The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has introduced electronic Flag State Endorsements for seafarers working onboard UK ships as part of its wider programme to modernise maritime services and digitalise certification processes.
Under updated Marine Information Note MIN 655 Amendment 1, Flag State Endorsements (FSEs) are being issued electronically from 1 September 2026 in accordance with Regulation I/10 of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).
FSEs, also referred to as Certificates of Equivalent Competency (CECs), provide evidence that the UK recognises a Certificate of Competency issued by another STCW Party.
"The MCA stressed that moving to electronic certificates does not change their legal status, validity or acceptance.
A transitional period of up to five years and six months is expected, during which both physical and electronic FSE certificates may remain in circulation. Existing physical certificates will continue to be valid until their expiry and will be replaced through the normal endorsement, certification or revalidation process."
The change builds on previous updates to UK seafarer certification. In January 2021, the MCA introduced a photo-card style certificate to replace the former paper and book format for STCW Certificates of Competency and related certification.
The Agency has also expanded the use of electronic applications and document submission. Seafarers applying for a UK Certificate of Competency where a training record book is not required can submit applications electronically for both initial issue and revalidation.
Where a training record book is required, however, physical submission remains necessary, although the remainder of the application can be completed electronically. The MCA may also require selected applicants to provide original documentation for verification.
The application process for obtaining a UK FSE remains unchanged, with applications continuing to be submitted electronically in accordance with MCA guidance.
The changes form part of the MCA’s continuing efforts to modernise the administration of seafarer certification while maintaining compliance with STCW requirements.
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