New MCA Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seafarers (COSWP) 2026 Edition – What’s New, How It Affects Maritime Education, and How Glasgow Maritime Academy (GMA) Will Help You Stay Ahead
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has released the COSWP 2026 edition (issued around 16 March 2026 after industry consultation). This is the mandatory onboard safety bible for all UK-flagged merchant vessels. It must be carried and readily accessible – only the official bound printed version counts for MCA inspections (the GOV.UK PDF is for reference only).
What’s New in the 2026 Edition?
The Code has been undergoing a major modernisation since 2024 (simpler language, consistent structure, recurring design features for quick navigation, and a new glossary). The 2026 updates build on this with targeted safety improvements:
- Major safety updates on lifting equipment (Chapter 19) — Reworded to remove ambiguity around maintenance, thorough examinations, and inspection obligations.
- Updated guidance on enclosed spaces (Chapter 15) and emergency procedures/drills (Chapter 4) — Rescue drills and emergency plans must now explicitly account for the presence of shoreside staff and third parties (following MAIB recommendations).
- Sections 17, 18, and 19 fully aligned with the latest ISM Code amendments.
- Updated references throughout and a shift to a bound book format (no more loose-leaf annual amendments – easier, cheaper, and more sustainable).
These changes make the Code clearer and more practical while strengthening real-world risk controls.
How Will This Affect Maritime Education and MCA Orals?
- Immediate impact on training and exams: All MCA/STCW courses, safety inductions, and especially MCA Oral Examinations (Deck & Engine, all ranks) will now test knowledge of the 2026 edition. Examiners expect candidates to demonstrate understanding of the new procedures – particularly lifting operations, enclosed-space rescues involving contractors, updated emergency planning, and ISM integration.
- Curriculum updates required: Training providers and cadets/officers must switch materials right away. The clearer language helps learning, but the specific new scenarios (e.g., third-party involvement in drills) will feature in mock orals and risk-assessment questions.
- Broader effect: It reinforces modern safety culture – dynamic risk assessment, stop-work authority, and practical application – so education now puts even more emphasis on real onboard decision-making rather than just memorising old rules.
Failing to know the current edition could cost you your oral pass.
How GMA Will Help You Master the New COSWP 2026
Glasgow Maritime Academy (GMA) is already fully up to speed (we’ve been posting updates on our social channels). Our MCA Orals Preparation courses (online via Zoom, for Deck Officers and Engineer Officers of all ranks) are being updated immediately with:
- Targeted scenario questions on the new Chapters 4, 15, and 19
- Mock orals that replicate current MCA examiner style and focus on the 2026 changes
- Clear explanations of ISM alignments, third-party drill requirements, and lifting-equipment rules
- Latest legislation references and practical tips you can use at sea
Whether you’re preparing for OOW, Chief Mate, Master, or engineering orals – our examiner-designed methodology gives you the edge.
Learn more up-to-date stuff and book your MCA Orals Prep at GMA → MCA Orals Preparation Courses
Stay current, stay safe, and pass first time. The 2026 Code is here – make sure your knowledge is too!
