Notice for website 01.05.25 - Centre instructions for GMDSS transitional period and LRC exams (21 Apr–11 May 2025)

Sep 17, 2026

AMERC issues instructions to all centre coordinators following MCA amendments and updated LRC procedures for exams scheduled between 21 April and 11 May 2025. It defines the transitional GMDSS certification handover timeline, explaining when centres must stop posting or couriering physical paperwork to the NAC at Wray Castle and how candidates receive and retain course completion certificates. Guidance covers exam payment handling via AMERC Treasurer, required forms, payment methods, retention until 12 May, and candidate application to the MCA afterward.

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CategoryLetters

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Pages5

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Centre instructions

Transitional GMDSS certification handover (21 Apr–11 May 2025)

LRC procedure update and approvals

Certificate issuance and candidate next steps

Payment process and required forms

*Updated 01/05/2025* -MCA published amendment 1 to MIN 716. Please can all centres read: MIN 716 (M+F) Amendment 1: Changes to the GMDSS process in the UK. -GOV.UK -LRC procedure updated (for exams between April 21st and May 11th 2025), see below. All centres running LRC courses and exams should have received a new approval number from the MCA. If you have not received this, please contact [stc.courses@mcga.gov.uk](stc.courses@mcga.gov.uk as)[ as](stc.courses@mcga.gov.uk as) soon as possible. -Link to MCA Course Completion Certificate template added, found here Good afternoon, As per MCA instruction, the transitional period for the handover of GMDSS certification will begin on Monday April 21st. Please carefully read the below important instructions for all centre coordinators regarding the process for issuing candidate certificates during this transitional period. For any GOC, ROC and LRC exams taking place up until (and including) Sunday April 20th: • Centre coordinators should continue to follow the current process-- i.e. use courier all batch "cover sheets" + candidate application forms etc to the NAC Manager at Wray Castle offices. The NAC Manager will process payments and post out all certificates as normal. For any GOC, ROC and LRC exams taking place on Monday April 21st, until Sunday May 11th: • Centres must not post or courier ANY physical paperwork to the NAC at Wray Castle offices. This facility is in the process of closure, and the NAC manager will not be able to process payments or certification for examinations taken from 21st April onwards. • Candidates should only be issued a Course Completion Certificate upon successfully passing their exam. Template found on last page of document HERE • Please instruct all successful candidates to retain their Course Completion Certificates until 12th May. • After 12th May, the candidates must make their own application to the MCA for their GOC/ROC certificates. Applications will be made [by emailing](by emailing GMDSS@mcga.gov.uk a completed MCA form MSF 4354)[ ](by emailing GMDSS@mcga.gov.uk a completed MCA form MSF 4354)[GMDSS@mcga.gov.uk](by emailing GMDSS@mcga.gov.uk a completed MCA form MSF 4354)[ a completed MCA form MSF 4354](by emailing GMDSS@mcga.gov.uk a completed MCA form MSF 4354), and their Course Completion Certificate. Please note that the MCA will not require additional payments from candidates for exams taken between 21/04/25 and 11/05/25 . • AMERC exam fees should be charged as normal during this period. • Centres should continue to make BACS payments owed into the usual AMERC bank account: Name: Association of Marine Electronic and Radio Colleges Sort Code: 606005 Account Number: 29769248 Bank: NatWest If centres wish to pay via credit card please email [amerctreasurer@gmail.com](amerctreasurer@gmail.com) in advance to arrange this (Or telephone Treasurer on +44 7419 901008 – please note this phone may not be monitored at all times; if no answer please leave a voicemail with your name and contact number) • Payments to examiners, centres and the MCA will be processed by the AMERC Treasurer, instead of the NAC manager • To facilitate payments, centre coordinators must complete the below form and email it to the AMERC Treasurer [Julie Cartwright](Julie Cartwright amerctreasurer@gmail.com)[ ](Julie Cartwright amerctreasurer@gmail.com)[amerctreasurer@gmail.com](Julie Cartwright amerctreasurer@gmail.com) . Incomplete or mis-delivered forms risk delays to payments. If you have any queries regarding this process please contact either Julie Cartwright ([amerctreasurer@gmail.com](amerctreasurer@gmail.com)) or Claire Gaskin ([claire.amerc@gmail.com](claire.amerc@gmail.com)) AMERC Payment sheet for exams 21st April 2025 to 11th May 2025 | ECC: | | | | AEV: | | Exam date: | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Examiner fee paid to: Examiner / ECC | | | | Exam type: ROC /

FAQs

What changes apply to the GMDSS certification process from Monday 21 April 2025?

The transitional handover begins on Monday 21 April 2025. From that date, centres must not courier or post physical paperwork to the NAC at Wray Castle, because it is being closed and will not process payments or certification.

When should centres issue a Course Completion Certificate to candidates?

Centres should issue a Course Completion Certificate only after candidates successfully pass their exam. Successful candidates must retain certificates until 12 May, then apply to the MCA for their GOC/ROC certificates.

How should centres handle exam payments for exams between 21 April 2025 and 11 May 2025?

Payments should be made via the usual AMERC bank account, and fees to examiners and centres will be processed by the AMERC Treasurer instead of the NAC manager. Centres must complete the payment sheet form and email it to the AMERC Treasurer, with incomplete or mis-delivered forms risking payment delays.

Sep 17, 2026

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