STCW CONVENTION

International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarer
History

Adoption: 7 July 1978; Entry into force: 28 April 1984; Major revisions in 1995 and 2010

The 1978 STCW Convention was the first to establish basic requirements on training, certification and watchkeeping for seafarers on an international level. Previously the standards of training, certification and watchkeeping of officers and ratings were established by individual governments, usually without reference to practices in other countries. As a result standards and procedures varied widely, even though shipping is the most international of all industries.

The Convention prescribes minimum standards relating to training, certification and watchkeeping for seafarers which countries are obliged to meet or exceed.

1995 revision

On July 7, 1995 the IMO adopted a comprehensive revision of STCW. They also included a proposal to develop a new STCW Code, which would contain the technical details associated with provisions of the Convention. The amendments entered force on February 1, 1997. Full implementation was required by February 1, 2002. Mariners already holding licenses had the option to renew those licenses in accordance with the old rules of the 1978 Convention during the period ending on February 1, 2002. Mariners entering training programs after August 1, 1998 are required to meet the competency standards of the new 1995 Amendments.
The most significant amendments concerned:

• a) enhancement of port state control;
• b) communication of information to IMO to allow for mutual oversight and consistency in application of standards,
• c) quality standards systems (QSS), oversight of training, assessment, and certification procedures,
  • The Amendments require that seafarers be provided with "familiarization training" and "basic safety training" which includes basic fire fighting, elementary first aid, personal survival techniques, and personal safety and social responsibility. This training is intended to ensure that seafarers are aware of the hazards of working on a vessel and can respond appropriately in an emergency.
• d) placement of responsibility on parties, including those issuing licenses, and flag states employing foreign nationals, to ensure seafarers meet objective standards of competence, and
• e) rest period requirements for watchkeeping personnel.
•  

STCW Convention chapters

Chapter I: General provisions

Chapter II: Master and deck department
Chapter III: Engine department
Chapter IV: Radiocommunication and radio personnel
Chapter V: Special training requirements for personnel on certain types of ships
Chapter VI: Emergency, occupational safety, medical care and survival functions
Chapter VII: Alternative certification
Chapter VIII: Watchkeeping

Abilities specified in the standards of competence are separated into 7 functions:

1. Navigation
2. Cargo Handling and stowage.
3. Controlling the operation of the ship and care for persons on board.
4. Marine Engineering.
5. Electrical, electronic and control engineering.
6. Maintenance and repair.
7. Radiocommunications.

The Manila Amendments(2010)

 The IMO Convention on Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping of Seafarers adopted a new set of amendments in Manila in 2010 called "The Manila Amendments". These amendments were necessary to keep training standards in line with new technological and operational requirements that require new shipboard competencies. The Manila Amendments were effective as of January 1, 2012. There is a transition period until 2017 when all seafarers must be certified and trained according to the new standards. Implementation is progressive, every year a modified set of requirements comes into force. The most significant amendments are:

• New rest hours for seafarers
• New grades of certificates of competence for Able seaman in both deck and engine
• New and updated training, refreshing requirements
• Mandatory security training
• Additional medical standards
• Specific Alcohol limits in blood or breath.

    Reg II/5 able seafarer deck
**Reg III/5 able seafarer engine room
**Reg III/6 electro-technical officer
**Reg III/7 electro-technical rating






The Manila amendments of the STCW convention will come in force on 1st January 2012. In this post you will find the major amendments and application time table.

The following application dates may change depending on flag states. We strongly recommend you to contact your flag administration and the crewing certification issuing authorities. Use the following dates

1st January 2012
 
*Rest hours increased from 70 to 77 for a set of 7 days period and a minimum of 10 hours rest in every 24 hours period.
The 10 hours of rest can not be divided in to more than two periods , one of which must be at least 6 hours.
The intervals between rest periods can not be more than 14 hours.
*New requirements for the prevention of drag and alcohol. Specific limit of blog alcohol level 0.05% and 0.25mg/l alcohol in the breath.

1st July 2013

All new entrance commencing training should be trained according with new standards below:

*Able seaman both deck (Reg II/5) and engine (Reg III/5) should have a certificate of competency. This is a new type of certificate.
*New requirements relating to training in electronic charts and information systems (ECDIS)
*New training and certification requirements for electro-technical officers (Reg III/6) and electro-technical ratings (Reg III/7)
*New Training guidance for personnel serving on board ships operating in polar waters
*New training guidance for personnel operating Dynamic positioning Systems
*New requirements for maintaining standards of competence and refresher training
*Introduction of modern training methodology including distance learning and web based learning
*Updating of competence requirements for personnel serving on board all types of tankers, including new requirements for personnel serving on liquefied gas tankers.
*Updating of competence requirements for deck and engine officers
*New requirements for marine environment awareness training and training in leadership and teamwork.


1st January 2014

New requirements for security training:
*Security relating familiarization training STCW Reg VI/6 & Part A Section A-VI/6.1
*Security awareness training STCW Reg VI/6 & Part A Section A-VI/6.4
*Training for mariners with designated security duties STCW Reg VI/6 & Part A-VI/6.6

On board or ashore training should be via an approved course recognized by the issuing authority.

1st January 2017

*All above requirements to be applicable for both new seafarers and seafarers with certificates issued before 1st January 2012.
*Updated standards relating to medical fitness standards for seafarers.

*Safe manning certificate should include the following new qualifications: (Confirm the below with your flag administration)
**Reg II/5 able seafarer deck
**Reg III/5 able seafarer engine room
**Reg III/6 electro-technical officer
**Reg III/7 electro-technical rating