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STCW-95:

A GUIDE
FOR
SEAFARERS
INTERNATIONAL TRANSPORT WORKERS' FEDERATION
STCW-95:
A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

Bernardo Obando Rojas


Seafarers International Research Centre (SIRC)
Cardiff University

Published by:
The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) 4 60
Borough Road
London SE1 1DR
UK

March 2002 2nd edition

ISB o 0 01 6 4
The author gratefully acknowledges the contributions of Chris Young, Mark Dickinson,
Jon Whitlow and Tony Lane for their patient help and comments, Peter Goode and
Marylin Myerscough for proofreading the manuscript, Bill Ansell for contributing to
the original design, and Helen Sampson and Erol Kahveci for generously lending most
of the photos illustrating the Guide (other photos from the ITF archive). Very special
thanks go to Celia Mather and Helena King for producing and designing the final
version of this publication and to Marianne for all her support.
Foreword

The 1 amendments to the International Convention on Standards of


Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers 1 8
Convention have significantly changed the way seafarers are trained
and certificated for service on modern seagoing ships. It is therefore
vital that all seafarers understand how these amendments will affect
their ability to maintain their professional qualifications, and that they
have a means for identifying where they need additional training to
acquire a 1 STCW certificate or endorsement.

This Guide, if read with care, can sufficiently introduce any seafarer
to the essential scope and content of the Convention to allow him or
her to appreciate the importance of the 1 amendments and to
follow up with knowledgeable questions where necessary.

While there can be honest differences of opinion about specific


interpretations contained in this Guide (depending on such factors as
the national system in which the amendments are to be applied), I
strongly endorse the effort to make information about STCW more
easily available to seafarers who are most directly affected by its
contents.

CHRIS YOUNG
CHAIR
SUB-COMMITTEE ON STANDARDS OF TRAINING AND WATCHKEEPING
INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANISATION (IMO)
Contents page

About this Guide 1

Section 1:
Introduction to STCW-95 3
The STCW Convention
Layout of the Convention 6
Deadlines to meet
Glossary of terms 8

Section 2:
Certification Requirements 11
Part 1 STCW-95 Certificates 13
Certificates 13
Certification paths 18
General requirements for officers 20
General requirements for ratings 22
Part 2 Certificates and general requirements by rank 27
Master 2
Chief mate 2
Officer in charge of a navigational watch 31
Ratings forming part of a navigational watch 34
Radio operators 3
Chief engineer 36
Second engineer 38
Officer in charge of an engineering watch 40
Ratings forming part of an engineering watch 42
Any other crew member 43
Part 3 0ther certificates 45
For personnel on any type of ship 4
For personnel on tankers 4
For personnel on ro ro passenger ships 48
For personnel on passenger ships other than ro ro 4
Part 4 Training issues 51
Education and training issues 1
Simulator training under STCW 2
English language requirements 2
GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System) certificates 3
Medical standards 4
Section 3:
On board requirements 55
Certificates and documentary evidence to be carried on board
Mandatory safety and ship board familiarisation training
On board training and assessment 61
Seagoing service 62
Alcohol and drug consumption 63
Control provisions 64
Penalties 66
Regulations affecting watch keeping personnel duty 6

Section 4:
Implications of STCW-95 for STCW-78 certificate holders 69
Upgrading and revalidation 1
Additional competence requirements under STCW (by rank) 2
Master and deck department 2
Engine department 6
Radio department

Section 5:
Where to find more information on STCW-95 79

Annex A
List of countries Party to STCW 8 as amended in 1 i
Annex e
IMO Circular (MSC/Circ. 18) on guidance for port State control
inspectors in respect of certificates of competence
issued under the provisions of the STCW Convention iii
Annex C
IMO Circular (STW 31/ /1) on follow up actions to the
1 conference extract listing certificates or documentary
evidence required under the STCW Convention iv
Annex D
Summary of requirements (table) v
About this Guide

This Guide is aimed at seafarers of all ranks and nationalities. Its main
purpose is to help you find out how STCW-95 will affect you and explain
how you can benefit from it. Although we have tried to make this Guide as
accurate as possible, you should contact the maritime Administration
issuing your certificate(s) of competency and endorsement(s) for specific
information on the national requirements and deadlines you must meet.

You can read this Guide in any order you wish. Section 1 gives background
information on the STCW-95 Convention, including deadlines to meet, and
provides a brief glossary of terms.

Section 2 outlines the certificates you need to hold before signing on a


ship to ensure you comply with STCW-95. This section consists of four
parts. Part
1 tells you about STCW-95 certificates, certification paths and general
requirements for officers and ratings. Part 2 lists the certificates and
general requirements demanded according to rank. Part 3 tells you what
certificates you need, depending on your function on board and the type
of vessel you are working on. Part 4 gives guidance on training
establishments, simulator requirements, English language and GMDSS
certificates.

Section 3 deals with the requirements you need to meet once you are on
board. This includes what documentation you must have with you at all
times, ship-specific familiarisation training, training records and sea-going
service. It also covers the regulations on alcohol and drug consumption,
control procedures and penalties. There is also a section applying to
watch- keeping personnel only, officers and ratings, on rest hour
regulations and watch-keeping guidelines.

Section 4 tells you what you need to do to if you are a holder of an STCW-
78 certificate and need to update your certificate to STCW-95. This section
includes tables that summarise by rank the additional competencies you
need to demonstrate to upgrade your certificate.

Finally, Section 5 lists other sources of information you can consult should you
want to know more about STCW-95.

This Guide is produced by the International Transport Workers' Federation


(ITF). Copies are free of charge for seafarers and can be obtained through ITF
maritime affiliates worldwide or by writing to the ITF Information
Department, 49-60 Borough Road, London SE1 1DS, United Kingdom. You
STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS
can also download a free version from our website at www.itf.org.uk

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


Introduction to
STCW-95
SECTION ONE
The STCW Convention

The key to maintaining a safe shipping environment and keeping our


oceans clean lies in all seafarers across the world observing high standards
of competence and professionalism in the duties they perform on board.
The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and
Watchkeeping for Seafarers 1978, as amended in 1995 (STCW-95), sets
those standards, governs the award of certificates and controls
watchkeeping arrangements. Its provisions not only apply to seafarers, but
also to ship-owners, training establishments and national maritime
administrations.

The Convention was adopted by the International Maritime Organisation


(IMO) in 1978 and came into force in 1984. During the late 1980s, it was clear
that STCW-78 was not achieving its aim of raising professional standards
world-wide, and so IMO members decided to amend it. This was done in the
early 1990s, and the amended Convention is now referred to as STCW-95.

Whereas the STCW-78 Convention focused almost entirely on knowledge, the


emphasis of STCW-95 has been shifted to practical skills and competence
underpinned by theoretical knowledge. The standards set by the Convention
applies to seafarers of all ranks serving on sea-going merchant ships
registered under the flag of a country Party to the Convention.

The term "seagoing merchant ships" includes all commercial vessels


engaged on domestic or international voyages. The STCW-95 Convention
does not apply to seafarers serving on warships, naval auxiliaries or any
other government owned or operated ship engaged in non-commercial
service, fishing vessels (there is a separate Convention covering personnel
on fishing vessels), pleasure yachts not engaged in trade and wooden
ships of primitive build.

The Convention has already been accepted by 133 countries, including all
major labour suppliers and shipping registries. This number represents
more than 98% of the world's merchant fleet. At the end of this Guide you
will find a list of all countries that are Parties to the Convention and the
dates of acceptance.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


SECTION ONE

Layout of the Convention

The STCW-95 Convention is a book consisting of three 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 watchkeeping.
Part B:
Recommended guidelines (not mandatory) on training,
certification and watchkeeping.

The regulations in the Annex should be read in conjunction with the relevant
Section of the STCW Code (Part A). It is a good idea to familiarise yourself with
the Convention. After all, the standards of competence that you are expected
to meet are specified there. A copy of the STCW-95 Convention is normally
kept on board all sea-going merchant ships.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


SECTION ONE
Deadlines to meet

The STCW-95 Convention came into force on 1 February 1997. However, there
is a five-year transitional period, until 1 February 2002 to allow for a phased-
in implementation of the provisions. After February 2002, all seafarers are
required to meet STCW-95 standards. The three important dates to
remember are:

1 February 1997
The STCW-95 Convention comes into force for all countries Party to the
Convention. From 1 February 1997 onwards, requirements for basic safety
training, special training for personnel on certain types of ships (tankers
and ro-ro passengers), and familiarisation instruction when joining a new
ship apply. Regulations covering personnel on board passenger ships
other than ro-ro passengers comes into force in January 1999. Starting
from 1 February 1997 and for a period of five years, until 1 February 2002,
the different regulations contained in the Convention will be phased in.
During this five- year transitional period, a Party may continue to issue
certificates of competency in accordance with its previous practices.

1 August 1998
If you started your sea-going career (sea-going service or maritime
education training) after 1 August 1998, your training and certification must
be in full compliance with STCW-95 requirements. Seafarers who began
their seafaring career before 1 August 1998 have until February 2002 to
comply with STCW-95 requirements.

1 February 2002
Implementation period ends. From February 2002 onwards all seafarers on
active service must comply with all STCW-95 requirements and be in
possession of a valid STCW-95 certificate covering the functions performed
on board.
Note:
In view of difficulties in meeting the February 2002 deadline, the IMO
recommended in January 2002 that Flag States and Port Control authorities
exercise flexibility as not all STCW-78 certificate holders have been able to
revalidate to STCW-95 by the February deadline. Therefore, it has been
agreed that under 'exceptional circumstances' provisions adopted by
maritime administrations might enable seafarers to work aboard on the basis
of STCW-78 certificates until 1 July 2002. Seafarers are advised to consult
with the maritime administration issuing their certificate(s) as some may
adopt shorter or nil periods of dispensation. In any case, there will be no
further leeway after July 2002 for STCW-78 certificate holders.
STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS
SECTION ONE

Glossary of terms

You need to know the meaning of some basic terms that will be used in
this Guide:
Administration:
The Government of the Party (country) whose flag a ship is entitled to fly. An
Administration deals, among other things, with regulating the training,
education and certification of seafarers in accordance with the requirements
of the Convention.
Approved:
This means that a national maritime Administration has approved a
training programme or seagoing service because it meets the
requirements of the STCW-95 Convention.
Function:
This is a way of classifying shipboard tasks by functions and levels of
responsibility. There are seven functional areas at three different levels of
responsibility. The levels of responsibility are: management level
(applies to senior officers); operational level (applies to junior officers);
and support level (applies to ratings forming part of a navigational or
engine watch). The following table lists the different functions and levels
of responsibility at which the functions can be carried out.
LEVEL OF RESPONSIBIL
FUNCTION
Management Operational Support
Deck Navigation ✓ ✓ ✓

Cargo handling and



stowage

Deck + Controlling the operation


Engine of a ship and care for ✓ ✓
persons on board

Engine Marine Engineering ✓ ✓ ✓


Maintenance and repair ✓ ✓
Electrical, electronic and ✓ ✓
control engineering
Radio Radio communication ✓

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


SECTION ONE
Party:
A country where the STCW Convention has entered into force. A Party is
under the obligation to implement the standards contained in the
Convention.

Seagoing service:
Service on board a ship relevant to the issue of a certificate or other
qualification. For example, one of the requirements to qualify as a rating
forming part of a navigational watch is to have approved seagoing service,
including not less than six months' training and experience.

Seagoing ship:
A ship navigating in areas not close to inland or sheltered waters or where
port regulations apply.

Standard of competence:
This term refers to the minimum knowledge, understanding and
proficiency that seafarers must demonstrate to gain certification. The
tables contained in Part A of the STCW Code specify the standards of
competence to be achieved by the seafarer. The thinking behind dividing
all duties on board into competencies, functions, and levels of
responsibility is that certificates should be awarded on the basis of the
specific duties the seafarer carries out on board rather than on ship
departmental divisions (deck/engine).

For the complete tables and full details of standards of competence applying
to the certificates you hold, refer to the STCW Code (Part A) in the STCW-95
Convention.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


2
Certification
Requirements
PART 1

STCW-95 CERTIFICATES

SECTION TWO
Certificates

The term 'certificates' covers all official documents required under STCW-
95. It includes certificates of competence, endorsements, certificates
of proficiency, special certificates and any documentary evidence
showing that a requirement of the Convention has been met.

Certificates are important as they are the main paper evidence you
have on hand to prove that your level of maritime education and
training, your length of service at sea, your professional competence,
medical fitness and age all comply with STCW-95 standards. Every
Party to the Convention has to ensure that certificates are only issued
to those seafarers who meet STCW standards.

Certificate of competence:
This document is issued to masters, officers, radio operators and
ratings forming part of a watch, who meet the standards of competence
relevant to their particular functions and level of responsibility on
board. The table below indicates the title of the certificates under
STCW-95 and the various limitations and tonnage thresholds that
apply.

CAPACITY AREA LIMITATION TONNAGE LIMITATION

Master Near coastal Less than 500 gt


None Less than 3,000 gt
None None

Chief Mate None Less than 3,000 gt


None None

Officer in charge of navigational Near coastal Less than 500 gt


watch (OOW) None None

Rating forming part of None None


a navigational watch

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


AREA LIMITATION
CAPACITY

Radio operator GMDSS (GOC or ROC)

CAPACITY AREA LIMITATION PROPULSION POWER


LIMITATION

Chief engineer None 750 kW to 3,000 kW


SECTION TWO

None 3,000 kW or more


Near coastal 750 kW to 3,000 kW
Near coastal 3,000 kW or more

Second engineer officer None 750 kW to 3,000 kW


None 3,000 kW or more
Near coastal 750 kW to 3,000 kW
Near coastal 3,000 kW or more

Officer in charge of an None 750 kW or more less


engineering watch (OOW) Near coastal than 3,000 kW

Rating forming part of None None


an engineering watch

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.

Endorsement of recognition:
This document is issued by an Administration as an official
recognition of the validity of a certificate issued by another
Administration. This procedure is necessary as many merchant fleets
are manned by seafarers certificated by other Administrations. In
other words, if you hold a certificate from country 'x', but you are
serving on a ship registered in country 'y', then you need to apply to
the maritime Administration of country 'y' for a certificate authorising
you to serve on ships registered under its flag. From February 2002
onwards, all seafarers serving on foreign ships must obtain an
endorsement.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


To obtain an endorsement of recognition, you will need to submit the
original of your national certificate of competence to the representative
of the issuing Administration. You cannot apply for an endorsement
on the basis of another endorsement. Most Administrations will also
require proof of identity. In most cases you will have to pay a
processing fee that will vary depending on the type of certificate
being endorsed and the charges set by different Administrations. If you
are employed, the employer (shipowner or manning agent) will normally

SECTION TWO
take care of all the necessary paperwork and fees. Even though it is
not a requirement of the Convention, there are a number of
Administrations that are now requiring a letter of employment as part of
the documentation necessary to process an application for an
endorsement of recognition.

The way to submit your documentation varies from Administration to


Administration. While some will accept a postal application and
copies of the documents, others will insist that the seafarer appears in
person with all the original documentation. These face-to-face
applications are processed before a representative of the
Administration at a designated office (if overseas, this is normally
held at the consulate of the country's Administration).

An STCW endorsement of recognition can only be issued by an


Administration provided that the certificate being recognised was issued
in accordance with STCW requirements and the original certificate
presented is genuine. To verify that the certificate in question has
been issued in accordance with all requirements of the Convention, an
Administration may inspect the training facilities and certification
procedures of another Administration.

To verify that the certificate is genuine, the documents that you


submit to a foreign Administration will be checked for authenticity. This
will include a visual check to verify security features in the
certificate. Its number and details may also be cross-checked with
the issuing Administration. This process may take time, so the
Administration will issue a letter stating that your application is being
processed. By producing this letter you are able to serve on board a
ship registered under the Administration processing your application
for a maximum period of three months.

Masters, chief mates, chief engineers or second engineers applying


for an endorsement of recognition are also required to demonstrate
knowledge of the maritime legislation of the flag State issuing the
endorsement.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


Certificates of proficiency and special certificates:
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, ro-ro passenger ships and other
passenger ships) and for those assigned with safety and pollution
prevention duties. It certifies that the holder meets STCW-95 standards
of competence in specific functions related to safety, care of
SECTION TWO

persons, or cargo.

Documentary evidence:
This is a document which is not necessarily issued or recognised by
the Administration (and is not, therefore, called a certificate).
Documents issued by the shipowner or master of the vessel to attest
that the seafarer has participated in a safety drill or has completed
some type of training (for example familiarisation training) are
examples of documentary evidence. It is important to keep these
documents as they are one of the accepted ways of demonstrating
that you have achieved proficiency in a given task (basic safety
training, for example).

Under the STCW-95 Convention, all seafarers need to meet minimum


standards of competence, age, medical fitness, and approved sea-
going service. These standards are set by each national
Administration, but as a minimum, they should reflect STCW-95
standards. The certificates you are required to hold depend on your
rank, responsibilities you are assigned on board, and the type of
vessel you are serving on. For example, if you are watch-keeping
officer working on board a chemical tanker, and your duties include
being crew of a fast rescue boat, then you will need to hold
certificates covering all these aspects. The same applies to a rating
serving on ro-ro passenger ships with designated safety duties or to a
barman working on a passenger ship who is designated to assist
passengers in emergencies.

Before you join a ship, make sure you have all the valid certificates
you need to cover the functions you will be performing on board. This
documentary evidence is proof of your competence and will be
subject to inspection by the master, flag State and port State
inspectors.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


To obtain an STCW-95 certificate you first need to successfully
complete a training programme approved by the issuing Administration
or to complete a period of approved seagoing service. For most
certificates you will need a combination of both. Some of the training
can be provided at sea, but for more specialised and longer courses
you will need to attend a period of shore-based instruction.
Certificates are issued once you are able to prove your competence in
and knowledge of the tasks covered by your certificate and this to

SECTION TWO
the standards required. The requirements to upgrade a STCW-78
certificate to STCW-95 standards are outlined in Section 4 of this
Guide.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


Certification paths

There are two different ways of gaining your STCW-95 certificates.


Whichever path you choose, the standards are identical. The difference
lies in the number of functions you will be able to perform on board
and this is reflected in the certificate awarded.

1. The traditional method: STCW certificates awarded in the traditional


SECTION TWO

way are classified according to which departments of the ship


(deck or engine) you work in. Most seafarers around the world
have been awarded their certificates in this way. Under this
method you will probably work in the same department (deck or
engine) throughout your entire seafaring career.
The change introduced by STCW-95 in this path is that in order to
qualify for a specific certificate, say watch-keeping officer in
charge of a navigational watch, you will need to be competent in
the specific functions stated for that level of responsibility.
Under the STCW-78 Convention, seafarers were also allowed to
qualify for a certificate on the basis of sea-going service alone
(ratings qualifying as watch-keeping officers, for example). This is
no longer possible under STCW-95 provisions, as all seafarers are
now required to complete approved sea-going service and to have
completed an approved education and training programme before
they are eligible for the next higher certificates of competence.
2. The alternative method: This refers to STCW certificates issued to
enable the holder to perform different functions that are not
necessarily within the same department. The certificate awarded will
specify the functions and the level of responsibility. A candidate
for alternative certification will need to qualify in all these
functions at a determined level of responsibility in one
department (deck or engine) before being able to qualify for other
functions (at the same level of responsibility) in a different
department. For example, a watch-keeping officer applying for an
alternative certificate will have to qualify in all the functions of a
watch-keeping officer, either in the deck or the engine
department, before he or she can qualify for additional functions
at the same level in other departments. Standards of competence,
age and medical fitness are the same as for the traditional
method.
The purpose of the alternative certification is to allow for
shipboard organisation to be in line with modern technological
developments and to open up a new career path for seafarers.
Nowadays shipboard organisation on most high-speed vessels is
based on a functional (or alternative) approach.
STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS
Under the Convention, shipowners are not allowed to use
alternative certification as a means of reducing the number of
crew members on board and increasing everybody else's
workload, or to undermine the integrity of the profession by
assigning combined deck and engine- room watch-keeping duties to
a single certificate holder during a watch. Alternative certification is
still optional for all Parties to the Convention. To date, very few
Parties have elected to issue certificates in this way.

SECTION TWO

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


General requirements for officers

If you are an officer, you must meet minimum requirements in


respect of standards of competence, seagoing service time, medical
fitness and age. You should be in possession of a valid certificate of
competence according to your rank and functions on board. This
certificate should be endorsed (in the same certificate or in a separate
document) by the issuing Administration. You should also have all the
SECTION TWO

ancillary certificates required such as radar or ARPA, GMDSS, and those


referring to safety duties on board specific types of ships. Part 2 and
part 3 of this section will give you guidance as to what certificates
officers require.

To know the exact requirements and standards of competence for


each certificate you should consult chapters II (master and deck
department), III (engine department), IV (radio personnel), V (training
requirements for personnel on certain types of ships). VI (emergency,
occupational safety, medical care and survival functions) of the
STCW-95 Convention. These chapters should be read in conjunction with
the respective section of Part A of the STCW Code.

Revalidation requirements for officers:


Certificates for masters, officers and radio operators must be
endorsed by the issuing Administration and re-validated at intervals
not exceeding five years. Certificates issued under STCW-78 standards
should be upgraded to STCW-95 standards before February 2002 (see
Section 4). Other certificates for specialised training are subject to
refresher training (see part 2 in this Section).
Officers serving on ships registered under a foreign flag:
If you intend to serve on ships registered under the flag of a foreign
country, then you need an endorsement of recognition issued by the
Administration of that country. Some Administrations may also
require an endorsement of recognition for specialised training
certificates. In some instances, Administrations from other countries
will only recognise training which has been completed at specific training
establishments in your country of origin. If in doubt, ask the foreign
Administration if it has any requirements in this respect.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


Going for the next higher certificate:
If you eventually want to opt for the next higher certificate you will
need to meet a number of requirements including approved training and
education, minimum age, approved seagoing service and medical
fitness.

Officers• duties on joining any ship:


All officers need to complete a period of ship-specific familiarisation

SECTION TWO
training before being assigned any shipboard functions. There is no
certificate awarded for this, but a record of the training should be
kept in the ship's official logbook. This requirement applies to any
member of the crew including hotel staff holding officer rank in
passenger ships.
Basic safety training for officers:
Officers serving on any type of ship who are designated with safety
and pollution prevention responsibilities in the operation of the ship,
need basic safety training. Such training must cover personal survival
techniques, basic fire prevention and fire fighting, elementary first
aid, and personal and social responsibilities. This requirement applies
to practically all officers serving on merchant ships. Cadets assigned
with these duties also need to complete basic safety training before
going to sea. Basic safety training should be documented as having
taken place within five years of the officers' being assigned to safety
and pollution prevention duties.

You may be exempted from basic safety training if you have already
completed this training under STCW-78. To find out if this is the case,
contact the Administration issuing your national certificate of
competence. If you are not exempted, you need to complete an approved
training course or provide evidence that you have achieved the
required standards of competence within the previous five years (by
participating in drills and exercises, for example, or assessment by a
qualified assessor). There is no requirement for seafarers to hold an
official certificate of basic training, but it is advisable that you do hold
some form of documentary evidence to show that you have achieved
competence in these functions within the previous 5 years (this may
be in the form of record of drills or letters from a training centre).

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


General requirements for ratings

Ratings fall under three general categories; those forming part of a


watch (deck or engine), those who are not assigned with watch-
keeping duties, and those undergoing training. As a rating you are
required to meet minimum standards of medical fitness, minimum
age (if designated with watch-keeping duties), competence (if
designated with watch-keeping duties), and seagoing service time (if
SECTION TWO

designated with watch-keeping duties). Ratings who are not assigned


with watch-keeping duties or those still undergoing training are not
required to hold watch-keeping certificates.

All other certification requirements for ratings depend on the


functions performed on board. Part 2 and part 3 of this section will
give you guidance as to what certificates you require depending on
the function you perform and the type of ship you are serving on. If
you want to know the exact standards of competence you should
meet, consult chapters II (master and deck department), III (engine
department), IV (radio personnel), V (training requirements for
personnel on certain types of ships), VI (emergency, occupational
safety, medical care and survival functions) of the STCW-95
Convention. These chapters should be read in conjunction with the
respective section of Part A of the STCW Code.

Ratings assigned with watch-keeping duties


Ratings forming part of a watch (deck or engine) need to be
specifically certified for this function. If you are part of a
navigational watch, you need to hold a certificate known as 'rating
forming part of a navigational watch' certificate. On the other hand,
if you are part of an engineering watch, you will need to hold a
certificate known as 'rating forming part of an engineering watch'
certificate. To obtain these certificates you need to show that you are
competent in the functions set out in the following paragraphs. You can
find the complete version of these in the STCW-95 Convention under
section A-II/4 for deck personnel and A-III/4 for engine personnel. If
you served for a period of not less than one year as a rating forming
part of a watch before the Convention came into force for the
Administration issuing your certificate (see the list at the end of this
Guide), then you are considered to meet the competence
requirements and will be certified accordingly without needing to
undergo any further training.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


Ratings forming part of a navigational watch
You should meet the competence requirements stated below. Some of
these are new requirements which were not required under STCW-78.
These do not apply to ratings on ships of below 500 gross tonnage. You
must be able to:
1. Steer the ship and comply with helm orders issued in English
(covers the use of magnetic and gyro compasses, helm orders,
change over from automatic pilot to hand steering device and

SECTION TWO
vice-versa).
2. Keep a proper look-out by sight and hearing (covers the
responsibilities of a look-out including reporting the approximate
bearing of a sound signal, light or other object in degrees or
points).
3. Contribute to monitoring and controlling a safe watch (covers
shipboard terms and definitions, use of internal communication
and alarm systems, have the ability to understand orders and to
communicate with the officer of the watch in matters relevant to
watch-keeping duties, be familiar with the procedures for the relief,
maintenance and hand-over of a watch, the information required to
maintain a safe watch and basic environmental protection
procedures).
4. Operate emergency equipment and apply emergency procedures
(covers knowledge of emergency duties and alarm signals,
knowledge of pyrotechnic distress signals, satellite EPIRB's and
SARTS, avoidance of false distress alerts and action to be taken in
the event of accidental activation).

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


Ratings forming part of an engineering watch
If you are part of an engineering watch you should meet the
competence requirements stated below. The requirements are the same
as for STCW-78. They do not apply to ratings on ships of below 750kW
in propulsion power. You need to be able to:
1. Carry out a watch routine appropriate to the duties of a rating
forming part of an engine room watch and communicate
effectively in matters related to watch-keeping duties (covers
SECTION TWO

terms used in machinery spaces and the names of machinery and


equipment, engine-room watch-keeping procedures, safe working
practices in engine-room operations, basic environmental
protection procedures, use of internal communications systems,
engine room alarm systems and ability to distinguish between the
various alarms with special reference to fire- extinguishing gas
alarms).
2. Keeping a boiler watch and maintain the correct water level and
steam pressure (covers safe operation of boilers).
3. Operate emergency equipment and apply emergency procedures
(covers knowledge of emergency duties, escape routes from
machinery spaces, familiarity with the location and the use of fire
fighting equipment in machinery areas).

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


Revalidation requirements for ratings
Certificates for ratings forming part of a watch are not subject to
revalidation. Ratings in possession of STCW-78 documents do not need
to upgrade them to STCW-95 standards. Other certificates are subject
to refresher training (see part 2 in this Section).

Ratings serving on ships registered under a foreign flag


Under the Convention, certificated watch-keeping ratings are not

SECTION TWO
required to have an endorsement of recognition when serving on ships
registered under the flag of another country. However, the
Administrations of some foreign countries require and issue
endorsements for ratings forming part of a watch and other certificates
relating to specific functions (tanker training, for example). Ask your
employer (shipowner or manning agent), or the respective
Administration directly to find out whether you need to obtain an
endorsement of recognition. In some cases, an endorsement of
recognition for a specialised certificate will only be issued if the
training has been completed at a training centre approved by the
Administration of the foreign country. Again, if in doubt, ask the
Administration for any requirements in this respect.

Going for the next higher certificate


The progression through the ranks, particularly from rating to officer,
is possible under STCW-95. However, you will need to complete
approved seagoing service and complete an approved programme of
training. Under the old system it was possible to progress through the
ranks based on seagoing service time only.

Ratings• duties on joining any ship


All ratings need to complete a period of ship-specific familiarisation
training before being assigned any shipboard functions. There is no
certificate awarded for this, but a record should be kept of it in the
ship's official logbook. This requirement applies to any member of the
crew, including hotel staff in passenger ships.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


Basic safety training for ratings
Ratings serving on any type of ship who are designated with safety
and pollution prevention responsibilities in the operation of the ship need
basic safety training. This covers personal survival techniques, basic
fire prevention and fire-fighting, elementary first aid, and personal
and social responsibilities. This requirement applies to practically all
ratings serving on merchant ships as well as to ratings undergoing
training. Basic safety training should be documented as having taken
SECTION TWO

place within five years of a rating's being assigned to safety and


pollution prevention duties.

You may be exempted from basic safety training if you have already
completed this training under STCW-78. To find out if this is the case,
contact the Administration issuing your national certificate of
competence. If you are not exempt, you need to complete an
approved training course or provide evidence that you have attained
the required standards of competence within the previous five years
(by participating in drills and exercises, for example, or assessment
by a qualified assessor). There is no requirement for seafarers to hold
an official certificate of basic training, but it is advisable that you
possess some form of documentary evidence to show that you have
attained competence in these functions within the previous 5 years
(record of drills or letters from a training centre).

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS
PART 2

CERTIFICATES AND GENERAL


REQUIREMENTS BY RANK

SECTION TWO
Master
NAME OF CERTIFICATE REVALIDATION
REG.

National certificate of competence Yes I/2, II/2,


and endorsement II/3

Flag State endorsement of recognition1 Yes I/10

GMDSS2 + endorsement Yes IV/2

Basic safety training* Achieved within VI/1


- Personal survival techniques previous 5 years
- Fire prevention and fire-fighting
- Elementary first aid
- Personal safety and social responsibility

Medical first aid* No VI/4

Survival craft and rescue boats* No VI/2

Advanced fire fighting* No VI/3

Medical fitness Yes I/9

Basic safety familiarisation On assignment ** VI/1

Ship specific familiarisation On assignment** I/14

* Certificate not required, only evidence of having achieved competence within previous
five years.
** Training conducted on board ship before being assigned to shipboard duties.
1
Endorsement or documentary proof that it is being processed (validity 3 months).
Endorsements required by all flag States from February 2002.
2
In force from February 1997 for all seafarers in charge of radio duties on a GMDSS
equipped ship. From 1 February 2002 mandatory for all deck officers and any other
persons performing radio duties.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


General requirements to obtain a certificate of competency
as master

◆ Masters on ships of 3,000 gross tonnage or more must:


a) Previous certificate & seagoing service: meet requirements for
certification as an officer in charge of a navigational watch on
ships of 500 gross tonnage or more and have at least 36
SECTION TWO

months' approved seagoing service in that capacity; however,


this period may be reduced to not less than 24 months if not
less than 12 months of such seagoing service has been served
as chief mate.
b) Education & Training: have completed a period of approved
education and training and meet the standard of competence
specified in section A-II/2 of the STCW Code for masters on
ships of 3,000 gross tonnage or more.

◆ Masters on ships of 500 - 3,000 gross tonnage must:


a) Previous certificate & seagoing service: meet requirements for
certification as an officer in charge of a navigational watch on
ships of 500 gross tonnage or more and have at least 36
months' approved seagoing service in that capacity; however,
this period may be reduced to not less than 24 months if not
less than 12 months of such seagoing service has been served
as chief mate.
b) Education & Training: have completed a period of approved
education and training and meet the standard of competence
specified in section A-II/2 of the STCW Code for masters on
ships of between 500 and 3,000 gross tonnage.

Note: The same requirements apply for masters on ships of less


than 500 gross tonnage not engaged on near-coastal voyages.

◆ Masters on ships of less than 500 gross tonnage must:


a) Age: be not less than 20 years of age.
b) Seagoing service: have approved seagoing service of not less than
12 months as officer in charge of a navigational watch.
c) Education & Training: have completed a period of approved
education and training and meet the standard of competence
specified in section A-II/3 of the STCW Code for masters on
ships of less than 500 gross tonnage engaged in near-coastal
voyages.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


Chief Mate

NAME OF CERTIFICATE
REVALIDATION
REG.

National certificate of competence Yes I/2, II/2


and endorsement

Flag State Endorsement of recognition1 Yes I/10 S


E

SECTION TWO
C
GMDSS2 and endorsement Yes IV/2 T
I
O
Basic safety training* Achieved within VI/1 N
- Personal survival techniques previous 5 years
T
- Fire prevention and fire-fighting W
- Elementary first aid
- Personal safety and social responsibility O
Medical First Aid* No VI/4

Survival craft and rescue boats* No VI/2

Advanced fire fighting* No VI/3

Medical fitness Yes I/9

Basic safety familiarisation On assignment** VI/1

Ship specific familiarisation On assignment** I/14

* Certificate not required, only evidence of having achieved competence within previous 5 years.
** Training conducted on board ship before being assigned to shipboard duties.
1
Endorsement or documentary proof that it is being processed (validity 3 months).
Endorsements required by all flag States from February 2002.
2
In force from 1 February 1997 for all seafarers in charge of radio duties on GMDSS
equipped ship. From 1 February 2002 mandatory for all deck officers and any other
person performing radio duties.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


General requirements to obtain a certificate of competency
as chief mate

◆ Chief mates on ships of 3,000 gross tonnage or more must:


a) Previous certificate & seagoing service: meet requirements for
certification as an officer in charge of a navigational watch on
ships of 500 gross tonnage or more and have at least 12
SECTION TWO

months' approved seagoing service in that capacity.


b) Education & Training: have completed approved education and
training and meet the standard of competence specified in
section A-II/2 of the STCW Code for masters and chief mates
on ships of 3,000 gross tonnage or more.

◆ Chief mates on ships of 500 - 3,000 gross tonnage must:


a) Education & Training: have completed a period of approved
education and training and meet the standard of competence
specified in section A- II/2 of the STCW Code for masters and
chief mates on ships of between 500 and 3,000 gross tonnage.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


Officer in charge of a navigational watch
NAME OF CERTIFICATE REVALIDATION
REG.

National certificate of competence Yes I/2, II/1,


and endorsement II/3

SECTION TWO
Flag State endorsement of recognition1 Yes I/10

GMDSS2 and endorsement Yes IV/2

Basic safety training* Achieved within VI/1


- Personal survival techniques previous 5 years
- Fire prevention and fire-fighting
- Elementary first aid
- Personal safety and social responsibility

Medical first aid* No VI/4

Survival craft and rescue boats* No VI/2

Advanced fire fighting* No VI/3

Medical fitness Yes I/9

Basic safety familiarisation On assignment ** VI/1

Ship specific familiarisation On assignment** I/14

* Certificate not required only evidence of having achieved competence within


previous 5 years.
** Training conducted on board ship before being assigned to shipboard duties.
1
Endorsement or documentary proof that it is being processed (validity 3 months).
Endorsements required by all flag States from February 2002.
2
In force from 1 February 1997 for all seafarers in charge of radio duties on a GMDSS
equipped ship. From 1 February 2002 mandatory for all deck officers and any other
person performing radio duties.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


General requirements to obtain a certificate of competency
as officer in charge of a navigational watch

◆ Officers in charge of a navigational watch on ships of 500 gross tonnage


or more must:
a) Age: be not less than 18 years of age.
b) Seagoing service: have approved seagoing service of not less than
SECTION TWO

one year as part of an approved training programme,


including on- board training. This training must meet the
requirements of section A-II/1 of the STCW Code and be
documented in an approved training record book. Otherwise,
the seafarer must have approved sea- going service of not
less than three years.
c) Bridge watch-keeping duties: have performed, during the
required seagoing service, bridge watch-keeping duties under the
supervision of the master or a qualified officer for a period of
not less than six months.
d) Radio duties: meet the applicable requirements of the regulations
in chapter IV (GMDSS), as appropriate, for performing
designated radio duties in accordance with the Radio
Regulations.
e) Education and Training: have completed a period of approved
education and training and meet the standard of competence
specified in section A-II/1 of the STCW Code.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


◆ Officers in charge of a navigational watch on ships of less than 500
gross tonnage must:

Ships not engaged on near-coastal voyages:


a) Certificate: hold an appropriate certificate for ships of 500
gross tonnage or more

Ships engaged on near coastal voyages:

SECTION TWO
a) Age: be not less than 18 years of age
b) Seagoing service: have completed special training, including an
appropriate period of seagoing service as required by the
Administration, or approved seagoing service in the deck
department of not less than three years.
c) Radio duties: meet the applicable requirements of the regulations
in chapter IV (GMDSS), as appropriate, for performing
designated radio duties in accordance with the Radio
Regulations.
d) Education & Training: have completed a period of approved
education and training and meet the standard of competence
specified in section A-II/3 of the STCW Code for officers in
charge of a navigational watch on ships of less than 500 gross
tonnage engaged in near-coastal voyages.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


Ratings forming part of a navigational watch

NAME OF CERTIFICATE REVALIDATION


REG.

National certificate of competence No I/2, II/4

Basic safety training* Achieved within VI/1


- Personal survival techniques previous 5 years
SECTION TWO

- Fire prevention and fire-fighting


- Elementary first aid
- Personal safety and social responsibility

Basic safety familiarisation On assignment ** VI/1

Ship specific familiarisation On assignment** I/14

* Certificate not required, only evidence of having achieved competence within


previous five years.
** Training conducted on board ship before being assigned to shipboard duties.

General requirements to obtain a certificate of competency as a


rating forming part of a navigational watch

Applies only for service on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more.


◆ The rating must:
a) Age: be not less than 16 years of age.
b) Seagoing Service: have completed approved seagoing service,
including not less than six months' training and experience, or
c) Education & training: have received special training, either pre-
sea or onboard ship, including an approved period of seagoing
service which shall not be less than two months; and
d) Competence: meet the standard of competence specified in
section A-II/4 of the STCW Code.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


Radio operators

NAME OF CERTIFICATE REVALIDATION


REG.

For radio personnel on board GMDSS Yes I/2 IV/2


ships:
- General Operator's Certificate (GOC)
and endorsement or

SECTION TWO
- Restricted Operator's Certificate (ROC)
and endorsement
The type of certificate required depends
on whether you are serving on a ship
trading in a GMDSS zone A1 (coastal) or
GMDSS A2 and A3 (deep-sea)
For radio personnel on ships not required Yes
to comply with GMDSS:- National
certificate of competence (ITU Radio
Regulations) and endorsement

Flag State endorsement of recognition1 Yes I/10

Basic safety training* Achieved within VI/1


- Personal survival techniques previous 5 years
- Fire prevention and fire-fighting
- Elementary first aid
- Personal safety and social responsibility

Basic safety familiarisation On assignment ** VI/1

Ship specific familiarisation On assignment** I/14

* Certificate not required, only evidence of having achieved competence within


previous 5 years.
** Training conducted on board ship before being assigned to shipboard duties.
1
Endorsement or documentary proof that it is being processed (valid 3 months).
Endorsements required by all flag States from 1 February 2002.

General requirements to obtain a certificate of competency as a


GMDSS operator

a) Age: be not less than 18 years of age.


b) Education & Training: have completed a period of approved
education and training and meet the standard of competence
specified in section A-IV/2 of the STCW Code.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


Chief engineer

NAME OF CERTIFICATE REVALIDATION


REG.

National certificate of competence Yes I/2, III/2,


and endorsement III/3

Flag State endorsement of recognition1 Yes I/10


SECTION TWO

Basic safety training* Achieved within VI/1


- Personal survival techniques previous 5 years
- Fire prevention and fire-fighting
- Elementary first aid
- Personal safety and social responsibility

Medical first aid* No VI/4

Survival craft and rescue boats* No VI/2

Advanced fire fighting* No VI/3

Medical fitness Yes I/9

Basic safety familiarisation On assignment ** VI/1

Ship specific familiarisation On assignment** I/14

* Certificate not required, only evidence of having achieved competence within


previous 5 years.
** Training conducted on board ship before being assigned to shipboard duties.
1
Endorsement or documentary proof that it is being processed (validity 3 months).
Endorsements required by all flag States from 1 February 2002.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


General requirements to obtain a certificate of competency as a
chief engineer

◆ Chief engineer officers on ships powered by main propulsion machinery


of 3,000 kW propulsion power or more must:
a) Previous certificate & seagoing service: meet the requirements for

SECTION TWO
certification as an officer in charge of an engineering watch and
have not less than 36 months' approved seagoing service, of
which not less than 12 months shall have been served as an
engineer officer in a position of responsibility while qualified
to serve as second engineer officer.
b) Education & Training: have completed approved education and
training and meet the standard of competence specified in
section A-III/2 of the STCW Code.

◆ Chief engineer officers on ships powered by main propulsion machinery


of 750 kW - 3,000 kW propulsion power must:
a) Previous certificate & seagoing service: meet the requirements for
certification as an officer in charge of an engineering watch and
have not less than 24 months' approved seagoing service, of
which not less than 12 months shall have been served while
qualified to serve as second engineer officer.
b) Education & Training: have completed approved education and
training and meet the standard of competence specified in
section A-III/3 of the STCW Code.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


Second Engineer

NAME OF CERTIFICATE REVALIDATION


REG.

National certificate of competence Yes I/2, III/2,


and endorsement III/3

Flag State endorsement of recognition1 Yes I/10


SECTION TWO

Basic safety training* Achieved within VI/1


- Personal survival techniques previous 5 years
- Fire prevention and fire-fighting
- Elementary first aid
- Personal safety and social responsibility

Medical first aid* No VI/4

Survival craft and rescue boats* No VI/2

Advanced fire fighting* No VI/3

Medical fitness Yes I/9

Basic safety familiarisation On assignment ** VI/1

Ship specific familiarisation On assignment** I/14

* Certificate not required only evidence of having achieved competence within


previous 5 years.
** Training conducted on board ship before being assigned to shipboard duties.
1
Endorsement or documentary proof that it is being processed (validity 3 months).
Endorsements required by all flag States from 1 February 2002.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


General requirements to obtain a certificate as a
second engineer

◆ Second engineer officers on ships powered by main propulsion


machinery of 3,000 kW propulsion power or more must:
a) Previous certificate & seagoing service: meet the requirements for

SECTION TWO
certification as an officer in charge of an engineering watch and
have not less than 12 months' approved seagoing service as
assistant engineer officer or engineer officer.
b) Education & Training: have completed approved education and
training and meet the standard of competence specified in
section A-III/2 of the STCW Code.

Note: Second engineer officers qualified for service on ships


powered by main propulsion machinery of 3,000 kW propulsion
power or more, may serve as chief engineer officer on ships
powered by main propulsion machinery of less than 3,000 kW
propulsion power provided not less than 12 months' approved
seagoing service shall have been served as an engineer officer in
a position of responsibility and the certificate is so endorsed.

◆ Second engineer officers on ships powered by main propulsion


machinery of 750 kW - 3,000 kW propulsion power must:
a) Previous certificate & seagoing service: meet the requirements for
certification as an officer in charge of an engineering watch and
have not less than 12 months' approved seagoing service as
assistant engineer officer or engineer officer.
b) Education & Training: have completed approved education and
training and meet the standard of competence specified in
section A-III/3 of the STCW Code.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


Officer in charge of an engineering watch
NAME OF CERTIFICATE REVALIDATION
REG.

National certificate of competence Yes I/2, III/1


and endorsement

Flag State endorsement of recognition1 Yes I/10


SECTION TWO

Basic safety training* Achieved within VI/1


- Personal survival techniques previous 5 years
- Fire prevention and fire-fighting
- Elementary first aid
- Personal safety and social responsibility

Medical first aid* No VI/4

Survival craft and rescue boats* No VI/2

Advanced fire fighting* No VI/3

Medical fitness Yes I/9

Basic safety familiarisation On assignment ** VI/1

Ship specific familiarisation On assignment** I/14

* Certificate not required, only evidence of having achieved competence in


previous 5 years.
** Training conducted on board ship before being assigned to shipboard duties.
1
Endorsement or documentary proof that it is being processed (validity 3 months).
Endorsements required by all flag States from 1 February 2002.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


General requirements to obtain a certificate of competency as an
officer in charge of an engineering watch

◆ Officers in charge of an engineering watch in a manned engine- room or


designated duty engineers in a periodically unmanned engine-room (750
kW propulsion power or more) must:

SECTION TWO
a) Age: be not less than 18 years of age.
b) Seagoing service: have completed not less than six months'
seagoing service in the engine department in accordance with
section A-III/1 of the STCW Code.
c) Education & Training: have completed approved education and
training of at least 30 months which includes onboard training.
This must be documented in an approved training record book
and meet the standards of competence specified in section A-
III/1 of the STCW Code.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


Ratings forming part of an engineering watch

NAME OF CERTIFICATE REVALIDATION


REG.

National certificate of competence No I/2, II/4,

Basic safety training* Achieved within VI/1


- Personal survival techniques previous 5 years
SECTION TWO

- Fire prevention and fire-fighting


- Elementary first aid
- Personal safety and social responsibility

Basic safety familiarisation On assignment ** VI/1

Ship specific familiarisation On assignment** I/14

* Certificate not required, only evidence of having achieved competence in previous years.
** Training conducted on board ship before being assigned to shipboard duties.

General requirements to obtain a certificate of competency as a rating


forming part of a watch in a manned engine-room or designated to
perform duties in a periodically unmanned engine room

Applies only for service on ships of 750 kW propulsion power or more.


◆ The rating must:
a) Age: be not less than 16 years of age.
b) Seagoing service: have completed approved seagoing service
including not less than six months' training and experience, or
c) Education & Training: special training, either pre-sea or onboard
ship, including an approved period of seagoing service which
shall not be less than two months; and
d) meet the standard of competence specified in section A-II/4
of the STCW Code.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


Any other crew member
(including ratings not forming part of a navigational watch and
hotel staff on passenger vessels)

NAME OF CERTIFICATE REVALIDATION


REG.

SECTION TWO
Basic safety familiarisation On assignment ** VI/1

Ship specific familiarisation On assignment** I/14

** Training conducted on board ship before being assigned to shipboard duties.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


PART 3

OTHER CERTIFICATES
ACCORDING TO FUNCTION PERFORMED
ON BOARD AND TYPE OF VESSEL

SECTION TWO
For personnel on any type of ship

1. If designated with safety or pollution prevention duties in the


operation of the ships:
NAME OF CERTIFICATE REVALIDATION
REG.

Basic safety training* Achieved within VI/1


- Personal survival techniques previous 5 years
- Fire prevention and fire-fighting
- Elementary first aid
- Personal safety and social responsibility

* Certificate not required, only evidence of having achieved competence in previous


five years before being assigned to safety or pollution prevention duties

2. If in charge of survival craft or rescue boats (other than fast


rescue boats):
NAME OF CERTIFICATE REVALIDATION
REG.

Survival craft certificate of proficiency No VI/2

3. If designated as crew of a fast rescue boat:


NAME OF CERTIFICATE REVALIDATION
REG.

Fast rescue boat certificate No VI/2

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


4. If designated to control fire-fighting operations:
NAME OF CERTIFICATE REVALIDATION
REG.

Advanced fire-fighting Achieved within VI/3


previous 5 years

5. If designated to provide first aid:


SECTION TWO

NAME OF CERTIFICATE REVALIDATION


REG.

Medical first aid No VI/4

6. If designated to provide medical care:


NAME OF CERTIFICATE REVALIDATION
REG.

Medical care No VI/4

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


For personnel working on a tanker

1. For officers and ratings assigned specific duties and


responsibilities relating to cargo or cargo equipment (applies to
oil, chemical and liquefied gas tankers):
NAME OF CERTIFICATE REVALIDATION
REG.

SECTION TWO
Tanker familiarisation course or three No V/1
months' approved seagoing service on
tankers

Shore-based fire-fighting course No V/1

2. For masters, chief engineer officers, chief mates, second


engineer officers and any person with immediate responsibility
for loading, discharging and care in transit for handling of cargo
(applies to oil, chemical and liquefied gas tankers):
NAME OF CERTIFICATE REVALIDATION
REG.

Oil tanker specialised training Yes V/1

Chemical tanker specialised training Yes V/1

Liquefied gas tanker specialised training Yes V/1

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


For personnel working on a ro-ro passenger ship
engaged in international voyages

1. For masters, officers and other personnel designated on muster


lists to assist passengers in emergency situations:
NAME OF CERTIFICATE REVALIDATION
REG.
SECTION TWO

Ro-ro passenger ship crowd management Yes (refresher) V/2


training

2. For master, officers and other personnel assigned specific safety


duties and responsibilities:
NAME OF CERTIFICATE REVALIDATION
REG.

Ro-ro passenger ship familiarisation training No V/2

3. For personnel providing direct service to passengers in passenger


spaces on board ro-ro passenger ships:
NAME OF CERTIFICATE REVALIDATION
REG.

Ro-ro passenger ship safety training No V/2

4. For master, chief mates, chief engineer officers, second engineer


officers and any person assigned immediate responsibility for
embarking and disembarking passengers, loading, discharging or
securing cargo, or closing hull openings:
NAME OF CERTIFICATE REVALIDATION
REG.

Ro-ro passenger ship passenger Yes V/2


safety, cargo safety and hull
integrity training

5. For masters, chief mates, chief engineer officers, second


engineer officers and any person having responsibility for safety
of passengers in emergency situations on board ro-ro passenger
NAME OF CERTIFICATE
ships: REVALIDATION

REG.

Ro-ro passenger ships crisis Yes V/2


management training

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


For personnel working on a passenger ship
(other than a ro-ro passenger ship)
engaged in international voyages

1. For masters, officers and other personnel designated on muster


lists to assist passengers in emergency situations:
NAME OF CERTIFICATE REVALIDATION

SECTION TWO
REG.

Passenger ship crowd management Yes (refresher) V/2


training

2. For masters, officers and other personnel assigned specific safety


duties and responsibilities:
NAME OF CERTIFICATE REVALIDATION
REG.

Passenger ship familiarisation training No V/2

3. For personnel providing direct service to passengers in passenger


spaces on board passenger ships:
NAME OF CERTIFICATE REVALIDATION
REG.

Passenger ship safety training No V/2

4. For masters, chief mates, chief engineer officers, second


engineer officers and any person assigned immediate
responsibility for embarking and disembarking passengers,
loading, discharging or securing cargo, or closing hull openings:
NAME OF CERTIFICATE REVALIDATION
REG.

Passenger ship passenger safety training Yes V/2

5. For masters, chief mates, chief engineer officers, second


engineer officers and any person having responsibility for the
safety of passengers in emergency situations on board passenger
ships:
NAME OF CERTIFICATE REVALIDATION

REG.

Passenger ship crisis management Yes V/2


training
STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS
SECTION TWO

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


PART 4

TRAINING ISSUES

Education and training centres

SECTION TWO
All training programmes and assessments provided in connection with
an STCW-95 certificate need to comply with STCW-95 standards and
must be approved by the respective Administration. The competence
tables contained in the STCW Code (Part A) provide information on
what should be included in the teaching programme, the criteria by
which competence is assessed, and what standard of ability the
student performing that competence needs to demonstrate. These
regulations apply to training given both on board and ashore.

All instructors, supervisors and assessors need to be qualified and


experienced in the particular types and levels of training and
assessment they give. They also need to know about teaching
techniques. For example, an instructor teaching fire-fighting techniques
should be qualified and have practical experience in teaching fire-
fighting principles and techniques. Each education and training
institution needs to have its academic and training programme
approved by the Administration issuing the certificate.

It is common for educational and training institutions to issue their


own certificates for the courses they run. Before enrolling on any course,
find out first if the programmes offered comply with STCW-95
standards and, more importantly, if the training centre has been
authorised by the respective Administration to provide the courses
and services offered and, where applicable, to issue STCW-95
certificates for short courses. In case you intend to use these
certificates for service under foreign flags, you should also check if
the Administrations in the countries concerned recognise the
certificates issued by the training institution where you attended any
courses. You are entitled to ask the training institution for all this
information. Remember, if a training centre is not properly authorised to
run the course(s) offered, or to issue STCW certificates on behalf of
the Administration, you could end up with certificates which will not
be accepted as proof of competence.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


Simulator training under STCW-95

The only mandatory simulator training under STCW-95 is that relating to


the use of radar and ARPA. In these two specific cases, simulators are
the only accepted methods of demonstrating competence. In all other
instances, approved simulator training and assessment is not
mandatory, being just one of the methods accepted by the
Convention for training and demonstrating competence. (The use of
SECTION TWO

other methods such as in-service experience or training ship


experience are equally acceptable.) This category of optional
simulator training and assessment covers navigation and ship
handling, cargo handling, GMDSS communication, propulsion and
auxiliary machinery.

Simulators need to comply with prescribed standards. This does not


imply that all simulators need to be highly expensive and complex
electronic artefacts. Although certain simulators, such as radar or
ARPA, do fall under this category, other tasks can be taught and
assessed using more basic simulators. For example, ship models are
widely used for providing training in ship stability and for assessment
purposes, and even an orange, when used for teaching injection
techniques in first aid training, can be considered as a simulator.
Instructors and assessors engaged in simulator-based training need to
be properly qualified in the use of such equipment.

English language requirements

Under the STCW Convention, all officers in charge of a watch


(navigational or engineering) must have a good command of spoken
and written English. Senior officers with functions at a managerial
level must also speak and write English, since this is a requirement at
the previous level of responsibility. Ratings forming part of a
navigational watch are required to be able to comply with helm orders
issued in English. Crew members assisting passengers during
emergency situations should be able to communicate safety-related
issues in English or in the language spoken by the passengers and
other personnel on board.

In these days of multi-national and multi-lingual crews, the


importance of sharing a common language cannot be underestimated.
It will not only improve safety and operational efficiency, but will
also make life on board easier and more pleasant.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)
certificates

If you are in charge of distress and safety communications on a ship


required to comply with GMDSS, then you need to hold a GMDSS
certificate. There are two types of GMDSS certificates:
1 The General Operator's Certificate (GOC), for personnel assigned

SECTION TWO
to radio-communication duties on deep-sea ships operating
beyond VHF coast station coverage.
2 The Restricted Operator's Certificate (ROC), for personnel on
board ships operating only in sea areas within VHF coverage
(coastal areas).

The type of certificate you need (and the communications equipment


needed on board) depends on the GMDSS sea area (or areas) in which
the ship you are serving on operates.

Since 1st February 1999, GMDSS has been mandatory for all ocean-
going passenger ships (carrying more than 12 passengers) and cargo
ships of 300 gross tonnage and upwards on international voyages. This
requirement has been interpreted, however, in different ways. Some
Parties require all officers on board GMDSS ships to hold a GMDSS
certificate, while others require only one or two persons on board to
have this qualification. Whichever interpretation applies, from 1
February 2002 all seafarers performing navigation duties at
operational and management levels (master and officers), and any
other person assigned to radio- communication duties, need to hold a
GMDSS certificate. Most ship owners and Parties are already enforcing
this requirement for all masters and deck officers on GMDSS ships.

If you hold a STCW-78 master's or deck-officer's certificate, you


should consult the Party issuing your certificate - and your employer -
as to whether you require to go for a GMDSS certificate before 1st
February 2002. The answer is probably yes.

If you are in charge of radio communications on a ship not required to


participate in GMDSS, then you are not required to hold GMDSS
certification.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


Medical standards

A seafarer needs to be reasonably fit and in good health. Although


the Convention does not stipulate mandatory minimum standards of
medical fitness for seafarers, most Administrations already enforce strict
standards, particularly with regards to eyesight and hearing for watch-
keeping personnel.
SECTION TWO

If you meet the medical standards, you will be issued with a medical
certificate. This certificate is subject to revalidation at least every 5
years. If you want to know more about the medical standards that
apply to you, the examination procedures and revalidation
requirements, contact the Administration that issued your
certificate.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


3On Board
Requirements
This section will tell you how to comply with STCW-95 once you are
on board. The requirements outlined in this section came into force
on 1 February 1997 and apply to the master, chief engineer, officers,
ratings and any other crew member on board ships of any tonnage,
from a coaster to a very large tanker. The last two parts of this
section (hours of work and watch-keeping regulations) only apply to
officers and ratings forming part of a watch (deck or engine).

Certificates and documentary evidence to be carried


on board

The certificates and any other documentary evidence you hold are
official proof of your competency. Before joining a ship, it is your
duty, and that of your employer, to check that you hold the correct
certificates. Once on board, the master and inspectors from port and

SECTION THREE
flag state authorities will check your documentation. If during the
course of these inspections they find that you do not hold the
appropriate certificates, or that these have expired, you will
probably be discharged until you complete the training required
and/or the certificates required have been revalidated. In many cases
this is a cause for your employer to terminate your contract.

According to STCW-95 you should carry on board the originals of all


certificates and endorsements. Photocopies are not acceptable. You need
to have the following documents on you at all times:

1. National certificate of competence and endorsement (The


endorsement may be part of the certificate or may be issued as a
separate document). Refer to the previous section to see what
certificates you need to hold.

2. Certificates and documentary evidence covering specific safety or pollution


prevention duties and service on board certain types of ship. Refer to the
previous section to see what certificates you need to hold.

3. Endorsements of recognition. This is a requirement from 1 February


2002.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


When applying for an endorsement of recognition, remember the following:
◆ You need to hold separate endorsements for each flag State.
◆ No endorsement of recognition will be granted if the original
national certificate is not valid or has expired.
◆ STCW-95 endorsements are only issued for STCW-95 certificates.
You cannot obtain a STCW-95 endorsement on the basis of a
STCW-78 certificate.
◆ You cannot apply for an endorsement of recognition from one
Party on the basis of an endorsement issued by another Party.
Endorsements can only be issued on the basis of the original
certificate.
◆ If you have already applied for an endorsement, but this is being
processed by the respective flag administration, you have a
period of grace of up to 3 months from the date you join the ship.
During this period you will be able to serve without an
endorsement provided you have documentary evidence (a letter
SECTION THREE

from the flag administration or consulate) stating that you have


applied for an endorsement of recognition.
◆ Masters, chief mates, chief engineers and second engineers are
required to have adequate knowledge of the maritime legislation of
the recognising Party. This requirement may be assessed by
written examination.

4. Medical certificate (including vaccination records)

Note: Remember to check the expiry date on all of the above certificates
and documents as expired certificates are not valid for service on
board .

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


Mandatory safety and ship-board familiarisation
training

Every time you join a new ship you need to undergo the basic safety
familiarisation and ship-specific familiarisation training.

1. Basic safety familiarisation gives information and instruction about


what to do in the case of an emergency. Before being assigned to
shipboard duties, you should receive either approved training in
personal survival techniques or sufficient information to be able
to:
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

SECTION THREE
e) identify escape
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.

Note: Basic familiarisation training is different from basic safety


training. For information on basic safety training refer to the general
requirements for officers or ratings shown in Section 2.
2. Ship-specific familiarisation gives you the opportunity to become
acquainted with the specific equipment you will be using, and
ship- specific watch-keeping, safety, environmental protection
and emergency procedures and arrangements you need to know to
perform any assigned duties properly. This training should be
completed at the earliest possible opportunity after joining the
ship.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


Both types of familiarisation instruction are to be given by a
responsible person on board the ship, normally an officer, and must
be delivered in a language that you are able to understand. They can
take place at the same time. No certificates are given for completing
the familiarisation instruction, but the master or responsible officer
should make a signed entry in the ship's logbook stating when the
safety familiarisation training and ship- specific familiarisation was
provided. You should also keep a record of it yourself and keep it
together with your documents.

In addition to the familiarisation instruction, it is very important that


you take every opportunity to familiarise yourself with the equipment
used to perform your functions, as well as all safety and emergency
procedures. Allow your curiosity free reign and consult manuals,
posters, films and any other audio-visual materials available on
board.
SECTION THREE

Also, try to introduce discussions with your colleagues. You will be


surprised how much you can learn from them. Don't be afraid to ask
questions if you have any doubts about your duties, safe working
practices or emergency procedures. If your immediate superior is
unable to give you a satisfactory answer, raise the issue with the next
person in the hierarchical chain or with the master.

If you are still not satisfied with the answer, raise the issue with the
person in charge of fleet management in the shipping company's
office. According to the International Safety Management Code (ISM)
there should always be a person in the shipping company's head office
designated to deal with safety queries (including STCW).

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


On-board training and assessment

The STCW-95 Convention lays great emphasis on practical


competence. Therefore an important part of any STCW training
programme is to put into practice what you have learned from books
or with an instructor in a classroom. For some specific skills this is
best done at approved training establishments in purpose built
installations ashore (fire-fighting courses, for example). However, to gain
certain other competencies the best way is to practice them at sea
under the supervision of a person with appropriate training and
experience. This is why it is extremely important that experienced
seafarers take every opportunity to train less experienced seafarers.
This is the best way of passing on knowledge to new generations of
seafarers.

Any training that is carried out on-board, as part of an approved


training programme, must be recorded in a training record book. This
book is approved by the Administration issuing the certificate and lists

SECTION THREE
the specific tasks that should be completed by the student while
he/she is at sea to demonstrate that competency has been achieved. All
trainee officers must document their on-board training in a training
record book.

The tasks assigned in this book should be completed by the candidate


under the supervision of a training supervisor on board. This will
normally be a designated officer. The training supervisor will inspect
the progress made by the student and sign the book accordingly.
Training record books should also be checked regularly by the master.

On completion of all the tasks contained in the record book, this is


submitted to examiners from the Administration or from training
establishments. They will inspect it as part of the evidence to
demonstrate that the candidate has achieved the standard of
competence in order to qualify for an STCW-95 certificate.

Remember that training and assessment, both on board and ashore,


should always be conducted by instructors and assessors qualified in
the tasks that are being taught. The training programme must be
approved by the maritime Administration issuing the certificate.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


Seagoing service

Many STCW-95 certificates require seafarers to have had sufficient


time of service on board relevant to the issue of a certificate. The
exact requirements are given in Section 2.

In other words, if you want to apply for a certificate, you need to


provide satisfactory proof that you have completed the required seagoing
service for the certificate you are applying for. For example, one of the
requirements to obtain a certificate as an officer in charge of a
navigational watch on ships of less than 500 gross tonnage is to "have
approved seagoing service in the deck department of not less than
three years". (Reg II/3).

If you are applying for any of the following certificates you will need to
meet minimum seagoing service requirements (for details see Section
2, Part 2): master, chief mate, officer in charge of a navigational watch,
SECTION THREE

rating forming part of a navigational watch, chief engineer, second


engineer, officer in charge of an engineering watch, rating forming part
of an engineering watch, rating forming part of a watch in a manned
engine room, officer or rating assigned with specific duties related to
cargo equipment on tankers.

You can gain approved seagoing service on any type of ship as long as
your duties on board are relevant to the certificate you are applying
for. For example, if you intend to apply for a certificate as an officer
in charge of a navigational watch, you will need to have approved
seagoing service in the deck department. Although there are no
specific requirements stating the size or propulsion power of the ships
in which you are obtaining your seagoing service time, these should
be adequate to the certificate being issued. You should contact the
maritime Administration from which you intend to obtain the
certificate to check if there are any minimum limitations in size or
tonnage to obtain approved seagoing service.

When signing off the ship, the seagoing service time is written in your
discharge book and this will be stamped and signed by the master of
the ship. It will include dates and port of joining and leaving ship. If
it does not include particulars of the ship (tonnage, propulsion power,
flag, call sign), it might be worth making note of these and keeping
them in a separate record in case you are required to provide them
later on to the Administration.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


Alcohol and drug consumption

Consumption of alcohol or illegal drugs can severely impair any


seafarer's fitness for duty. In most countries, consumption of drugs is
strictly forbidden and anyone convicted of this offence could face severe
penalties, including imprisonment, and the almost certain termination
of their contract. A seafarer can expect little sympathy from their
employer or the authorities if caught in possession of, or using, illegal
substances. The adverse effects on personal health and general
safety on board are also compelling reasons for avoiding alcohol and
drug abuse.

The consumption of alcohol on board ship is being progressively


phased out through strict regulations and screening. Many companies
now enforce a no-alcohol policy on board their ships and it is not
unknown for companies and port State inspectors to carry out random
alcohol tests on crew members. The Convention guideline is that
watch-keepers should not consume any alcohol within four hours of

SECTION THREE
going on watch. Some Parties have already adopted policies to
enforce maximum blood-alcohol levels, similar to those applying to
road drivers.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


Control provisions

The effectiveness of STCW-95 will depend on whether the standards


laid down in the Convention can be enforced and maintained. So a
number of control measures have been introduced to give it some
teeth.

The enforcers include seafarers, the Parties (acting as flag States and
port States), the IMO, and shipping companies.

By far the best enforcers are seafarers. After all there is a lot to gain if
proper standards are maintained. Any accident occurring on board affects
seafarers in one way or another, and maintaining high standards of
competence is an effective way of preventing accidents and providing
a safe working environment for all.

Parties to the Convention, acting as flag or port States, are


responsible for ensuring that seafarers coming under their jurisdiction
SECTION THREE

meet the prescribed standards of competency. You come under the


jurisdiction of a flag State when you hold a certificate issued by that
administration or you serve on board a ship registered under its flag.
In turn, you will be under the jurisdiction of a port State whenever
your ship is in port.

A flag State will exercise control by regulating the certification process,


the training and education of seafarers, and by assessing the
competence of seafarers prior to certification.

A port State exercises control by inspecting ships calling at their


ports. The Convention contains a provision for port State authorities
to inspect any ship calling at any of their ports. Under this provision
inspectors are authorised to verify that seafarers hold appropriate
certificates for the functions they perform, that manning level
requirements are complied with, and that seafarers are competent in
their watch-keeping, safety, and pollution prevention duties.

When a port State Inspector comes on board, he or she will check


these aspects in the following ways. First, by examining all
certificates and documentary evidence of crew members on board.
Second, by verifying that the number of crew is in accordance with the
Safe Manning Document. Third, by checking that watch-keeping
procedures are being observed, including rest periods. Fourth, if
there is a reason to believe that standards are not being maintained,
the inspector is entitled to make an assessment of the ability of
seafarers to maintain watch-keeping standards. For this the inspector
may ask the crew about emergency or safety procedures, or to
STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS
perform a specific emergency drill, or may ask any individual crew
member to perform a task relevant to his or her duty on board. For
example, a deck

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


watch-keeping officer may be asked practical questions about
operating bridge equipment, while engineering officer may be asked
to operate the propulsion or electricity generating plant. The sort of
questions the inspectors will ask cover the competencies set out in
Part A of the STCW Code. Port State control has become a feature of
modern seafaring - and it is here to stay.

Another equally important control procedure, contained in the


Convention is the accountability of each Party to both the IMO and to
other Parties. Every Party is under an obligation to submit a report to
IMO on its implementation of the Convention. This information is
examined by the IMO and a decision is reached as to whether or not
the Party is complying in full with the Convention. The list of Parties
identified by IMO as being in full compliance will be included in what
is known as the White List (see Annex B).

All administrations included in the White List are subject to a re-


evaluation by the panel of experts every five years. Should it be found
that, at the time of the re-evaluation, the country is not giving full and

SECTION THREE
effective compliance to the Convention, its name will be removed.
Similarly, new countries may be added if they meet the criteria for
inclusion.

The importance of this for you is that if a Party included in the White
List issues your certificate, then this is accepted as proof that you
meet STCW- 95 standards in all respects. This may be an advantage if
you are applying for endorsements of recognition or seeking employment
in the international fleet. It may even make the visit of the port State
Inspector that much shorter.

However, it does not mean that seafarers holding certificates issued


by a Party not listed in the White List will be unable to find
employment at sea. They can still be employed, but will probably be
subject to additional scrutiny from employers and other Administrations
before being employed. Holders of certificates issued by countries that
are not in the White List will not be able to obtain an STCW-95
endorsement of recognition issued by another Administration Party to
the Convention from February 2002 onwards.

Furthermore, a Flag State Party to the Convention may decide not to


accept seafarers for service aboard its ships who hold certificates
issued by countries not included in the White List. If it does accept such
seafarers, they will be required from February 2002 onwards, to hold
an endorsement issued by the Flag State to show that their certificate
is recognised by the Flag State.

Any Party not included on the initial White List will have to correct
STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS
the deficiencies identified by the IMO before it can be recognised as
having fully implemented the Convention.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


Penalties

Those who breach the Convention will face penalties and disciplinary
measures ranging from cancellation of certificates to the imposition
of heavy fines, not to mention job loss.

Each Party has internal disciplinary procedures in place to deal with


those breaching the Convention where such breaches cause a threat
to the safety of life, to property at sea or to the maritime
environment through incompetence, act or omission.

The Convention lists three specific cases in which penalties are to be


applied:
1. To a company or master: if found to engage a person not holding a
certificate as required by the Convention.
2. To a master: if found to allow an unduly qualified person (not
SECTION THREE

holding a valid certificate, dispensation or documentary evidence) to


perform a function or service in any capacity in which proper
certification is required.
3. To any person: if found to be serving on board with a fraudulent or
forged certificate.

Additionally, if a port State Inspector detects a fault, the ship will be


detained in port until these deficiencies have been corrected.
Deficiencies under this category include:
◆ failure of seafarers to hold a valid certificate for the function
they perform on board
◆ failure to comply with safe manning requirements
◆ failure to conform with specified engineering or navigational
watch arrangements
◆ absence during a watch of a person qualified to operate
equipment essential to navigation, safety, radio communication,
or pollution prevention measures
◆ during the first watch at the beginning of a voyage, inability to
provide persons who are sufficiently rested and otherwise fit for
duty.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


Regulations affecting watch-keeping personnel only

The following two regulations apply only to officers and ratings who are
part of a navigational, engine room or radio watch.

1. Minimum hours of rest for watch personnel


The minimum number of hours of rest for ratings and officers
assigned to watch-keeping duties is 10 hours in any 24 hour period. This
does not mean that the other 14 hours should be spent on duty. The
master and other personnel who do not have watch-keeping
responsibilities are exempted from this provision.

The 24 hour period is calculated from the time the watch-keeper's


duty starts, and not from 00:00 hours. The 10 hour rest period may be
divided into no more than two periods, one of which must be at least
6 hours long. The minimum rest period is not obligatory in the case of

SECTION THREE
emergencies, drills or overriding operational conditions. The 10 hour
rest period can be reduced to not less than 6 consecutive hours
provided such reduction does not extend beyond 2 days and not less
than 70 hours of rest are provided each
7 day period. A summary of the rest hour regulations is given in the
following table (the shaded areas indicate the mandatory hours of
any 24 hour period
In
8 hours duty 6 hours rest 6 hours duty 4 hours rest
rest).
or
10
14 hours
hours rest
duty
or (for a maximum of 2 consecutive days as long as not less than 70

18 hours duty 6 hours rest

hours of rest are provided in a 7 day period)

All watch arrangements should be posted where they are clearly


visible; normally in the bridge, in the engine control room or in the
mess room.

If you have watch-keeping duties, you are strongly recommended to


maintain a personal log of your working hours. This will allow you to
keep a constant check on the number of hours of rest. If you are
having a rest period below the minimum prescribed by the Convention,
STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS
you can bring this situation to the attention of your supervisor or
safety officer.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


2. Watch-keeping principles and arrangements
The STCW-95 Convention contains guidance for watch-keeping personnel
on how to keep a safe watch at all times, whether at sea or in port.
The complete guidelines can be found in section A-VIII/2 of the
Convention. The master, chief engineer and all watch-keeping
personnel (navigation, propulsion and radio) are required to perform
their duties according to these principles and guidelines. Operations
procedure manuals kept on board are also likely to contain some of
this information and it is in your own interest, to read them. Shipping
companies are required to provide clear procedures to be followed by
watch-keeping personnel. Not only are you required to abide by these
provisions, but it is also a useful reminder of procedures seafarers
already know but tend to forget.

The master has direct responsibility for ensuring that all watch-
keeping principles and arrangements are adhered to at all times and
under all circumstances. However, he or she can only be successful
SECTION THREE

through the commitment and co-operation of the whole team, both on


board and ashore.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


4
Implications of
STCW-95
for
STCW-78
Certificate Holders
Upgrading and revalidation

From 1 February 2002, STCW-78 certificates are no longer valid for service
aboard ships of Administrations party to the Convention. Under
'exceptional circumstances' some Administrations may decide to give a
short dispensation, until 1 July 2002, to allow seafarers to revalidate their
certificates (see page 7).

You have two options to re-validate your STCW-78 certificate:


1. Re-validate under STCW-78 regulations, in which case you do not have
to meet STCW-95 standards. However, a certificate re-validated under
STCW-78 regulations will not be valid for service beyond 1 February
2002 (or beyond the five-year transitional period for certificates
issued by a Party whose obligations under the Convention came into
force after 1 February 1997).
2. You can re-validate it under STCW-95 regulations. This means you are
updating your certificate, so you need to meet STCW-95 standards of
medical fitness and competence. For the latter, you will probably need
refresher courses or updated training and assessments. Your updated
certificate will then be valid for service after 1 February 2002, but will be
subject to re-validation every five years.

You should also remember that from 1 February 1997 onwards, all STCW-78
certificate holders must satisfy competence requirements if either of the
following applies:

SECTION FOUR
1. If you serve on specialised types of ships (tankers, ro-ro passenger
ships, other passenger ships) or
2. If you are responsible for emergency, occupational safety, medical
care or survival functions on any type of ship. Basic safety training
applies to all seafarers.

Note:
If you update an STCW-78 certificate to STCW-95 standards, the tonnage
limitations change from '200 gross registered tons' to '500 gross tonnage',
and from '1,600 registered tons' to '3,000 gross tonnage'.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


Additional competence requirements under STCW-95
(by rank)

The rest of this section shows which additional requirements are included in
STCW-95 which were not required under STCW-78. To upgrade an STCW-78
certificate to STCW-95 standards, you will need to prove competence in these
tasks. The tables are organised by rank within each shipboard division.

Master and deck department

◆ Officers in charge of a navigational watch on ships of 500 gross tonnage*


or more

1. Use of electronic chart display and information systems (ECDIS).


2. Use of Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA) to maintain safety of
navigation.
Simulator based training and assessment mandatory.
Note: Training and assessment in the use of ARPA is not required
for those who serve exclusively on ships not fitted with ARPA.
3. Application of effective bridge teamwork procedures.
4. Application of advanced fire-fighting techniques.
SECTION FOUR

5. Transmit and receive information using GMDSS and fulfil its functional
requirements if in charge or performing radio duties on a ship
required to participate in GMDSS.
6. Monitor compliance with legislative requirements.

*200 gross registered tons limit replaced by 500 gross tonnage

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


◆ Masters and chief mates on ships of 500 gross tonnage* or more

A. Masters and chief mates on ships of 3,000 gross tonnage or more


1. Meet requirements for certification as an officer in charge of a
navigational watch (see previous table).
2. Application of effective bridge teamwork procedures.
3. Application of constant rate of turn techniques.
4. Use of, and manoeuvring in and near, traffic separation schemes
and in vessel traffic service areas (VTS).
5. Use of stability and trim diagrams and stress-calculating
equipment, including automatic data-based (ADB) equipment.
6. Maintain safe navigation through the use of radar and
ARPA simulator based training and assessment mandatory.
Note: Training and assessment in the use of ARPA is not
required for those who serve exclusively on ships not fitted
with ARPA.
7. Develop emergency and damage control plans and handle
emergency situations.
Note: The level of knowledge shall be sufficient to enable the
candidate to serve in the capacity of master or chief mate.

B. Masters and chief mates on ships of 500 - 3,000 gross tonnage


1. Chief mates should meet the requirements of an officer in charge of
a navigational watch on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more.
2. Master should meet the requirements of an officer in charge of a

SECTION FOUR
navigational watch on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more and have
36 months' approved seagoing service in that capacity.
Note:
1. The level of theoretical knowledge, understanding and
proficiency may be lower than that required for service on
ships of 3,000 gross tonnage or more.
2. The level of knowledge shall be sufficient to enable the
candidate to serve in the capacity of master or chief mate.

*200 gross registered tons limit replaced by 500 gross tonnage

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


◆ Officers in charge of a navigational watch and masters on ships of less than
500 gross tonnage*

A. Ships not engaged on near coastal voyages: officers in charge of


navigational watch and masters
1. Officers are required to hold a certificate for service on ships of 500
gross tonnage or more and for service on ships between 500 and
3,000 gross tonnage.
2. Masters are required to hold a certificate of service on ships of
between 500 and 3,000 gross tonnage.

B. Ships engaged on near coastal voyages: officers in charge of


navigational watch
1. Required to have completed special training, or approved seagoing
service in the deck department of no less than three years.
2. Required to have completed approved education and training and to
meet the standard of competence specified in the Convention.
3. Hold an appropriate certificate for performing VHF radio-
communications.
4. If designated to have primary responsibility for radio
communications during distress incidents, hold an appropriate
certificate issued or recognised under the radio regulations.

C. Ships engaged on near coastal voyages: masters


SECTION FOUR

1. Meet the requirements of an officer in charge of a navigational


watch.
2. Have served 12 months as officer in charge of a navigational watch.

* 200 gross registered tons limited replaced by 500 gross tonnage

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


◆ Ratings forming part of a navigational watch

No upgrading of STCW-78 authorised documents is required.

Under STCW-95 those qualifying as ratings forming part of a


navigational watch are required to be duly certified. New knowledge
requirements for those obtaining certification under STCW-95 are:
1. Ability to comply with helm orders, including those given in the
English language.
2. Procedures for the relief, maintenance and handover of the watch.
3. Information required to maintain a safe watch.
4. Basic environmental protection procedures.
5. Knowledge of satellite Emergency Position Indicating Beacons
(EPIRB) and Search and Rescue Transponders (SART).
6. Avoidance of false distress alerts and action to be taken in event
of accidental activation.

SECTION FOUR

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


Engine department

◆ Chief engineer officers and second engineer officers on ships of 3,000 kW


propulsion power or more
1. Ability to control trim, stability and stress (requirements extended).
2. Monitor and control compliance with legislative requirements and
measures to ensure safety of life at sea and the protection of the
marine environment (requirements extended).
3. Maintain safety and security of the vessel, crew and passengers
and the operational condition of life-saving, fire-fighting and
other safety systems.
4. Application of advanced fire-fighting techniques.

◆ Chief engineer officers and second engineer officers on ships of 750 -


3,000 kW propulsion power
1. Ability to control trim, stability and stress (requirements extended).
2. Monitor and control compliance with legislative requirements and
measures to ensure safety of life at sea and the protection of the
marine environment (requirements extended).
3. Maintain safety and security of the vessel, crew and passengers
and the operational condition of life-saving, fire-fighting and
other safety systems.
4. Application of advanced fire-fighting techniques.
SECTION FOUR

◆ Officers in charge of an engineering watch in a manned engine- room or


designated duty engineers in a periodically unmanned engine-room
1. Adequate knowledge of the English language to enable the officer
to use engineering publications and to perform engineering
duties.
2. Working knowledge and application of the theory of ship stability.
3. General knowledge of ship construction.
4. Application of advanced fire-fighting techniques.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


◆ Ratings forming part of an engineering watch
Under STCW-78, ratings forming part of an engineering watch do not
require an authorised document or certificate. Under STCW-95, ratings
forming part of an engineering watch are required to meet the standards
of competence and be certificated.

Under STCW-95, a Party may consider seafarers to have met the


standards of competence required if they have served as ratings
forming part of an engineering watch for a period of not less than one
year within the five years preceding the Convention's coming into
force for that Party.

Note: No certificate is necessary for personnel on ships of below


750 kW propulsion power.

Radio department

◆ Radio-communication and Radio Personnel


New regulations apply to personnel in charge of performing radio
duties on a ship required to participate in the GMDSS. Radio
personnel on ships not required to comply with the GMDSS provisions
are certificated as required under radio regulations.

SECTION FOUR
1. Transmit and receive information using GMDSS sub systems and
equipment.
2. Fulfilling the functional requirements of GMDSS.
3. Provide GMDSS radio services in emergencies.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


5
Where to Find
More Information
on STCW-95
We hope this guide has provided you with a better understanding of
STCW- 95 requirements. However, remember that any requirements
are subject to the particular arrangements that each individual Party
has made for implementing the Convention. Therefore, your first port
of call should be the Authority issuing your certificate. They can inform
you in more detail about specific requirements and deadlines for
satisfying the standards of the Convention and obtaining STCW-95
certification. Many Administrations around the world publish this
information on a regular basis.

Another good source of information is training institutions (provided


they are in the business of complying with STCW-95 requirements).
They will normally know what the requirements are for certification
and point you in the right direction should you need further
information.

Your employer should also be in a position to give you guidance (and


hopefully financial assistance) to help fulfil STCW-95 requirements. If
you are affiliated to a national trade union they may also be able to
give you guidance.

As well as this being on the internet at www.itf.org.uk, the following


websites contain information on STCW-95 and other maritime-related
topics:

• www.uscg.mil
• www.natinst.org
• www.imo.org
• www.sea-man.com
• www.shipping.pages.com
• www.hal-pc.org/nugent/index.html
• www.amsa.gov.au
SECTION FIVE

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


The best source of written information on STCW-95 is, of course, the
Convention itself. There are also short guides produced by some of the
Parties and short articles published in specialised nautical journals such
as Seaways, Fairplay and BIMCO. The International Shipping
Federation has produced a series of publications on STCW, including
'The Revised STCW Convention: A Guide for the Shipping Industry'.
They have also produced 'ISF Training and Service Record Books'
which help you keep track of all your certificates and any other
documentary evidence such as records of drills, familiarisation
instruction and sea service.

If you want a deeper understanding of the Convention, the most


comprehensive publication on the subject is the book written by
Captain
W.S.G. Morrison: 'Competent Crews = Safer Ships - An Aid to
Understanding STCW 95'. Available from the World Maritime
University, it is a Must for all those involved in the implementation and
enforcement of the Convention.

At the end of this Guide we are also including a copy of two IMO
circulars clarifying some of the requirements prescribed by STCW-95.
These may prove valuable if you come across Port State inspectors
misinterpreting the actual requirements set by the Convention.

Remember, ignorance of the Convention and its requirements is no


excuse for non-compliance. Besides, it is in your best professional and
safety interests as a seafarer to comply with STCW-95 standards.
SECTION FIVE

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


SECTION FIVE

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS


List of countries Party to STCW 1978, as amended in 1995
(including the date on which the Convention came into force)

COUNTRY DATE COUNTRY DATE COUNTRY DATE


(3)
ALGERIA 28 JAN 1989 GERMANY 28 APR 1984 PANAMA 29 SEPT 1992
ANGOLA 3 JAN 1992 GHANA 26 APR 1989 PAPUA NEW GUINEA 28 JAN 1992
ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA 5 MAY 1997 GREECE 28 APR 1984 PERU 28 APR 1984
ARGENTINA 28 APR 1984 GUINEA 5 NOV 1994 PHILIPPINES 22 MAY 1984
AUSTRALIA 28 APR 1984 HAITI 6 JUL 1989 POLAND 28 APR 1984
AUSTRIA 29 APR 1997 HONDURAS 24 DEC 1985 PORTUGAL 30 JAN 1986
AZERBAIJAN 1 OCT 1997 HUNGARY 15 JAN 1986 REP OF KOREA 4 JUL 1985
BAHAMAS 28 APR 1984 ICELAND 21 JUN 1995 ROMANIA 11 APR 1993
BAHRAIN 13 SEPT1996 INDIA 16 FEB 1985 RUSSIAN FEDERATION (6) 28 APR 1984
BANGLADESH 28 APR 1984 INDONESIA 27 APR 1987 ST VINCENT & 28 SEP 1995
THE GRENADINES
BARBADOS 6 AUG 1994 IRAN 1 NOV 1996 SAMOA 24 AUG 1993
BELGIUM 28 APR 1984 IRELAND 11 DEC 1984 SAO TOME AND PRINCIPE 29 JAN 1999
BELIZE 24 APR 1997 ISRAEL 16 APR 1986 SAUDI ARABIA 1 MAR 1991
BENIN 1 FEB 1986 ITALY 26 NOV 1987 SENEGAL 16 APR 1997
BOLIVIA 11 JUL 1988 JAMAICA 19 MAY 1987 SEYCHELLES 22 NOV 1988
BRAZIL 28 APR 1984 JAPAN 28 APR 1984 SIERRA LEONE 13 NOV 1993
BRUNEI 23 JAN 1987 KAZAKHSTAN 7 JUN 1994 SINGAPORE 1 AUG 1988
BULGARIA 28 APR 1984 KENYA 15 MAR 1993 SLOVAKIA 1 JAN 1993
CAMEROON 6 SEPT 1989 KIRIBATI 5 NOV 1987 SLOVENIA 25 JUN 1991
CANADA 6 FEB 1988 LATVIA 20 AUG 1992 SOLOMON ISLANDS 1 SEPT 1994
CAPE VERDE 18 DEC 1989 LEBANON 5 MAR 1995 SOUTH AFRICA 28 APR 1984
CHILE 9 SEPT 1987 LIBERIA 28 APR 1984 SPAIN 28 APR 1984
CHINA (1)
28 APR 1984 LIBYA 28 APR 1984 SRI LANKA 22 APR 1987
COLOMBIA 28 APR 1984 LITHUANIA 4 MAR 1992 SUDAN 26 MAY 1997
COTE D'IVOIRE 5 JAN 1988 LUXEMBOURG 14 MAY 1991 SWEDEN 28 APR 1984
CROATIA 8 OCT 1991 MADAGASCAR 7 JUN 1996 SWITZERLAND 15 MAR 1988
CUBA 5 MAR 1990 MALAWI 9 JUN 1993 THAILAND 19 SEPT 1997
CYPRUS 28 JUN 1985 MALAYSIA 28 APR 1984 TOGO 19 OCT 1989
CZECH REPUBLIC 1 JAN 1993 MALDIVES 22 APR 1987 TONGA 7 MAY 1995
DEM. PEOPLES REP. 1 AUG 1985 MALTA 21 SEPT 1991 TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO 3 MAY 1989
OF KOREA
DEM. REPUBLIC OF 4 JUL 1995 MARSHALL ISL. 25 JUL 1989 TUNISIA 8 MAY 1995
THE CONGO (2)
DENMARK 28 APR 1984 MAURITANIA 17 FEB 1996 TURKEY 28 OCT 1992
ECUADOR 17 AUG 1988 MAURITIUS 4 OCT 1991 TUVALU 22 NOV 1985
EGYPT 28 APR 1984 MEXICO 28 APR 1984 UKRAINE 7 APR 1997
EQUATORIAL GUINEA 24 JUL 1996 MICRONESIA 14 OCT 1998 UNITED ARAB EMIRATES 28 APR 1984
ERITREA 22 JUL 1996 MOROCCO 22 OCT 1997 UNITED KINGDOM (7) 28 APR 1984
ESTONIA 29 NOV 1995 MOZAMBIQUE 15 FEB 1986 UNITED REP. OF TANZANIA 28 APR 1984
ETHIOPIA 18 OCT 1985 MYANMAR 4 AUG 1988 UNITED STATES 1 OCT 1991
FIJI 27 JUN 1991 NETHERLANDS (4) 26 OCT 1985 URUGUAY 3 NOV 1993
FINLAND 28 APR 1984 NEW ZEALAND (5) 30 OCT 1986 VANUATU 22 JUL 1991
FRANCE 28 APR 1984 NIGERIA 13 FEB 1985 VENEZUELA 13 JAN 1988
GABON 28 APR 1984 NORWAY 28 APR 1984 VIET NAM 18 MAR 1991
A
ANNEX

GAMBIA 1 FEB 1992 OMAN 24 DEC 1990 YUGOSLAVIA 5 FEB 1985


GEORGIA 19 JUL 1994 PAKISTAN 10 JUL 1985
Footnotes to Annex A

(1) Applies only to Hong Kong Special Administrative Region


(2) Formerly Zaire
(3) October 1990 the German Democratic Republic acceded to the Federal Republic
of Germany. The German Democratic Republic has acceded to the Convention
on 5 November 1979
(4) Accession by the Netherlands was declared to be effective in respect of the
Netherlands Antilles and, with effect from 1 January 1986, in respect of Aruba
(5) Accession by New Zealand was declared to apply to the Cook Islands and
Niue but not to extend to Tokelau
(6) As from 26 December 1991 the USSR membership in the Convention was
continued by the Russian Federation
(7) Ratification by the United Kingdom was declared to be also effective in respect
of: Hong Kong (ceased to apply to HK with effect from 1 July 1997); Isle of
Man (1 July 1985); Bermuda (1 Jan 1989); Cayman Islands (1 Apr 1991);
Gibraltar (27 Nov 1995).
ANNEX B
INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANIZATION
4 ALBERT EMBANKMENT
LONDON SE1 7SR

Telephone: 020 7735-7611


Fax: 020 7587-3210
E
Telex: 23588 IMOLDN G
Ref: T2/4.2.1
MSC/Circ.1018
29th November 2001

INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION ON STANDARDS OF TRAINING,


CERTIFICATION AND WATCHKEEPING FOR
SEAFARERS (STCW), 1978,
AS AMENDED
Parties to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and
Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, as amended, confirmed by the
Maritime Safety Committee to have communicated information which
demonstrates
that full and complete effect is given to the relevant provisions
of the Convention
1. The Maritime Safety Committee (MSC), as its first extraordinary session (27 and 28
November 2001), received reports by the Secretary-General pursuant to regulation I/7,
paragraph 2 of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and
Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended, (STCW Convention). The reports were
in respect of those STCW Parties whose information had not been fully evaluated in
time for the seventy-fourth session of the Committee (30 May to 8 June 2001). A list of
those STCW Parties confirmed at that session of the Committee and those confirmed by
MSC 73 (27 November to 6 December 2000) to have communicated information which
had demonstrated that full and complete effect was given to the relevant provisions of
the Convention had been promulgated in MSC/Circ.996.
2. MSC, at first its extraordinary session (ES.1), noted that, in preparing the reports
required by STCW regulation I/7, paragraph 2, the Secretary-General had solicited and
taken into account the views of competent persons selected from the list established
pursuant to paragraph 5 of section A-I/7 of the STCW Code and circulated as
MSC/Circ.797, as revised from time to time.
3 In accordance with STCW regulation I/7, paragraph 3, MSC/ES.1 confirmed
furtherr STCW Parties, additional to those listed to MSC/Circ.996, which had
communicated information demonstrating that they were giving full and complete effect
to the relevant provisions of the STCW Convention, as amended. The list at annex
contains those STCW Parties confirmed by the Committee at its seventy-third,
seventy-fourth and first extraordinary sessions. The Committee noted that, as the
process of communicating and evaluating information is continuing, further Parties may
be added to the list at annex at subsequent meetings.

4 The Committee also noted that the Kingdom of the Netherlands had approved the
necessary legislation for the implementation of the STCW Convention, as amended, in
respect of the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba and that a suitable footnote had been
added to the annex to this circular to include them in the list.

I:\CIRC\MSC\1018.doc
MSC/Circ.1018 -2-

5. The Committee draws the attention of maritime administrations, shipowners, ship


operators and managers, ship masters and other parties concerned to the following:

.1 not all of the STCW Parties listed at annex provide seafarer training, and some
of those Parties listed may only provide a limited range of training; and

.2 the fact that a Party is listed in the annex does not relieve those concerned of
their obligations under the STCW Convention

6. Notwithstanding the Committee's identification of the Parties listed at annex,


Member Governments are invited to draw the attention of their port State control offices
to the guidance contained in MSC/Circ.918 including the fact that valid certificates of
competency and endorsements issued or recognized by a Party in accordance with the
relevant provisions of the STCW Convention, which were in force immediately prior to
1 February 1997, remain valid until 1 February 2002, subject to STCW regulation I/15.

7. As Parties are entitled to accept, in principle, certificates issued by or on behalf of


Parties identified in the list at annex, and a position on that list is one of the necessary
measures used by many Administrations for the issue of endorsements in compliance
with STCW regulation I/10, the attention of port State control officers is drawn to the
fact that this circular was issued on 28 November 2001 and, therefore, for practical
reasons, seafarers should not be expected to hold cerificates with such endorsements
until 1 February 2002.

***

I:\CIRC\MSC\1018.doc
MSC/Circ.1018
ANNEX

Parties to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and


Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, as amended, confirmed by the Maritime
Safety Committee to have communicated information which demonstrates
that full and complete effect is given to the relevant provisions
of the Convention
Algeria
Antigua and Barbuda Greece Philippines
Argentina Honduras Poland
Australia Hungary Portugal
Azerbaijan Iceland Republic of Korea
Bahamas India Romania
Bangladesh Indonesia Russian Federation
Barbados Ireland Saint Vincent and the
Belgium Islamic Republic of Iran Grenadines
Belize Italy Samoa
Brazil Israel Senegal
Bulgaria Jamaica Singapore
Canada Japan Slovak Republic
Chile Kiribati Slovenia
China Latvia Solomon Islands
Colombia Liberia South Africa
Comoros Lithuania Spain
Cote d'Ivoire Luxembourg Sri Lanka
Croatia Madagascar Sweden
Cuba Malaysia Switzerland
Cyprus Maldives Thailand
Czech Republic Malta Tonga
Democratic People's Marshall Islands Trinidad & Tobago
Republic of Korea Mauritius Tunisia
Denmark* Mexico Turkey
Dominica Micronesia (Federated States Tuvalu
Ecuador of) Ukraine
Egypt Morocco United Kingdom***
Estonia Myanmar United States
Ethiopia Netherlands** Uruguay
Fiji New Zealand Vanuatu
Finland Nigeria Venezuela
France Norway Viet Nam
Georgia Pakistan Yugoslavia
Germany Panama China (Hong Kong
Ghana Papua New Guinea SAR)****
Peru

* Includes: Faeroe Islands


** Includes: Netherlands Antilles & Aruba
*** Includes: Isle of Man
Bermuda
Cayman Islands
Gibraltar

**** Associate Member

I:\CIRC\MSC\1018.doc
ANNEX C
INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANISATION MSC/Circ.918
4th June 1999
4 Albert
Embankment
LONDON SE1 7SR
Tel:0171-735-7611
Fax: 0171-587-3210

Ref: T2/4.1.3

GUIDANCE FOR PORT STATE CONTROL OFFICERS IN RESPECT OF


CERTIFICATES OF COMPETENCY ISSUED UNDER THE
PROVISIONS OF THE STCW CONVENTION

1. The Maritime Safety Committee, as its seventy-first session (19 May-28 May
1999), noted that certain clarifications were necessary for the guidance of port State
control officers concerning the transitional provisions of the International
Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers
(STCW), 1978.
2. Member Governments are invited to inform their port State control officers that:
.1 until 1 Feb 2002, valid certificates of competency and endorsements issued
or recognised by a Party in accordance with the relevant provisions of the
STCW Convention which were in force immediately prior to 1 Feb 1997
remain valid, subject to STCW regulation 1/15;
.2 until 1 Feb 2002, seafarers holding valid certificates issued in accordance
with the relevant provisions of the STCW Convention which were in force
immediately prior to 1 Feb 1977 by the Party which found them qualified
are not required by the STCW Convention to hold, in addition, certificates
or endorsements issued by the Government of the flag which the ship on
which they are serving is entitled to fly;
.3 on or after 1 Feb 2002, all certificates of competency and endorsements
issued to seafarers are required to comply with the provisions of the STCW
Convention, as amended; and
.4 seafarers are not required to hold certificates as evidence of basic training
in order to comply with regulation VI/1 because the evidence required by
section A-VI/1 is not considered to be a certificate.
3. Member Governments are reminded of the guidance issued under
STCW.7/Circ.1 and invited to bring the contents of this circular to the attention of
all concerned, especially port State control officers.

I:\CIRC\MSC\918.WPD
ANNEX D
Table B-1/9-2

LIST OF CERTIFICATES OR DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE REQUIRED

UNDER
The list below identifies THE STCW
all certificates or documentary evidence in the Convention
which authorize the CONVENTION
holder to serve in certain functions on board ships. The
certificates are subject to the requirements of regulation 1/2 regarding language
and their availability in original form. The list also references the relevant
regulations and the requirements for endorsement and registration (regulation 1/9).

Regulations Certificate or documentary Endorsement Registration


evidence (brief description) required required*

II/1, II/2 II/3 appropriate certificates for yes yes


III/1, III/2, Master, officers and radio
III/3, IV/2, personnel
V/1, VII/2
II/4, III/4 ratings duly certificated to be no yes**
a part of a navigational or as appropriate
engine room watch
V/1 "ratings assigned to specific no yes**
duties...on tankers as appropriate
V/2 "training requirements for no no
personnel serving on ro-ro
passenger ships"
VI/2 "a certificate of proficiency in no no
survival craft, rescue boats... and
fast rescue boats"
VI/3 "training in advanced fire no no
fighting"
VI/4 "training relating to medical first no no
aid and medical care"

* Records of all certificates should be maintained in accordance with regulation I/9, paragraph 4.

** The Party issuing or endorsing the certificate is responsible for maintaining a register or registers in
accordance with regulation I/9.4.1. However, records may be maintained by an agency or entity acting
under its authority.

I:\STW\31\5-1.doc
ANNEX E
Summary of requirements
Note: The certificate(s) a seafarer needs to hold depends on the function(s) and level of responsibility held on board. The table below is just a guide indicating what are the likely certificates required by rank according to common shipboard work practices.
To find out the exact requirements that apply, readers are strongly advised to refer to section 2 in this guide, to the STCW Convention and to the maritime Administrations of both the country issuing the certificate(s) and, if different, of the flag State of
the ship where the seafarer intends to work.

Officers Ratings Others


deck engine deck engine catering others

Cadet (deck/engine)
Officer of the watch

Officer of the watch

D/E utility/ trainee


Electrical engineer

Steward/messboy
Second engineer

Deckboy/trainee

Oiler/motorman
STCW-95 title

Chief steward /
Fitter/Mechanic
category

Radio Operator

providing direct
STCW-78 title

Cook/2nd cook
Chief engineer

OS/GP/welder

All personnel
Chief officer

passengers
Electrician

Pumpman

service to
Master

purser
Bosun

Wiper
AB
Certificate of competency Same title * * * A * * *
Endorsement Same title * * * * * *
main certificate Watchkeeping certificate for ratings New requirement * *
Endorsement of recognition (if on foreign New requirement * * * * * * *
flag)
Medical fitness certificate Medical certificate * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
catering Certificate of qualification as cook Same title *
Personal survival techniques Basic sea survival * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
basic saftey Fire fighting 2 days fire fighting * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
training Elementary first aid Basic first aid * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
evidence Personal safety and social responsibility New requirement * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
familiarisation Ship-specific familiarisation New requirement * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Proficiency in survival craft and rescue boat CPSC lifeboat * * * D * * * D * *
personnel Fast rescue boat Fast rescue boat D D D D D D D D
assigned with Advanced fire fighting 4 day firefighting D D D D D D
other safety Medical first aid First aid at sea * * * *
functions Medical care Ship captain's medical * *
ARPA (if fitted) New (simulator * * *
ARPA, RADAR, training)
GMDSS Radar New (simulator * * *
training)
GMDSS-ROC or GOC - (see note) New requirement * * * *
Shore-based fire-fighting course New requirement * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Tanker familiarisation Same title
(or 3 months approved service on tankers) * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
personnel on Tanker specialised Same title * * * * *
tankers COW (if fitted) Same title * * * * * * * * *
Chemical tanker Same title * * * * *
Liquefied gas tanker Same title * * * * *
Crowd management New requirement D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D
personnel on Familiarisation training ro-ro New requirement D
* * * * * * * * * *
ro-ro Safety training New requirement * *
passenger Passenger safety, cargo safety, hull New requirement * * * * * D
ships integrity
Crisis management and human behaviour New requirement * * * * D
Crowd management New requirement D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D
personnel on
Familiarisation training New requirement * * * * * * * * * * D
passenger Safety training New requirement * *
ships other Passenger safety New requirement * * * * D
than ro-ro Crisis management and human behaviour New requirement * * * * D
training Training record book New requirement *
Key: *= compulsory requirement ; D = if designated with specific function; A (radio operator): radio personnel on non-GMDSS ships need to hold certificates as per the Radio Regulations.
GMDSS: compulsory if serving on a ship required to participate in GMDSS.

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