The MCA 5 Most Frequently Asked Questions
PRESS RELEASE

February 12, 2002

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

International Yachtmaster Training® Inc. 

5 MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Q. What will happen if the yacht crew are not suitably qualified after February 1st 2002?

A. The insurance companies may have their own views on this but the MCA would consider the vessel "not manned by appropriately qualified personnel as to be unseaworthy" and there will be repercussions accordingly. The vessel could be detained by the MCA, or Port State Control Inspectors of whichever country the yacht is in. Being in the process of completing the modules for Class 4 will not be a valid excuse for the vessel not being properly manned.

2. Q. When will candidates have to complete all the modules for The Class 4 and comply with STCW95?

A. STCW 95 is now in force and everyone should have been ready by February 1st 2002. There has been plenty of time to get prepared for this date, in fact since 1998.

3. Q. The new certificate structure is far more onerous than the existing one. Why is it suddenly necessary to have all this extra training?

A. STCW-95 requires all seafarers to be qualified to a higher standard than the previous STCW-78. The UK is a leading maritime nation and complies fully with all the principles of STCW95

4. Q. It is always very difficult to contact the MCA, how can Yacht crew ask questions direct to the MCA?

A. The only answer is to persevere, but if the question is suitable for this type of answer, why not write to IYT and they will ask it on this page. All the answers appearing here in the name of the MCA are vetted by the MCA before it goes to print.

5. Q. How can candidates determine whether they have the correct requirements for a MCA Orals exam for a certificate of competency?

A. A college or school can advise you and they usually are very good, BUT the only guaranteed authority is the actual MCA. Always endeavor to get the answer in writing because we cannot always accept what you thought the MCA office told you on the phone.

International Yachtmaster Training (IYT) has had these answers agreed by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) in the UK, before this article was submitted for printing.