What type of certificates are checked to verify a deck officer's competency?

• A. Radio Operator Certificate and Medical Certificate.
• B. Engine Room Certification.
• C. Certificates of Competency (CoC) and endorsements; plus a valid medical fitness certificate.
• D. Safety Management Certificate.

Answer: (C)

Show that a deck officer's competency is proven by Certificates of Competency and endorsements, along with a valid medical fitness certificate. The Certificates of Competency set the officer’s rank (such as officer of the watch, mate, or master) and authorize them to serve in specific duties or vessel types; endorsements expand or specify these authorities for particular operations or ships. A current medical fitness certificate confirms the officer is physically capable of performing demanding navigational and safety tasks at sea. Together, these documents verify both qualifications and fitness for the deck role.

The other options don’t fit because a Radio Operator Certificate, while useful for communications roles, is not a blanket credential for deck officer competence. Engine Room Certification applies to engineers, not deck officers. Safety Management Certificate pertains to the ship’s safety management system, not the individual officer’s qualifications.