In the electrodeposition of cobalt in chloride electrolytes the evolution of hydrogen is a parasitic reaction. On a rotating platinum disc electrode the current efficiency was calculated as the charge used for anodic dissolution of cobalt at a potential where no other reactions were taking place, divided by the total cathodic charge used for cobalt deposition. The results show that the current efficiency could be measured accurately in this way. In part I the current efficiency and deposition potential are studied as a function of current density and pH. The results show an increase in current efficiency with increasing current density, pH and temperature. The results also indicate a change in the reaction mechanism for electrodeposition when the pH is changed.