Why MTCS Certificates of Competence Are Valid for 3 Years
A common question we are asked at MTCS is why our Certificates of Competence are valid for three years.
Across the global offshore energy sector, certificate validity typically ranges from two to five years. MTCS has always set this period at three years. We believe this strikes the right balance between maintaining confidence in an individual’s competence and recognising the practical realities of working offshore.
Most clients, employers, and recruitment agencies agree that three years is a fair and workable timeframe.
Is Three Years Too Long or Too Short?
Opinions vary, but a lot can change in 36 months.
Legislation evolves. Best practice guidance is updated. Technology advances. Ways of working shift. Even wider global events can rapidly alter how industries operate and how work is carried out.
Competence is not static. Regularly confirming that skills, knowledge, and behaviours remain current is essential for individuals and organisations operating in safety-critical environments.
Why MTCS Chose a Three-Year Renewal Cycle
Before setting the three-year validity period, MTCS considered several factors that directly affect ongoing competence.
1. Safety-Critical Activities
Processes and procedures do not stand still. Changes to how equipment is operated, maintained, or supervised can significantly affect safety.
If an individual’s competence is not reviewed in line with these changes, risk increases, not only for that person, but also for colleagues, assets, and the wider operation.
A three-year review helps ensure that updated ways of working are reflected in an individual’s assessed competence.
2. Technical and Operational Change
Technological development in the offshore energy sector moves quickly.
Anyone attending industry events such as Subsea Expo or Oceanology will see how rapidly equipment, systems, and methods are evolving. What is current today may look very different in five years’ time.
Expecting a person’s competence to remain unchanged over a five-year period is unrealistic, particularly for those commissioning or operating complex equipment. Three years is a practical compromise that reflects the pace of change while remaining achievable.
3. Personal Circumstances
The offshore and maritime industries are highly mobile. Many individuals move between employers, vessels, platforms, and project types. Others step away from the industry altogether before returning at a later stage.
These transitions can lead to skills fade or gaps in knowledge. A three-year competence check provides a realistic timeframe to confirm that experience remains current and relevant.
4. Risk Management
Revalidating competence is a core part of effective risk management.
Offshore personnel are often responsible for operating multi-million-dollar equipment on high-value assets, sometimes on projects worth billions. Alongside health and safety risks, there are environmental, regulatory, and reputational considerations.
A comprehensive three-year competence review, based on sufficient and independently verifiable evidence, offers greater risk reduction than a longer five-year cycle.
It is not uncommon for MTCS competence certification to be referenced within risk management documentation or tender submissions. This demonstrates a clear commitment to safety, competence, and responsible operations.
In Summary
A five-year renewal period may appear attractive due to reduced administrative effort. However, when safety, technology, working practices, and risk are considered together, three years is the most practical and responsible option.
MTCS stands by the three-year validity period as the right balance for both individuals and employers operating in safety-critical offshore environments.
