The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is set to launch electronic Flag State Endorsements (FSEs) for seafarers on UK vessels, as part of its initiative to modernize maritime services and digitize certification processes. Effective from September 1, 2026, these endorsements will be issued electronically, aligning with Regulation I/10 of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW). FSEs, also known as Certificates of Equivalent Competency (CECs), serve as proof that the UK acknowledges a Certificate of Competency issued by other STCW member states.
The MCA has emphasized that the transition to electronic certificates will not alter their legal status, validity, or acceptance. A transitional period of up to five and a half years will allow both physical and electronic FSE certificates to coexist. Existing physical certificates will remain valid until their expiration and will be replaced through the standard endorsement, certification, or revalidation procedures.
This development builds on previous enhancements made to UK seafarer certification, including the introduction of a photo-card style certificate in January 2021, which replaced the older paper and book formats. The MCA has also broadened the scope of electronic applications and document submissions, allowing seafarers to apply electronically for UK Certificates of Competency when a training record book is not required. However, physical submission remains necessary for applications that do require such documentation.
Overall, these changes reflect the MCA’s ongoing commitment to modernizing seafarer certification administration while adhering to STCW guidelines. The application process for obtaining a UK FSE will remain unchanged, continuing to follow MCA guidance for electronic submissions.
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