STCW for Seafarers: What You Need to Know

What is STCW?

A set of international standards for the training and certification of seafarers, the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) code, was developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 1978. The STCW code sets minimum requirements for the education and training of seafarers to ensure they can perform their duties safely and efficiently. The code is regularly updated to keep up with maritime technology and practice changes.

As a requirement for obtaining a certificate of competency, seafarers must complete STCW-compliant training courses and examinations. The STCW code is mandatory for all vessels operating on international voyages, and many national maritime authorities also require compliance with the code for ships operating on domestic travels.

Who is STCW for?

Commercial vessels over 24 meters (78.74 feet) require STCW certificates or courses for their crews. Before applying for a job, you’ll need STCW qualifications or courses. The courses or qualifications you’ll need will vary depending on the position you’re looking for and the post you’ll be assigned when onboard.

History of STCW

The STCW was created at an international conference in 1978 and established standards for mariners worldwide. Before the International Maritime Organization (IMO) developed a global collection of regulations, it was up to individual governments, which caused difficulties as sailors crossed national boundaries. As the shipping industry is global by nature, the STCW established the first set of fundamental safety and watchkeeping standards to reduce confusion primarily.

The IMO established a more comprehensive STCW code in 1995 after the international STCW Convention established minimum safety requirements in 1978. In 1995, the IMO revised its original STCW standard to include additional specific qualifications for various mariner positions and thorough safety training. These amendments came into force in 1997, and individuals joining the maritime sector after August 1998 were obliged to meet the new standards set in 1995.

In 2010, the IMO updated the STCW rules, known as the Manila Amendments. The 1995 STCW was becoming obsolete due to the fast development of technology and improved shipping practices.

The IMO and United States Coast Guard have implemented new rules and regulations of the updated STCW 2010 for seafarers entering the marine industry since January 2012. Until 2017, the IMO introduced new requirements annually, giving marine businesses time to update equipment on board and provide their employees with enough time to complete additional training and certification courses.

What is the Difference Between STCW 95 and STCW 2010?

In a nutshell, STCW 2010 is the new standard that all commercial ship sailors must follow.

The most significant change for all maritime workers is the inclusion of revalidation training. To keep your paperwork valid, you must now have documentary proof to show that you completed your fundamental safety training within the last five years. The standard implies that you can’t board a ship if your credentials do not undergo revalidation training every five years.

The addition of two new voluntary security courses is another significant improvement:

• STCW Proficiency for Seafarers with Designated Security Duties – explicitly tailored for mariners with designated security responsibilities.

• STCW Proficiency in Maritime Security Awareness – is intended for persons with no assigned security duties.

How Many Courses Are There in STCW?

Following the STCW 2010 upgrade, STCW Basic Safety Training includes five training courses. This course lasts around a week and must cover the following topics:

Basic Fire Fighting and Fire Prevention

The STCW Fire Prevention and Firefighting course gives individuals the education and training they need to get a certificate of competence or be a competent seafarer. The course also meets the standards set by the STCW Code for fire prevention and fighting.

Personal and Social Responsibilities

STCW Personal Safety & Social Responsibility (PSSR) training provides a basic introduction to safety procedures and accident prevention to all persons who want to work on board merchant ships while familiarizing them with the job prospects and working conditions.

Personal Survival Techniques

The Personal Survival Techniques (PST) program is part of the basic safety training required by section A-VI/1 of the STCW Code for seafarers who conform to international norms. This course will provide sailors with the necessary knowledge, understanding, and competence to protect themselves and others on board under international rules.

Elementary First Aid

The STCW Elementary First Aid course complements part of the essential Basic Safety Training (BST) for seafarers. This knowledge will help future sailors acquire basic skills in dealing with medical emergencies or accidents at sea.

Proficiency in Security Awareness

The STCW Proficiency in Maritime Security Awareness (MSA) program is for people who do not have security responsibilities on board merchant ships. The program provides them with the necessary ship security awareness training to meet the knowledge, understanding, and competency requirements of the STCW Code.

How Long are STCW Certificates Valid?

All STCW endorsements you possess are subject to renewal when your Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) expires (5-year validity period). Some endorsements will need more training to refresh or revalidate specific topics. Renewal of the Basic Training endorsement is one of the STCW endorsements.

Other endorsements include Basic and Advanced Firefighting, Lifeboatman-Proficiency in Survival Craft, STCW Re-validation and Refresher Coursework, and License Advancement. The level and position you hold on a ship determine the kind of endorsements you need.