1. GP Rating to 4th Engineer Overview

Merchant Navy is a profession full of growth and opportunities, whether you are an Officer, Engineer, or even a GP Rating, there is immense growth for you in this profession. If you are a Rating cadet, then you can go for 4th Engineer with UK CoC. However, there are some eligibilities for UK CoC and exams that you need to clear before going for UK CoC, let’s dive into those criteria and learn more about the pathway from GP Rating to 4th Engineers.

Ready to become an Engineer/Officer from GP Rating? Check out the free guide by Merchant Navy Decoded where you will learn everything about UK CoC and how you can go further from GP Rating.

2. Eligibility of MEO Class 4 Exam in the UK

2.1 Eligibility criteria for GP Rating to Become 4th Engineer in the UK

3. MEO Class 4 Syllabus and Exams in the UK

To earn a UK COC, students must complete four written exams and one oral examination: 

• Engineering Science A (Mechanics and Naval Architecture)
• Engineering Science B (Fluids, Electricity, and Heat)
• Control Engineering
• Engineering General and Motor

Following these, candidates must pass an oral test. 

Clearing all these examinations earns you the prestigious UK COC, an essential milestone in your maritime professional trajectory.

4. How to apply for MEO Class 4 UK CoC?

• Step 1: Confirm Eligibility – Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements for progressing from GP Rating to 4th Engineer.
• Step 2: Obtain a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) and Tar Book to document practical training.
• Step 3: Gain Sea Time – Earn 9 months, or 270 days, of sea time and achieve a watchkeeping certification.
• Step 4: Apply for the Notice of Eligibility (NOE) to schedule your oral exam.
• Step 5: Complete the UK visa application process.
• Step 6: Attend college and enroll in Semester 1 (Science A and B) and Semester 2 (Control Science, EK/GK, and Workshop).

5. Documents Required for MEO Class 4 in the UK

Documents Required for MEO Class 4 from the UK are as follows;

5.1 UK MCA Approved Course

• MFA (Medical First Aid Course)
• AFF (Advanced Fire Fighting Course)
• PSC & RB (Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boat)
• HELM (Human Element Leadership Management); Operational Level
• High Voltage; Operational Level

5.2 For A Person Who Is Sailing On Tankers

• Dangerous Cargo Application Certificate (DC)
• The Advanced Oil Tanker Training Programme (TASCO)
• Advanced Chemical Tanker Training Programme (CHEMCO)
• Basic Oil/Chem/Gas Tanker Cargo Operation
• Tanker Fire Fighting

5.3 Document Required For UK CoC

• Result of IAMI Science A
• Result of IAMI Science B
• Result of IAMI Control Engineering
• Result of IAMI Engineering Knowledge (EK), General and Motor
• Result of Oral Examination
• Workshop Skill Certificate
• Valid ENG 1 Medical Fitness Certificate
• NOE (Notice of Eligibility)
• EFA (Elementry First Aid Course)
• FPFF (Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting)
• PST (Personal Survival Training)
• PSSR (Personal Safety and Social Responsibility Course)
• PSCRB (Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boats)
• Personal Doc: Passport and CDC

5.4 What is LOA?

• The Letter of Acceptance (LOA) is an essential document in the UK CoC process, providing a gateway to Class 4 exams. 

• To receive it, candidates must complete a detailed application and provide necessary papers such as a passport and medical certification. 

• Maritime colleges carefully evaluate entries to ensure eligibility, In addition, applicants must meet a 9-month or 270-day sea time requirement. 

• The LOA is significant since it is a necessary step toward obtaining a UK CoC and opening up career growth opportunities. 

Our UK CoC Guidance Series contains thorough information on LOA application methods and requirements, so check it out if you want to learn more about LOA.

6. UK CoC courses fees for MEO Class IV exams in the UK

Here’s the breakdown of expenses in both GBP and INR (GBP = 100 INR)

7. UK CoC course fees for MEO class IV exams in the UK + India

Here’s the breakdown of expenses in both GBP and INR (GBP = 100 INR)

8. UK Visa for Seafarers

• A UK visa is an official license to enter the United Kingdom for a certain purpose, such as tourism, work, study, or family visits. 
• It is required for those who do not hold British citizenship, European Union (EU), or European Economic Area (EEA) nationality. 
• To obtain a UK visa, you must submit an application online or at a visa application center, provide all required papers, attend biometric appointments, and maybe undergo interviews. 
• The visa acceptance offers temporary authorization to stay in the UK for the specified reason, subject to the visa’s terms and validity.

8.1 Documents Required for UK Visa in 2024

These are the documents required for a UK visa:

• UK visa application form
• Two photographs
• Valid passport
• Proof of financial means
• Proof of accommodation
• Detailed travel itinerary
• Tuberculosis test results (if applicable)
• Biometric information
• UK visa invitation letter (if applicable)
• UK cover letter (if applicable)
• Paid UK visa fees
• Certified translations (if applicable)
• Additional documents for employment status (letter from employer, business registration documents, letter from education provider)
• Additional documents for applicants under the age of 18 (birth certificate, adoption papers, letter from parent or legal guardian)
• Documents to present at the UK port of entry (valid passport, visa if applicable)

If you want to apply for a UK Visa refer to this link to apply for the same.

8.2 UK Visa Cost

UK Visa application fees vary on the type of visa you want to apply for, for further information you can refer to the UK VISA official website for the same.

8.3 Top Reasons for the Rejection of UK Visa

Insufficient Funds: Not having enough money to cover expenses such as housing and living costs.

• Incomplete or incorrect information refers to providing incorrect or missing details in an application or failing to include all essential papers.
• Suspicious Travel History:- Previous visa difficulties or strange travel patterns raise concerns.
• Incomplete Travel Plans:- Your trip’s itinerary is unclear.
• Criminal Record or Security Concerns:- Having been involved in unlawful activity or associated with security issues.
• Wrong Visa Category:- Applying for a visa that does not correspond to the objective of your travel.
• Unclear Purpose of Visit:- Failing to clarify why you’re going.
• Health Issues:- Having infectious diseases or failing to achieve basic health criteria.

9. Can you take UK COC Exams from India?

• Yes, you can attempt the UK CoC exam from India via the India + UK Program, a blended learning program.
• This program allows engine and deck rating candidates to get training in both India and the United Kingdom, making it a cheap and convenient option for becoming an officer.
• While some training is done in India, certain components—such as the written and oral SQA exams—must be completed in the UK to meet UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) regulations.
• There are few UK MCA-approved colleges in India from where you can give your UK CoC Exams, such as 

Do you want to understand the advantages and disadvantages of a mixed program? Refer to this UK CoC blog, and clear all your doubts regarding UK CoC from India.

10. UK MCA Approved Centre in India

Anglo-Eastern, T.S. Rahaman, HIMT Chennai, and the BP Marine Academy are among India’s UK MCA-approved training centers. These centers provide courses that meet UK MCA standards, which are required for professions in the maritime industry. 

From Basic Oil/Chemical/Liquefied Gas Tanker Cargo Operations to High Voltage Management, study the comprehensive curriculum designed to meet marine safety and international requirements. 

If you want to learn about the courses offered in these UK MCA-approved Centres in India, you can check out all the details by clicking here.

11. Conclusion

In conclusion, the path from GP Rating to 4th Engineer with a UK Certificate of Competency (COC) is an important step toward a satisfying career in the merchant navy. This blog has offered an overview of the eligibility requirements, exam syllabus, and procedures for obtaining a UK COC.  Finally, acquiring a UK COC offers an unlimited number of possibilities in the merchant navy, providing a road to progression and achievement. With the correct education and resources, individuals can manage this path efficiently and embark on a fulfilling career at sea.

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