The document outlines the standards of training, certification and watchkeeping for seafarers established by the 1978 STCW Convention. It discusses the major revisions made in 1995 to bring the Convention up to date. It also describes the regulations and mandatory requirements for training and qualifications of ship personnel covered in the Convention's chapters and regulations.
The document outlines the standards of training, certification and watchkeeping for seafarers established by the 1978 STCW Convention. It discusses the major revisions made in 1995 to bring the Convention up to date. It also describes the regulations and mandatory requirements for training and qualifications of ship personnel covered in the Convention's chapters and regulations.
The document outlines the standards of training, certification and watchkeeping for seafarers established by the 1978 STCW Convention. It discusses the major revisions made in 1995 to bring the Convention up to date. It also describes the regulations and mandatory requirements for training and qualifications of ship personnel covered in the Convention's chapters and regulations.
The document outlines the standards of training, certification and watchkeeping for seafarers established by the 1978 STCW Convention. It discusses the major revisions made in 1995 to bring the Convention up to date. It also describes the regulations and mandatory requirements for training and qualifications of ship personnel covered in the Convention's chapters and regulations.
Introduction: 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.
The 1995 amendments:
The 1995 amendments, adopted by a Conference, represented a major revision of the Convention, in response to a recognized need to bring the Convention up to date and to respond to critics who pointed out the many vague phrases, such as "to the satisfaction of the Administration", which resulted in different interpretations being made. Another major change was the requirement for Parties to the Convention are required to provide detailed information to IMO concerning administrative measures taken to ensure compliance with the Convention. The 1995 amendments entered into force on 1 February 1997. STCW Code: The regulations contained in the Convention are supported by sections in the STCW Code. Generally speaking, the Convention contains basic requirements which are then enlarged upon and explained in the Code. Part A of the Code is mandatory. The minimum standards of competence required for seagoing personnel are given in detail in a series of tables. Part B of the Code contains recommended guidance which is intended to help Parties implement the Convention. The measures suggested are not mandatory.
STCW Convention chapters and Regulations:
Chapter I: General provisions. I. Regulation I/1 - Definitions and clarifications II. Regulation I/2 - Certificates and endorsements III. Regulation I/3 – Principles governing near-coastal voyages IV. Regulation I/4- Control procedures V. Regulation 1/5 - National provisions VI. Regulation I/6 - Training and assessment VII. Regulation I/7 - Communication of information VIII. Regulation I/8 - Quality standards IX. Regulation 1/9 - Medical standards X. Regulation I/10 - Recognition of certificates XI. Regulation I/11- Revalidation of certificates XII. Regulation /12 - Use of simulators XIII. Regulation 1/13 - Conduct of trials XIV. Regulation I/14 - Responsibilities of companies XV. Regulation I/15 - Transitional provisions. Chapter II: Master and deck department. I. Regulation 1/2 The mandatory minimum requirements for granting certificates to officers responsible for navigational control on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more. II. Regulation 1/2 - mandatory minimum requirements to obtain certification for the master and their master colleagues on vessels of 500 gross tonnage or more. III. Regulation 3/2 - the mandatory minimum requirements for obtaining a certificate for the officers in charge of the marine escort and the masters of ships with a gross tonnage of less than 500 tons on voyages close to the coast. IV. Regulation 2/4 - Mandatory Minimum Requirements for Approving Classifications That Are Part of Navigational Control V. Regulation 2/5 - Mandatory Minimum Requirements for Approving Classifications as Surface Capable Seafarers Chapter III: Engine department. I. Regulation III/1 - Mandatory minimum requirements for certification of officers in charge of an engineering watch in a manned engine-room or as designated duty engineers in a periodically unmanned engine-room II. Regulation I/2 Mandatory minimum requirements for certification of chief engineer officers and second engineer officers on ships powered by main propulsion machinery of 3000 kW propulsion power or more. Regulation II/3 - Mandatory minimum requirements for certification of chief engineer officers and second engineer officers on ships powered by main propulsion machinery of between 750 kW and 3000 kW propulsion power. III. Regulation III/4- Mandatory minimum requirements for certification of ratings forming part of a watch in a manned engine- room or designated to perform duties in a periodically unmanned engine-room. Regulation I/5 - Mandatory minimum requirements for certification of ratings as able seafarer engine in a manned engine-room or designated to perform duties in a periodically unmanned engine-room. Regulation II/6- Mandatory minimum requirements for certification of electro- technical officers. IV. Regulation II/7 - Mandatory minimum requirements for certification of electro- technical rating
Chapter IV: Radio communication and radio personnel.
I. Regulation IV/1 Application II. Regulation IV/2 - Mandatory minimum requirements for certification of GMDSS radio operators
Chapter V: Special training requirements for personnel on certain
types of ships. I. Regulation V/1-1 - Mandatory minimum requirements for the training and qualifications of masters, officers, and ratings on oil and chemical tankers. II. Regulation V/1-2 - Mandatory minimum requirements for the training and qualifications of masters, officers, and ratings on liquefied gas tankers. III. Regulation V/2 - Mandatory minimum requirements for the training and qualifications of masters, officers, and ratings and other personnel on passenger ships.
Chapter VI: Emergency, occupational safety, medical care and
survival functions. I. Regulation VI/1 Mandatory minimum requirements for safety familiarization, basic training, and instruction for all seafarers. II. Regulation VI/2 Mandatory minimum requirements for the issue of certificates of proficiency in survival craft, rescue boats, and fast rescue boats Regulation VI/3 - Mandatory minimum training in advanced firefighting. III. Regulation VI/4 - Mandatory minimum requirements related to medical first aid and medical care. IV. Regulation VI/5 - Mandatory minimum requirements for the issue of certificates of proficiency for ship security officers. V. Regulation VI/6 Mandatory minimum requirements for security- related training and instruction for all seafarers.
Chapter VII: Alternative certification.
I. Regulation VII/1 - Issue of alternative certificates II. Regulation VII/2- Certification of seafarers III. Regulation VI/3 Principles governing the issue of alternative certificates
Chapter VIII: Watchkeeping.
I. Regulation VIII/1 Fitness for duty II. Regulation VI1/2 -Watch keeping arrangements and principles to be observed