The most common question we are asked is;
‘is your food hygiene courses recognised by MCA?’ (Yes, they are)
MCA have recently brought out some useful guidance to check whether the food hygiene course is a recognised food hygiene qualification.
MCA do not recognise purely online courses without an invigilated exam, anyone could have done the exam. The courses that are recognised by MCA are regulated by Ofqual (national body that regulates qualifications), these qualifications need to have an invigilated exam.
MCA have confirmed that they do recognise food safety qualifications obtained remotely / online; where the awarding body has approved alternative invigilation procedures.
Highfield use a remote invigilation app so that the qualifications can be obtained from anywhere; we book an exam slot, you just need a reasonable internet connection, laptop or pc with webcam and a smartphone. So all of our food safety qualifications are suitable for those in super yachting, whether obtained face to face or remotely – it is the same certificate!
Links are attached for the latest guidance from MCA, and there are separate tables listing the qualifications at each level that are recognised.
MCA Guidance – ‘Min 671 (M) Maritime Labour Convention, 2006: Food and Catering: Accepted Qualifications in Food Hygiene or Food Safety in Catering for Ship’s Cooks and Others Processing Food in the Galley’
MCA Recognised Level 2 food safety qualifications
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1035263/Table_1_-_Ofqual_level_2_qualifications_accepted_by_the_MCA.odt
The Level 2 food safety courses we offer that are recognised by MCA are;
Highfield Qualifications; Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering
Qualification number: 603/4937/2
Highfield Qualifications; Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering
Qualification number: 603/2043/6
MCA Recognised Level 3 food safety qualifications
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1035264/Table_2_-_Ofqual_level_3_qualifications_accepted_by_MCA.odt
The Level 3 food safety courses we offer that are recognised by MCA are;
Highfield Qualifications; Level 3 Award in Food Safety in Catering
Qualification number: 603/4942/6
MCA Recognised Level 4 food safety qualifications
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1035268/Table_3_-_Ofqual_level_4_qualifications_accepted_by_MCA.docx
The Level 4 food safety courses we offer that are recognised by MCA are;
Highfield Qualifications; Level 4 Award in Managing Food Safety in Catering
Qualification number: 500/7327/8
We have a wide range of course dates for Level 2 – 4 food safety with different start times. To view and book latest course dates, click here; https://axtellfoodsafety.com/training/remote-training/latest-course-dates/
All courses are available for groups; we can come to you wherever you are. Training can be carried out onboard or at your offices. Or if there are travel restrictions, we can run the course on Zoom. Get in touch to discuss booking a group course: https://axtellfoodsafety.com/contact/
If you can’t find a course date or time to suit you, we offer all courses on-demand; book the Zoom session for a time to suit you, including evenings, overnight and weekends.
The exam can be booked for a time to suit you, from Monday to Friday between 9am – 4pm, with early mornings available from 7am on Thursdays, evening slots available until 9pm, and Saturday morning slots available (subject to availability; book in advance to ensure the exam is available at the time you`d prefer). All times are UK time.
