STCW Convention Overview

STCW Convention

• International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers.
• Amended in 1995 and 2010.
• Sets standards for training, certification and watchkeeping for seafarers.
• Aims to improve safety at sea and protect the marine environment.
• Sets international requirements for maritime training, certification, and watchkeeping for ships.

Learning Objectives

• Purpose of the convention
• Application of the convention
• Content of the convention
• Functional areas
• Company (owner) responsibility for training
• Flag state's responsibility
• Recognition as an educational institution

STCW Convention

• International standards for training, certification, and watchkeeping for seafarers.
• Adopted by the IMO in 1978, came into force in 1984.
• Expanded in 1995 and 2010.

STCW-95

• Aims to improve maritime safety and marine environment protection by creating equal standards for seafarer certification globally.
• Sets international requirements for maritime training, certification, and watchkeeping.
• Specifies minimum competence standards for seafarers.
• Enables more effective seafarer competence control.
• Details requirements for obtaining certificates, including competence, minimum age, service time, and medical fitness.

Manila 2010

• Aims to update the convention with changes in technology and raise standards for future challenges.
• Includes training in modern technologies (electronic charts - ECDIS).
• Includes leadership and teamwork (BRM/ERM).
• Details training requirements for specialized crew (electrotechnical officers).
• Adds safety training in case of criminal incidents.
• Includes modern training methods.
• Recommends specialized training for ships operating in polar waters.
• Recommends specialized training for personnel operating dynamic positioning systems.

Manila Amendments

• Updated the STCW Convention, implementing changes on January 1, 2012.
• Implementation deadline: January 1, 2017
• Introduction of new certificate requirements for seafarers (sailors, engine officers).
• Updating of existing skill sets based on requirements of areas like coastal shipping.
• Inclusion of amendments in the National Qualifications Regulations.

Content

• Details the framework of the convention including 17 articles/paragraphs.
• Covers general provisions, master and deck departments, engine departments, communications, specific ship types, emergencies, rescue, alternative certificates, and watchkeeping.

Resolutions

• Additional recommendations for maritime administrations, not ship owners.
• Details of the rules and applicable competence standards.

Definitions and Clarifications

• Competence requirements refer to the level of skill needed for safe work on board ships as stated in the international standards.
• This includes knowledge, understanding, and demonstrated ability.

Management Levels

• Covers the levels of responsibility linked to the duties of captain, chief officer, chief engineer and chief engineer.
• Deals with how to maintain safe and efficient ship operations with all crew and equipment at sea or in the harbor.

Operational Level

• Defines operational level responsibility in ship activities like handling the helm and conducting watchkeeping.
• This includes officer duties on the bridge, engineers' duties during maintenance and emergency response, as well as radio operators' tasks.

Support Level

• Defines the support level as the staff of a ship who deal with ship's operations by supporting the other levels to maintain control of ship's operations, by applying their expertise in their required tasks.

Function Areas

• Describes various roles and responsibilities, including navigation, cargo handling, machinery operation, communication.
• Includes practical tasks within these categories.

Function Levels

• Describes three levels of job responsibilities: Crew, Operators, and Administration level.
• Provides the specific ranks or qualifications needed for each level.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Describes the responsibilities of the training state (country where seafarers are trained).
• Lists responsibilities of the flag states.
• Provides details about the responsibilities of the company.

Bridge and Engine Room Resource Management (BRM/ERM)

• Discusses training for resource management in bridge and engine rooms, including timelines for the training course.

Flag State Responsibilities

• Implement STCW internationally.
• Assess and qualify trainers, teachers, and examiners.
• Ensure shipping companies comply with the convention.
• Correct deviations from the convention's requirements.

Company Responsibilities

• Maintain staff awareness and knowledge of the rules.
• Maintain sufficient well-trained staff on board.
• Ensure crew with necessary competences and communication skills.
• Ensure crew's competence.
• Ensure well-rested crews.
• Proper training procedures.

Company Responsibility for Training

• Plan the appropriate training for their workforce.
• Address the specific needs for training people onboard ships to follow guidelines.

Application for Certificates

• Health certificate from a recognized medical practitioner.
• Service record, as required by the maritime authority.
• Transcript of qualifications, as required by the maritime authority.
• Photo and copy of previous certifications
• Application for certification from a recognized issuing body

Application for Approval as an Educational Institution

• Copies of recent reports from certification bodies.
• Details about the Quality Management System.
• Evidence of recently performed internal audits.
• Evidence of successfully completed managerial reviews.
• Course planning documents.
• Staff competence information.
• Information on facilities that meet required standards

Renewal of Approval

• Renewal process if a review identifies no significant issues that affect the quality of the training institution.

Explore the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW). This quiz covers the purpose, application, and responsibilities outlined in the convention. Test your knowledge on how these standards aim to enhance safety and protect the marine environment.