[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https:\/\/marineproacademy.com\/certificate-of-competency-vs-proficiency-stcw\/#NewsArticle","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/marineproacademy.com\/certificate-of-competency-vs-proficiency-stcw\/","headline":"Certificate of Competency vs Certificate of Proficiency: STCW Explained","name":"Certificate of Competency vs Certificate of Proficiency: STCW Explained","description":"What is the difference between an STCW certificate of competency (CoC) and a certificate of proficiency (CoP)? Who needs which, how they are obtained and what 'competence' means in STCW.","datePublished":"2026-10-21","dateModified":"2026-10-25","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/marineproacademy.com\/author\/sockreport\/#Person","name":"Marine Pro Academy","url":"https:\/\/marineproacademy.com\/author\/sockreport\/","identifier":37603269,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/356da4290d619a25722d22c94cc94af7b43ec506cce123ad35f216d7aa53271c?s=96&d=identicon&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/356da4290d619a25722d22c94cc94af7b43ec506cce123ad35f216d7aa53271c?s=96&d=identicon&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Person","name":"Angelos Mythis"},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/marineproacademy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/How-to-Build-a-Crew-Competency-Framework.png?fit=1344%2C768&ssl=1","url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/marineproacademy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/How-to-Build-a-Crew-Competency-Framework.png?fit=1344%2C768&ssl=1","height":768,"width":1344},"url":"https:\/\/marineproacademy.com\/certificate-of-competency-vs-proficiency-stcw\/","about":["STCW & Regulatory Training"],"wordCount":514,"keywords":["Crew Training","maritime training"],"articleBody":"Two terms appear again and again in STCW: certificate of competency and certificate of proficiency. They sound similar, but they mean very different things, and knowing the difference helps you understand which documents you need for your job and your next promotion.Certificate of Competency (CoC)A certificate of competency is issued by a maritime administration to masters, officers, GMDSS radio operators and some other roles. It proves you meet the STCW standards for a specific rank and capacity, such as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (STCW II\/1) or Chief Engineer (STCW III\/2). Getting a CoC usually requires:Approved education and training.Qualifying seagoing service.Examination and assessment of competence.Medical fitness.If you serve on a ship flying a different flag from the country that issued your CoC, you normally also need that flag’s endorsement. See our Panama endorsements service.Certificate of Proficiency (CoP)A certificate of proficiency shows you have completed training and met the standard for a specific skill or duty. Most seafarers, including ratings and hotel crew, hold certificates of proficiency. Common examples:STCW Basic Safety Training: PST, FPFF, EFA and PSSR.Security Awareness and Designated Security Duties.Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (PSCRB).Advanced Fire Fighting and Medical First Aid.Passenger-ship training such as Crowd Management.Tanker cargo training.What “Competence” Means in STCWSTCW is a competence-based convention. Its tables (in Part A of the STCW Code) list, for each role or skill:The competence: what you must be able to do.The knowledge, understanding and proficiency required.The methods for demonstrating competence, such as examination, practical demonstration or approved in-service experience.The criteria for evaluating competence: how an assessor judges whether you meet the standard.This is why some competences, especially in survival and firefighting, involve practical demonstration, and why acceptance can depend on how training was assessed.Who Needs Which?Hotel and catering crew: certificates of proficiency (Basic Safety, security, often Crowd Management).Deck and engine ratings: certificates of proficiency, plus watchkeeping or able seafarer certificates for their roles.Officers and masters: a certificate of competency for their rank, plus the certificates of proficiency required for their duties, and flag endorsements where needed.Frequently Asked QuestionsCan I get a certificate of competency online?No. CoCs require approved education, sea service and examinations by a maritime administration. Online courses can support preparation and provide many certificates of proficiency.Do certificates of proficiency need flag endorsements?Endorsements under STCW Regulation I\/10 apply to certificates of competency. Requirements for certificates of proficiency depend on the flag and employer.Is Basic Safety Training a certificate of competency?No. It results in certificates of proficiency required for almost all seafarers.Know What You Hold, Know What You NeedCertificates of proficiency prove specific skills; certificates of competency qualify you for a rank. Most seafarers need several CoPs, and officers need both. Explore Marine Pro Academy’s flag-approved STCW courses for the certificates of proficiency your role requires.Share this:\t\t\t\tShare on X (Opens in new window)\t\t\t\tX\t\t\t\t\t\t\tShare on Facebook (Opens in new window)\t\t\t\tFacebook\t\t\t"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Certificate of Competency vs Certificate of Proficiency: STCW Explained","item":"https:\/\/marineproacademy.com\/certificate-of-competency-vs-proficiency-stcw\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]