An applicant for a full CEC as master can be issued by the MCA with a temporary CEC for a maximum of 6 months, where, for example, longer than 3 months is required to obtain the UK Legal and Administrative Procedures (UKLAP) Grade 1, or where the MCA has not received verification of the STCW Certificate of Competency. EU and EEA nationals may alternatively serve an Adaptation Period of up to 6 months in a lower rank. A full (5-year) CEC will only be issued once all requirements have been met and verified by the MCA. (MIN 340)