OOW Revision: Seagoing Service & Watchkeeping Evidence (MSN 1856, Section 9)

Revision card 3 of 7 — Officer of the Watch (OOW) Unlimited, STCW Convention Regulation II/1, MSN 1856 (M+F) Amendment 1.

What Counts as Seagoing Service

• Can be performed on vessels of any flag
• Must be on merchant ships of at least 24 metres load line length, or not less than 80 GT, proceeding to sea — meaning beyond categorised UK coastal waters or harbour limits
• At least 6 months of your qualifying seagoing service must fall within the 5 years immediately before your application

Documentary Evidence

• Merchant Navy discharge book entries or certificates of discharge
• Supported by testimonials from the Master covering your conduct, ability, and seagoing/watchkeeping service
• For an OOW II/1 application specifically: a statement from the Master confirming you performed bridge watchkeeping duties — lookout or helmsman — under supervision for not less than 6 months

Reduced Seagoing Service

• Trainee deck officers moving from 36 months down to 12 months must show: an MCA-approved cadetship or cadet programme was followed, all service was performed satisfactorily, a completed Training Record Book, and a college letter confirming the programme

Quick Self-Check

• What's the minimum vessel size or tonnage for seagoing service to count?
• What two roles does a Master's watchkeeping statement need to confirm for an OOW II/1 application?
• What document, plus what letter, lets a cadet claim 12 months instead of 36?

Related Reading

• Ocean Maid — a real grounding where the watchkeeper was repeatedly absent from the wheelhouse, exactly the failure this documentation exists to catch