OOW Unlimited: Part A, Part B, and getting there.

What are the requirements for an OOW Unlimited CoC?

Be at least 18; have the qualifying seagoing service since age 16; hold the ancillary and safety course certificates; complete an approved education and training programme; hold a Signals certificate issued within the previous 3 years; pass the MCA OOW Safety Examinations in Navigation and in Stability and Operations; hold a valid ENG1 or accepted equivalent; and pass the oral. The safety exams and the oral must both be passed within 3 years before the CoC is issued.

How much sea time do I need for OOW Unlimited?

It depends on the route: 12 months' approved seagoing service on an MCA-approved cadet programme, or the service set by an MCA-approved overseas collaborative programme — each documented in a Training Record Book and including 6 months of bridge watchkeeping. Or, on the experienced seafarer route, 36 months' seagoing service with 6 months of bridge watchkeeping (48 months if you have worked as a general purpose rating outside an approved route).

Can I convert a yacht OOW <3000 GT CoC to OOW Unlimited?

Yes. MSN 1856 section 13.3 asks for 36 months in yachts over 24 metres load line length or at least 80 GT, with evidence of at least 6 months' bridge watchkeeping; the HNC/Advanced Certificate 'Underpinning Knowledge for OOW' certificate; the ancillary safety courses; a Signals certificate from the last 3 years; the OOW Safety Examinations in Navigation and in Stability and Operations; a valid ENG1; and the oral.

What is the OOW Unlimited Part A exam?

An online, proctored, computer-based exam taken from the link in your NOE email, at a time of your choosing. It has 15 questions, each with four test points, and a 40-minute limit. Results are emailed within five working days of the proctoring review.

Three questions each cover the International Collision Regulations, IALA buoyage and navigational procedures; the other six come from the rest of the MIN 653 syllabus.

What is the OOW Unlimited Part A pass mark?

There is a minimum per topic, and all must be met: 90% in the Collision Regulations, 90% in IALA buoyage, 80% in navigational procedures, and 50% in each of seaworthiness, cargo work, emergency procedures, communication, regulation, and other (ship handling, meteorology, safety and security). The MCA will not consider appeals on narrow misses.

Can I get extra time for Part A?

If you have a recognised learning difficulty diagnosis you may be eligible for 25% additional time. Email your evidence to the MCA exams team and wait for confirmation before you sit the exam.

What is OOW Unlimited Part B?

The oral itself: a recorded online exam with an MCA examiner on Microsoft Teams, based on the MIN 653 Amendment 1 deck oral syllabus for OOW Unlimited. You can book it only after passing Part A — the booking instructions arrive by email — and must complete it within 12 months of the Part A pass.

What if I fail Part B?

You pay a £159 resit fee and resit Part B at the usual intervals (at least 2 weeks, then 6 weeks, then 3 months). You only resit Part A as well if more than 12 months have passed since you passed it.