IN 1325 – Revalidating STCW certificates: New requirements for seafarers

The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers 1978 (STCW Convention) and Code, as amended by the 2010 Manila Amendments, provide new requirements for all seafarers.

The transitional period for these amendments comes to an end on 1 January 2017. Seafarers revalidating their STCW certificates will be required to submit additional evidence to ensure their certificate is valid for service on certain types of ships after 31 December 2016.

The Manila amendments were adopted on 25 June 2010, marking a major revision of the STCW Convention and Code. Amongst the amendments adopted, there are a number of important changes to each chapter of the Convention and Code, including:

• Improved measures to prevent fraudulent practices associated with certificates of competency and strengthen the evaluation process.
• Revised requirements on hours of work and rest and new requirements for the prevention of drug and alcohol abuse, as well as updated standards relating to medical fitness standards for seafarers.
• New certification requirements for able seafarers;
• New requirements relating to training in modern technology such as electronic charts and information systems (ECDIS).
• New requirements for marine environment awareness training and training in leadership and teamwork.
• New training and certification requirements for electro-technical officers.
• Updating of competence requirements for personnel serving on board all types of tankers, including new requirements for personnel serving on liquefied gas tankers.
• New requirements for security training, as well as provisions to ensure that seafarers are properly trained to cope if their ship comes under attack by pirates.
• Introduction of modern training methodology including distance learning and web-based learning.
• New training guidance for personnel serving on board ships operating in polar waters
• New training guidance for personnel operating dynamic positioning systems.

The new requirements will enter into force on 1 January 2017. Unless seafarers comply with the new certificate requirements then they risk expiration of their STCW Certificates of Competency and STCW Certificates of Proficiency on 31 December 2016. GMDSS Radio Operator Certificates are not affected.

All seafarers holding STCW certificates (excluding GMDSS Radio Operator Certificates), and qualified in any of the following, from 1 January 2017 must have documentary evidence of either having completed the training course or updated their training within the last five years for:

• Personal Survival Techniques (PST) STCW code (Table A-VI/1-1).
• Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (FP&FF) STCW code (Table A-VI/1-2).
• Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats other than fast rescue boats (PSC&RB) STCW code (Table A-VI/2-1).
• Proficiency in Fast Rescue Boats (PFRB) STCW code (Table A-VI/2-2);
• Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF) STCW code (Table A-VI/3).

In practical terms, holders of STCW Certificates of Competency and STCW Certificates of Proficiency should check the expiry date of their certificate to see if they are affected by this change. If one holds a STCW certificate without an expiry date, they will be affected by this change and need to take action should they wish to maintain a valid seagoing qualification.

Most maritime national administrations have announced that seafarers holding national certificates of competence will need to complete mandatory updating courses in order to be certified beyond 31 December 2016. Seafarers should ensure any new training under the new requirements is completed prior to revalidating their certificates, as the 31 December 2016 deadline approaches.