MTCS

The world leader in subsea training and competence management,oil and gas exploration training.

Maritime Training & Competence Solutions (MTCS) is internationally acknowledged as the most experienced and professional underwater technology training centre in the world, and has a proven track record. We appreciate that choosing the right training centre for you is vital to your personal development and ultimately your future career. We provide industry leading training to major subsea contract

ing companies all over the world and welcome many service leavers and those currently serving onto our training courses. It is evident to us that many employers appreciate and actively source the skills and mind-set that forces personnel possess in the civilian work place. Those on our courses, who will come from an engineering background, are building upon existing skill sets which can be easily transferred and applied to the offshore industry. For this reason we see many of our course delegates finding successful offshore careers with companies who see and appreciate the benefits of employing ex-HM forces personnel. In addition to the Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Induction course, MTCS has many safety, technical and supervisory courses to choose from for personnel once they have established a career in the industry. MTCS is also the recognised and accredited certifying body for Personnel Competence within the ROV Industry. Our dedicated team of instructors will help you in your quest for employment; offering one-to-one time to go over your CV with you and bring out the best you have to offer in it. Through working for global offshore corporations we have key leads and contacts within the industry and are able to advise on current employment opportunities. All of our successful candidates are registered into the MTCS Ltd competence management program, which is included in our course fee. This enables MTCS Ltd delegates to continue their personal and professional development when offshore, leading to further certification - a service which no other training centre can provide. For any further queries regarding courses, please telephone 015394 40200 or contact [email protected].

08/06/2026

One of the biggest challenges in the offshore industry is leadership.

Many people are promoted into supervisory roles because they're technically excellent. And that makes sense on paper. But being a great engineer and being a great leader are two very different things.

Managing people in a safety-critical environment takes a specific set of skills, and those skills can be learned.

Find out more about our Team Leadership course at https://mtcsuk.com/mtcs-online/team-leadership-distance-learning/

05/06/2026

This week we're answering the question that follows naturally from the last two posts: once you've completed the Supporting Competence in the Workplace course, how do you apply for Expert Witness status?

The Certificate of Attendance you receive on completion confirms your learning. It does not grant Expert Witness status on its own. There are additional requirements to meet.

There are two routes to achieving Expert Witness status with MTCS.

If you hold a current MTCS Competence Certificate at Senior Engineer level or above, you submit your details, your certificate is automatically validated, and your Expert Witness Certificate is issued.

If you hold a non-MTCS certificate that is aligned with IMCA guidelines at the appropriate grade, you can apply for validation. An associated fee applies.

Once approved, you are added to the MTCS Approved Expert Witness Register.

It's also worth noting that Expert Witness status is only valid when held alongside a current, in-date Competence Certificate at Senior PT or above.

Find out more at https://mtcsuk.com/mtcs-online/skills-assessor/

01/06/2026

Training is a vital part of any competence journey. But it is only the beginning.

Most training takes place away from the actual work environment. It builds knowledge and tests understanding, but it cannot replicate the conditions, pressures, and practical demands of the real job.

Competence is developed when trained skills are applied and assessed in the actual workplace. Training gets people ready. Experience and assessment confirm they are there.

Find out more at https://mtcsuk.com

29/05/2026

Following on from last week's post about who the Skills Assessor course is for, here's what participants actually take away when they complete it.

You'll gain an overview of the roles involved in the assessment process, including assessors, expert witnesses, verifiers, and managers. You'll also develop a solid understanding of how to formally assess people in the workplace against competence requirements.

All participants who complete the course receive a Certificate of Attendance. This is an important distinction: the certificate recognises your completion of the course, but it does not automatically grant Expert Witness status.

If you want to pursue Expert Witness status with MTCS, completing the course gives you the opportunity to apply. There are additional requirements to meet, and Expert Witness status is only valid when accompanied by a current, in-date Competence Certificate at Senior Engineer level or above, such as Senior Pilot Technician.

Clear expectations from the start. That's how we work.

Find out more at https://mtcsuk.com/mtcs-online/skills-assessor/

26/05/2026

One of the biggest misconceptions about competence assessment is that it involves excessive paperwork. In reality, it does not.

A solid assessment needs a planning sheet, observation records where assessors confirm what the candidate has done, and some questioning to check understanding. Supporting documents like signed maintenance logs or calibration records add context without adding complexity.

The goal is meaningful evidence of genuine competence, not volume for the sake of it.

Find out more at https://mtcsuk.com/

22/05/2026

Wondering if the MTCS Skills Assessor course is the right fit for you or your team?

The course is designed for a range of roles across the offshore and marine sectors. HR personnel, supervisors, and managers who need to sign off competence-related documentation as an Approved Expert Witness will all benefit.

It's also open to trained and qualified Skills Assessors looking to refresh their knowledge, and to technical witnesses such as senior PTs, supervisors, and superintendents who sign documentation in the absence of an assessor.

If your role involves competence assessment in any capacity, this course is worth exploring.

Find out more at https://mtcsuk.com/mtcs-online/skills-assessor/

18/05/2026

Competence systems are often seen as a compliance requirement. But a well-designed system does something much more practical than that.

When your people are genuinely competent, tasks are completed safely, efficiently, and within reasonable timeframes. That means less rework, less supervision, and a lighter load on the whole team.

For offshore operations where time and safety are critical, a strong competence system is one of the most effective tools you have.

Find out more at https://mtcsuk.com/

15/05/2026

Do you know your role in the competence assessment process?

Whether you are an Assessor, Expert Witness, Verifier, or Manager, the MTCS assessment process gives every role a clear set of responsibilities. Together, these roles make sure that offshore competence is properly evidenced, independently verified, and genuinely reflects what people can do in real working conditions.

Competence means more than completing a course. It means consistently applying your knowledge, skills, and behaviours safely — in the environment where it matters most.

MTCS Online supports candidates and managers throughout the whole process. From uploading evidence to tracking your team's progress, everything is in one place and accessible whether you are onshore or offshore.

Want to understand the process better? Explore our Skills Assessor course or visit the Support Centre for step-by-step guidance.

Find out more at https://mtcsuk.com/support-centre/

11/05/2026

Competence assessment should not interrupt the work. It should happen within it.

When assessment is integrated into real job activities, it gives a much clearer picture of what someone is genuinely capable of. Careful planning is needed to identify which aspects of competence can be evaluated during normal operations, and candidates should always receive feedback that relates directly to what they have done.

That is what meaningful competence assessment looks like in practice.

Find out more at https://mtcsuk.com/

08/05/2026

Has your MTCS certificate expired? Here is exactly what to do.

MTCS certificates are valid for 3 years. After that, you need to renew through the ICA or GA route to stay compliant and work-ready.

The renewal process involves gathering evidence of your work over the past 12 to 18 months. That includes your logbooks, appraisals, witness statements, and any mandatory certifications. Starting early makes the whole process much less stressful.

MTCS Online gives you the flexibility to complete your renewal from wherever you are, whether that is onshore or offshore. ICA and GA renewal options are available directly through the platform.

Not sure where to start? The MTCS Support Centre has all the guidance you need, including step-by-step advice and FAQs.

Find out more at https://mtcsuk.com/support-centre/

Address

Windermere Business Centre
Windermere
LA232HJ

Telephone

+441539440200

Website

https://www.mtcsuk.com/

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