STCW

Cpt. Cenk ŞAKAR

STCW CONVENTION
INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION FOR STANDARDS
OF TRAINING, CERTIFICATION AND
WATCHKEEPING FOR SEAFARERS (STCW)
International requirements for training and
certifying
seafarers and watchkeeping standards
First developed and adopted in 1978
Underwent major revision in 1995 (addition of
STCW Code)
Second major revision initiated in 2006
Adopted in June 2010 (Manila Amendments)
The 1978 STCW Convention – 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.
The Convention prescribes minimum standards
relating to training, certification and watchkeeping
for seafarers which countries are obliged to meet
or exceed.
The Convention did not deal with manning levels
The 1978 Convention - Chapter I:General provisions

Includes a list of definitions of terms used in

the annex. Regulation I/2 deals with the
content of the certificate and endorsement
form. All certificates must include a
translation into English, if that is not the
official language of the issuing country.
The 1978 Convention - Chapter II: Master-deck department
The Chapter establishes basic principles to be observed
in keeping a navigational watch, covering such matters
as watch arrangements, fitness for duty, navigation,
navigational equipment, navigational duties and
responsibilities, the duties of the look-out, navigation
with a pilot on board and protection of the marine
environment.
The regulations include mandatory minimum
requirements for certificating masters and chief mates;
for certification of officers in charge of a navigational
watch; and for certification of deck ratings forming part
of a navigational watch. The regulations also include
basic principles to be observed in keeping watch in port
and mandatory minimum requirements for a watch in
port on ships carrying hazardous cargo.
The 1978 Convention - Chapter III: Engine department
Includes basic principles to be observed in
keeping an engineering watch; mandatory
minimum requirements for certification of
chief engineer officers and second engineer
officers; mandatory minimum requirements
for certification of engineer officers in charge
of a watch in a traditionally manned engine
room or designated duty officers in a
periodically unmanned engine room;
requirements to ensure the continued
proficiency and updating of knowledge for
engineer officers; mandatory minimum
requirements for ratings forming part of an
The 1978 Convention - Chapter IV: Radio department
Notes that mandatory provisions relating to
radio watchkeeping are set forth in the ITU
Radio Regulations and safety radio
watchkeeping and maintenance provisions
are included in the same regulations and in
SOLAS. The Chapter in STCW includes
mandatory minimum requirements for
certification of radio officers; provisions
designed to ensure the continued proficiency
and updating of knowledge of radio officers;
and minimum requirements for certification
of radiotelephone operators.
The 1978 Convention - Chapter V: Special requirements for tankers

The Chapter was designed to ensure that officers

and ratings who are to have specific duties
related to the cargo and cargo equipment of
tankers shall have completed an appropriate
shore-based fire-fighting course; and have
completed either an appropriate period of
shipboard service or an approved familiarization
course. Requirements are more stringent for
masters and senior officers. Attention is paid not
only to safety aspects but also to pollution
prevention. The Chapter contains three
regulations dealing with oil tankers, chemical
tankers and liquefied gas tankers, respectively.
The 1978 Convention - Chapter VI: Proficiency in survival craft
The Chapter establishes requirements
governing the issuing of certificates of
proficiency in survival craft. An appendix lists
the minimum knowledge required for the
issue of certificates of proficiency.
Resolutions adopted by the 1978
Conference
The 1978 Conference which adopted the
STCW Convention also adopted a number of
resolutions designed to back up the
Convention itself.
 The 1994 amendments
Adoption: 25 May 1994
Entry into force: 1 January 1996

The amendments replaced Chapter V on special training for

crews on tankers.

 The 1991 amendments

Adoption: 22 May 1991
Entry into force: 1 December 1992

The amendments were mostly concerned with additional

requirements made necessary by the implementation of the
Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS).
The 1995 amendments- Major
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.
One of the major features of the revision was the
division of the technical annex into regulations,
divided into Chapters, and a new STCW Code, to
which many technical regulations have been
transferred. Part A of the Code is mandatory while
Part B is recommended.
1995 – Chapter I - General Provisions.
Ensuring compliance with the Convention
Under Chapter I, regulation I/7 of the revised
Convention, Parties are required to provide detailed
information to IMO concerning administrative
measures taken to ensure compliance with the
Convention, education and training courses,
certification procedures and other factors relevant to
implementation.
Port State control
The revised Chapter I includes enhanced procedures
concerning the exercise of port State to allow
intervention in the case of deficiencies deemed to pose
a danger to persons, property or the environment
(regulation I/4).
Other regulations in chapter I include:
Measures are introduced for watchkeeping
personnel to prevent fatigue.
Technical innovations, such as the use of
simulators for training and assessment
purposes have been recognized. Simulators
are mandatory for training in the use of radar
and automatic radar plotting aids
Every master, officer and radio operator are
required at intervals not exceeding five years
to meet the fitness standards and the levels of
professional competence contained in Section
A-I/11 of the STCW Code.
Chapter V: Special training requirements
for personnel on certain types of ships
Special requirements were introduced
concerning the training and qualifications of
personnel on board ro-ro passenger ships.
Previously the only special requirements in
the Convention concerned crews on tankers.
Crews on ro-ro ferries have to receive
training in technical aspects and also in
crowd and crisis management and human
behaviour.
Chapter VI: Emergency, occupational
safety, medical care and survival functions
The Chapter incorporates the previous
Chapter VI: Proficiency in survival craft and
includes mandatory minimum requirements
for familiarization, basic safety training and
instruction for all seafarers; mandatory
minimum requirements for the issue of
certificates of proficiency in survival craft,
rescue boats and fast rescue boats;
mandatory minimum requirements for
training in advanced firefighting; and
mandatory minimum requirements relating to
medical first aid and medical care.
Chapter VII: Alternative certification
Regulations regarding alternative certification
(also known as the functional approach) are
included in a new Chapter VII.
 This involves enabling crews to gain training and
certification in various departments of seafaring
rather than being confined to one branch (such as
deck or engine room) for their entire career.

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Chapter VIII: Watchkeeping
Measures were introduced for watchkeeping
personnel to prevent fatigue. Administrations
are required to establish and enforce rest
periods for watchkeeping personnel and to
ensure that watch systems are so arranged
that the efficiency of watchkeeping personnel
is not impaired by fatigue.
The STCW 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. Chapter II of the Code, for
example, deals with standards regarding the
master and deck department.
Part B of the Code contains recommended
guidance which is intended to help Parties
implement the Convention. The measures
suggested are not mandatory and the
examples given are only intended to illustrate
how certain Convention requirements may be
complied with.
The White List
The first so-called "White list" of countries
deemed to be giving “full and complete
effect” to the revised STCW Convention
(STCW 95) was published by IMO following
the 73rd session of the Organization’s
Maritime Safety Committee (MSC), meeting
from 27 November to 6 December 2000.
It is expected that ships flying flags of
countries that are not on the White List will
be increasingly targeted by Port State Control
inspectors.
IMO holds a ‘White List’ containing countries who
have confirmed to the IMO’s Maritime Safety
Committee (MSC) to be following the relevant
provisions of the International Convention on
Standards of Training, Certification and
Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978 (STCW
Convention).

STCW-95 non-compliant Member States are often

described as being on a ‘black list’. Ships flagged
by a black-listed country can be denied entry to a
port, inspected intensely, or detained when
attempting to enter a port.
 The 1998 Amendments
Adoption: 9 December 1998
Entry into force: 1 January 2003

Amendments to the STCW Code are aimed at improving minimum standards

of competence of crews, in particular relating to cargo securing, loading and
unloading on bulk carriers, since these procedures have the potential to put
undue stresses on the ship's structure. The amendments concern sections A-
II/1 and A-II/2 under "Cargo handling and stowage at the operational and
management levels".

The 1997 Amendments
Adoption: June 1997
Entry into force: 1 January 1999

The amendments concern training for personnel on passenger ships. The

amendments include an additional Regulation V/3 in Chapter V on
Mandatory minimum requirements for the training and qualifications of
masters, officers, ratings and other personnel on passenger ships other than
ro-ro passenger ships. Related additions are also made to the STCW Code,
covering Crowd management training; Familiarization training; Safety
training for personnel providing direct service to passengers in passenger
spaces; Passenger safety; and Crisis management and human behaviour
MAJOR ELEMENTS OF STCW
Articles – contain Administrative requirements
Regulations – contain general regulatory
requirements
STCW Code – contains two elements
-Part A – mandatory detailed requirements
which supplement the Regulations
-Part B – non-mandatory recommendations
which provide guidance on the Regulations
and/or Part A of the Code
Need For Comprehensive Revision
During STW 37 (Jan. 2006), it was felt that the
Convention needs to be amended to include:

 Security training provisions.

 Standards of competence for senior ratings.

 Competence standards for tankers, including LNG.

 Identification of refresher training areas for

demonstration of competence in Safety Training.

 Review of Alternative Certification and Criteria for safe

manning & Rest Period
Calendar of Events
April 2006 – Groundwork began for Revision.
January 2007 (STW 38) - Revision proposed to Sub-
committee and the Terms of Reference approved.

March 2008 (STW 39) - 52 proposals.

Sept. 2008 (ISWG 1) - 62 new proposals.

Feb. 2009 (STW 40) - 68 proposals.

Sept. 2009 (ISWG 2) - 25 pending & 39 new proposals.

Jan. 2010 (STW 41) - Final set of 55 proposals.

June 2010 (Conference) – 31 last minute proposals.

MAJOR BENEFITS OF REVISION
Certificates of Competency and endorsements to
be issued only by Administration - thereby
reducing the possibility of fraudulent practices
associated with issue of certificates of
competency.
Common medical standards for seafarers -
seafarers from one country can serve on board
ships of another country without undergoing
another medical exam.
Revalidation requirements rationalized for the
benefit of the seafarer.
Training in modern technology introduced i.e.
ECDIS for deck officers.
Engineer training updated to include emerging
and modern engineering concepts.
MAJOR BENEFITS OF REVISION
Training and certification requirements for electro-
technical officer introduced.
Training and certification requirements for Able
seafarer deck and engine included in the
Convention. Thereby having all training
requirements set out in one international
instrument.
Updated competency standards for personnel
serving on board different types of tankers
introduced.
Training guidance for personnel serving on board
ships operating in polar waters.
Training guidance for personnel operating Dynamic
Positioning Systems.
MAJOR BENEFITS OF REVISION
New training requirements for marine environment
awareness and training in leadership and teamwork.
Safety and security training requirements separated
to avoid confusion.
Training guidance for seafarers relating to action to
be taken when sailing in piracy infested waters.
Introduction of modern training methodology i.e.
distance learning and web based learning.
Hours of rest harmonized with the requirements of
ILO Maritime Labor Convention (2006) with a view
to reducing fatigue.
Requirements introduced to avoid alcohol and
substance abuse.
Benefits of the Comprehensive Review
 Administrations - Amend laws & Rules relating to training &
certification once - Saving legislative time & reducing
administrative burden.

 Shipping Companies - Planning training of its crew in a Packaged

manner, saving of time and money.

 Training institutes - Revise their curriculum once to meet

requirements - More time available for training.

 Seafarers - Additional Training during leave period - Single

phase rather than every time they are on leave.
MAIN ISSUES
Chapter I – General Provisions
Regulation I/2 – Only Administrations to
issue certificates of competency and
maintain electronic database to assist in
the verification of authenticity and validity
of certificates of competency

Regulation I/6 – Guidance on e-learning

MAIN ISSUES
Chapter I – General Provisions
Regulation I/11 – revalidation requirements
made more rational and includes revalidation
requirements for tanker endorsements
- Revalidation may be established with 3 months of
service in the preceding 6 months.
- Continued professional competence for tankers
through service or by completing approve training
Regulation I/14 – companies responsible for
refresher training of seafarers on their ships
- Requirement to ensure that seafarers receive
refresher and updating training
- Requirement for effective communication on
board
MAIN ISSUES
Chapter I – General Provisions
Regulation I/15 – Transitional arrangements
- five years from date of entry into force
- Entry into force – January 2012
- Will vary depending on the date the person
entered the training institution or started service
- January 1, 2017 – Transitional date for existing
mariners who commenced training/sea service
prior to July 1, 2013.
- January 1, 2017 – Revalidate/renew certificates
for existing mariners
DECK DEPARTMENT
Chapter II – Master and deck department
Replacement of training in Decca and Loran
with generic requirements for electronic
position fixing
Celestial navigation
Electronic Chart Display and Information
System (ECDIS) training
Leadership and managerial skills
Marine environment awareness
Bridge resource management training
New regulation II/5 – Able Seafarer (deck)
ENGINE DEPARTMENT
Chapter III – Engine department
Competence tables for engineers updated to
meet emerging and contemporary technologies
Leadership and managerial skills
Engine room resource management
Marine environment awareness
New regulation III/5 – Able Seafarer (engine)
Training for electro-technical officers and able
seafarer (electro-technical)
Use of simulator training to assess boiler
competence for ratings
MAIN ISSUES
Chapter IV – Radiocommunications
and radio operators

No major changes
SPECIAL TRAINING
Chapter V – Special training requirements for
personnel on certain types of ships
Competency requirements for personnel serving on
board different types of tankers
Comprehensive requirements for training for
personnel serving on board different types of
passenger ships
Guidance on training of masters and officers for
ships operating in polar waters
Guidance regarding training and qualification of
masters and officers in charge of a navigational
watch on board offshore supply vessels
Guidance on training and experience for personnel
operating Dynamic Positioning systems
TANKERS
CHAPTER V - Requirements for tankers
Mariners shall hold a certificate of proficiency in
accordance with their responsibilities on board
the tankers
Mariners must meet the appropriate standards of
competence in Section A-V/1
Requirements based on tanker types
- Oil,
- Chemical, and
- Liquefied gas
TANKERS
CHAPTER V - Requirements for tankers

General requirements - Two types of training

Basic training - Officers and ratings assigned
specific duties and responsibilities related to
cargo or cargo equipment on tankers
Advanced training - Masters, chief engineer
officers, chief mates, second engineer officers and
any person with immediate responsibility for
loading, discharging, care in transit, handling of
cargo, tank cleaning or other cargo-related
operations
TANKERS
CHAPTER V - Requirements for tankers

Basic training - Oil and chemical tankers

At least three months of approved seagoing
service on oil or chemical tankers; or

An approved basic training for oil or chemical

tanker cargo operations.
TANKERS
CHAPTER V - Requirements for tankers
Advance training – Oil tankers
- At least three months of approved seagoing service
on oil tankers, or
- At least one month of approved onboard training on
oil tankers, in a supernumerary capacity, which
includes at least three loading and three unloading
operations
Advance training – Chemical tankers
- At least three months of approved seagoing service
on chemical tankers, or
- At least one month of approved onboard training on
chemical tankers, in a supernumerary capacity, which
includes at least three loading and three unloading
operations
TANKERS
CHAPTER V - Requirements for tankers
Basic training – Liquefied gas tankers
- At least three months of approved seagoing service
on liquefied gas tankers; or
- An approved basic training for liquefied gas tanker
cargo operations
Advance training – Liquefied gas tankers
- At least three months of approved seagoing service
on liquefied gas tankers, or
- At least one month of approved onboard training on
liquefied gas tankers, in a supernumerary capacity,
which includes at least three loading and three
unloading operations
MAIN ISSUES
Chapter VI – Emergency, occupational
safety, security, medical care and survival
functions
Proof of continued professional competence every five
years
- Assessment of competence “ASHORE” for areas that
cannot be trained on board, i.e. Advanced
firefighting rescue boats, etc.
- In service experience, drills and on/board training
for other areas
Security related training are kept separate from those
related to safety training
Piracy awareness training included
Requirements for demonstrating continued
competence in basic safety training including
Environmental pollution and Fatigue awareness
MAIN ISSUES
Chapter VII – Alternate certificates

No major changes
HOURS OF REST
CHAPTER VIII – Watchkeeping
Section A-VIII-1 Fitness for duty
• Rest periods of not less than 10 hours in any 24
hour period and 77 hours in any seven day period
No more than two rest periods, one of which
must be at least six hours; and
Intervals of no more than 14 hours between rest
periods
Exceptions in cases of emergency and overriding
operational conditions, i.e. safety of ship, giving
assistance to others in distress
HOURS OF REST
Administrations may allow exceptions
provided
Reduction in minimum rest hours to 70 in a seven
day period, but for a maximum of two weeks and a
gap of twice the period of exception before there is
any further exception
Increase in rest periods from two to three - one of at
least 6 hours and the others no less than one hour
Interval between rest periods no more than 14
hours
Only applicable for two days in any seven day period
DRUG AND ALCOHOL
CHAPTER VIII – Watchkeeping
Section A-VIII-1 Fitness for duty
Each Administration shall establish, for the purpose of
preventing alcohol abuse:
- a limit of not greater than 0.05% blood alcohol level
(BAC) or 0.25 mg/liter alcohol in the breath; or
- a quantity of alcohol leading to such alcohol
concentration
for masters, officers and other seafarers while
performing designated safety, security and marine
environmental duties.
Drug and alcohol abuse prevention should take into
account the guidance contained in the ILO publication
Drug and Alcohol Prevention Programmes in the
Maritime Industry
EFFECTIVE DATES

Entry into force JANUARY 1, 2012

Fully implemented JANUARY 1, 2017