Digital Assessment Platform · UK public procurement notice

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is seeking a high-quality service provider to revolutionise the assessment process for Certificates of Competency (CoC) by delivering modernised, practical application-based examinations. This crucial service will focus exclusively on safety-critical subjects within the CoC routes, ensuring candidates are rigorously evaluated on their ability to apply knowledge in real-world onboard scenarios. The service provider will be responsible for delivering these assessments in accordance with the modernised syllabus, utilising sample question styles, and administering them on secure, dedicated digital devices supplied and managed by the provider.

Given the current volume of MCA CoC examinations approximately 2,000 Deck, 1,500 Engineer, and 70 ETO, the chosen provider must demonstrate capacity and robust quality assurance processes to handle this significant throughput while maintaining the highest standards of assessment integrity. Specifically, the service must cover the following safety-critical areas:

• Deck Officers: Deck, Navigation, and Stability.
• Marine Engineers: Engineering Knowledge, supplemented by Motor or Steam-specific content tailored to individual candidate sea service experience.
• Electro-Technical Officers (ETOs): Electrical Safety.

The MCA requires a service that not only meets but exceeds current standards, ensuring the future generation of maritime professionals are equipped with the practical skills and knowledge necessary for safe and effective operations. This investment in modernised assessment will significantly enhance maritime safety and contribute to the UK's leading role in international maritime standards.

This contract has been awarded as a concessions contract. As such, there is no cost to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. The value stated in this notice represents an estimated amount that the supplier may receive under, or in connection with, the contract.