STCW is one of the four pillars of the global maritime regulatory system

STCW was adopted by the IMO in 1978 and came into force in 1984. It focused entirely
on knowledge. When it was clear that the STCW was not achieving its aim of uplifting
the standard of seafarers, the IMO decided to amend the STCW 78 and the amended
Convention was called STCW-95. It emphasizes practical skills and competence
supported by theoretical knowledge.
The 2010 amendments emphasized competence rather than sea service or period of
training.
The 2010 Manila amendments were intended to include all agreed changes since 1995,
address new technology, inconsistencies, interpretations and outdated provisions. There
was particular emphasis on improving control and communication provisions of
certification and addressing the specific requirements of offshore and short sea shipping.
There was also an overall commitment to harmonize the amended STCW Convention,
where practical, with the provisions of the 2006vILO Maritime Labour Convention.

STCW sets standards for the competency of seafarers and regulates the award of
certificates, controls watchkeeping arrangements. Its provisions apply to seafarers,
principals (companies), training centers and flags of registry (Administrations).
The STCW Convention consists of 3 sections.
1. The articles: outline the legal responsibilities a party has to meet.
2. The annex: gives technical details on how the legal responsibilities referred to in the
articles should be met.
3. The STCW Code: specifies in more depth the technical details contained in the annex.
It contains part A and part B.
Part A: Mandatory standards of training, certification and watch-keeping.
Part B: Recommended guidelines on training, certification and watch-keeping.
Definitions:
Administration - The government of the Country whose - flag a ship is entitled to fly.
Function - This is a way of classifying shipboard tasks by functions and levels of
responsibility.
Party - A country where the STCW Convention has entered into force.
Standard of competence - refers to the minimum knowledge, understanding and
proficiency that seafarers must demonstrate to be awarded with certification.
Definitions:
Electro-technical officer means an officer qualified in accordance with the provisions of
regulation III/6 of the convention.
Electro-technical rating means a rating qualified in accordance with the provisions of
regulation III/7 of the convention.
Able seafarer deck means a rating qualified in accordance with the provisions of
regulation II/5 of the convention.
Able seafarer engine means a rating qualified with the provisions of regulation III/5 of
the convention.
Levels of Responsibility:
1. Management level - Senior Officers
2. Operational level - Junior Officers
3. Support level - Ratings forming part of a navigational or engine watch.
7 Functions under STCW:
Navigation
Cargo Handling and Stowage
Controlling the operation of a ship and care for persons on board
Marine engineering
Maintenance and repair
Electrical, electronics and control engineering
Radio communication
The 2010 amendments refer to the following certifications:
Certificate of competence:
A certificate issued and endorsed by the administration, for masters, officer and GMDSS
radio operators in accordance with the provisions of chapters II, III, IV or VII and entitles
the lawful holder thereof to serve in the capacity and perform the functions involved at
the level of responsibility specified.
Certificate of proficiency:
A certificate, other than a certificate of competency issued to a seafarer, stating that the
relevant requirements of training, competencies or seagoing service in the convention
have been met.
Documentary evidence:
Documentation, other than a certification of competency or certificate of proficiency used
to establish that the relevant requirements of the convention have been met.

Endorsement:
A document issued to masters and officers, either as part of the certificate or as a separate
document. This attests (endorses) that the national certificate has been issued in
accordance with all STCW requirements.
Certificates of proficiency:
These are documents issued to the seafarer to certify that he or she has met the required
standard of competence in a specific duty. These certificates include certificates for
personnel serving on certain types of ship (tankers, and passenger ships) and for those
assigned with safety, security and pollution prevention duties. It certifies that the holder
meets STCW standards of competence in specific functions related to safety, care of
persons, or cargo.
On Board Requirements
1. National certificate of competency and endorsement
2. Certificates and documentary evidence covering specific safety or pollution prevention
duties and service on board certain types of ship.
3. Endorsements of recognition (by Flag State)
4. Medical certificate including vaccination record.
Mandatory safety, security and ship-board familiarization training
1. Basic safety familiarisation
a) communicate with other persons on board on safety issues b) understand safety
information symbols, signs and alarm signals c) know the procedures for man overboard,
fire or smoke detected, and abandon ship alarms
d) identify muster and embarkation stations
e) identify escape routes
f) locate and don life jackets
g) use fire extinguishers
h) take immediate action upon encountering an accident or other medical emergency
i) operate fire, weather-tight and watertight doors fitted in the particular ship other than
those for hull openings.
Mandatory safety, security and ship-board familiarization training
Ship - specific familiarization - with the specific equipment assigned...
Security familiarization as according to the SSP MarSec Level 1, MarSec Level 2 and
MarSec Level 3.
1. Minimum hours of rest for watch personnel
The minimum number of hours of rest for ratings and officers assigned to the above
duties is 10 hours in any 24 hour period. There are no exceptions from this rule. This
does not mean that the other 14 hours should be spent on duty. The other personnel who
do not have watch-keeping, designated safety, security or prevention of pollution
responsibilities are exempted from this provision, but the MLC will apply (however this
applies to very few crew and only on larger ships).
The 10 hour rest period may be divided into no more than two periods, one of which must
be at least six hours long and no period less than one hour. The rest period in any seven
day period must not be less than 77 hours. The minimum rest period is not obligatory in
the case of emergencies, drills or overriding operational conditions.