International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978 was adopted on 7 July 1978 and entered into force on 28 April 1984. The main purpose of the Convention is to promote safety of life and property at sea and the protection of the marine environment by establishing in common agreement international standards of training, certification and watchkeeping for seafarers.

As per resolutions MSC.416(97) and MSC.417(97), amendments to STCW Convention and STCW Code were adopted in order to revise familiarization, training requirements(basic-refresh-advance) and continued professional competence for masters, officers, ratings and other personnel serving on board passenger ships engaged on international voyages. The main amendments are the following:

-New definitions added such as Polar Code, Polar waters.

– Mandatory minimum requirements for the training and qualifications of masters, officers, ratings and other personnel on passenger ships (Chapter V/ Regulation V/2).

– Specification of minimum standard of competence in passenger ship crowd management training.

– Specification of minimum standard of competence in passenger ship crisis management and human behaviour.

– Mandatory minimum requirements for the training and qualifications of masters and deck officers on ships operating in polar waters (Chapter V/ Regulation V/4).

– Specification of minimum standard of crew competence in basic training for ships operating in polar waters.

– Specification of minimum standard of crew competence in advanced training for ships operating in polar waters.

Until 1 July 2020, seafarers who commenced approved seagoing service in polar waters prior to 1 July 2018 shall be able to establish that they meet the training and seagoing service requirements.

Source: MSC.416(97), MSC.417(97)

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