MCA Master qualification for vessels less than 200GT

Comparable to the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore certification, the MCA Master qualification for vessels less than 200GT holds significant value, particularly in foreign ports where officials are accustomed to recognizing MCA or Flag State endorsements. The Master 200 certification encompasses two operational tiers: 'limited', enabling operation within a range of up to 150 miles, and 'unlimited', granting permission for worldwide navigation. The Master 200 examination is conducted orally at one of the MCA offices.

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Duration: 5 days

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Course Overview:

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Our Master 200 Preparation Course spans five intensive days, designed to equip you thoroughly for the challenges of the Master 200 examination. We commence with a comprehensive assessment to gauge your existing knowledge, tailoring our instruction to suit your needs.

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Throughout the course, we delve into the Master 200 syllabus, delving into critical topics such as:

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• Business, Law and Regulation,

• Electronic Navigation, Radar operation,

• Watchkeeping protocols,

• Navtex procedures,

• Bridge management, and more.

 

Additionally, we cover vital aspects including:

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• Masters' responsibilities,

• ColRegs Rule 19 for restricted visibility,

• GMDSS operations,

• Responses to Bridge control failure

• Pollution prevention strategies

• Garbage management protocols

• Stability principles,

• Codes of practice and the LY code

• CoSWP guidelines

• Musters

•  Legal obligations

• Salvage procedures

• Safe manning standards

• regulations concerning hours of work and crew agreements.

 

Qualification Requirements:

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To enroll in the Master 200 Preparation Course, candidates must meet specific prerequisites and possess a Notice of Eligibility from the MCA. These requirements include:

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• RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence, commercially endorsed by the RYA

• RYA Yachtmaster/Coastal Skipper Shorebased certificate

• Personal Survival Techniques certification (STCW A-VI/1-1), or a non-STCW RYA Basic Sea Survival qualification

• Fire Fighting and Fire Prevention training (STCW A-VI/1-2)

• Elementary First Aid certification (STCW A-VI/1-3)

• Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities training (STCW A-VI/1-4)

• GMDSS Restricted Operators Certificate (ROC)

• HELM Operational Certificate (Human Element Leadership and Management)

 

For those pursuing the Master 200 unlimited designation, additional prerequisites are necessary, including RYA MCA Yachtmaster Ocean certification, RYA Shorebased Yachtmaster Ocean qualification, and GMDSS General Operators Certificate (GOC).

 

Pre-Examination Requirements:

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Before sitting for the Master 200 examination, candidates must complete and submit a Notice of Eligibility (NoE) to the MCA. It is advised to allow a minimum of 28 days for the processing of the NoE to ensure timely scheduling of the examination.