IMO ratifies STCW Manila Amendments

Major amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) and its associated Code were ratified during a diplomatic conference held in Manila last June 21 to 25, 2010, under the sponsorship of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and other major stakeholders in the global shipping and manning industry.

According to the IMO, the amendments to the STCW Convention and the Code mark the first major revision of the two instruments since their inception and initial adoption in 1978, and subsequent revision in 1995. The amendments are set to be implemented in January 1, 2012.

It is expected that once the proposed amendments have been adopted, the necessary global standards will be in place to train and certify seafarers to operate any modern, technologically advanced ships well into the future.

IMO Secretary-General Efthimios E. Mitropoulos said that the adoption of the revised STCW had brought to a successful conclusion the concerted effort undertaken by government and industry alike, dedicated seafarer representative bodies, maritime training institutions, and the many other interested organizations, over a four-year period.

“The immediate task at hand is to promulgate the standards of maritime excellence we have just come to adopt amongst those working at the sharp end of the industry and to promote their proper implementation and enforcement through the usual means of enacting legislation and introducing enabling measures in maritime administrations and training establishments,” he further said.

Among the measures adopted in the Manila conference were a number of important changes to each chapter of the Convention and Code, which include the following:

- improved measures to prevent fraudulent practices associated with certificates of competency and strengthen the evaluation of Parties’ compliance with the Convention;

- updated and expanded 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 for seafarers;

- incorporation of new certification requirements for able seafarers; new requirements relating to training in modern technology such as electronic chart display 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 and electro-technical ratings;

- 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 in the event of attack by pirates;

- introduction of modern training methods 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; and new training guidance for personnel serving on board off-shore support vessels.