STCW Convention
International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978 as amended. Sets global minimum standards for training and certification of seafarers.
Adopted
1978
In Force
1984
Signatories
164 States
Last Amended
2016
Overview
The STCW Convention establishes basic requirements on training, certification, and watchkeeping for seafarers at an international level. Before STCW, individual countries set their own training and certification standards, often without taking into account practices in other countries or on ships trading internationally.
STCW is divided into Articles (the legal text) and the STCW Code. Part A of the Code contains mandatory requirements, while Part B provides recommended guidance. All seafarers on seagoing vessels of 500 GT or more are subject to STCW requirements.
STCW Certificates & Endorsements
| Certificate | Renewal |
|---|---|
| Officer of the Watch (OOW) — Deck | 5 years |
| Chief Mate — Deck | 5 years |
| Master (Unlimited) | 5 years |
| OOW — Engineer | 5 years |
| Chief Engineer Officer | 5 years |
| Basic Safety Training (BST) | 5 years |
| Proficiency in Survival Craft | 5 years |
| Advanced Fire Fighting | 5 years |
| Medical First Aid | 5 years |
| Ship Security Officer (SSO) | No expiry |
| Proficiency in Tanker Operations — Oil | 5 years |
| Proficiency in Tanker Operations — Gas | 5 years |
Amendment History
First Amendment
Revision of training and certification requirements for marine personnel.
Second Amendment
Introduction of GMDSS requirements for seafarers.
Major Revision
Comprehensive revision; introduction of the STCW Code with mandatory and recommended provisions.
Passenger Ship Amendment
Special training requirements for personnel on passenger ships.
Manila Amendments
Major update — new ECDIS/BRM requirements, watch hours, enhanced proficiency standards, rest hours reform.
Polar Amendments
Basic and advanced training requirements for ships operating in polar waters.
Chapters
Related Regulations
Official Reference
STCW text, STCW Code and circular letters are available from the IMO website.