1995 revision On 7 July 1995, the IMO adopted a comprehensive revision of STCW. It also included a proposal to develop a new STCW Code, which would contain the technical details associated with provisions of the convention. The amendments entered force on 1 February 1997. Full implementation was required by 1 February 2002. Mariners already holding certification had the option to renew the certificates in accordance with the old rules of the 1978 Convention during the period ending on 1 February 2002. Mariners entering training programs after 1 August 1998 are required to meet the competency standards of the new 1995 Amendments. The most significant amendments concerned:
a) enhancement of port state control; b) communication of information to IMO to allow for mutual oversight and consistency in application of standards, c) quality standards systems (QSS), oversight of training, assessment, and certification procedures, The Amendments require that seafarers be provided
Manila Amendments The IMO Convention on Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping of Seafarers adopted a new set of amendments in Manila in 2010 called "The Manila Amendments". These amendments were necessary to keep training standards in line with new technological and operational requirements that require new shipboard competencies. The Manila Amendments were effective as of 1 January 2012. There is a transition period until 2017 when all seafarers must be certified and trained according to the new standards. Implementation is progressive, every year a modified set of requirements comes into force. The most significant amendments are:
New rest hours for seafarers New grades of certificates of competency for able seafarers in both deck and engine New and updated training, refreshing requirements Mandatory security training Additional medical standards Specific Alcohol limits in blood or breath.
STCW-F Convention On 7 July 1995, the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel was adopted as a separate treaty as part of the comprehensive revisions to STCW. It applies the principles of STCW to fishing vessels from ratifying states that are 24 metres in length and above. STCW-F came into force on 29 September 2012.
See also Seafarers' Identity Documents Convention, 1958; Seafarers' Identity Documents Convention (Revised), 2003 Merchant Mariner Credential, a US credential Seaman Service Book, credential in Pakistan Continuous Discharge Certificate, in India Merchant Mariner's Document, UK and formerly US
References External links IMO Archived 11 May 2015 at the Wayback Machine information regarding STCW US Coast Guard information regarding STCW Maritime Skills Academy Overview of history of STCW. UN provided text of the STCW convention