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STCW-95:A GUIDE FOR

SEAFARERS


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STCW-95:AGUIDE FORSEAFARERS

Bernardo Obando RojasSeafarers International Research Centre (SIRC)

Cardiff University

P bli h d b


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The author gratefully acknowledges the contributions of Chris Young, MarkDickinson, Jon Whitlow and Tony Lane for their patient help and comments,Peter Goode and Marylin Myerscough for proofreading the manuscript, BillAnsell for contributing to the original design, and Helen Sampson and ErolKahveci for generously lending most of the photos illustrating the Guide

(other photos from the ITF archive). Very special thanks go to Celia Matherand Helena King for producing and designing the final version of thispublication and to Marianne for all her support.


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ForewordThe 1995 amendments to the International Convention on

Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for

Seafarers 1978 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 toacquire a 1995 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 1995amendments 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 suchfactors as the national system in which the amendments are to

be applied), I strongly endorse the effort to make information

about STCW-95 more easily available to seafarers who are

most directly affected by its contents


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Contents pageAbout this Guide 1Section 1:Introduction to STCW-95 3The STCW Convention 5

Layout of the Convention 6Deadlines to meet 7Glossary of terms 8

Section 2:Certification Requirements 11Part 1 STCW-95 Certificates 13Certificates 13Certification paths 18General requirements for officers 20General requirements for ratings 22

Part 2 Certificates and general requirements by rank 27Master 27Chief mate 29Officer in charge of a navigational watch 31Ratings forming part of a navigational watch 34Radio operators 35Chief engineer 36

Second engineer 38Officer in charge of an engineering watch 40Ratings forming part of an engineering watch 42Any other crew member 43


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Section

3:On board requirements 55Certificates and documentary evidence to be carried on board 57Mandatory safety and ship-board familiarisation training 59On-board training and assessment 61Seagoing service 62Alcohol and drug consumption 63

Control provisions 64Penalties 66Regulations affecting watch-keeping personnel duty 67

Section 4:Implications of STCW-95 for STCW-78 certificate holders 69Upgrading and revalidation 71Additional competence requirements under STCW-95 (by rank) 72Master and deck department 72Engine department 76Radio department 77

Section 5:Where to findmore information on STCW-95 79Annex AList of countries Party to STCW-78 as amended in 1995 i

Annex BIMO Circular (MSC/Circ.918) on guidance for port Statecontrol inspectors in respect of certificates of competenceissued under the provisions of the STCW Convention iii


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About this GuideThis Guide is aimed at seafarers of all ranks and nationalities. Its mainpurpose is to help you find out how STCW-95 will affect you and explain howyou can benefit from it. Although we have tried to make this Guide asaccurate as possible, you should contact the maritime Administrationissuing 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 backgroundinformation on the STCW-95 Convention, including deadlines to meet, andprovides a brief glossary of terms.

Section 2 outlines the certificates you need to hold before signing on a shipto ensure you comply with STCW-95. This section consists of four parts. Part1 tells you about STCW-95 certificates, certification paths and generalrequirements for officers and ratings. Part 2 lists the certificates and generalrequirements demanded according to rank. Part 3 tells you what certificatesyou need, depending on your function on board and the type of vessel youare 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 onboard. This includes what documentation you must have with you at alltimes, ship-specific familiarisation training, training records and sea-goingservice. 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 andwatch-keeping guidelines.

Section 4 tells you what you need to do to if you are a holder of an STCW-78certificate and need to pdate yo r certificate to STCW 9 This section


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Introduction to

STCW-95


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SECTION

ONE

The STCW ConventionThe key to maintaining a safe shipping environment and keeping our oceansclean lies in all seafarers across the world observing high standards ofcompetence and professionalism in the duties they perform on board. TheInternational Convention on Standards of Training, Certification andWatchkeeping for Seafarers 1978, as amended in 1995 (STCW-95), sets

those standards, governs the award of certificates and controlswatchkeeping arrangements. Its provisions not only apply to seafarers, butalso to ship-owners, training establishments and national maritimeadministrations.

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 standardsworld-wide, and so IMO members decided to amend it. This was done in theearly 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 bythe Convention applies to seafarers of all ranks serving on sea-goingmerchant ships registered under the flag of a country Party to theConvention.

The term seagoing merchant ships includes all commercial vesselsengaged on domestic or international voyages. The STCW-95 Convention

does not apply to seafarers serving on warships, naval auxiliaries or anyother government owned or operated ship engaged in non-commercialservice, fishing vessels (there is a separate Convention covering personnelon fishing vessels), pleasure yachts not engaged in trade and wooden shipsof primitive build


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SECTION

ONE

Layout of the ConventionThe 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 responsibilitiesreferred to in the Articles should be met.

3. The STCW Code: specifies in more depth the technical details containedin 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, certificationand watchkeeping.

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


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SECTION

ONE

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

1 February 1997The STCW-95 Convention comes into force for all countries Party to theConvention. From 1 February 1997 onwards, requirements for basic safetytraining, special training for personnel on certain types of ships (tankers andro-ro passengers), and familiarisation instruction when joining a new ship

apply. Regulations covering personnel on board passenger ships other thanro-ro passengers comes into force in January 1999. Starting from 1 February1997 and for a period of five years, until 1 February 2002, the differentregulations contained in the Convention will be phased in. During this five-year transitional period, a Party may continue to issue certificates ofcompetency in accordance with its previous practices.

1 August 1998If you started your sea-going career (sea-going service or maritimeeducation training) after1 August 1998, your training and certification mustbe in full compliance with STCW-95 requirements. Seafarers who begantheir seafaring career before 1 August 1998 have until February 2002 tocomply with STCW-95 requirements.

1 February 2002Implementation period ends. From February 2002 onwards all seafarers onactive service must comply with all STCW-95 requirements and be in

i f lid STCW tifi t i th f ti f d


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SECTION

ONE

Glossary of termsYou need to know the meaning of some basic terms that will be used in thisGuide:

Administration:The Government of the Party (country) whose flag a ship is entitled to fly. AnAdministration deals, among other things, with regulating the training,education and certification of seafarers in accordance with the requirementsof the Convention.

Approved:This means that a national maritime Administration has approved a trainingprogramme 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 ofresponsibility. There are seven functional areas at three different levels ofresponsibility. The levels of responsibility are: management level (appliesto senior officers); operational level (applies to junior officers); and

support level (applies to ratings forming part of a navigational or enginewatch). The following table lists the different functions and levels ofresponsibility at which the functions can be carried out.

LEVEL OF RESPONSIBILITYUNCTION

Deck NavigationCargo handling andstowage

Operational

Support

Management


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Party:A country where the STCW Convention has entered into force. A Party isunder 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 otherqualification. For example, one of the requirements to qualify as a ratingforming 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 whereport regulations apply.

Standard of competence:This term refers to the minimum knowledge, understanding and proficiencythat seafarers must demonstrate to gain certification. The tables containedin Part A of the STCW Code specify the standards of competence to be

achieved by the seafarer. The thinking behind dividing all duties on boardinto competencies, functions, and levels of responsibility is that certificatesshould be awarded on the basis of the specific duties the seafarer carriesout 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-95Convention.

SECTION

ONE


14/8822Certification

Requirements


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Part 1

STCW-95 Certificates

Certificates

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

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

Certificate of competence:This document is issued to masters, officers, radio operators and ratingsforming part of a watch, who meet the standards of competence relevant totheir particular functions and level of responsibility on board. The tablebelow indicates the title of the certificates under STCW-95 and the various

limitations and tonnage thresholds that apply.

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CAPACITY AREA LIMITATION TONNAGE LIMITATIONMaster Near coastal Less than 500 gt


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Endorsement: A document issued to masters and officers, either as part of the certificateor as a separate document. This attests (endorses) that the nationalcertificate has been issued in accordance with all STCW requirements.

Endorsement of recognition:This document is issued by an Administration as an official recognition of

CAPACITY AREA LIMITATION PROPULSION POWERLIMITATION

Chief engineer 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

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

Rating forming part of an None Noneengineering watch

CAPACITY AREA LIMITATIONRadio operator GMDSS (GOC or ROC)

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To obtain an endorsement of recognition, you will need to submit the

original of your national certificate of competence to the representative ofthe issuing Administration. You cannot apply for an endorsement on thebasis of another endorsement. Most Administrations will also require proofof identity. In most cases you will have to pay a processing fee that will varydepending on the type of certificate being endorsed and the charges set bydifferent Administrations. If you are employed, the employer (shipowner ormanning agent) will normally take care of all the necessary paperwork andfees. Even though it is not a requirement of the Convention, there are anumber of Administrations that are now requiring a letter of employment aspart of the documentation necessary to process an application for anendorsement of recognition.

The way to submit your documentation varies from Administration to

Administration. While some will accept a postal application and copies ofthe documents, others will insist that the seafarer appears in person with allthe original documentation. These face-to-face applications are processedbefore a representative of the Administration at a designated office (ifoverseas, this is normally held at the consulate of the countrysAdministration).

An STCW endorsement of recognition can only be issued by anAdministration provided that the certificate being recognised was issued inaccordance with STCW requirements and the original certificate presented isgenuine. To verify that the certificate in question has been issued inaccordance with all requirements of the Convention, an Administration mayinspect the training facilities and certification procedures of another

Administration.

To verify that the certificate is genuine, the documents that you submit to aforeign Administration will be checked for authenticity. This will include avisual check to verify security features in the certificate. Its number and

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Certificates of proficiency and special certificates:These are documents issued to the seafarer to certify that he or she has metthe required standard of competence in a specific duty. These certificatesinclude certificates for personnel serving on certain types of ship (tankers,ro-ro passenger ships and other passenger ships) and for those assignedwith safety and pollution prevention duties. It certifies that the holder meetsSTCW-95 standards of competence in specific functions related to safety,

care of persons, or cargo.

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

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

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


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To obtain an STCW-95 certificate you first need to successfully complete a

training programme approved by the issuing Administration or to completea period of approved seagoing service. For most certificates you will need acombination of both. Some of the training can be provided at sea, but formore specialised and longer courses you will need to attend a period ofshore-based instruction. Certificates are issued once you are able to proveyour competence in and knowledge of the tasks covered by your certificateand this to the standards required. The requirements to upgrade a STCW-78certificate to STCW-95 standards are outlined in Section 4 of this Guide.

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Certification paths

There are two different ways of gaining your STCW-95 certificates.Whichever path you choose, the standards are identical. The difference liesin the number of functions you will be able to perform on board and this isreflected in the certificate awarded.

1. The traditional method: STCW certificates awarded in the traditionalway are classified according to which departments of the ship (deck orengine) you work in. Most seafarers around the world have beenawarded their certificates in this way. Under this method you willprobably work in the same department (deck or engine) throughoutyour entire seafaring career.

The change introduced by STCW-95 in this path is that in order to qualifyfor a specific certificate, say watch-keeping officer in charge of anavigational watch, you will need to be competent in the specificfunctions stated for that level of responsibility.

Under the STCW-78 Convention, seafarers were also allowed to qualifyfor a certificate on the basis of sea-going service alone (ratingsqualifying as watch-keeping officers, for example). This is no longer

possible under STCW-95 provisions, as all seafarers are now required tocomplete approved sea-going service and to have completed anapproved education and training programme before they are eligible forthe next higher certificates of competence.

2. The alternative method: This refers to STCW certificates issued toenable the holder to perform different functions that are not necessarily

within the same department. The certificate awarded will specify thefunctions and the level of responsibility. A candidate for alternativecertification will need to qualify in all these functions at a determinedlevel of responsibility in one department (deck or engine) before beingable to qualify for other functions (at the same level of responsibility) in


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Under the Convention, shipowners are not allowed to use alternative

certification as a means of reducing the number of crew members onboard and increasing everybody elses workload, or to undermine theintegrity 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.

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Going for the next higher certificate:If you eventually want to opt for the next higher certificate you will need tomeet 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 training

before being assigned any shipboard functions. There is no certificateawarded for this, but a record of the training should be kept in the shipsofficial logbook. This requirement applies to any member of the crewincluding 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 andpollution prevention responsibilities in the operation of the ship, need basicsafety training. Such training must cover personal survival techniques, basicfire prevention and fire fighting, elementary first aid, and personal andsocial responsibilities. This requirement applies to practically all officersserving on merchant ships. Cadets assigned with these duties also need tocomplete basic safety training before going to sea. Basic safety training

should be documented as having taken place within five years of theofficers being assigned to safety and pollution prevention duties.

You may be exempted from basic safety training if you have alreadycompleted this training under STCW-78. To find out if this is the case, contactthe Administration issuing your national certificate of competence. If you are

not exempted, you need to complete an approved training course or provideevidence that you have achieved the required standards of competencewithin the previous five years (by participating in drills and exercises, forexample, or assessment by a qualified assessor). There is no requirementfor seafarers to hold an official certificate of basic training, but it is advisable

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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 meetminimum standards of medical fitness, minimum age (if designated withwatch-keeping duties), competence (if designated with watch-keeping

duties), and seagoing service time (if designated with watch-keepingduties). Ratings who are not assigned with watch-keeping duties or thosestill undergoing training are not required to hold watch-keeping certificates.

All other certification requirements for ratings depend on the functionsperformed on board. Part 2 and part 3 of this section will give you guidanceas 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 exactstandards of competence you should meet, consult chapters II (master anddeck department), III (engine department), IV (radio personnel), V (trainingrequirements for personnel on certain types of ships), VI (emergency,occupational safety, medical care and survival functions) of the STCW-95Convention. These chapters should be read in conjunction with the

respective section of Part A of the STCW Code.

Ratings assigned with watch-keeping dutiesRatings forming part of a watch (deck or engine) need to be specificallycertified for this function. If you are part of a navigational watch, you needto 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, youwill need to hold a certificate known as rating forming part of anengineering watch certificate. To obtain these certificates you need to showthat 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


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Ratings forming part of a navigational watchYou should meet the competence requirements stated below. Some of theseare new requirements which were not required under STCW-78. These do notapply 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 (coversthe use of magnetic and gyro compasses, helm orders, change overfrom automatic pilot to hand steering device and vice-versa).

2. Keep a proper look-out by sight and hearing (covers the responsibilitiesof a look-out including reporting the approximate bearing of a soundsignal, light or other object in degrees or points).

3. Contribute to monitoring and controlling a safe watch (covers shipboardterms and definitions, use of internal communication and alarmsystems, have the ability to understand orders and to communicate

with the officer of the watch in matters relevant to watch-keepingduties, be familiar with the procedures for the relief, maintenance andhand-over of a watch, the information required to maintain a safe watchand basic environmental protection procedures).

4. Operate emergency equipment and apply emergency procedures(covers knowledge of emergency duties and alarm signals, knowledgeof pyrotechnic distress signals, satellite EPIRBs and SARTS, avoidance

of false distress alerts and action to be taken in the event of accidentalactivation).

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Ratings forming part of an engineering watchIf you are part of an engineering watch you should meet the competencerequirements 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 formingpart of an engine room watch and communicate effectively in mattersrelated to watch-keeping duties (covers terms used in machineryspaces and the names of machinery and equipment, engine-roomwatch-keeping procedures, safe working practices in engine-roomoperations, basic environmental protection procedures, use of internalcommunications systems, engine room alarm systems and ability todistinguish between the various alarms with special reference to fire-extinguishing gas alarms).

2. Keeping a boiler watch and maintain the correct water level and steampressure (covers safe operation of boilers).

3. Operate emergency equipment and apply emergency procedures(covers knowledge of emergency duties, escape routes from machineryspaces, familiarity with the location and the use of fire fightingequipment in machinery areas).

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Revalidation

requirements

for

ratingsCertificates for ratings forming part of a watch are not subject torevalidation. Ratings in possession of STCW-78 documents do not need toupgrade them to STCW-95 standards. Other certificates are subject torefresher training (see part 2 in this Section).

Ratings serving on ships registered under a foreign flagUnder the Convention, certificated watch-keeping ratings are not required to

have an endorsement of recognition when serving on ships registered underthe flag of another country. However, the Administrations of some foreigncountries require and issue endorsements for ratings forming part of awatch and other certificates relating to specific functions (tanker training,for example). Ask your employer (shipowner or manning agent), or therespective Administration directly to find out whether you need to obtain an

endorsement of recognition. In some cases, an endorsement of recognitionfor a specialised certificate will only be issued if the training has beencompleted at a training centre approved by the Administration of the foreigncountry. Again, if in doubt, ask the Administration for any requirements inthis respect.

Going for the next higher certificateThe progression through the ranks, particularly from rating to officer, ispossible under STCW-95. However, you will need to complete approvedseagoing service and complete an approved programme of training. Underthe old system it was possible to progress through the ranks based onseagoing service time only.

Ratings' duties on joining any shipAll ratings need to complete a period of ship-specific familiarisation trainingbefore being assigned any shipboard functions. There is no certificateawarded for this, but a record should be kept of it in the ships officiallogbook. This requirement applies to any member of the crew, including

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Basic

safety

training

for

ratingsRatings serving on any type of ship who are designated with safety andpollution prevention responsibilities in the operation of the ship need basicsafety training. This covers personal survival techniques, basic fireprevention and fire-fighting, elementary first aid, and personal and socialresponsibilities. This requirement applies to practically all ratings serving onmerchant ships as well as to ratings undergoing training. Basic safetytraining should be documented as having taken place within five years of aratings being assigned to safety and pollution prevention duties.

You may be exempted from basic safety training if you have alreadycompleted this training under STCW-78. To find out if this is the case, contactthe Administration issuing your national certificate of competence. If you arenot exempt, you need to complete an approved training course or provide

evidence that you have attained the required standards of competencewithin the previous five years (by participating in drills and exercises, forexample, or assessment by a qualified assessor). There is no requirementfor seafarers to hold an official certificate of basic training, but it is advisablethat you possess some form of documentary evidence to show that youhave attained competence in these functions within the previous 5 years(record of drills or letters from a training centre).


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Part 2

Certificates and General

Requirements by Rank

Master

NAME OF CERTIFICATE REVALIDATION REG.National certificate of competence and Yes I/2, II/2,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

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General requirements to obtain a certificate of competency

as master

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

a) Previous certificate & seagoing service: meet requirements forcertification as an officer in charge of a navigational watch on shipsof 500 gross tonnage or more and have at least 36 months'approved seagoing service in that capacity; however, this periodmay be reduced to not less than 24 months if not less than 12months of such seagoing service has been served as chief mate.

b) Education & Training: have completed a period of approvededucation and training and meet the standard of competencespecified in section A-II/2 of the STCW Code for masters on ships of

3,000 gross tonnage or more.

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

a) Previous certificate & seagoing service: meet requirements forcertification as an officer in charge of a navigational watch on shipsof 500 gross tonnage or more and have at least 36 months'

approved seagoing service in that capacity; however, this periodmay be reduced to not less than 24 months if not less than 12months of such seagoing service has been served as chief mate.

b) Education & Training: have completed a period of approvededucation and training and meet the standard of competencespecified 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 than500 gross tonnage not engaged on near-coastal voyages.

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


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ChiefMate

* Certificate not required, only evidence of having achieved competence within previous 5 years.

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

1Endorsement or documentary proof that it is being processed (validity 3 months).

E d t i d b ll fl St t f F b

NAME OF CERTIFICATE REVALIDATION REG.National certificate of competence and Yes I/2, II/2endorsement

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




Basic safety familiarisation On assignment** VI/1

Ship specific familiarisation On assignment** I/14

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as chief mate

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

a) Previous certificate & seagoing service: meet requirements forcertification as an officer in charge of a navigational watch on shipsof 500 gross tonnage or more and have at least 12 months'approved seagoing service in that capacity.

b) Education & Training: have completed approved education andtraining and meet the standard of competence specified in sectionA-II/2 of the STCW Code for masters and chief mates on ships of3,000 gross tonnage or more.

t 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 competencespecified in section A- II/2 of the STCW Code for masters and chiefmates on ships of between 500 and 3,000 gross tonnage.


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Officer in charge of a navigational watch

* Certificate not required only evidence of having achieved competence within previous 5years.


1E d t d t f th t it i b i d ( lidit th )

NAME OF CERTIFICATE REVALIDATION REG.National certificate of competence and Yes I/2, II/1,endorsement II/3


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








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as officer in charge of a navigational watch

t Officers in charge of a navigational watch on ships of 500 grosstonnage or more must:

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

b) Seagoing service: have approved seagoing service of not less thanone year as part of an approved training programme, including on-board training. This training must meet the requirements of sectionA-II/1 of the STCW Code and be documented in an approved trainingrecord book. Otherwise, the seafarer must have approved sea-going service of not less than three years.

c) Bridge watch-keeping duties: have performed, during therequired seagoing service, bridge watch-keeping duties under thesupervision of the master or a qualified officer for a period of notless than six months.

d) Radio duties: meet the applicable requirements of the regulationsin chapter IV (GMDSS), as appropriate, for performing designatedradio duties in accordance with the Radio Regulations.

e) Education and Training: have completed a period of approvededucation and training and meet the standard of competencespecified in section A-II/1 of the STCW Code.


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t 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 grosstonnage or more

Ships engaged on near coastal voyages:

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

b) Seagoing service: have completed special training, including anappropriate period of seagoing service as required by theAdministration, or approved seagoing service in the deckdepartment of not less than three years.

c) Radio duties: meet the applicable requirements of the regulations

in chapter IV (GMDSS), as appropriate, for performing designatedradio duties in accordance with the Radio Regulations.

d) Education & Training: have completed a period of approvededucation and training and meet the standard of competencespecified in section A-II/3 of the STCW Code for officers in charge ofa navigational watch on ships of less than 500 gross tonnage

engaged in near-coastal voyages.


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Ratings forming part of a navigational watch

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


General requirements to obtain a certificate of competencyas a rating forming part of a navigational watch

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

t 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

NAME OF CERTIFICATE REVALIDATION REG.National certificate of competence No I/2, II/4






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Radio operators

* Certificate not required, only evidence of having achieved competence within previous 5years.

NAME OF CERTIFICATE REVALIDATION REG.For radio personnel on board GMDSS ships: Yes I/2 IV/2- General Operator's Certificate (GOC) andendorsement or- Restricted Operator's Certificate (ROC) and

endorsementThe type of certificate required depends onwhether you are serving on a ship trading ina GMDSS zone A1 (coastal) or GMDSS A2and A3 (deep-sea)

For radio personnel on ships not required to Yes

comply with GMDSS:- National certificate ofcompetence (ITU Radio Regulations) andendorsement


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




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Chief engineer

* Certificate not required, only evidence of having achieved competence within previous5 years.


1Endorsement or documentary proof that it is being processed (validity 3 months).

Endorsements required by all flag States from 1 February 2002.

NAME OF CERTIFICATE REVALIDATION REG.National certificate of competence and Yes I/2, III/2,endorsement III/3


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








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as a chief engineer

t Chief engineer officers on ships powered by main propulsionmachinery of 3,000 kW propulsion power or more must:

a) Previous certificate & seagoing service: meet the requirementsfor certification as an officer in charge of an engineering watch andhave not less than 36 months' approved seagoing service, of whichnot less than 12 months shall have been served as an engineerofficer in a position of responsibility while qualified to serve assecond engineer officer.

b) Education & Training: have completed approved education andtraining and meet the standard of competence specified in section

A-III/2 of the STCW Code.

t Chief engineer officers on ships powered by main propulsionmachinery of 750 kW - 3,000 kW propulsion power must:

a) Previous certificate & seagoing service: meet the requirementsfor certification as an officer in charge of an engineering watch and

have not less than 24 months' approved seagoing service, of whichnot less than 12 months shall have been served while qualified toserve as second engineer officer.

b) Education & Training: have completed approved education andtraining and meet the standard of competence specified in sectionA-III/3 of the STCW Code.


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Second Engineer

* Certificate not required only evidence of having achieved competence within previous 5years.

** 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.

NAME OF CERTIFICATE REVALIDATION REG.National certificate of competence and Yes I/2, III/2,endorsement III/3










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Officer

in

charge

of

an

engineering

watch

* Certificate not required, only evidence of having achieved competence in previous 5years.

** Training conducted on board ship before being assigned to shipboard duties.1

Endorsement or documentary proof that it is being processed (validity 3 months).

E d t i d b ll fl St t f F b

NAME OF CERTIFICATE REVALIDATION REG.National certificate of competence and Yes I/2, III/1endorsement










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as an officer in charge of an engineering watch

t Officers in charge of an engineering watch in a manned engine-room or designated duty engineers in a periodically unmannedengine-room (750 kW propulsion power or more) must:


b) Seagoing service: have completed not less than six months'seagoing service in the engine department in accordance withsection A-III/1 of the STCW Code.

c) Education & Training: have completed approved education andtraining of at least 30 months which includes onboard training. Thismust be documented in an approved training record book and meetthe standards of competence specified in section A-III/1 of theSTCW Code.


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Ratings forming part of an engineering watch

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


General requirements to obtain a certificate of competency asa rating forming part of a watch in a manned engine-room or

designated to perform duties in a periodically unmannedengine room

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

t The rating must:


NAME OF CERTIFICATE REVALIDATION REG.National certificate of competence No I/2, II/4,






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Any other crewmember

(including ratings not forming part of a navigational watch andhotel staff on passenger vessels)


NAME OF CERTIFICATE REVALIDATION REG.Basic safety familiarisation On assignment ** VI/1



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PART 3

other certificates

according to function performed

on board and type of vessel

For personnel on any type of ship

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

* Certificate not required, only evidence of having achieved competence in previous fiveyears before being assigned to safety or pollution prevention duties

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

SECTIONTWO

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

NAME OF CERTIFICATE REVALIDATION REG.Survival craft certificate of proficiency No VI/2


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4. If designated to control fire-fighting operations:

5. If designated to provide first aid:

6. If designated to provide medical care:

NAME OF CERTIFICATE REVALIDATION REG.Medical first aid No VI/4

NAME OF CERTIFICATE REVALIDATION REG.Advanced fire-fighting Achieved within VI/3

previous 5 years

NAME OF CERTIFICATE REVALIDATION REG.Medical care No VI/4


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For personnel working on a tanker

1. For officers and ratings assigned specific duties and responsibilitiesrelating to cargo or cargo equipment (applies to oil, chemical andliquefied gas tankers):

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

Tanker familiarisation course orthree No V/1months approved seagoing service ontankers

Shore-based fire-fighting course No V/1


Oil tanker specialised training Yes V/1

Chemical tanker specialised training Yes V/1

Liquefied gas tanker specialised training Yes V/1


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For personnel working on a ro-ro passenger ship

engaged

in

international

voyages

1. For masters, officers and other personnel designated on muster lists toassist passengers in emergency situations:

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

3. For personnel providing direct service to passengers in passengerspaces on board ro-ro passenger ships:

4. For master, chief mates, chief engineer officers, second engineerofficers and any person assigned immediate responsibility for

embarking and disembarking passengers, loading, discharging orsecuring cargo, or closing hull openings:


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

NAME OF CERTIFICATE REVALIDATION REG.Ro-ro passenger ship familiarisation training No V/2

NAME OF CERTIFICATE REVALIDATION REG.Ro-ro passenger ship safety training No V/2



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For personnel working on a passenger ship

(other

than

a

ro-ro

passenger

ship)

engaged in internationalvoyages

1. For masters, officers and other personnel designated on muster lists toassist passengers in emergency situations:

2. For masters, officers and other personnel assigned specific safetyduties and responsibilities:

3. For personnel providing direct service to passengers in passengerspaces on board passenger ships:

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

officers and any person assigned immediate responsibility forembarking and disembarking passengers, loading, discharging orsecuring cargo, or closing hull openings:

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O

NAME

OF

CERTIFICATE REVALIDATION

REG.Passenger ship crowd management training Yes (refresher) V/2

NAME OF CERTIFICATE REVALIDATION REG.Passenger ship familiarisation training No V/2

NAME OF CERTIFICATE REVALIDATION REG.Passenger ship safety training No V/2


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PART 4

training issues

Education

and

training

centres

All training programmes and assessments provided in connection with anSTCW-95 certificate need to comply with STCW-95 standards and must beapproved by the respective Administration. The competence tablescontained in the STCW Code (Part A) provide information on what should beincluded in the teaching programme, the criteria by which competence isassessed, and what standard of ability the student performing that

competence needs to demonstrate. These regulations apply to traininggiven both on board and ashore.

All instructors, supervisors and assessors need to be qualified andexperienced in the particular types and levels of training and assessmentthey give. They also need to know about teaching techniques. For example,

an instructor teaching fire-fighting techniques should be qualified and havepractical experience in teaching fire-fighting principles and techniques.Each education and training institution needs to have its academic andtraining programme approved by the Administration issuing the certificate.

It is common for educational and training institutions to issue their owncertificates for the courses they run. Before enrolling on any course, find outfirst if the programmes offered comply with STCW-95 standards and, moreimportantly, if the training centre has been authorised by the respectiveAdministration to provide the courses and services offered and, whereapplicable, to issue STCW-95 certificates for short courses. In case you

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Simulator training under STCW-95

The only mandatory simulator training under STCW-95 is that relating to theuse of radar and ARPA. In these two specific cases, simulators are the onlyaccepted methods of demonstrating competence. In all other instances,approved simulator training and assessment is not mandatory, being justone of the methods accepted by the Convention for training anddemonstrating competence. (The use of other methods such as in-service

experience or training ship experience are equally acceptable.) Thiscategory of optional simulator training and assessment covers navigationand ship handling, cargo handling, GMDSS communication, propulsion andauxiliary machinery.

Simulators need to comply with prescribed standards. This does not imply

that all simulators need to be highly expensive and complex electronicartefacts. Although certain simulators, such as radar or ARPA, do fall underthis category, other tasks can be taught and assessed using more basicsimulators. For example, ship models are widely used for providing trainingin ship stability and for assessment purposes, and even an orange, whenused for teaching injection techniques in first aid training, can be consideredas 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 (navigationalor engineering) must have a good command of spoken and written English.Senior officers with functions at a managerial level must also speak andwrite English, since this is a requirement at the previous level ofresponsibility Ratings forming part of a navigational watch are required to


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GlobalMaritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)

certificates

If you are in charge of distress and safety communications on a shiprequired to comply with GMDSS, then you need to hold a GMDSS certificate.There are two types of GMDSS certificates:

1 The General Operators Certificate (GOC), for personnel assigned to

radio-communication duties on deep-sea ships operating beyond VHFcoast station coverage.

2 The Restricted Operators Certificate (ROC), for personnel on boardships operating onlyin 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 theship you are serving on operates.

Since 1st February 1999, GMDSS has been mandatory for all ocean-goingpassenger ships (carrying more than 12 passengers) and cargo ships of 300gross tonnage and upwards on international voyages. This requirement hasbeen interpreted, however, in different ways. Some Parties require allofficers on board GMDSS ships to hold a GMDSS certificate, while othersrequire only one or two persons on board to have this qualification.Whichever interpretation applies, from 1 February 2002 all seafarersperforming 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 deckofficers on GMDSS ships.

If you hold a STCW-78 masters or deck-officers certificate, you should


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Medical standards

A seafarer needs to be reasonably fit and in good health. Although theConvention does not stipulate mandatory minimum standards of medicalfitness for seafarers, most Administrations already enforce strict standards,particularly with regards to eyesight and hearing for watch-keepingpersonnel.

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


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33On Board

Requirements


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This section will tell you how to comply with STCW-95 once you are onboard. The requirements outlined in this section came into force on 1

February 1997 and apply to the master, chief engineer, officers, ratings andany other crew member on board ships of any tonnage, from a coaster to avery large tanker. The last two parts of this section (hours of work andwatch-keeping regulations) only apply to officers and ratings forming part ofa watch (deck or engine).

Certificates and documentary evidence to be carriedon board

The certificates and any other documentary evidence you hold are officialproof 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 onboard, the master and inspectors from port and flag state authorities willcheck your documentation. If during the course of these inspections theyfind that you do not hold the appropriate certificates, or that these haveexpired, you will probably be discharged until you complete the trainingrequired 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 allcertificates and endorsements. Photocopies are not acceptable. You need tohave 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 aseparate document). Refer to the previous section to see whatcertificates you need to hold.

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When applying for an endorsement of recognition, remember the following:

t You need to hold separate endorsements for each flag State.

t No endorsement of recognition will be granted if the original nationalcertificate is not valid or has expired.

t STCW-95 endorsements are only issued for STCW-95 certificates. Youcannot obtain a STCW-95 endorsement on the basis of a STCW-78certificate.

t

You cannot apply for an endorsement of recognition from one Party onthe basis of an endorsement issued by another Party. Endorsementscan only be issued on the basis of the original certificate.

t If you have already applied for an endorsement, but this is beingprocessed by the respective flag administration, you have a period ofgrace of up to 3 months from the date you join the ship. During thisperiod you will be able to serve without an endorsement provided youhave documentary evidence (a letter from the flag administration orconsulate) stating that you have applied for an endorsement ofrecognition.

t Masters, chief mates, chief engineers and second engineers arerequired to have adequate knowledge of the maritime legislation of therecognising 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 anddocuments as expired certificates are not valid for service on board .

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M d t

f t d hi b d f ili i ti


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Mandatory safety and ship-board familiarisation

training

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

1. Basic safety familiarisation gives information and instruction aboutwhat to do in the case of an emergency. Before being assigned to

shipboard duties, you should receive either approved training inpersonal 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

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 theparticular 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 becomeacquainted with the specific equipment you will be using, and ship-specific watch-keeping, safety, environmental protection and

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Both types of familiarisation instruction are to be given by a responsible


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Both types of familiarisation instruction are to be given by a responsibleperson 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 sametime. No certificates are given for completing the familiarisation instruction,but the master or responsible officer should make a signed entry in theships logbook stating when the safety familiarisation training and ship-specific familiarisation was provided. You should also keep a record of ityourself and keep it together with your documents.

In addition to the familiarisation instruction, it is very important that youtake every opportunity to familiarise yourself with the equipment used toperform your functions, as well as all safety and emergency procedures.Allow your curiosity free reign and consult manuals, posters, films and anyother audio-visual materials available on board.

Also, try to introduce discussions with your colleagues. You will be surprisedhow much you can learn from them. Dont be afraid to ask questions if youhave any doubts about your duties, safe working practices or emergencyprocedures. If your immediate superior is unable to give you a satisfactoryanswer, raise the issue with the next person in the hierarchical chain or withthe master.

If you are still not satisfied with the answer, raise the issue with the personin charge of fleet management in the shipping companys office. Accordingto the International Safety Management Code (ISM) there should always bea person in the shipping companys head office designated to deal withsafety queries (including STCW).

On board training and a

ssessment


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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 intopractice what you have learned from books or with an instructor in aclassroom. For some specific skills this is best done at approved trainingestablishments 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 appropriatetraining and experience. This is why it is extremely important thatexperienced seafarers take every opportunity to train less experiencedseafarers. This is the best way of passing on knowledge to new generationsof seafarers.

Any training that is carried out on-board, as part of an approved trainingprogramme, must be recorded in a training record book. This book isapproved by the Administration issuing the certificate and lists the specifictasks that should be completed by the student while he/she is at sea todemonstrate that competency has been achieved. All trainee officers mustdocument their on-board training in a training record book.

The tasks assigned in this book should be completed by the candidateunder the supervision of a training supervisor on board. This will normallybe a designated officer. The training supervisor will inspect the progressmade by the student and sign the book accordingly. Training record booksshould also be checked regularly by the master.

On completion of all the tasks contained in the record book, this issubmitted to examiners from the Administration or from trainingestablishments. They will inspect it as part of the evidence to demonstratethat the candidate has achieved the standard of competence in order toq alify for an STCW 9 certificate

Seagoing ser

v

ice


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Seagoing service

Many STCW-95 certificates require seafarers to have had sufficient time ofservice on board relevant to the issue of a certificate. The exactrequirements are given in Section 2.

In other words, if you want to apply for a certificate, you need to providesatisfactory proof that you have completed the required seagoing service for

the certificate you are applying for. For example, one of the requirements toobtain a certificate as an officer in charge of a navigational watch on shipsof less than 500 gross tonnage is to have approved seagoing service in thedeck 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, rating formingpart of a navigational watch, chief engineer, second engineer, officer incharge of an engineering watch, rating forming part of an engineering watch,rating forming part of a watch in a manned engine room, officer or ratingassigned with specific duties related to cargo equipment on tankers.

You can gain approved seagoing service on any type of ship as long as yourduties on board are relevant to the certificate you are applying for. Forexample, if you intend to apply for a certificate as an officer in charge of anavigational watch, you will need to have approved seagoing service in thedeck department. Although there are no specific requirements stating thesize or propulsion power of the ships in which you are obtaining your

seagoing service time, these should be adequate to the certificate beingissued. You should contact the maritime Administration from which youintend to obtain the certificate to check if there are any minimum limitationsin size or tonnage to obtain approved seagoing service.


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Control prov

isions


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Control provisions

The effectiveness of STCW-95 will depend on whether the standards laiddown in the Convention can be enforced and maintained. So a number ofcontrol measures have been introduced to give it some teeth.

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

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

Parties to the Convention, acting as flag or port States, are responsible forensuring that seafarers coming under their jurisdiction meet the prescribedstandards of competency. You come under the jurisdiction of a flag Statewhen you hold a certificate issued by that administration or you serve onboard a ship registered under its flag. In turn, you will be under thejurisdiction of a port State whenever your ship is in port.

A flag State will exercise control by regulating the certification process, thetraining and education of seafarers, and by assessing the competence ofseafarers prior to certification.

A port State exercises control by inspecting ships calling at their ports. TheConvention contains a provision for port State authorities to inspect anyship calling at any of their ports. Under this provision inspectors are

authorised to verify that seafarers hold appropriate certificates for thefunctions they perform, that manning level requirements are complied with,and that seafarers are competent in their watch-keeping, safety, andpollution prevention duties.

watch-keeping officer may be asked practical questions about operating


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p g y p q p gbridge equipment, while engineering officer may be asked to operate the

propulsion or electricity generating plant. The sort of questions theinspectors will ask cover the competencies set out in Part A of the STCWCode. Port State control has become a feature of modern seafaring and itis here to stay.

Another equally important control procedure, contained in the Convention isthe 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 implementationof the Convention. This information is examined by the IMO and a decisionis reached as to whether or not the Party is complying in full with theConvention. The list of Parties identified by IMO as being in full compliancewill 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 timeof the re-evaluation, the country is not giving full and effective complianceto the Convention, its name will be removed. Similarly, new countries maybe added if they meet the criteria for inclusion.

The importance of this for you is that if a Party included in the White Listissues 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 applyingfor endorsements of recognition or seeking employment in the internationalfleet. It may even make the visit of the port State Inspector that muchshorter.

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 additionalscrutiny from employers and other Administrations before being employed.Holders of certificates issued by countries that are not in the White List willnot be able to obtain an STCW 9 endorsement of recognition issued by


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Regulations

af

fecting

watch-keeping

personnel

only


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g g p g p y

The following two regulations apply only to officers and ratings who are partof 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 towatch-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 otherpersonnel who do not have watch-keeping responsibilities are exemptedfrom this provision.

The 24 hour period is calculated from the time the watch-keepers dutystarts, 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 emergencies, drillsor overriding operational conditions. The 10 hour rest period can be reducedto not less than 6 consecutive hours provided such reduction does notextend beyond 2 days and not less than 70 hours of rest are provided each7 day period. A summary of the rest hour regulations is given in thefollowing table (the shaded areas indicate the mandatory hours of rest).

or

or (for a maximum of 2 consecutive days as long as not less than 70 hoursof rest are provided in a 7 day period)

18 hours duty 6 hours rest

In any 24 hour period8 hours duty 6 hours rest 6 hours duty 4 hours rest

14 hours duty 10 hours rest

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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. Thecomplete guidelines can be found in section A-VIII/2 of the Convention. Themaster, chief engineer and all watch-keeping personnel (navigation,propulsion and radio) are required to perform their duties according tothese principles and guidelines. Operations procedure manuals kept onboard 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 clearprocedures to be followed by watch-keeping personnel. Not only are yourequired to abide by these provisions, but it is also a useful reminder ofprocedures seafarers already know but tend to forget.

The master has direct responsibility for ensuring that all watch-keepingprinciples and arrangements are adhered to at all times and under all

circumstances. However, he or she can only be successful through thecommitment and co-operation of the whole team, both on board and ashore.


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44Implications of

STCW-95

forSTCW-78

Certificate Holders

Upgrading and revalidation


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From 1 February 2002, STCW-78 certificates are no longer valid for serviceaboard ships of Administrations party to the Convention. Under exceptionalcircumstances some Administrations may decide to give a shortdispensation, until 1 July 2002, to allow seafarers to revalidate theircertificates (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 haveto meet STCW-95 standards. However, a certificate re-validated underSTCW-78 regulations will not be valid for service beyond 1 February2002 (or beyond the five-year transitional period for certificates issuedby 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 ofmedical fitness and competence. For the latter, you will probably needrefresher courses or updated training and assessments. Your updatedcertificate 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-78certificate holders must satisfy competence requirements if either of thefollowing applies:

1. If you serve on specialised types of ships (tankers, ro-ro passenger

ships, other passenger ships) or2. If you are responsible for emergency, occupational safety, medical care

or survival functions on any type of ship. Basic safety training appliesto all seafarers.

SE

CTION

Additional competence requirements under STC

W-95(b

k)


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(by rank)

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

Master and deck department

t Officers in charge of a navigational watch on ships of 500 grosstonnage* or more

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

2. Use of Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA) to maintain safety ofnavigation.

Simulator based training and assessment mandatory.

Note: Training and assessment in the use of ARPA is not required forthose who serve exclusively on ships not fitted with ARPA.

3. Application of effective bridge teamwork procedures.

4. Application of advanced fire-fighting techniques.

5. Transmit and receive information using GMDSS and fulfil its functionalrequirements if in charge or performing radio duties on a ship requiredto participate in GMDSS.

6 Monitor compliance with legislative requirements

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


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A. Masters and chief mates on ships of 3,000 gross tonnage or more1. 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-calculatingequipment, including automatic data-based (ADB) equipment.

6. Maintain safe navigation through the use of radar and ARPAsimulator based training and assessment mandatory.

Note: Training and assessment in the use of ARPA is not requiredfor those who serve exclusively on ships not fitted with ARPA.

7. Develop emergency and damage control plans and handleemergency 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 ofa navigational watch on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more.

2. Master should meet the requirements of an officer in charge of anavigational watch on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more and have36 months' approved seagoing service in that capacity.

Note:

1. The level of theoretical knowledge, understanding and proficiencymay be lower than that required for service on ships of 3,000 gross

SE

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


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of less than 500 gross tonnage

A. Ships not engaged on near coastal voyages: officers in charge ofnavigational watch and masters

1. Officers are required to hold a certificate for service on ships of 500gross tonnage or more and for service on ships between 500 and3,000 gross tonnage.

2. Masters are required to hold a certificate of service on ships ofbetween 500 and 3,000 gross tonnage.

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

navigational watch1. 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 appropriatecertificate issued or recognised under the radio regulations.

C. Ships engaged on near coastal voyages:masters1. 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.

t Ratings forming part of a navigational watch


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No upgrading of STCW-78 authorised documents is required.

Under STCW-95 those qualifying as ratings forming part of anavigational watch are required to be duly certified. New knowledgerequirements 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 ofaccidental activation.


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t Ratings forming part of an engineering watch

Under STCW-78 ratings forming part of an engineering watch do not


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Under STCW 78, ratings forming part of an engineering watch do not

require an authorised document or certificate. Under STCW-95, ratingsforming part of an engineering watch are required to meet the standardsof competence and be certificated.

Under STCW-95, a Party may consider seafarers to have met thestandards of competence required if they have served as ratingsforming part of an engineering watch for a period of not less than oneyear within the five years preceding the Convention's coming into forcefor that Party.

Note: No certificate is necessary for personnel on ships of below 750kW propulsion power.

Radio department

tRadio-communication and Radio PersonnelNew regulations apply to personnel in charge of performing radio dutieson a ship required to participate in the GMDSS. Radio personnel onships not required to comply with the GMDSS provisions are certificatedas required under radio regulations.

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.

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55Where 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


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the particular arrangements that each individual Party has made forimplementing the Convention. Therefore, your first port of call should be theAuthority issuing your certificate. They can inform you in more detail aboutspecific requirements and deadlines for satisfying the standards of theConvention and obtaining STCW-95 certification. Many Administrationsaround the world publish this information on a regular basis.

Another good source of information is training institutions (provided theyare in the business of complying with STCW-95 requirements). They willnormally know what the requirements are for certification and point you inthe 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 youare affiliated to a national trade union they may also be able to give youguidance.

As well as this being on the internet at www.itf.org.uk, the followingwebsites contain information on STCW-95 and other maritime-relatedtopics:

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

The best source of written information on STCW-95 is, of course, theConvention itself. There are also short guides produced by some of the


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Parties and short articles published in specialised nautical journals such asSeaways, Fairplay and BIMCO. The International Shipping Federation hasproduced a series of publications on STCW, including The Revised STCWConvention: A Guide for the Shipping Industry. They have also producedIS