Applying for a UK GMDSS Certificate, Endorsement or Revalidation.
Source: gov.uk (2025-05-09)

Guidance on gaining a GOC, ROC, LRC, STCW Endorsement or revalidating an STCW endorsement for a GMDSS certificate for working at sea on UK vessels.

Please note that is you are applying for any GMDSS certificate, endorsement or revalidation alongside an application for a new UK Certificate of Competency (CoC) or revalidation of a UK CoC you do not need to send a separate application, this will be done alongside your CoC application.

Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) uses personal information that we collect if you have applied for global maritime distress safety system (GMDSS) certification with the Association of Marine Electronic and Radio Colleges Limited (AMERC).

To find out more about how the MCA look after personal data, your rights and how to contacts our data protection officer please go to our privacy information notice (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/maritime-and-coastguard-agency-privacy-notices/seafarer-training-and-certification-privacy-information-notice) page.

Overview

As radio personnel requiring a GMDSS GOC, ROC or LRC you must apply to the MCA to obtain your Certificate of Competency.

As radio personnel serving on UK registered vessels you must apply to the MCA to get your GMDSS GOC or ROC endorsed so it meets STCW requirements.

You must revalidate your STCW endorsement every 5 years.

How to apply

Complete the application form MSF 4354 below.

Download
- MSF 4354 (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/gmdss-stcw-endorsement-msf-4354) Application for initial GMDSS GOC, ROC or LRC certification. Application for STCW endorsement and subsequent revalidation to GMDSS certificate of competency
Refer to marine guidance note MSN 1864 (M) Amendment 1 and MIN 716 below for further information.

Download
- MSN 1864 (M) Amendment 1 (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/msn-1864-m-amendment-1-uk-requirements-for-radio-operators)
- MIN 716 (M+F) Amendment 1 (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/min-716-mf-changes-to-the-gmdss-process-in-the-uk/min-716-mf-changes-to-the-gmdss-process-in-the-uk)
Read the guidance notes in your application form to check you are submitting the documents correctly.

If you are applying for your GMDSS GOC, ROC or LRC only you must include:
- GMDSS Course Completion Certificate from an approved training provider
- 2 passport style photographs
- Attested copy of your passport
- Correct fee as per application form
If you are applying for your first STCW endorsement you must include:
- a copy of your UK GMDSS GOC or ROC
- valid medical fitness certificate, ENG1 (https://www.gov.uk/seafarer-medical-certificates) or recognised non-UK equivalent (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/msn-1815-amendment-6-equivalent-medical-certificates)
- 4 elements of STCW basic training certificates or a UK CoC
The basic training certificates are:
- personal survival techniques (STCW Code A-VI/1-1)
- fire prevention and fire fighting (STCW Code A-VI/1-2)
- elementary first aid (STCW Code A-VI/1-3)
- personal safety and social responsibilities (STCW Code A-VI/1-4)
To revalidate an STCW endorsement you must include:
- a copy of your UK GMDSS GOC or ROC
- valid medical fitness certificate; ENG1 (https://www.gov.uk/seafarer-medical-certificates) or recognised non-UK equivalent (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/msn-1815-amendment-6-equivalent-medical-certificates)
And either:
- An attested copy of your Certificate of Competency
- Evidence of having completed or updated the training for Personal Survival Techniques and Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting within the last 5 years.
Email your application and supporting documents to the MCA:

xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx)

The MCA aims to process your application within 14 days of receipt. You’ll receive an email:
- if any further information/evidence is needed
- when your certificate(s) and documents are being couriered back to you
MCA does not offer a counter service.

Accepted non-UK GMDSS

The MCA will accept some non-UK GMDSS towards the application of a UK CoC.
- Find information about countries that have GMDSS (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/list-of-countries-accepted-towards-issuing-a-uk-FSE) certificates which are acceptable equivalents.
GMDSS that is accepted will be marked “yes”.

Further information

If you have lost your original GOC, ROC or LRC, please complete MSF 4299 (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/replacing-your-stcw-certificate-msf-4299). This can then be sent to xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx).