MECAL is proud to be the first non-Class Certifying Authority authorised by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) to operate a fully paperless digital certification system. This milestone reflects our ongoing commitment to innovation, efficiency, and regulatory compliance within the small commercial vessel and workboat sector.
Under this authorisation, MECAL now issues secure digital Certificates, removing the need for physical paperwork while maintaining the same legal standing and regulatory acceptance as traditional certificates. Each digital certificate includes verification features allowing validity to be confirmed instantly, improving transparency and reducing administrative burden for owners, operators, and enforcement authorities.
Alongside digital certification, MECAL has introduced a new secure Client Portal, providing customers with direct access to their vessels, certification records, survey documentation, and associated correspondence in one central location.
The Client Portal offers:
• Real-time access to vessel certificates and documentation
• Improved visibility of survey and certification status
• Reduced reliance on email and paper records
• Faster turnaround and improved efficiency for all parties
This represents a significant step forward in how certification information is managed and accessed.
To be granted access to the MECAL Client Portal, users are required to complete and return the access request form. Once approved, login details will be issued and access enabled.
Please refer to the Digital Certificates Guidance for further information on how digital certificates work, how validity can be verified, and how they should be presented to authorities.
If you have any questions regarding digital certification or the Client Portal, please contact MECAL and our team will be happy to assist.
