The requirements of SOLAS Chapter V and COLREG are of little use if they are not adhered to, or if a vessel has on board incompetent crew. In 1978, IMO adopted the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), which established internationally-recognized minimum standards for seafarers.
The Convention was considerably revised in 1995, when IMO adopted a new STCW Code, to which many technical regulations of the original STCW Convention have been transferred. The revised STCW entered into force on 1 February 1997.
The Convention establishes standards for the deck department, engine department and radio department and deals with all members of the ship’s complement. In each case the Convention prescribes minimum age levels, minimum periods of sea-going service and certification requirements. Navigation and related subjects form an important part of the knowledge required of masters and deck officers. Minimum standards of competence for masters and chief mates include:
- Thorough knowledge of content, application and intent of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea;
- Through knowledge of the content, application and intent of the Principles to be Observed in Keeping a Navigational Watch; and
- Effective bridge teamwork procedures.
Purpose of STCW Convention
The main purpose of the Convention is to promote safety of life and property at sea and the protection of the marine environment by establishing in common agreement international standards of training, certification and watch keeping for seafarers.
The 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. 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. However, the recommendations in general represent an approach that has been harmonized by discussions within IMO and consultation with other international organizations.
STCW Chapters
List of all chapters of STCW or Standard of Training, Certification and Watch keeping for Seafarers
Chapter I – General Provisions
- Regulation I/1 – Definitions and clarifications
- Regulation I/2 – Certificates and endorsements
- Regulation I/3 – Principles governing near-coastal voyages
- Regulation I/4 – Control procedures
- Regulation I/5 – National provisions
- Regulation I/6 – Training and assessment
- Regulation I/7 – Communication of information
- Regulation I/8 – Quality standards
- Regulation I/9 – Medical standards
- Regulation I/10 – Recognition of certificates
- Regulation I/11 – Revalidation of certificates
- Regulation I/12 – Use of simulators
- Regulation I/13 – Conduct of trials
- Regulation I/14 – Responsibilities of companies
- Regulation I/15 – Transitional provisions.
Chapter II: Master and deck department
- Regulation II/1 – Mandatory minimum requirements for certification of officers in charge of a navigational watch on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more.
- Regulation II/2 – Mandatory minimum requirements for certification of masters and chief mates on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more.
- Regulation II/3 – Mandatory minimum requirements for certification of officers in charge of a navigational watch and for masters on ships of less than 500 gross tonnage engaged on near-coastal voyages.
- Regulation II/4 – Mandatory minimum requirements for certification of ratings forming part of a navigational watch
- Regulation II/5 – Mandatory minimum requirements for certification of ratings as able seafarer deck
Chapter III: Engine department
- 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
- Regulation III/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 III/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.
- 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 III/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 III/6 – Mandatory minimum requirements for certification of electro-technical officers.
- Regulation III/7 – Mandatory minimum requirements for certification of electro-technical rating
Chapter IV: Radio communication and radio operators
- Regulation IV/1 – Application
- Regulation IV/2 – Mandatory minimum requirements for certification of GMDSS radio operators
Chapter V: Special training requirements for personnel on certain types of ships
- Regulation V/1-1 – Mandatory minimum requirements for the training and qualifications of masters, officers, and ratings on oil and chemical tankers.
- Regulation V/1-2 – Mandatory minimum requirements for the training and qualifications of masters, officers, and ratings on liquefied gas tankers.
- 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.
- Regulation VI/1 – Mandatory minimum requirements for safety familiarization, basic training, and instruction for all seafarers.
- 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.
- Regulation VI/4 – Mandatory minimum requirements related to medical first aid and medical care.
- Regulation VI/5 – Mandatory minimum requirements for the issue of certificates of proficiency for ship security officers.
- Regulation VI/6 – Mandatory minimum requirements for security-related training and instruction for all seafarers.
Chapter VII: Alternative certification
- Regulation VII/1 – Issue of alternative certificates
- Regulation VII/2 – Certification of seafarers
- Regulation VII/3 – Principles governing the issue of alternative certificates
Chapter VIII: Watchkeeping
- Regulation VIII/1 – Fitness for duty
- Regulation VIII/2 –Watchkeeping arrangements and principles to be observed
The STCW Convention has significantly improved the shipping industry in several ways:
- Enhanced Safety: By setting minimum training and certification standards, the STCW Convention has improved the competency of seafarers, leading to enhanced safety at sea. Seafarers are better equipped to handle emergencies and operate ships in a safe manner.
- Reduced Accidents: The training requirements of the STCW Convention help reduce the likelihood of accidents at sea. Seafarers are trained in areas such as firefighting, survival techniques, and first aid, which are crucial for responding to emergencies effectively.
- Environmental Protection: The STCW Convention includes provisions for environmental training, which helps raise awareness among seafarers about the importance of protecting the marine environment. This has led to a reduction in pollution incidents caused by ships.
- Improved Compliance: The STCW Convention has led to better compliance with international regulations and standards. Countries that are party to the Convention are required to ensure that their seafarers meet the training and certification requirements, leading to a more uniform and consistent approach to maritime safety and security.
- Global Standards: The STCW Convention has helped establish global standards for training, certification, and watchkeeping for seafarers. This has facilitated international cooperation and harmonization in the shipping industry, making it easier for seafarers to work on ships from different countries.
Overall, the STCW Convention has been instrumental in improving the professionalism and safety culture of the shipping industry, leading to safer, more environmentally friendly, and more efficient maritime operations.