STCW-95:

A GUIDE FOR
SEAFARERS

International Transport Workers Federation

STCW-95:
A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

Bernardo Obando Rojas

Seafarers International Research Centre (SIRC)
Cardiff University

Published by:
The International Transport Workers Federation (ITF)
49-60 Borough Road
London SE1 1DR
UK
March 2002 2nd edition
ISBN No 0-901969-74-5

The author gratefully acknowledges the contributions of Chris Young, Mark

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

Foreword
The 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 to
acquire 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 1995
amendments and to follow up with knowledgeable questions
where necessary.
While there can be honest differences of opinion about specific
interpretations contained in this Guide (depending on such
factors as the national system in which the amendments are to
be applied), I strongly endorse the effort to make information
about STCW-95 more easily available to seafarers who are
most directly affected by its contents.
Chris Young
Chair
Sub-Committee on Standards of Training and Watchkeeping
International Maritime Organisation (IMO)

Contents page
About this Guide

Section 1:
Introduction to STCW-95

The STCW Convention

Layout of the Convention
Deadlines to meet
Glossary of terms

5
6
7
8

Section 2:
Certification Requirements

11

Part 1 STCW-95 Certificates

13

Certificates
Certification paths
General requirements for officers
General requirements for ratings

13
18
20
22

Part 2 Certificates and general requirements by rank

27

Master
Chief mate
Officer in charge of a navigational watch
Ratings forming part of a navigational watch
Radio operators
Chief engineer
Second engineer
Officer in charge of an engineering watch
Ratings forming part of an engineering watch
Any other crew member

27
29
31
34
35
36
38
40
42
43

Part 3 Other certificates

45

For personnel on any type of ship

For personnel on tankers
For personnel on ro-ro passenger ships
For personnel on passenger ships other than ro-ro

45
47
48
49

Part 4 Training issues

51

Education and training issues

Simulator training under STCW-95
English language requirements
GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System) certificates
Medical standards

51
52
52
53
54

Section 3:
On board requirements

55

Certificates and documentary evidence to be carried on board

Mandatory safety and ship-board familiarisation training
On-board training and assessment
Seagoing service
Alcohol and drug consumption
Control provisions
Penalties
Regulations affecting watch-keeping personnel duty

57
59
61
62
63
64
66
67

Section 4:
Implications of STCW-95 for STCW-78 certificate holders

69

Upgrading and revalidation

Additional competence requirements under STCW-95 (by rank)
Master and deck department
Engine department
Radio department

71
72
72
76
77

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

79

Annex A
List of countries Party to STCW-78 as amended in 1995

Annex B
IMO Circular (MSC/Circ.918) on guidance for port State
control inspectors in respect of certificates of competence
issued under the provisions of the STCW Convention

iii

Annex C
IMO Circular (STW 31/5/1) on follow-up actions to the
1995 conference extract listing certificates or documentary
evidence required under the STCW Convention

iv

Annex D
Summary of requirements (table)

About this Guide

This Guide is aimed at seafarers of all ranks and nationalities. Its main
purpose is to help you find out how STCW-95 will affect you and explain how
you can benefit from it. Although we have tried to make this Guide as
accurate as possible, you should contact the maritime Administration
issuing your certificate(s) of competency and endorsement(s) for specific
information on the national requirements and deadlines you must meet.
You can read this Guide in any order you wish. Section 1 gives background
information on the STCW-95 Convention, including deadlines to meet, and
provides a brief glossary of terms.
Section 2 outlines the certificates you need to hold before signing on a ship
to ensure you comply with STCW-95. This section consists of four parts. Part
1 tells you about STCW-95 certificates, certification paths and general
requirements for officers and ratings. Part 2 lists the certificates and general
requirements demanded according to rank. Part 3 tells you what certificates
you need, depending on your function on board and the type of vessel you
are working on. Part 4 gives guidance on training establishments, simulator
requirements, English language and GMDSS certificates.
Section 3 deals with the requirements you need to meet once you are on
board. This includes what documentation you must have with you at all
times, ship-specific familiarisation training, training records and sea-going
service. It also covers the regulations on alcohol and drug consumption,
control procedures and penalties. There is also a section applying to watchkeeping personnel only, officers and ratings, on rest hour regulations and
watch-keeping guidelines.
Section 4 tells you what you need to do to if you are a holder of an STCW-78
certificate and need to update your certificate to STCW-95. This section
includes tables that summarise by rank the additional competencies you
need to demonstrate to upgrade your certificate.
Finally, Section 5 lists other sources of information you can consult should
you want to know more about STCW-95.
This Guide is produced by the International Transport Workers Federation
(ITF). Copies are free of charge for seafarers and can be obtained through ITF
maritime affiliates worldwide or by writing to the ITF Information
Department, 49-60 Borough Road, London SE1 1DS, United Kingdom. You
can also download a free version from our website at www.itf.org.uk
STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

Introduction to
STCW-95

The key to maintaining a safe shipping environment and keeping our oceans
clean lies in all seafarers across the world observing high standards of
competence and professionalism in the duties they perform on board. The
International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and
Watchkeeping for Seafarers 1978, as amended in 1995 (STCW-95), sets
those standards, governs the award of certificates and controls
watchkeeping arrangements. Its provisions not only apply to seafarers, but
also to ship-owners, training establishments and national maritime
administrations.
The Convention was adopted by the International Maritime Organisation
(IMO) in 1978 and came into force in 1984. During the late 1980s, it was clear
that STCW-78 was not achieving its aim of raising professional standards
world-wide, and so IMO members decided to amend it. This was done in the
early 1990s, and the amended Convention is now referred to as STCW-95.
Whereas the STCW-78 Convention focused almost entirely on knowledge,
the emphasis of STCW-95 has been shifted to practical skills and
competence underpinned by theoretical knowledge. The standards set by
the Convention applies to seafarers of all ranks serving on sea-going
merchant ships registered under the flag of a country Party to the
Convention.
The term seagoing merchant ships includes all commercial vessels
engaged on domestic or international voyages. The STCW-95 Convention
does not apply to seafarers serving on warships, naval auxiliaries or any
other government owned or operated ship engaged in non-commercial
service, fishing vessels (there is a separate Convention covering personnel
on fishing vessels), pleasure yachts not engaged in trade and wooden ships
of primitive build.
The Convention has already been accepted by 133 countries, including all
major labour suppliers and shipping registries. This number represents
more than 98% of the worlds merchant fleet. At the end of this Guide you
will find a list of all countries that are Parties to the Convention and the
dates of acceptance.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

SECTION ONE

The STCW Convention

SECTION ONE

Layout of the Convention

The STCW-95 Convention is a book consisting of three sections.
1. The Articles: outline the legal responsibilities a Party has to meet.
2. The Annex: gives technical details on how the legal responsibilities
referred to in the Articles should be met.
3. The STCW Code: specifies in more depth the technical details contained
in the annex. It contains Part A and Part B.
Part A:
Mandatory standards of training, certification and watchkeeping.
Part B:
Recommended guidelines (not mandatory) on training, certification
and watchkeeping.
The regulations in the Annex should be read in conjunction with the relevant
Section of the STCW Code (Part A). It is a good idea to familiarise yourself
with the Convention. After all, the standards of competence that you are
expected to meet are specified there. A copy of the STCW-95 Convention is
normally kept on board all sea-going merchant ships.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

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

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

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

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

SECTION ONE

Deadlines to meet

SECTION ONE

Glossary of terms
You need to know the meaning of some basic terms that will be used in this
Guide:

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

Approved:
This means that a national maritime Administration has approved a training
programme or seagoing service because it meets the requirements of the
STCW-95 Convention.

Function:
This is a way of classifying shipboard tasks by functions and levels of
responsibility. There are seven functional areas at three different levels of
responsibility. The levels of responsibility are: management level (applies
to senior officers); operational level (applies to junior officers); and
support level (applies to ratings forming part of a navigational or engine
watch). The following table lists the different functions and levels of
responsibility at which the functions can be carried out.
FUNCTION

LEVEL OF RESPONSIBILITY
Management

Operational

Support

Navigation

Cargo handling and

stowage

Deck +
Engine

Controlling the operation

of a ship and care for
persons on board

Engine

Marine Engineering

Maintenance and repair

Electrical, electronic and

control engineering

Deck

Radio

Radio communication

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

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

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

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

Standard of competence:
This term refers to the minimum knowledge, understanding and proficiency
that seafarers must demonstrate to gain certification. The tables contained
in Part A of the STCW Code specify the standards of competence to be
achieved by the seafarer. The thinking behind dividing all duties on board
into competencies, functions, and levels of responsibility is that certificates
should be awarded on the basis of the specific duties the seafarer carries
out on board rather than on ship departmental divisions (deck/engine).
For the complete tables and full details of standards of competence applying
to the certificates you hold, refer to the STCW Code (Part A) in the STCW-95
Convention.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

SECTION ONE

Party:

2
Certification

Requirements

Part 1
STCW-95 Certificates

The term certificates covers all official documents required under STCW-95.
It includes certificates of competence, endorsements, certificates of
proficiency, special certificates and any documentary evidence showing that
a requirement of the Convention has been met.
Certificates are important as they are the main paper evidence you have on
hand to prove that your level of maritime education and training, your length
of service at sea, your professional competence, medical fitness and age all
comply with STCW-95 standards. Every Party to the Convention has to
ensure that certificates are only issued to those seafarers who meet STCW
standards.

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

AREA LIMITATION

TONNAGE LIMITATION

Master

Near coastal
None
None

Less than 500 gt

Less than 3,000 gt
None

Chief Mate

None
None

Less than 3,000 gt

None

Officer in charge of navigational

watch (OOW)

Near coastal
None

Less than 500 gt

None

Rating forming part of a

navigational watch

None

None

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

SECTION TWO

Certificates

CAPACITY

AREA LIMITATION

Radio operator

GMDSS (GOC or ROC)

CAPACITY

AREA LIMITATION

SECTION TWO

Chief engineer

Second engineer officer

PROPULSION POWER
LIMITATION

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

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
engineering watch (OOW)

None
Near coastal

750 kW or more less

than 3,000 kW

Rating forming part of an

engineering watch

None

None

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

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

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

The way to submit your documentation varies from Administration to

Administration. While some will accept a postal application and copies of
the documents, others will insist that the seafarer appears in person with all
the original documentation. These face-to-face applications are processed
before a representative of the Administration at a designated office (if
overseas, this is normally held at the consulate of the countrys
Administration).
An STCW endorsement of recognition can only be issued by an
Administration provided that the certificate being recognised was issued in
accordance with STCW requirements and the original certificate presented is
genuine. To verify that the certificate in question has been issued in
accordance with all requirements of the Convention, an Administration may
inspect the training facilities and certification procedures of another
Administration.
To verify that the certificate is genuine, the documents that you submit to a
foreign Administration will be checked for authenticity. This will include a
visual check to verify security features in the certificate. Its number and
details may also be cross-checked with the issuing Administration. This
process may take time, so the Administration will issue a letter stating that
your application is being processed. By producing this letter you are able to
serve on board a ship registered under the Administration processing your
application for a maximum period of three months.
Masters, chief mates, chief engineers or second engineers applying for an
endorsement of recognition are also required to demonstrate knowledge of
the maritime legislation of the flag State issuing the endorsement.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

SECTION TWO

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

original of your national certificate of competence to the representative of
the issuing Administration. You cannot apply for an endorsement on the
basis of another endorsement. Most Administrations will also require proof
of identity. In most cases you will have to pay a processing fee that will vary
depending on the type of certificate being endorsed and the charges set by
different Administrations. If you are employed, the employer (shipowner or
manning agent) will normally take care of all the necessary paperwork and
fees. Even though it is not a requirement of the Convention, there are a
number of Administrations that are now requiring a letter of employment as
part of the documentation necessary to process an application for an
endorsement of recognition.

Certificates of proficiency and special certificates:

SECTION TWO

These are documents issued to the seafarer to certify that he or she has met
the required standard of competence in a specific duty. These certificates
include certificates for personnel serving on certain types of ship (tankers,
ro-ro passenger ships and other passenger ships) and for those assigned
with safety and pollution prevention duties. It certifies that the holder meets
STCW-95 standards of competence in specific functions related to safety,
care of persons, or cargo.

Documentary evidence:
This is a document which is not necessarily issued or recognised by the
Administration (and is not, therefore, called a certificate). Documents issued
by the shipowner or master of the vessel to attest that the seafarer has
participated in a safety drill or has completed some type of training (for
example familiarisation training) are examples of documentary evidence. It
is important to keep these documents as they are one of the accepted ways
of demonstrating that you have achieved proficiency in a given task (basic
safety training, for example).
Under the STCW-95 Convention, all seafarers need to meet minimum
standards of competence, age, medical fitness, and approved sea-going
service. These standards are set by each national Administration, but as a
minimum, they should reflect STCW-95 standards. The certificates you are
required to hold depend on your rank, responsibilities you are assigned on
board, and the type of vessel you are serving on. For example, if you are
watch-keeping officer working on board a chemical tanker, and your duties
include being crew of a fast rescue boat, then you will need to hold
certificates covering all these aspects. The same applies to a rating serving
on ro-ro passenger ships with designated safety duties or to a barman
working on a passenger ship who is designated to assist passengers in
emergencies.
Before you join a ship, make sure you have all the valid certificates you need
to cover the functions you will be performing on board. This documentary
evidence is proof of your competence and will be subject to inspection by
the master, flag State and port State inspectors.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

SECTION TWO

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

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

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

SECTION TWO

1.

The traditional method: STCW certificates awarded in the traditional

way are classified according to which departments of the ship (deck or
engine) you work in. Most seafarers around the world have been
awarded their certificates in this way. Under this method you will
probably work in the same department (deck or engine) throughout
your entire seafaring career.
The change introduced by STCW-95 in this path is that in order to qualify
for a specific certificate, say watch-keeping officer in charge of a
navigational watch, you will need to be competent in the specific
functions stated for that level of responsibility.
Under the STCW-78 Convention, seafarers were also allowed to qualify
for a certificate on the basis of sea-going service alone (ratings
qualifying as watch-keeping officers, for example). This is no longer
possible under STCW-95 provisions, as all seafarers are now required to
complete approved sea-going service and to have completed an
approved education and training programme before they are eligible for
the next higher certificates of competence.

2. The alternative method: This refers to STCW certificates issued to

enable the holder to perform different functions that are not necessarily
within the same department. The certificate awarded will specify the
functions and the level of responsibility. A candidate for alternative
certification will need to qualify in all these functions at a determined
level of responsibility in one department (deck or engine) before being
able to qualify for other functions (at the same level of responsibility) in
a different department. For example, a watch-keeping officer applying
for an alternative certificate will have to qualify in all the functions of a
watch-keeping officer, either in the deck or the engine department,
before he or she can qualify for additional functions at the same level in
other departments. Standards of competence, age and medical fitness
are the same as for the traditional method.
The purpose of the alternative certification is to allow for shipboard
organisation to be in line with modern technological developments and
to open up a new career path for seafarers. Nowadays shipboard
organisation on most high-speed vessels is based on a functional (or
alternative) approach.
STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

Under the Convention, shipowners are not allowed to use alternative

certification as a means of reducing the number of crew members on
board and increasing everybody elses workload, or to undermine the
integrity of the profession by assigning combined deck and engineroom watch-keeping duties to a single certificate holder during a watch.
Alternative certification is still optional for all Parties to the Convention.
To date, very few Parties have elected to issue certificates in this way.

SECTION TWO

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

General requirements for officers

SECTION TWO

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

standards of competence, seagoing service time, medical fitness and age.
You should be in possession of a valid certificate of competence according to
your rank and functions on board. This certificate should be endorsed (in the
same certificate or in a separate document) by the issuing Administration.
You should also have all the ancillary certificates required such as radar or
ARPA, GMDSS, and those referring to safety duties on board specific types of
ships. Part 2 and part 3 of this section will give you guidance as to what
certificates officers require.
To know the exact requirements and standards of competence for each
certificate you should consult chapters II (master and deck department), III
(engine department), IV (radio personnel), V (training requirements for
personnel on certain types of ships). VI (emergency, occupational safety,
medical care and survival functions) of the STCW-95 Convention. These
chapters should be read in conjunction with the respective section of Part A
of the STCW Code.

Revalidation requirements for officers:

Certificates for masters, officers and radio operators must be endorsed by
the issuing Administration and re-validated at intervals not exceeding five
years. Certificates issued under STCW-78 standards should be upgraded to
STCW-95 standards before February 2002 (see Section 4). Other certificates
for specialised training are subject to refresher training (see part 2 in this
Section).

Officers serving on ships registered under a foreign flag:

If you intend to serve on ships registered under the flag of a foreign country,
then you need an endorsement of recognition issued by the Administration
of that country. Some Administrations may also require an endorsement of
recognition for specialised training certificates. In some instances,
Administrations from other countries will only recognise training which has
been completed at specific training establishments in your country of origin.
If in doubt, ask the foreign Administration if it has any requirements in this
respect.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

Going for the next higher certificate:

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

Officers' duties on joining any ship:

Basic safety training for officers:

Officers serving on any type of ship who are designated with safety and
pollution prevention responsibilities in the operation of the ship, need basic
safety training. Such training must cover personal survival techniques, basic
fire prevention and fire fighting, elementary first aid, and personal and
social responsibilities. This requirement applies to practically all officers
serving on merchant ships. Cadets assigned with these duties also need to
complete basic safety training before going to sea. Basic safety training
should be documented as having taken place within five years of the
officers being assigned to safety and pollution prevention duties.
You may be exempted from basic safety training if you have already
completed this training under STCW-78. To find out if this is the case, contact
the Administration issuing your national certificate of competence. If you are
not exempted, you need to complete an approved training course or provide
evidence that you have achieved the required standards of competence
within the previous five years (by participating in drills and exercises, for
example, or assessment by a qualified assessor). There is no requirement
for seafarers to hold an official certificate of basic training, but it is advisable
that you do hold some form of documentary evidence to show that you have
achieved competence in these functions within the previous 5 years (this
may be in the form of record of drills or letters from a training centre).

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

SECTION TWO

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

before being assigned any shipboard functions. There is no certificate
awarded for this, but a record of the training should be kept in the ships
official logbook. This requirement applies to any member of the crew
including hotel staff holding officer rank in passenger ships.

General requirements for ratings

SECTION TWO

Ratings fall under three general categories; those forming part of a watch
(deck or engine), those who are not assigned with watch-keeping duties,
and those undergoing training. As a rating you are required to meet
minimum standards of medical fitness, minimum age (if designated with
watch-keeping duties), competence (if designated with watch-keeping
duties), and seagoing service time (if designated with watch-keeping
duties). Ratings who are not assigned with watch-keeping duties or those
still undergoing training are not required to hold watch-keeping certificates.
All other certification requirements for ratings depend on the functions
performed on board. Part 2 and part 3 of this section will give you guidance
as to what certificates you require depending on the function you perform
and the type of ship you are serving on. If you want to know the exact
standards of competence you should meet, consult chapters II (master and
deck department), III (engine department), IV (radio personnel), V (training
requirements for personnel on certain types of ships), VI (emergency,
occupational safety, medical care and survival functions) of the STCW-95
Convention. These chapters should be read in conjunction with the
respective section of Part A of the STCW Code.

Ratings assigned with watch-keeping duties

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

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

Ratings forming part of a navigational watch

You should meet the competence requirements stated below. Some of these
are new requirements which were not required under STCW-78. These do not
apply to ratings on ships of below 500 gross tonnage. You must be able to:
1.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

SECTION TWO

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

Ratings forming part of an engineering watch

SECTION TWO

If you are part of an engineering watch you should meet the competence
requirements stated below. The requirements are the same as for STCW-78.
They do not apply to ratings on ships of below 750kW in propulsion power.
You need to be able to:
1. Carry out a watch routine appropriate to the duties of a rating forming
part of an engine room watch and communicate effectively in matters
related to watch-keeping duties (covers terms used in machinery
spaces and the names of machinery and equipment, engine-room
watch-keeping procedures, safe working practices in engine-room
operations, basic environmental protection procedures, use of internal
communications systems, engine room alarm systems and ability to
distinguish between the various alarms with special reference to fireextinguishing gas alarms).
2. Keeping a boiler watch and maintain the correct water level and steam
pressure (covers safe operation of boilers).
3. Operate emergency equipment and apply emergency procedures
(covers knowledge of emergency duties, escape routes from machinery
spaces, familiarity with the location and the use of fire fighting
equipment in machinery areas).

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

Revalidation requirements for ratings

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

Ratings serving on ships registered under a foreign flag

Going for the next higher certificate

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

Ratings' duties on joining any ship

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

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

SECTION TWO

Under the Convention, certificated watch-keeping ratings are not required to

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

Basic safety training for ratings

SECTION TWO

Ratings serving on any type of ship who are designated with safety and
pollution prevention responsibilities in the operation of the ship need basic
safety training. This covers personal survival techniques, basic fire
prevention and fire-fighting, elementary first aid, and personal and social
responsibilities. This requirement applies to practically all ratings serving on
merchant ships as well as to ratings undergoing training. Basic safety
training should be documented as having taken place within five years of a
ratings being assigned to safety and pollution prevention duties.
You may be exempted from basic safety training if you have already
completed this training under STCW-78. To find out if this is the case, contact
the Administration issuing your national certificate of competence. If you are
not exempt, you need to complete an approved training course or provide
evidence that you have attained the required standards of competence
within the previous five years (by participating in drills and exercises, for
example, or assessment by a qualified assessor). There is no requirement
for seafarers to hold an official certificate of basic training, but it is advisable
that you possess some form of documentary evidence to show that you
have attained competence in these functions within the previous 5 years
(record of drills or letters from a training centre).

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

Part 2
Certificates and General
Requirements by Rank
NAME OF CERTIFICATE

REVALIDATION

REG.

National certificate of competence and

endorsement

Yes

I/2, II/2,
II/3

Flag State endorsement of recognition1

Yes

I/10

GMDSS2 + endorsement

Yes

IV/2

Basic safety training*

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

Achieved within
previous 5 years

VI/1

Medical first aid*

No

VI/4

Survival craft and rescue boats*

No

VI/2

Advanced fire fighting*

No

VI/3

Medical fitness

Yes

I/9

Basic safety familiarisation

On assignment **

VI/1

Ship specific familiarisation

On assignment**

I/14

* Certificate not required, only evidence of having achieved competence within previous
five years.
** Training conducted on board ship before being assigned to shipboard duties.
1

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

Endorsements required by all flag States from February 2002.

In force from February 1997 for all seafarers in charge of radio duties on a GMDSS
equipped ship. From 1 February 2002 mandatory for all deck officers and any other persons
performing radio duties.
STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

SECTION TWO

Master

General requirements to obtain a certificate of competency

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

SECTION TWO

a) Previous certificate & seagoing service: meet requirements for

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

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

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

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

a) Age: be not less than 20 years of age.
b) Seagoing service: have approved seagoing service of not less than
12 months as officer in charge of a navigational watch.
c)

Education & Training: have completed a period of approved

education and training and meet the standard of competence
specified in section A-II/3 of the STCW Code for masters on ships of
less than 500 gross tonnage engaged in near-coastal voyages.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

Chief Mate
REVALIDATION

REG.

National certificate of competence and

endorsement

Yes

I/2, II/2

Flag State Endorsement of recognition1

Yes

I/10

GMDSS2 and endorsement

Yes

IV/2

Basic safety training*

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

Achieved within
previous 5 years

VI/1

Medical First Aid*

No

VI/4

Survival craft and rescue boats*

No

VI/2

Advanced fire fighting*

No

VI/3

Medical fitness

Yes

I/9

Basic safety familiarisation

On assignment**

VI/1

Ship specific familiarisation

On assignment**

I/14

* Certificate not required, only evidence of having achieved competence within previous 5 years.
** Training conducted on board ship before being assigned to shipboard duties.
1

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

Endorsements required by all flag States from February 2002.

In force from 1 February 1997 for all seafarers in charge of radio duties on GMDSS
equipped ship. From 1 February 2002 mandatory for all deck officers and any other person
performing radio duties.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

SECTION TWO

NAME OF CERTIFICATE

General requirements to obtain a certificate of competency

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

SECTION TWO

a) Previous certificate & seagoing service: meet requirements for

certification as an officer in charge of a navigational watch on ships
of 500 gross tonnage or more and have at least 12 months'
approved seagoing service in that capacity.
b) Education & Training: have completed approved education and
training and meet the standard of competence specified in section
A-II/2 of the STCW Code for masters and chief mates on ships of
3,000 gross tonnage or more.

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 competence
specified in section A- II/2 of the STCW Code for masters and chief
mates on ships of between 500 and 3,000 gross tonnage.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

Officer in charge of a navigational watch

REVALIDATION

REG.

National certificate of competence and

endorsement

Yes

I/2, II/1,
II/3

Flag State endorsement of recognition1

Yes

I/10

GMDSS2 and endorsement

Yes

IV/2

Basic safety training*

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

Achieved within
previous 5 years

VI/1

Medical first aid*

No

VI/4

Survival craft and rescue boats*

No

VI/2

Advanced fire fighting*

No

VI/3

Medical fitness

Yes

I/9

Basic safety familiarisation

On assignment **

VI/1

Ship specific familiarisation

On assignment**

I/14

* Certificate not required only evidence of having achieved competence within previous 5
years.
** Training conducted on board ship before being assigned to shipboard duties.
1

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

Endorsements required by all flag States from February 2002.

In force from 1 February 1997 for all seafarers in charge of radio duties on a GMDSS
equipped ship. From 1 February 2002 mandatory for all deck officers and any other person
performing radio duties.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

SECTION TWO

NAME OF CERTIFICATE

General requirements to obtain a certificate of competency

as officer in charge of a navigational watch
t Officers in charge of a navigational watch on ships of 500 gross
tonnage or more must:

SECTION TWO

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

b) Seagoing service: have approved seagoing service of not less than
one year as part of an approved training programme, including onboard training. This training must meet the requirements of section
A-II/1 of the STCW Code and be documented in an approved training
record book. Otherwise, the seafarer must have approved seagoing service of not less than three years.
c)

Bridge watch-keeping duties: have performed, during the

required seagoing service, bridge watch-keeping duties under the
supervision of the master or a qualified officer for a period of not
less than six months.

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

in chapter IV (GMDSS), as appropriate, for performing designated
radio duties in accordance with the Radio Regulations.
e) Education and Training: have completed a period of approved
education and training and meet the standard of competence
specified in section A-II/1 of the STCW Code.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

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 gross
tonnage or more

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

b) Seagoing service: have completed special training, including an
appropriate period of seagoing service as required by the
Administration, or approved seagoing service in the deck
department of not less than three years.
c)

Radio duties: meet the applicable requirements of the regulations

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

d) Education & Training: have completed a period of approved

education and training and meet the standard of competence
specified in section A-II/3 of the STCW Code for officers in charge of
a navigational watch on ships of less than 500 gross tonnage
engaged in near-coastal voyages.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

SECTION TWO

Ships engaged on near coastal voyages:

Ratings forming part of a navigational watch

SECTION TWO

NAME OF CERTIFICATE

REVALIDATION

REG.

National certificate of competence

No

I/2, II/4

Basic safety training*

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

Achieved within
previous 5 years

VI/1

Basic safety familiarisation

On assignment **

VI/1

Ship specific familiarisation

On assignment**

I/14

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

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

General requirements to obtain a certificate of competency

as a rating forming part of a navigational watch
Applies only for service on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more.

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
c) Education & training: have received special training, either presea or onboard ship, including an approved period of seagoing
service which shall not be less than two months; and
d) Competence: meet the standard of competence specified in section
A-II/4 of the STCW Code.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

Radio operators
NAME OF CERTIFICATE

REVALIDATION

I/2 IV/2

SECTION TWO

For radio personnel on board GMDSS ships: Yes

- General Operator's Certificate (GOC) and
endorsement or
- Restricted Operator's Certificate (ROC) and
endorsement
The type of certificate required depends on
whether you are serving on a ship trading in
a GMDSS zone A1 (coastal) or GMDSS A2
and A3 (deep-sea)

REG.

For radio personnel on ships not required to Yes

comply with GMDSS:- National certificate of
competence (ITU Radio Regulations) and
endorsement
Flag State endorsement of recognition1

Yes

I/10

Basic safety training*

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

Achieved within
previous 5 years

VI/1

Basic safety familiarisation

On assignment **

VI/1

Ship specific familiarisation

On assignment**

I/14

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

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

1

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

Endorsements required by all flag States from 1 February 2002.

General requirements to obtain a certificate of competency as

a GMDSS operator
a) Age: be not less than 18 years of age.
b) Education & Training: have completed a period of approved
education and training and meet the standard of competence
specified in section A-IV/2 of the STCW Code.
STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

Chief engineer

SECTION TWO

NAME OF CERTIFICATE

REVALIDATION

REG.

National certificate of competence and

endorsement

Yes

I/2, III/2,
III/3

Flag State endorsement of recognition1

Yes

I/10

Basic safety training*

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

Achieved within
previous 5 years

VI/1

Medical first aid*

No

VI/4

Survival craft and rescue boats*

No

VI/2

Advanced fire fighting*

No

VI/3

Medical fitness

Yes

I/9

Basic safety familiarisation

On assignment **

VI/1

Ship specific familiarisation

On assignment**

I/14

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

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

1

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

Endorsements required by all flag States from 1 February 2002.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

General requirements to obtain a certificate of competency

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

b) Education & Training: have completed approved education and

training and meet the standard of competence specified in section
A-III/2 of the STCW Code.

t Chief engineer officers on ships powered by main propulsion

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

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

SECTION TWO

a) Previous certificate & seagoing service: meet the requirements

for certification as an officer in charge of an engineering watch and
have not less than 36 months' approved seagoing service, of which
not less than 12 months shall have been served as an engineer
officer in a position of responsibility while qualified to serve as
second engineer officer.

Second Engineer

SECTION TWO

NAME OF CERTIFICATE

REVALIDATION

REG.

National certificate of competence and

endorsement

Yes

I/2, III/2,
III/3

Flag State endorsement of recognition1

Yes

I/10

Basic safety training*

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

Achieved within
previous 5 years

VI/1

Medical first aid*

No

VI/4

Survival craft and rescue boats*

No

VI/2

Advanced fire fighting*

No

VI/3

Medical fitness

Yes

I/9

Basic safety familiarisation

On assignment **

VI/1

Ship specific familiarisation

On assignment**

I/14

* Certificate not required only evidence of having achieved competence within previous 5
years.
** Training conducted on board ship before being assigned to shipboard duties.
1

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

Endorsements required by all flag States from 1 February 2002.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

General requirements to obtain a certificate

as a second engineer
t Second engineer officers on ships powered by main propulsion
machinery of 3,000 kW propulsion power or more must:

b) Education & Training: have completed approved education and

training and meet the standard of competence specified in section
A-III/2 of the STCW Code.
Note: Second engineer officers qualified for service on ships powered
by main propulsion machinery of 3,000 kW propulsion power or more,
may serve as chief engineer officer on ships powered by main
propulsion machinery of less than 3,000 kW propulsion power provided
not less than 12 months' approved seagoing service shall have been
served as an engineer officer in a position of responsibility and the
certificate is so endorsed.

t Second engineer officers on ships powered by main propulsion

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

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

SECTION TWO

a) Previous certificate & seagoing service: meet the requirements

for certification as an officer in charge of an engineering watch and
have not less than 12 months' approved seagoing service as
assistant engineer officer or engineer officer.

Officer in charge of an engineering watch

SECTION TWO

NAME OF CERTIFICATE

REVALIDATION

REG.

National certificate of competence and

endorsement

Yes

I/2, III/1

Flag State endorsement of recognition1

Yes

I/10

Basic safety training*

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

Achieved within
previous 5 years

VI/1

Medical first aid*

No

VI/4

Survival craft and rescue boats*

No

VI/2

Advanced fire fighting*

No

VI/3

Medical fitness

Yes

I/9

Basic safety familiarisation

On assignment **

VI/1

Ship specific familiarisation

On assignment**

I/14

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

years.

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

1

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

Endorsements required by all flag States from 1 February 2002.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

General requirements to obtain a certificate of competency

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

c)

Education & Training: have completed approved education and

training of at least 30 months which includes onboard training. This
must be documented in an approved training record book and meet
the standards of competence specified in section A-III/1 of the
STCW Code.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

SECTION TWO

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

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

Ratings forming part of an engineering watch

SECTION TWO

NAME OF CERTIFICATE

REVALIDATION

REG.

National certificate of competence

No

I/2, II/4,

Basic safety training*

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

Achieved within
previous 5 years

VI/1

Basic safety familiarisation

On assignment **

VI/1

Ship specific familiarisation

On assignment**

I/14

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

General requirements to obtain a certificate of competency as

a rating forming part of a watch in a manned engine-room or
designated to perform duties in a periodically unmanned
engine room
Applies only for service on ships of 750 kW propulsion power or more.

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
c) Education & Training: special training, either pre-sea or onboard
ship, including an approved period of seagoing service which shall
not be less than two months; and
d) meet the standard of competence specified in section A-II/4 of the
STCW Code.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

Any other crew member

(including ratings not forming part of a navigational watch and
hotel staff on passenger vessels)
REVALIDATION

REG.

Basic safety familiarisation

On assignment **

VI/1

Ship specific familiarisation

On assignment**

I/14

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

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

SECTION TWO

NAME OF CERTIFICATE

PART 3

For personnel on any type of ship

1.

If designated with safety or pollution prevention duties in the operation

of the ships:

NAME OF CERTIFICATE

REVALIDATION

REG.

Basic safety training*

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

Achieved within
previous 5 years

VI/1

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

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

boats):
NAME OF CERTIFICATE

REVALIDATION

REG.

Survival craft certificate of proficiency

No

VI/2

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

NAME OF CERTIFICATE

REVALIDATION

REG.

Fast rescue boat certificate

No

VI/2

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

SECTION TWO

other certificates
according to function performed
on board and type of vessel

4. If designated to control fire-fighting operations:

SECTION TWO

NAME OF CERTIFICATE

REVALIDATION

REG.

Advanced fire-fighting

Achieved within
previous 5 years

VI/3

NAME OF CERTIFICATE

REVALIDATION

REG.

Medical first aid

No

VI/4

NAME OF CERTIFICATE

REVALIDATION

REG.

Medical care

No

VI/4

5. If designated to provide first aid:

6. If designated to provide medical care:

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

For personnel working on a tanker

1.

For officers and ratings assigned specific duties and responsibilities

relating to cargo or cargo equipment (applies to oil, chemical and
liquefied gas tankers):
REVALIDATION

REG.

Tanker familiarisation course or three

months approved seagoing service on
tankers

No

V/1

Shore-based fire-fighting course

No

V/1

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

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

REVALIDATION

REG.

Oil tanker specialised training

Yes

V/1

Chemical tanker specialised training

Yes

V/1

Liquefied gas tanker specialised training

Yes

V/1

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

SECTION TWO

NAME OF CERTIFICATE

For personnel working on a ro-ro passenger ship

engaged in international voyages
1.

For masters, officers and other personnel designated on muster lists to

assist passengers in emergency situations:

SECTION TWO

NAME OF CERTIFICATE

REVALIDATION

REG.

Ro-ro passenger ship crowd management

training

Yes (refresher)

V/2

2. For master, officers and other personnel assigned specific safety duties
and responsibilities:
NAME OF CERTIFICATE

REVALIDATION

Ro-ro passenger ship familiarisation training No

REG.
V/2

3. For personnel providing direct service to passengers in passenger

spaces on board ro-ro passenger ships:
NAME OF CERTIFICATE

REVALIDATION

REG.

Ro-ro passenger ship safety training

No

V/2

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

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

REVALIDATION

REG.

Ro-ro passenger ship passenger safety,

cargo safety and hull integrity training

Yes

V/2

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

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

REVALIDATION

REG.

Ro-ro passenger ships crisis management

training

Yes

V/2

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

For personnel working on a passenger ship

(other than a ro-ro passenger ship)
engaged in international voyages
1.

For masters, officers and other personnel designated on muster lists to

assist passengers in emergency situations:
REVALIDATION

REG.

Passenger ship crowd management training

Yes (refresher)

V/2

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

duties and responsibilities:
NAME OF CERTIFICATE

REVALIDATION

REG.

Passenger ship familiarisation training

No

V/2

3. For personnel providing direct service to passengers in passenger

spaces on board passenger ships:
NAME OF CERTIFICATE

REVALIDATION

REG.

Passenger ship safety training

No

V/2

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

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

REVALIDATION

REG.

Passenger ship passenger safety training

Yes

V/2

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

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

REVALIDATION

REG.

Passenger ship crisis management training

Yes

V/2

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

SECTION TWO

NAME OF CERTIFICATE

SECTION TWO
STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

PART 4
training issues

All training programmes and assessments provided in connection with an

STCW-95 certificate need to comply with STCW-95 standards and must be
approved by the respective Administration. The competence tables
contained in the STCW Code (Part A) provide information on what should be
included in the teaching programme, the criteria by which competence is
assessed, and what standard of ability the student performing that
competence needs to demonstrate. These regulations apply to training
given both on board and ashore.
All instructors, supervisors and assessors need to be qualified and
experienced in the particular types and levels of training and assessment
they give. They also need to know about teaching techniques. For example,
an instructor teaching fire-fighting techniques should be qualified and have
practical experience in teaching fire-fighting principles and techniques.
Each education and training institution needs to have its academic and
training programme approved by the Administration issuing the certificate.
It is common for educational and training institutions to issue their own
certificates for the courses they run. Before enrolling on any course, find out
first if the programmes offered comply with STCW-95 standards and, more
importantly, if the training centre has been authorised by the respective
Administration to provide the courses and services offered and, where
applicable, to issue STCW-95 certificates for short courses. In case you
intend to use these certificates for service under foreign flags, you should
also check if the Administrations in the countries concerned recognise the
certificates issued by the training institution where you attended any
courses. You are entitled to ask the training institution for all this
information. Remember, if a training centre is not properly authorised to run
the course(s) offered, or to issue STCW certificates on behalf of the
Administration, you could end up with certificates which will not be
accepted as proof of competence.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

SECTION TWO

Education and training centres

Simulator training under STCW-95

SECTION TWO

The only mandatory simulator training under STCW-95 is that relating to the
use of radar and ARPA. In these two specific cases, simulators are the only
accepted methods of demonstrating competence. In all other instances,
approved simulator training and assessment is not mandatory, being just
one of the methods accepted by the Convention for training and
demonstrating competence. (The use of other methods such as in-service
experience or training ship experience are equally acceptable.) This
category of optional simulator training and assessment covers navigation
and ship handling, cargo handling, GMDSS communication, propulsion and
auxiliary machinery.
Simulators need to comply with prescribed standards. This does not imply
that all simulators need to be highly expensive and complex electronic
artefacts. Although certain simulators, such as radar or ARPA, do fall under
this category, other tasks can be taught and assessed using more basic
simulators. For example, ship models are widely used for providing training
in ship stability and for assessment purposes, and even an orange, when
used for teaching injection techniques in first aid training, can be considered
as a simulator. Instructors and assessors engaged in simulator-based
training need to be properly qualified in the use of such equipment.

English language requirements

Under the STCW Convention, all officers in charge of a watch (navigational
or engineering) must have a good command of spoken and written English.
Senior officers with functions at a managerial level must also speak and
write English, since this is a requirement at the previous level of
responsibility. Ratings forming part of a navigational watch are required to
be able to comply with helm orders issued in English. Crew members
assisting passengers during emergency situations should be able to
communicate safety-related issues in English or in the language spoken by
the passengers and other personnel on board.
In these days of multi-national and multi-lingual crews, the importance of
sharing a common language cannot be underestimated. It will not only
improve safety and operational efficiency, but will also make life on board
easier and more pleasant.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)

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

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

radio-communication duties on deep-sea ships operating beyond VHF
coast station coverage.
The Restricted Operators Certificate (ROC), for personnel on board
ships operating only in sea areas within VHF coverage (coastal areas).

The type of certificate you need (and the communications equipment

needed on board) depends on the GMDSS sea area (or areas) in which the
ship you are serving on operates.
Since 1st February 1999, GMDSS has been mandatory for all ocean-going
passenger ships (carrying more than 12 passengers) and cargo ships of 300
gross tonnage and upwards on international voyages. This requirement has
been interpreted, however, in different ways. Some Parties require all
officers on board GMDSS ships to hold a GMDSS certificate, while others
require only one or two persons on board to have this qualification.
Whichever interpretation applies, from 1 February 2002 all seafarers
performing navigation duties at operational and management levels
(master and officers), and any other person assigned to radiocommunication duties, need to hold a GMDSS certificate. Most ship owners
and Parties are already enforcing this requirement for all masters and deck
officers on GMDSS ships.
If you hold a STCW-78 masters or deck-officers certificate, you should
consult the Party issuing your certificate and your employer as to
whether you require to go for a GMDSS certificate before 1st February 2002.
The answer is probably yes.
If you are in charge of radio communications on a ship not required to
participate in GMDSS, then you are not required to hold GMDSS
certification.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

SECTION TWO

Medical standards

SECTION TWO

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

Convention does not stipulate mandatory minimum standards of medical
fitness for seafarers, most Administrations already enforce strict standards,
particularly with regards to eyesight and hearing for watch-keeping
personnel.
If you meet the medical standards, you will be issued with a medical
certificate. This certificate is subject to revalidation at least every 5 years. If
you want to know more about the medical standards that apply to you, the
examination procedures and revalidation requirements, contact the
Administration that issued your certificate.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

3
On Board

Requirements

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

Certificates and documentary evidence to be carried

on board

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

certificates and endorsements. Photocopies are not acceptable. You need to
have the following documents on you at all times:
1.

National certificate of competence and endorsement (The

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

2. Certificates and documentary evidence covering specific safety or

pollution prevention duties and service on board certain types of
ship. Refer to the previous section to see what certificates you need to
hold.
3. Endorsements of recognition. This is a requirement from 1 February
2002.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

SECTION THREE

The certificates and any other documentary evidence you hold are official
proof of your competency. Before joining a ship, it is your duty, and that of
your employer, to check that you hold the correct certificates. Once on
board, the master and inspectors from port and flag state authorities will
check your documentation. If during the course of these inspections they
find that you do not hold the appropriate certificates, or that these have
expired, you will probably be discharged until you complete the training
required and/or the certificates required have been revalidated. In many
cases this is a cause for your employer to terminate your contract.

SECTION THREE

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 national
certificate is not valid or has expired.
t
STCW-95 endorsements are only issued for STCW-95 certificates. You
cannot obtain a STCW-95 endorsement on the basis of a STCW-78
certificate.
t
You cannot apply for an endorsement of recognition from one Party on
the basis of an endorsement issued by another Party. Endorsements
can only be issued on the basis of the original certificate.
t
If you have already applied for an endorsement, but this is being
processed by the respective flag administration, you have a period of
grace of up to 3 months from the date you join the ship. During this
period you will be able to serve without an endorsement provided you
have documentary evidence (a letter from the flag administration or
consulate) stating that you have applied for an endorsement of
recognition.
t
Masters, chief mates, chief engineers and second engineers are
required to have adequate knowledge of the maritime legislation of the
recognising Party. This requirement may be assessed by written
examination.
4. Medical certificate (including vaccination records)
Note: Remember to check the expiry date on all of the above certificates and
documents as expired certificates are not valid for service on board .

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

Mandatory safety and ship-board familiarisation

training
Every time you join a new ship you need to undergo the basic safety
familiarisation and ship-specific familiarisation training.
1.

Note: Basic familiarisation training is different from basic safety training.

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

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

SECTION THREE

Basic safety familiarisation gives information and instruction about

what to do in the case of an emergency. Before being assigned to
shipboard duties, you should receive either approved training in
personal survival techniques or sufficient information to be able to:
a) communicate with other persons on board on safety issues
b) understand safety information symbols, signs and alarm signals
c) know the procedures for man overboard, fire or smoke detected,
and abandon ship alarms
d) identify muster and embarkation stations
e) identify escape
f ) locate and don life jackets
g) use fire extinguishers
h) take immediate action upon encountering an accident or other
medical emergency
i) operate fire, weather-tight and watertight doors fitted in the
particular ship other than those for hull openings.

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

person on board the ship, normally an officer, and must be delivered in a
language that you are able to understand. They can take place at the same
time. No certificates are given for completing the familiarisation instruction,
but the master or responsible officer should make a signed entry in the
ships logbook stating when the safety familiarisation training and shipspecific familiarisation was provided. You should also keep a record of it
yourself and keep it together with your documents.
In addition to the familiarisation instruction, it is very important that you
take every opportunity to familiarise yourself with the equipment used to
perform your functions, as well as all safety and emergency procedures.
Allow your curiosity free reign and consult manuals, posters, films and any
other audio-visual materials available on board.

SECTION THREE

Also, try to introduce discussions with your colleagues. You will be surprised
how much you can learn from them. Dont be afraid to ask questions if you
have any doubts about your duties, safe working practices or emergency
procedures. If your immediate superior is unable to give you a satisfactory
answer, raise the issue with the next person in the hierarchical chain or with
the master.
If you are still not satisfied with the answer, raise the issue with the person
in charge of fleet management in the shipping companys office. According
to the International Safety Management Code (ISM) there should always be
a person in the shipping companys head office designated to deal with
safety queries (including STCW).

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

On-board training and assessment

The STCW-95 Convention lays great emphasis on practical competence.
Therefore an important part of any STCW training programme is to put into
practice what you have learned from books or with an instructor in a
classroom. For some specific skills this is best done at approved training
establishments in purpose built installations ashore (fire-fighting courses,
for example). However, to gain certain other competencies the best way is to
practice them at sea under the supervision of a person with appropriate
training and experience. This is why it is extremely important that
experienced seafarers take every opportunity to train less experienced
seafarers. This is the best way of passing on knowledge to new generations
of seafarers.

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

under the supervision of a training supervisor on board. This will normally
be a designated officer. The training supervisor will inspect the progress
made by the student and sign the book accordingly. Training record books
should also be checked regularly by the master.
On completion of all the tasks contained in the record book, this is
submitted to examiners from the Administration or from training
establishments. They will inspect it as part of the evidence to demonstrate
that the candidate has achieved the standard of competence in order to
qualify for an STCW-95 certificate.
Remember that training and assessment, both on board and ashore, should
always be conducted by instructors and assessors qualified in the tasks that
are being taught. The training programme must be approved by the
maritime Administration issuing the certificate.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

SECTION THREE

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

programme, must be recorded in a training record book. This book is
approved by the Administration issuing the certificate and lists the specific
tasks that should be completed by the student while he/she is at sea to
demonstrate that competency has been achieved. All trainee officers must
document their on-board training in a training record book.

Seagoing service
Many STCW-95 certificates require seafarers to have had sufficient time of
service on board relevant to the issue of a certificate. The exact
requirements are given in Section 2.
In other words, if you want to apply for a certificate, you need to provide
satisfactory proof that you have completed the required seagoing service for
the certificate you are applying for. For example, one of the requirements to
obtain a certificate as an officer in charge of a navigational watch on ships
of less than 500 gross tonnage is to have approved seagoing service in the
deck department of not less than three years. (Reg II/3).

SECTION THREE

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 forming
part of a navigational watch, chief engineer, second engineer, officer in
charge of an engineering watch, rating forming part of an engineering watch,
rating forming part of a watch in a manned engine room, officer or rating
assigned with specific duties related to cargo equipment on tankers.
You can gain approved seagoing service on any type of ship as long as your
duties on board are relevant to the certificate you are applying for. For
example, if you intend to apply for a certificate as an officer in charge of a
navigational watch, you will need to have approved seagoing service in the
deck department. Although there are no specific requirements stating the
size or propulsion power of the ships in which you are obtaining your
seagoing service time, these should be adequate to the certificate being
issued. You should contact the maritime Administration from which you
intend to obtain the certificate to check if there are any minimum limitations
in size or tonnage to obtain approved seagoing service.
When signing off the ship, the seagoing service time is written in your
discharge book and this will be stamped and signed by the master of the
ship. It will include dates and port of joining and leaving ship. If it does not
include particulars of the ship (tonnage, propulsion power, flag, call sign), it
might be worth making note of these and keeping them in a separate record
in case you are required to provide them later on to the Administration.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

Alcohol and drug consumption

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

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

SECTION THREE

The consumption of alcohol on board ship is being progressively phased out

through strict regulations and screening. Many companies now enforce a
no-alcohol policy on board their ships and it is not unknown for companies
and port State inspectors to carry out random alcohol tests on crew
members. The Convention guideline is that watch-keepers should not
consume any alcohol within four hours of going on watch. Some Parties
have already adopted policies to enforce maximum blood-alcohol levels,
similar to those applying to road drivers.

Control provisions
The effectiveness of STCW-95 will depend on whether the standards laid
down in the Convention can be enforced and maintained. So a number of
control measures have been introduced to give it some teeth.
The enforcers include seafarers, the Parties (acting as flag States and port
States), the IMO, and shipping companies.
By far the best enforcers are seafarers. After all there is a lot to gain if proper
standards are maintained. Any accident occurring on board affects seafarers
in one way or another, and maintaining high standards of competence is an
effective way of preventing accidents and providing a safe working
environment for all.

SECTION THREE

Parties to the Convention, acting as flag or port States, are responsible for
ensuring that seafarers coming under their jurisdiction meet the prescribed
standards of competency. You come under the jurisdiction of a flag State
when you hold a certificate issued by that administration or you serve on
board a ship registered under its flag. In turn, you will be under the
jurisdiction of a port State whenever your ship is in port.
A flag State will exercise control by regulating the certification process, the
training and education of seafarers, and by assessing the competence of
seafarers prior to certification.
A port State exercises control by inspecting ships calling at their ports. The
Convention contains a provision for port State authorities to inspect any
ship calling at any of their ports. Under this provision inspectors are
authorised to verify that seafarers hold appropriate certificates for the
functions they perform, that manning level requirements are complied with,
and that seafarers are competent in their watch-keeping, safety, and
pollution prevention duties.
When a port State Inspector comes on board, he or she will check these
aspects in the following ways. First, by examining all certificates and
documentary evidence of crew members on board. Second, by verifying that
the number of crew is in accordance with the Safe Manning Document.
Third, by checking that watch-keeping procedures are being observed,
including rest periods. Fourth, if there is a reason to believe that standards
are not being maintained, the inspector is entitled to make an assessment
of the ability of seafarers to maintain watch-keeping standards. For this the
inspector may ask the crew about emergency or safety procedures, or to
perform a specific emergency drill, or may ask any individual crew member
to perform a task relevant to his or her duty on board. For example, a deck
STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

watch-keeping officer may be asked practical questions about operating

bridge equipment, while engineering officer may be asked to operate the
propulsion or electricity generating plant. The sort of questions the
inspectors will ask cover the competencies set out in Part A of the STCW
Code. Port State control has become a feature of modern seafaring and it
is here to stay.
Another equally important control procedure, contained in the Convention is
the accountability of each Party to both the IMO and to other Parties. Every
Party is under an obligation to submit a report to IMO on its implementation
of the Convention. This information is examined by the IMO and a decision
is reached as to whether or not the Party is complying in full with the
Convention. The list of Parties identified by IMO as being in full compliance
will be included in what is known as the White List (see Annex B).

The importance of this for you is that if a Party included in the White List
issues your certificate, then this is accepted as proof that you meet STCW95 standards in all respects. This may be an advantage if you are applying
for endorsements of recognition or seeking employment in the international
fleet. It may even make the visit of the port State Inspector that much
shorter.
However, it does not mean that seafarers holding certificates issued by a
Party not listed in the White List will be unable to find employment at sea.
They can still be employed, but will probably be subject to additional
scrutiny from employers and other Administrations before being employed.
Holders of certificates issued by countries that are not in the White List will
not be able to obtain an STCW-95 endorsement of recognition issued by
another Administration Party to the Convention from February 2002
onwards.
Furthermore, a Flag State Party to the Convention may decide not to accept
seafarers for service aboard its ships who hold certificates issued by
countries not included in the White List. If it does accept such seafarers, they
will be required from February 2002 onwards, to hold an endorsement
issued by the Flag State to show that their certificate is recognised by the
Flag State.
Any Party not included on the initial White List will have to correct the
deficiencies identified by the IMO before it can be recognised as having fully
implemented the Convention.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

SECTION THREE

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

by the panel of experts every five years. Should it be found that, at the time
of the re-evaluation, the country is not giving full and effective compliance
to the Convention, its name will be removed. Similarly, new countries may
be added if they meet the criteria for inclusion.

Penalties
Those who breach the Convention will face penalties and disciplinary
measures ranging from cancellation of certificates to the imposition of
heavy fines, not to mention job loss.
Each Party has internal disciplinary procedures in place to deal with those
breaching the Convention where such breaches cause a threat to the safety
of life, to property at sea or to the maritime environment through
incompetence, act or omission.
The Convention lists three specific cases in which penalties are to be
applied:
1.

To a company or master: if found to engage a person not holding a

certificate as required by the Convention.

SECTION THREE

2. To a master: if found to allow an unduly qualified person (not holding a

valid certificate, dispensation or documentary evidence) to perform a
function or service in any capacity in which proper certification is
required.
3. To any person: if found to be serving on board with a fraudulent or
forged certificate.
Additionally, if a port State Inspector detects a fault, the ship will be
detained in port until these deficiencies have been corrected. Deficiencies
under this category include:
t
t
t
t

failure of seafarers to hold a valid certificate for the function they

perform on board
failure to comply with safe manning requirements
failure to conform with specified engineering or navigational watch
arrangements
absence during a watch of a person qualified to operate equipment
essential to navigation, safety, radio communication, or pollution
prevention measures
during the first watch at the beginning of a voyage, inability to provide
persons who are sufficiently rested and otherwise fit for duty.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

Regulations affecting watch-keeping personnel only

The following two regulations apply only to officers and ratings who are part
of a navigational, engine room or radio watch.
1. Minimum hours of rest for watch personnel
The minimum number of hours of rest for ratings and officers assigned to
watch-keeping duties is 10 hours in any 24 hour period. This does not mean
that the other 14 hours should be spent on duty. The master and other
personnel who do not have watch-keeping responsibilities are exempted
from this provision.

In any 24 hour period

8 hours duty

6 hours rest

6 hours duty

4 hours rest

or
14 hours duty

10 hours rest

or (for a maximum of 2 consecutive days as long as not less than 70 hours

of rest are provided in a 7 day period)
18 hours duty

6 hours rest

All watch arrangements should be posted where they are clearly visible;
normally in the bridge, in the engine control room or in the mess room.
If you have watch-keeping duties, you are strongly recommended to
maintain a personal log of your working hours. This will allow you to keep a
constant check on the number of hours of rest. If you are having a rest
period below the minimum prescribed by the Convention, you can bring this
situation to the attention of your supervisor or safety officer.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

SECTION THREE

The 24 hour period is calculated from the time the watch-keepers duty
starts, and not from 00:00 hours. The 10 hour rest period may be divided
into no more than two periods, one of which must be at least 6 hours long.
The minimum rest period is not obligatory in the case of emergencies, drills
or overriding operational conditions. The 10 hour rest period can be reduced
to not less than 6 consecutive hours provided such reduction does not
extend beyond 2 days and not less than 70 hours of rest are provided each
7 day period. A summary of the rest hour regulations is given in the
following table (the shaded areas indicate the mandatory hours of rest).

2. Watch-keeping principles and arrangements

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

SECTION THREE

The master has direct responsibility for ensuring that all watch-keeping
principles and arrangements are adhered to at all times and under all
circumstances. However, he or she can only be successful through the
commitment and co-operation of the whole team, both on board and ashore.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

Implications of

4
STCW-95
for

STCW-78

Certificate Holders

Upgrading and revalidation

From 1 February 2002, STCW-78 certificates are no longer valid for service
aboard ships of Administrations party to the Convention. Under exceptional
circumstances some Administrations may decide to give a short
dispensation, until 1 July 2002, to allow seafarers to revalidate their
certificates (see page 7).
You have two options to re-validate your STCW-78 certificate:
1. Re-validate under STCW-78 regulations, in which case you do not have
to meet STCW-95 standards. However, a certificate re-validated under
STCW-78 regulations will not be valid for service beyond 1 February
2002 (or beyond the five-year transitional period for certificates issued
by a Party whose obligations under the Convention came into force after
1 February 1997).
2. You can re-validate it under STCW-95 regulations. This means you are
updating your certificate, so you need to meet STCW-95 standards of
medical fitness and competence. For the latter, you will probably need
refresher courses or updated training and assessments. Your updated
certificate will then be valid for service after 1 February 2002, but will be
subject to re-validation every five years.

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

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

SECTION FOUR

You should also remember that from 1 February 1997 onwards, all STCW-78
certificate holders must satisfy competence requirements if either of the
following applies:
1. If you serve on specialised types of ships (tankers, ro-ro passenger
ships, other passenger ships) or
2. If you are responsible for emergency, occupational safety, medical care
or survival functions on any type of ship. Basic safety training applies
to all seafarers.

Additional competence requirements under STCW-95

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

Master and deck department

t Officers in charge of a navigational watch on ships of 500 gross
tonnage* or more
1. Use of electronic chart display and information systems (ECDIS).
2. Use of Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA) to maintain safety of
navigation.
Simulator based training and assessment mandatory.
Note: Training and assessment in the use of ARPA is not required for
those who serve exclusively on ships not fitted with ARPA.

SECTION FOUR

3. Application of effective bridge teamwork procedures.

4. Application of advanced fire-fighting techniques.
5. Transmit and receive information using GMDSS and fulfil its functional
requirements if in charge or performing radio duties on a ship required
to participate in GMDSS.
6. Monitor compliance with legislative requirements.

*200 gross registered tons limit replaced by 500 gross tonnage

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

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

A. Masters and chief mates on ships of 3,000 gross tonnage or more
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Meet requirements for certification as an officer in charge of a

navigational watch (see previous table).
Application of effective bridge teamwork procedures.
Application of constant rate of turn techniques.
Use of, and manoeuvring in and near, traffic separation schemes
and in vessel traffic service areas (VTS).
Use of stability and trim diagrams and stress-calculating
equipment, including automatic data-based (ADB) equipment.
Maintain safe navigation through the use of radar and ARPA
simulator based training and assessment mandatory.

Note: Training and assessment in the use of ARPA is not required

for those who serve exclusively on ships not fitted with ARPA.
7. Develop emergency and damage control plans and handle
emergency situations.
Note: The level of knowledge shall be sufficient to enable the
candidate to serve in the capacity of master or chief mate.

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

1.

Note:
The level of theoretical knowledge, understanding and proficiency
may be lower than that required for service on ships of 3,000 gross
tonnage or more.
2. The level of knowledge shall be sufficient to enable the candidate
to serve in the capacity of master or chief mate.
1.

*200 gross registered tons limit replaced by 500 gross tonnage

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

SECTION FOUR

Chief mates should meet the requirements of an officer in charge of

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

t Officers in charge of a navigational watch and masters on ships

of less than 500 gross tonnage*

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

navigational watch and masters
1.

Officers are required to hold a certificate for service on ships of 500

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

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

navigational watch
1.

Required to have completed special training, or approved seagoing

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

SECTION FOUR

C. Ships engaged on near coastal voyages: masters

1.

Meet the requirements of an officer in charge of a navigational

watch.
2. Have served 12 months as officer in charge of a navigational watch.
* 200 gross registered tons limited replaced by 500 gross tonnage

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

t Ratings forming part of a navigational watch

No upgrading of STCW-78 authorised documents is required.
Under STCW-95 those qualifying as ratings forming part of a
navigational watch are required to be duly certified. New knowledge
requirements for those obtaining certification under STCW-95 are:
1. Ability to comply with helm orders, including those given in the
English language.
2. Procedures for the relief, maintenance and handover of the watch.
3. Information required to maintain a safe watch.
4. Basic environmental protection procedures.
5. Knowledge of satellite Emergency Position Indicating Beacons
(EPIRB) and Search and Rescue Transponders (SART).
6. Avoidance of false distress alerts and action to be taken in event of
accidental activation.

SECTION FOUR

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

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

t Chief engineer officers and second engineer officers on ships of

750 - 3,000 kW propulsion power

SECTION FOUR

1. Ability to control trim, stability and stress (requirements extended).

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

t Officers in charge of an engineering watch in a manned engineroom or designated duty engineers in a periodically unmanned
engine-room
1.

Adequate knowledge of the English language to enable the officer

to use engineering publications and to perform engineering duties.
2. Working knowledge and application of the theory of ship stability.
3. General knowledge of ship construction.
4. Application of advanced fire-fighting techniques.

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

t Ratings forming part of an engineering watch

Under STCW-78, ratings forming part of an engineering watch do not
require an authorised document or certificate. Under STCW-95, ratings
forming part of an engineering watch are required to meet the standards
of competence and be certificated.
Under STCW-95, a Party may consider seafarers to have met the
standards of competence required if they have served as ratings
forming part of an engineering watch for a period of not less than one
year within the five years preceding the Convention's coming into force
for that Party.
Note: No certificate is necessary for personnel on ships of below 750
kW propulsion power.

Radio department
t Radio-communication and Radio Personnel

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

SECTION FOUR

New regulations apply to personnel in charge of performing radio duties

on a ship required to participate in the GMDSS. Radio personnel on
ships not required to comply with the GMDSS provisions are certificated
as required under radio regulations.
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.

Where to Find

More Information
on STCW-95

We hope this guide has provided you with a better understanding of STCW95 requirements. However, remember that any requirements are subject to
the particular arrangements that each individual Party has made for
implementing the Convention. Therefore, your first port of call should be the
Authority issuing your certificate. They can inform you in more detail about
specific requirements and deadlines for satisfying the standards of the
Convention and obtaining STCW-95 certification. Many Administrations
around the world publish this information on a regular basis.
Another good source of information is training institutions (provided they
are in the business of complying with STCW-95 requirements). They will
normally know what the requirements are for certification and point you in
the right direction should you need further information.
Your employer should also be in a position to give you guidance (and
hopefully financial assistance) to help fulfil STCW-95 requirements. If you
are affiliated to a national trade union they may also be able to give you
guidance.
As well as this being on the internet at www.itf.org.uk, the following
websites contain information on STCW-95 and other maritime-related
topics:

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

SECTION FIVE

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

The best source of written information on STCW-95 is, of course, the

Convention itself. There are also short guides produced by some of the
Parties and short articles published in specialised nautical journals such as
Seaways, Fairplay and BIMCO. The International Shipping Federation has
produced a series of publications on STCW, including The Revised STCW
Convention: A Guide for the Shipping Industry. They have also produced
ISF Training and Service Record Books which help you keep track of all your
certificates and any other documentary evidence such as records of drills,
familiarisation instruction and sea service.
If you want a deeper understanding of the Convention, the most
comprehensive publication on the subject is the book written by Captain
W.S.G. Morrison: Competent Crews = Safer Ships An Aid to Understanding
STCW 95. Available from the World Maritime University, it is a Must for all
those involved in the implementation and enforcement of the Convention.
At the end of this Guide we are also including a copy of two IMO circulars
clarifying some of the requirements prescribed by STCW-95. These may
prove valuable if you come across Port State inspectors misinterpreting the
actual requirements set by the Convention.

SECTION FIVE

Remember, ignorance of the Convention and its requirements is no excuse

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

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

SECTION FIVE

STCW-95: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS

List of countries Party to STCW 1978, as amended in 1995

(including the date on which the Convention came into force)

COUNTRY

DATE

COUNTRY

DATE

(3)

COUNTRY

DATE

GERMANY

28 APR 1984

PANAMA

3 JAN 1992

GHANA

26 APR 1989

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

28 JAN 1992

5 MAY 1997

GREECE

28 APR 1984

PERU

28 APR 1984

ARGENTINA

28 APR 1984

GUINEA

5 NOV 1994

PHILIPPINES

22 MAY 1984

AUSTRALIA

28 APR 1984

HAITI

POLAND

28 APR 1984

AUSTRIA

29 APR 1997

HONDURAS

PORTUGAL

30 JAN 1986

ALGERIA

28 JAN 1989

ANGOLA
ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA

6 JUL 1989
24 DEC 1985

29 SEPT 1992

HUNGARY

15 JAN 1986

REP OF KOREA

BAHAMAS

28 APR 1984

ICELAND

21 JUN 1995

ROMANIA

11 APR 1993

BAHRAIN

13 SEPT1996

INDIA

16 FEB 1985

RUSSIAN FEDERATION (6)

28 APR 1984

BANGLADESH

28 APR 1984

INDONESIA

27 APR 1987

ST VINCENT &
THE GRENADINES

28 SEP 1995

SAMOA

24 AUG 1993

AZERBAIJAN

BARBADOS

1 OCT 1997

6 AUG 1994

IRAN

1 NOV 1996

4 JUL 1985

BELGIUM

28 APR 1984

IRELAND

11 DEC 1984

SAO TOME AND PRINCIPE

29 JAN 1999

BELIZE

24 APR 1997

ISRAEL

16 APR 1986

SAUDI ARABIA

1 MAR 1991

ITALY

26 NOV 1987

SENEGAL

16 APR 1997

BOLIVIA

11 JUL 1988

JAMAICA

19 MAY 1987

SEYCHELLES

22 NOV 1988

BRAZIL

28 APR 1984

JAPAN

28 APR 1984

SIERRA LEONE

13 NOV 1993

BRUNEI

23 JAN 1987

KAZAKHSTAN

BULGARIA

28 APR 1984

BENIN

1 FEB 1986

7 JUN 1994

KENYA

CAMEROON

6 SEPT 1989

KIRIBATI

CANADA

6 FEB 1988

LATVIA

SINGAPORE

1 AUG 1988

15 MAR 1993

SLOVAKIA

1 JAN 1993

5 NOV 1987

SLOVENIA

25 JUN 1991

SOLOMON ISLANDS

1 SEPT 1994

20 AUG 1992

CAPE VERDE

18 DEC 1989

LEBANON

5 MAR 1995

SOUTH AFRICA

28 APR 1984

CHILE

9 SEPT 1987

LIBERIA

28 APR 1984

SPAIN

28 APR 1984

CHINA(1)

28 APR 1984

LIBYA

28 APR 1984

SRI LANKA

22 APR 1987

COLOMBIA

28 APR 1984

LITHUANIA

4 MAR 1992

SUDAN

26 MAY 1997

COTE D'IVOIRE

5 JAN 1988

LUXEMBOURG

14 MAY 1991

SWEDEN

28 APR 1984

CROATIA

8 OCT 1991

MADAGASCAR

7 JUN 1996

SWITZERLAND

15 MAR 1988

5 MAR 1990

MALAWI

9 JUN 1993

THAILAND

19 SEPT 1997

CUBA

28 JUN 1985

MALAYSIA

28 APR 1984

TOGO

19 OCT 1989

CZECH REPUBLIC

1 JAN 1993

MALDIVES

22 APR 1987

TONGA

7 MAY 1995

DEM. PEOPLES REP.

OF KOREA

1 AUG 1985

MALTA

21 SEPT 1991

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

3 MAY 1989

DEM. REPUBLIC OF
THE CONGO (2)

4 JUL 1995

MARSHALL ISL.

25 JUL 1989

TUNISIA

8 MAY 1995

CYPRUS

DENMARK

28 APR 1984

MAURITANIA

17 FEB 1996

TURKEY

28 OCT 1992

ECUADOR

17 AUG 1988

MAURITIUS

4 OCT 1991

TUVALU

22 NOV 1985

EGYPT

28 APR 1984

MEXICO

28 APR 1984

UKRAINE

EQUATORIAL GUINEA

24 JUL 1996

MICRONESIA

14 OCT 1998

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

28 APR 1984

ERITREA

22 JUL 1996

MOROCCO

22 OCT 1997

UNITED KINGDOM (7)

28 APR 1984

ESTONIA

29 NOV 1995

MOZAMBIQUE

15 FEB 1986

UNITED REP. OF TANZANIA 28 APR 1984

ETHIOPIA

18 OCT 1985

MYANMAR

4 AUG 1988

UNITED STATES

FIJI

27 JUN 1991

NETHERLANDS

26 OCT 1985

URUGUAY

3 NOV 1993

(5)

30 OCT 1986

VANUATU

22 JUL 1991

NEW ZEALAND

FRANCE

28 APR 1984

NIGERIA

13 FEB 1985

VENEZUELA

GABON

28 APR 1984

NORWAY

28 APR 1984

VIET NAM

OMAN

24 DEC 1990

YUGOSLAVIA

GEORGIA

19 JUL 1994

PAKISTAN

10 JUL 1985

13 JAN 1988
18 MAR 1991
5 FEB 1985

ANNEX A

28 APR 1984

1 FEB 1992

1 OCT 1991

(4)

FINLAND

GAMBIA

7 APR 1997

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

ANNEX B
INTERNATIONALMARITIME ORGANIZATION
4 ALBERT EMBANKMENT
LONDON SE1 7SR
Telephone: 020 7735-7611
020 7587-3210
Fax:
23588 IMOLDN G
Telex:

Ref: T2/4.2.1

E
MSC/Circ.1018
29th November 2001

INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION ON STANDARDS OF TRAINING,

CERTIFICATION AND WATCHKEEPING FOR
SEAFARERS (STCW), 1978,
AS AMENDED

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

Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, as amended, confirmed by the Maritime
Safety Committee to have communicated information which demonstrates
that full and complete effect is given to the relevant provisions
of the Convention

1. The Maritime Safety Committee (MSC), as its first extraordinary session (27 and 28
November 2001), received reports by the Secretary-General pursuant to regulation I/7,
paragraph 2 of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and
Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended, (STCW Convention). The reports were
in respect of those STCW Parties whose information had not been fully evaluated in time
for the seventy-fourth session of the Committee (30 May to 8 June 2001). A list of those
STCW Parties confirmed at that session of the Committee and those confirmed by MSC
73 (27 November to 6 December 2000) to have communicated information which had
demonstrated that full and complete effect was given to the relevant provisions of the
Convention had been promulgated in MSC/Circ.996.

2. MSC, at first its extraordinary session (ES.1), noted that, in preparing the reports
required by STCW regulation I/7, paragraph 2, the Secretary-General had solicited and
taken into account the views of competent persons selected from the list established
pursuant to paragraph 5 of section A-I/7 of the STCW Code and circulated as
MSC/Circ.797, as revised from time to time.

3 In accordance with STCW regulation I/7, paragraph 3, MSC/ES.1 confirmed furtherr

STCW Parties, additional to those listed to MSC/Circ.996, which had communicated
information demonstrating that they were giving full and complete effect to the relevant
provisions of the STCW Convention, as amended. The list at annex contains those
STCW Parties confirmed by the Committee at its seventy-third, seventy-fourth and
first extraordinary sessions. The Committee noted that, as the process of
communicating and evaluating information is continuing, further Parties may be added to
the list at annex at subsequent meetings.
4 The Committee also noted that the Kingdom of the Netherlands had approved the
necessary legislation for the implementation of the STCW Convention, as amended, in
respect of the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba and that a suitable footnote had been added
to the annex to this circular to include them in the list.
I:\CIRC\MSC\1018.doc

MSC/Circ.1018

-2-

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

operators and managers, ship masters and other parties concerned to the following:
.1 not all of the STCW Parties listed at annex provide seafarer training, and some
of those Parties listed may only provide a limited range of training; and
.2 the fact that a Party is listed in the annex does not relieve those concerned of their
obligations under the STCW Convention
6. Notwithstanding the Committees identification of the Parties listed at annex,
Member Governments are invited to draw the attention of their port State control offices
to the guidance contained in MSC/Circ.918 including the fact that valid certificates of
competency and endorsements issued or recognized by a Party in accordance with the
relevant provisions of the STCW Convention, which were in force immediately prior to
1 February 1997, remain valid until 1 February 2002, subject to STCW regulation I/15.
7. As Parties are entitled to accept, in principle, certificates issued by or on behalf of
Parties identified in the list at annex, and a position on that list is one of the necessary
measures used by many Administrations for the issue of endorsements in compliance
with STCW regulation I/10, the attention of port State control officers is drawn to the fact
that this circular was issued on 28 November 2001 and, therefore, for practical reasons,
seafarers should not be expected to hold cerificates with such endorsements until 1
February 2002.
***

I:\CIRC\MSC\1018.doc

ANNEX

MSC/Circ.1018

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

Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, as amended, confirmed by the Maritime
Safety Committee to have communicated information which demonstrates
that full and complete effect is given to the relevant provisions
of the Convention

Algeria
Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Australia
Azerbaijan
Bahamas
Bangladesh
Barbados
Belgium
Belize
Brazil
Bulgaria
Canada
Chile
China
Colombia
Comoros
Cte dIvoire
Croatia
Cuba
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Democratic Peoples
Republic of Korea
Denmark*
Dominica
Ecuador
Egypt
Estonia
Ethiopia
Fiji
Finland
France
Georgia
Germany
Ghana
*
**
***

****

Greece
Honduras
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Ireland
Islamic Republic of Iran
Italy
Israel
Jamaica
Japan
Kiribati
Latvia
Liberia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Madagascar
Malaysia
Maldives
Malta
Marshall Islands
Mauritius
Mxico
Micronesia (Federated States
of)
Morocco
Myanmar
Netherlands**
New Zealand
Nigeria
Norway
Pakistan
Panama
Papua New Guinea
Peru

Includes: Faeroe Islands

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

I:\CIRC\MSC\1018.doc

Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Republic of Korea
Romania
Russian Federation
Saint Vincent and the
Grenadines
Samoa
Senegal
Singapore
Slovak Republic
Slovenia
Solomon Islands
South Africa
Spain
Sri Lanka
Sweden
Switzerland
Thailand
Tonga
Trinidad & Tobago
Tunisia
Turkey
Tuvalu
Ukraine
United Kingdom***
United States
Uruguay
Vanuatu
Venezuela
Viet Nam
Yugoslavia
China (Hong Kong
SAR)****

ANNEX C
INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANISATION
4 Albert Embankment
LONDON SE1 7SR
Tel:0171-735-7611
Fax: 0171-587-3210

MSC/Circ.918
4th June 1999

Ref: T2/4.1.3

GUIDANCE FOR PORT STATE CONTROL OFFICERS IN RESPECT OF

CERTIFICATES OF COMPETENCY ISSUED UNDER THE
PROVISIONS OF THE STCW CONVENTION
1. The Maritime Safety Committee, as its seventy-first session (19 May28 May
1999), noted that certain clarifications were necessary for the guidance of port State
control officers concerning the transitional provisions of the International
Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers
(STCW), 1978.
2. Member Governments are invited to inform their port State control officers that:

.1 until 1 Feb 2002, valid certificates of competency and endorsements issued

or recognised by a Party in accordance with the relevant provisions of the
STCW Convention which were in force immediately prior to 1 Feb 1997
remain valid, subject to STCW regulation 1/15;

.2 until 1 Feb 2002, seafarers holding valid certificates issued in accordance

with the relevant provisions of the STCW Convention which were in force
immediately prior to 1 Feb 1977 by the Party which found them qualified are
not required by the STCW Convention to hold, in addition, certificates or
endorsements issued by the Government of the flag which the ship on which
they are serving is entitled to fly;
.3 on or after 1 Feb 2002, all certificates of competency and endorsements
issued to seafarers are required to comply with the provisions of the STCW
Convention, as amended; and

.4 seafarers are not required to hold certificates as evidence of basic training in

order to comply with regulation VI/1 because the evidence required by
section A-VI/1 is not considered to be a certificate.

3. Member Governments are reminded of the guidance issued under

STCW.7/Circ.1 and invited to bring the contents of this circular to the attention of
all concerned, especially port State control officers.
I:\CIRC\MSC\918.WPD

ANNEX D
Table B-1/9-2

LIST OF CERTIFICATES OR DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE REQUIRED

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

Certificate or documentary
evidence (brief description)

Endorsement
required

Registration
required*

II/1, II/2 II/3

III/1, III/2,
III/3, IV/2,
V/1, VII/2

appropriate certificates for

Master, officers and radio
personnel

yes

yes

II/4, III/4

ratings duly certificated to

be a part of a navigational
or engine room watch

no

yes**
as appropriate

V/1

ratings assigned to
specific duties...on tankers

no

yes**
as appropriate

V/2

training requirements for

personnel serving on ro-ro
passenger ships

no

no

VI/2

a certificate of proficiency in
survival craft, rescue boats...
and fast rescue boats

no

no

VI/3

training in advanced fire

fighting

no

no

VI/4

training relating to medical

first aid and medical care

no

no

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

paragraph 4.
** The Party issuing or endorsing the certificate is responsible for maintaining a register or
registers in accordance with regulation I/9.4.1. However, records may be maintained by an
agency or entity acting under its authority.
I:\STW\31\5-1.doc

ANNEX E

Summary of requirements

Note: The certificate(s) a seafarer needs to hold depends on the function(s) and level of responsibility held on board. The table below is just a guide indicating what are the likely certificates required by rank according to common shipboard work practices. To find out the exact

requirements that apply, readers are strongly advised to refer to section 2 in this guide, to the STCW Convention and to the maritime Administrations of both the country issuing the certificate(s) and, if different, of the flag State of the ship where the seafarer intends to work.

Officers

Ratings

training

*
*

*
*

*
*

*
*

*
*

*
*

*
*

*
*

*
*

*
*
*
*
*
*
D
D

*
*
*
*
*
*
D
D

*
*
*
*
*
D

*
*
*
*

*
*
*
*
*

*
*
*
*
*
*
D
D
*

*
*
*
*
*
*
D
D
*

*
*
*
*
*
*
D
D
*

Same title
Same title
Same title
Same title
New requirement
New requirement
New requirement
New requirement
New requirement
New requirement
New requirement
New requirement
New requirement
New requirement
New requirement

*
*
*
*
*
*
D
D
*

*
*
*
*
*
D

*
*
*
*
*

*
*
*
*
*
*
D

*
*
*
*
*
*
D

*
*
*
*
*

*
*
*
*
*

*
*
*
*
*

*
*
*
*
*

*
*
*
*
*

*
*
*
*
*

*
*
*
*
*

*
*
*
*
*

*
*
*
*

*
*
*
*
*
*
*

*
*
*
*
*

*
*
*
*
*

*
*
*
*
*

D
D
*
D
D
D
D
*
D
D

*
*
*
*
D
*

*
*
*
*
D
*

*
*
*
*
D
*

D
*

*
*
*
*
D
*

*
*
*
*
D
*

*
*
D
*

*
*
D
*

D
*

*
*
D
*

*
*
D
*

*
*

*
*

*
*

*
*

D
*

Oiler/motorman

Fitter/Mechanic

Pumpman

Electrician

Deckboy/trainee

OS/GP/welder

AB

Bosun

Electrical engineer
*

All personnel providing

direct service to
passengers

*
*

Chief steward / purser

Cadet (deck/engine)

*
*

others
Steward/messboy

personnel on
passenger
ships other
than ro-ro

*
*

catering

Cook/2nd cook

personnel on
ro-ro
passenger
ships

*
*

engine
D/E utility/ trainee

personnel on
tankers

Same title
Same title
New requirement
New requirement
Medical certificate
Same title
Basic sea survival
2 days fire fighting
Basic first aid
New requirement
New requirement
CPSC lifeboat
Fast rescue boat
4 day firefighting
First aid at sea
Ship captains medical
New (simulator training)
New (simulator training)
New requirement
New requirement
Same title

STCW-78 title

deck

Wiper

ARPA, RADAR,
GMDSS

Officer of the watch

personnel
assigned with
other safety
functions

Second engineer

familiarisation

Chief engineer

basic saftey
training
evidence

Radio Operator

catering

Certificate of competency
Endorsement
Watchkeeping certificate for ratings
Endorsement of recognition (if on foreign flag)
Medical fitness certificate
Certificate of qualification as cook
Personal survival techniques
Fire fighting
Elementary first aid
Personal safety and social responsibility
Ship-specific familiarisation
Proficiency in survival craft and rescue boat
Fast rescue boat
Advanced fire fighting
Medical first aid
Medical care
ARPA (if fitted)
Radar
GMDSS-ROC or GOC - (see note)
Shore-based fire-fighting course
Tanker familiarisation
(or 3 months approved service on tankers)
Tanker specialised
COW (if fitted)
Chemical tanker
Liquefied gas tanker
Crowd management
Familiarisation training ro-ro
Safety training
Passenger safety, cargo safety, hull integrity
Crisis management and human behaviour
Crowd management
Familiarisation training
Safety training
Passenger safety
Crisis management and human behaviour
Training record book

Officer of the watch

main certificate

STCW-95 title

Chief officer

category

engine

Master

deck

Others

*
D
*

*
D
*

D
*

D
*

*
D
*

D
*

D
*

D
*

D
*

Key: *= compulsory requirement ; D = if designated with specific function; A (radio operator): radio personnel on non-GMDSS ships need to hold certificates as per the Radio Regulations.
GMDSS: compulsory if serving on a ship required to participate in GMDSS.