. In most cases we will interview candidates and issue Offers of Sponsorship subject to obtaining a medical certificate. However, where a candidate has an existing condition which might influence the candidate’s ability to obtain an unrestricted medical certificate, our advice would usually be for the candidate to obtain a medical certificate early in the process.
All SSTG Deck, Engineer and Electro-Technical Officer Cadets follow an MNTB/MCA* approved training programme.
Most are three years in duration and follow the following format:
Phase 1: Initial College Phase.
Programme introduction, initial academic studies and professional safety training.
Phase 2: Initial Sea Phase.
Introduction to a life at sea, commencement of practical training recorded in the Training Record Book* and introduction to watchkeeping.
Phase 3: Interim College Phase.
Review of initial sea phase and continuation of academic studies.
Phase 4: Final Sea Phase.
Completion of Training Record Book, sea training workbook and watchkeeping.
Phase 5: Final College Phase.
Completion of any outstanding academic studies and assessments, advanced short courses and preparation for the MCA oral examination.
There a small number of exceptions to the standard framework above and some colleges will alter the duration of college phrases to fit around college and public holidays.
Further information:
* A valid Certificate of Competency (CoC) is a requirement for all officers working on merchant navy vessels.
*MNTB/MCA. Merchant Navy Training Board / Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
*The MCA Training Record Book is used throughout your training to record completion of key tasks. Successful completion is a pre-requirement for sitting examinations.
Updated: February 2018