Standanders of training, Certification and

watchkeeping for seafarers

 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