The Maritime and Coastguard Agency is delivering on a commitment to promoting inclusivity, with updates to its dyslexia guidance to ensure candidates have the support they need to succeed. 

A Marine Information Notice (MIN676) has been issued to all colleges, training providers and companies, candidates and MCA examiners [today] that alters the MCA’s dyslexia policy following the latest guidance from the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ). 

The updated guidance will ensure candidates with dyslexia are not disadvantaged by offering a minimum of 15 minutes extra per hour, with extra time now also available. The time per hour can now be extended on the recommendation of experts on a ‘case by case’ basis, with each candidate assessed and given the individual support they need.  

The MCA has worked in partnership with the British Dyslexia Association (BDA) as well as consulting with a wide range of stakeholders, including students, to ensure the guidance anticipates the varied requirements of examination candidates so they are not disadvantaged. 

The changes maintain compliance with Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) requirements. 

The new guidance refers to all MCA written examinations that lead to the issue of Certificates of Competence and administered by the Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA) and The International Association of Maritime Institutions (IAMI). 

Professor Carole Davis, Assistant Director for Modernising Maritime Education, said: “The MCA is committed to promoting inclusivity and we are delighted to be taking this next step forward in ensuring our educational model offers the necessary support for candidates with dyslexia. 

“We based our updated guidance on the BDA’s latest advice, but we also sent it to targeted stakeholders for their views as well. We got great engagement and revised our guidance to take it all on board, as we value the views of everyone involved. 

“This is just one of a number of measures the MCA are taking to help our candidates to achieve.” 

MIN 676 can be accessed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/min-676-mf-clarification-of-dyslexia-policy-examination-and-assessment-procedures-for-mca-written-examinations