Previously, we discussed three routes to becoming a Second Engineer SV in South Africa. But, that is just the first major qualification in your yacht marine engineering career. In this article, let us discuss the two major options to obtain higher qualifications. Let’s understand how you can become a Chief Engineer SV on a yacht or other vessels in South Africa.
How to become a Chief Engineer SV in South Africa?
When it comes to becoming a chief engineer, there are two ways to go at it.
- Chief Engineer SV for less than 500 GT vessels having power of less than 3000 kW.
- Chief Engineer SV for less than 3000 GT vessels having a propulsion of less than 9000 kW.
Now, you can obtain the Chief Engineer SV for <500 GT / <3000 kW vessels first and then go for the next one. Or you can directly obtain the Chief Engineer SV for <3000 GT / <9000 kW vessels directly.
While both paths are similar, leading to the destination of Chief Engineer SV for less than 3000 GT, 9000 kW CoC, the first path may give you more breathing space and let you accumulate more experience before you feel like you are ready to be a Chief Engineer SV on a larger yacht or other vessels in South Africa.
I. Chief Engineer SV for less than 500 GT & 3000 kW Vessels in South Africa
Once you have your Second Engineer SV certificate, you are eligible to get Chief Engineer SV qualifications in South Africa.
First, you will have to complete sea service of a minimum of 6 months on vessels of equal to or more than 350kW power. During this time you will also have to fill out the Training Record Book (TRB).
Once you finish the sea service, you will have to complete MCA-approved modules for the course and pass the written examination for the following subjects:
- Chief Engineer Statutory & Operational Requirements,
- Auxiliary Equipment – Part 2
You will also have to complete a management-level HELM course. And along with that, make sure your ENG1 medical fitness certificate is up to date. If you complete all these prerequisites, and then pass the MCA oral examination, you will receive your Chief Engineer SV qualification for yachts up to 500 GT with engines of 3000 kW or less.
II. Chief Engineer SV for less than 3000 GT & 9000 kW Vessels in South Africa
a. You skipped the Chief Engineer SV <500 GT & <3000 kW CoC
In this case, instead of 6 months of seagoing service, you have to fulfil 1 year of seagoing service on the minimum. In a year, you have to complete a minimum of 6 months of sea service on a vessel with a 350 kW engine. The remaining 6 months must be completed on a vessel with a 750 kW engine minimum.
Once you complete your sea service and complete the Training Record Book, you are eligible fo the following MCA-approved modules. You will have to complete and pass the written examinations for:
- Chief Engineer Statutory & Operational Requirements,
- Auxiliary Equipment Part 2, and
- Applied Marine Engineering.
After that, you have two choices. You either complete further MCA-approved modules and pass the corresponding written exam for General Engineering Science I and II; or you study for the Diploma in Maritime Studies: Small Vessel and the Diploma in Maritime Studies: Small Vessel Chief Engineer.
Apart from that, you will have to complete a management-level HELM course and also make sure your ENG1 medical certificate is up to date. Once you fulfil these prerequisites, you may appear for the MCA oral examination.
Upon passing the exam, you will receive your Chief Engineer SV CoC for <3000 GT and <9000 kW yachts and other vessels.
b. You hold the Chief Engineer SV <500 GT & <3000 kW CoC
If you already hold the aforementioned CoC, then you just have to complete 6 months of additional seagoing service on a yacht with a 750 kW engine power minimum. If you have already done so previously, then you may do it on a vessel of lesser engine power, but not less than 350 kW engine.
Then proceed to complete MCA-approved modules and written examinations for Applied Marine Engineering.
Furthermore, you will have to complete General Engineering Science I & II; OR the Diploma in Maritime Studies: Small Vessel and the Diploma in Maritime Studies: Small Vessel Chief Engineer.
Make sure you have a valid ENG1 medical certificate of fitness before you appear for the MCA oral examination. The oral exam syllabi can be found here. Upon passing, you will receive your Chief Engineer SV for yachts up to 3000 GT with propulsion power up to 9000 kW.
About General Engineering Science I & II
You may be exempted from taking these modules altogether if you hold a relevant engineering qualification. To apply for the exemption, you must hold an eligible engineering degree with the following major:
- Mechanical Engineering,
- Marine Engineering,
- Aeronautical Engineering, and
- Electro-Mechanical Engineering.
Your program must include the following modules as well.
- Applied Mechanics,
- Applied Heat,
- Mathematics, and
- Electro-technology.
To apply for the NOE, you must include a copy of your Degree or Diploma along with a copy of the course syllabus and an application requesting the exemption. Once it is approved, the MCA will issue the exemption. With this exemption, you will only have to complete the 6 months of seagoing service and Applied Marine Engineering before you can appear for the MCA oral examination.
For more information on the exemption, please read section 8.6 of the document MSN 1904.
Final Words
In this article, we discussed getting a Chief Engineer SV qualification in South Africa. Please note that the information presented in this article is sourced from the official MCA documents: MSN 1904 and MIN 642. We advise you to refer to these documents for further understanding of the matter.
The goal of these articles is to condense the information for a better understanding. If you have any questions, feel free to refer to the documents. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for an ENG1 medical fitness certificate or STCW, kindly connect with us today for further information.
