International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers 1978

THE PARTIES TO THIS CONVENTION,

DESIRING 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,

CONSIDERING that this end may best be achieved by the conclusion of an International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers,

HAVE AGREED as follows:

Article I — General obligations under the Convention

(1) The Parties undertake to give effect to the provisions of the Convention and the annex thereto, which shall constitute an integral part of the Convention. Every reference to the Convention constitutes at the same time a reference to the annex.

(2) The Parties undertake to promulgate all laws, decrees, orders and regulations and to take all other steps which may be necessary to give the Convention full and complete effect, so as to ensure that, from the point of view of safety of life and property at sea and the protection of the marine environment, seafarers on board ships are qualified and fit for their duties.

Article II — Definitions

For the purpose of the Convention, unless expressly provided otherwise:

(a) “Party” means a State for which the Convention has entered into force;

(b) “Administration” means the Government of the Party whose flag the ship is entitled to fly;

(c) “Certificate” means a valid document, by whatever name it may be known, issued by or under the authority of the Administration or recognised by the Administration authorizing the holder to serve as stated in this document or as authorised by national regulations;

(d) “Certificated” means properly holding a certificate;

(e) “Organization” means the Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organization (IMCO)*;

(f) “Secretary-General” means the Secretary-General of the Organization;

(g) “Seagoing ship” means a ship other than those which navigate exclusively in inland waters or in waters within, or closely adjacent to, sheltered waters or areas where port regulations apply;

(h) “Fishing vessel” means a vessel used for catching fish, whales, seals, walrus or other living resources of the sea;

(i) “Radio Regulations” means the Radio Regulations annexed to, or regarded as being annexed to, the most recent International Telecommunication Convention which may be in force at any time.

Article III — Application

The Convention shall apply to seafarers serving on board seagoing ships entitled to fly the flag of a Party except to those serving on board:

(a) warships, naval auxiliaries or other ships owned or operated by a State and engaged only on governmental non-commercial service; however, each Party shall ensure, by the adoption of appropriate measures not impairing the operations or operational capabilities of such ships owned or operated by it, that the persons serving on board such ships meet the requirements of the Convention so far as is reasonable and practicable;

(b) fishing vessels;

(c) pleasure yachts not engaged in trade; or

(d) wooden ships of primitive build.

Article IV — Communication of information

(1) The Parties shall communicate as soon as practicable to the Secretary-General:

(a) the text of laws, decrees, orders, regulations and instruments promulgated on the various matters within the scope of the Convention;

(b) full details, where appropriate, of contents and duration of study courses, together with their national examination and other requirements for each certificate issued in compliance with the Convention;

(c) a sufficient number of specimen certificates issued in compliance with the Convention.

(2) The Secretary-General shall notify all Parties of the receipt of any communication under paragraph (1)(a) and, inter alia, for the purposes of articles IX and X, shall, on request, provide them with any information communicated to him under paragraphs (1)(b) and (c).

Article V — Other treaties and interpretation

(1) All prior treaties, conventions and arrangements relating to standards of training, certification and watchkeeping for seafarers in force between the Parties shall continue to have full and complete effect during the terms thereof as regards:

(a) seafarers to whom this Convention does not apply;

(b) seafarers to whom this Convention applies, in respect of matters for which it has not expressly provided.

(2) To the extent, however, that such treaties, conventions or arrangements conflict with the provisions of the Convention, the Parties shall review their commitments under such treaties, conventions and arrangements with a view to ensuring that there is no conflict between these commitments and their obligations under the Convention.

(3) All matters which are not expressly provided for in the Convention remain subject to the legislation of Parties.

(4) Nothing in the Convention shall prejudice the codification and development of the law of the sea by the United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea convened pursuant to resolution 2750 C(XXV) of the General Assembly of the United Nations, nor the present or future claims and legal views of any State concerning the law of the sea and the nature and extent of coastal and flag State jurisdiction.

Article VI — Certificates

(1) Certificates for masters, officers or ratings shall be issued to those candidate who, to the satisfaction of the Administration, meet the requirements for service, age, medical fitness, training, qualification and examinations in accordance with the appropriate provisions of the annex to the Convention.

(2) Certificates for masters and officers issued in compliance with this article shall be endorsed by the issuing Administration in the form as prescribed in regulation I/2 of the annex. If the language used is not English, the endorsement shall include a translation into that language.

Article VII — Transitional provisions

(1) A certificate of competency or of service in a capacity for which the Convention requires a certificate and which before entry into force of the Convention for a Party is issued in accordance with the laws of that Party or the Radio Regulations shall be recognised as valid for service after entry into force of the Convention for that Party.

(2) After the entry into force of the Convention for a Party, its Administration may continue to issue certificates of competency in accordance with its previous practices for a period not exceeding five years. Such certificates shall be recognised as valid for the purpose of the Convention. During this transitional period such certificates shall be issued only to seafarers who had commenced their sea service before entry into force of the Convention for that Party within the specific ship department to which those certificates relate. The Administration shall ensure that all other candidates for certification shall be examined and certified in accordance with the Convention.

(3) A Party may, within two years after entry into force of the Convention for that Party, issue a certificate of service to seafarers who hold neither an appropriate certificate under the Convention nor a certificate of competency issued under its laws before entry into force of the Convention for that Party but who have:

(a) served in the capacity for which they seek a certificate of service for not less than three years at sea within the last seven years preceding entry into force of the Convention for that Party;

(b) produced evidence that they have performed that service satisfactorily;

(c) satisfied the Administration as to medical fitness, including eyesight and hearing, taking into account their age at the time of application.

For the purpose of the Convention, a certificate of service issued under this paragraph shall be regarded as the equivalent of a certificate issued under the Convention.

Article VIII — Dispensation

(1) In circumstances of exceptional necessity, Administrations, if in their opinion this does not cause danger to persons, property or the environment, may issue a dispensation permitting a specified seafarer to serve in a specified ship for a specified period not exceeding six months in a capacity, other than that of the radio officer or radiotelephone operator, except as provided by the relevant Radio Regulations, for which he does not hold the appropriate certificate, provided that the person to whom the dispensation is issued shall be adequately qualified to fill the vacant post in a safe manner, to the satisfaction of the Administration. However, dispensations shall not be granted to a master or chief engineer officer except in circumstances of force majeure and then only for the shortest possible period.

(2) Any dispensation granted for a post shall be granted only to a person properly certificated to fill the post immediately below. Where certification of the post below is not required by the Convention, a dispensation may be issued to a person whose qualification and experience are, in the opinion of the Administration, of clear equivalence to the requirements for the post to be filled, provided that, if such a person holds no appropriate certificate, he shall be required to pass a test accepted by the Administration as demonstrating that such a dispensation may safely be issued. In addition, Administrations shall ensure that the post in question is filled by the holder of an appropriate certificate as soon as possible.

(3) Parties shall, as soon as possible after 1 January of each year, send a report to the Secretary-General giving information of the total number of dispensations in respect of each capacity for which a certificate is required that have been issued during the year to seagoing ships, together with information as to the numbers of those ships above and below 1,600 gross tonnage respectively.

Article IX — Equivalents

(1) The Convention shall not prevent an Administration from retaining or adopting other educational and training arrangements, including those involving seagoing service and shipboard organization especially adapted to technical developments and to special types of ships and trades, provided that the level of seagoing service, knowledge and efficiency as regards navigational and technical handling of ship and cargo ensures a degree of safety at sea and has a preventive effect as regards pollution at least equivalent to the requirements of the Convention.

(2) Details of such arrangements shall be reported as early as practicable to the Secretary-General who shall circulate such particulars to all Parties.

Article X — Control

(1) Ships, except those excluded by article III, are subject, while in the ports of a Party, to control by officers duly authorised by that Party to verify that all seafarers serving on board who are required to be certificated by the Convention are so certificated or hold an appropriate dispensation. Such certificates shall be accepted unless there are clear grounds for believing that a certificate has been fraudulently obtained or that the holder of a certificate is not the person to whom that certificate was originally issued.

(2) In the event that any deficiencies are found under paragraph (1) or under the procedures specified in Regulation I/4, “Control procedures”, the officer carrying out the control shall forthwith inform, in writing, the master of the ship and the Consul or, in his absence, the nearest diplomatic representative of the maritime authority of the State whose flag the ship is entitled to fly, so that appropriate action may be taken. Such notification shall specify the details of the deficiencies found and the grounds on which the Party determines that these deficiencies pose a danger to persons, property or the environment.

(3) In exercising the control under paragraph (1), if, taking into account the size and type of the ship and the length and nature of the voyage, the deficiencies referred to in paragraph (3) of Regulation I/4 are not corrected and it is determined that this fact poses a danger to persons, property or the environment, the Party carrying out the control shall take steps to ensure that the ship will not sail unless and until these requirements are met to the extent that the danger has been removed. The facts concerning the action taken shall be reported promptly to the Secretary-General.

(4) When exercising control under this article, all possible efforts shall be made to avoid a ship being unduly detained or delayed. If a ship is so detained or delayed it shall be entitled to compensation for any loss or damage resulting therefrom.

(5) This article shall be applied as may be necessary to ensure that no more favourable treatment is given to ships entitled to fly the flag of a non-Party than is given to ships entitled to fly the flag of a Party.

Article XI — Promotion of technical co-operation

(1) Parties to the Convention shall promote, in consultation with, and with the assistance of, the Organization, support for those Parties which request technical assistance for:

(a) training of administrative and technical personnel;

(b) establishment of institutions for the training of seafarers;

(c) supply of equipment and facilities for training institutions;

(d) development of adequate training programmes, including practical training on seagoing ships; and

(e) facilitation of other measures and arrangements to enhance the qualifications of seafarers;

preferably on a national, sub-regional or regional basis, to further the aims and purposes of the Convention, taking into account the special needs of developing countries in this regard.

(2) On its part, the Organization shall pursue the aforesaid efforts, as appropriate, in consultation or association with other international organisations, particularly the International Labour Organisation.

Article XII — Amendments

(1) The Convention may be amended by either of the following procedures:

(a) amendments after consideration within the Organization:

(i) any amendment proposed by a Party shall be submitted to the Secretary-General, who shall then circulate it to all Members of the Organization, all Parties and the Director-General of the International Labour Office at least six months prior to its consideration;

(ii) any amendment so proposed and circulated shall be referred to the Maritime Safety Committee of the Organization for consideration;

(iii) Parties, whether or not Members of the Organization, shall be entitled to participate in the proceedings of the Maritime Safety Committee for consideration and adoption of amendments;

(iv) amendments shall be adopted by a two-thirds majority of the Parties present and voting in the Maritime Safety Committee expanded as provided for in sub-paragraph (a)(iii) (hereinafter referred to as the “expanded Maritime Safety Committee”) on condition that at least one third of the Parties shall be present at the time of voting;

(v) amendments so adopted shall be communicated by the Secretary-General to all Parties for acceptance;

(vi) an amendment to an article shall be deemed to have been accepted on the date on which it is accepted by two thirds of the Parties;

(vii) an amendment to an annex shall be deemed to have been accepted:

1) at the end of two years from the date on which it is communicated to the Parties for acceptance; or

2) at the end of a different period, which shall be not less than one year, if so determined at the time of its adoption by a two-thirds majority of the Parties present and voting in the expanded Maritime Safety Committee; however, the amendments shall be deemed not to have been accepted if, within the specified period, either more than one third of Parties or Parties the combined merchant fleets of which constitute not less than 50% of the gross tonnage of the world’s merchant shipping of ships of 100 gross tonnage or more notify the Secretary-General that they object to the amendment;

(viii) an amendment to an article shall enter into force with respect to those Parties which have accepted it six months after the date on which it is deemed to have been accepted, and with respect to each Party which accepts it after that date, six months after the date of that Party’s acceptance;

(ix) an amendment to the annex shall enter into force with respect to all Parties, except those which have objected to the amendment under sub-paragraph (a)(vii) and which have not withdrawn such objections, six months after the date on which it is deemed to have been accepted. Before the date determined for entry into force, any Party may give notice to the Secretary-General that it exempts itself from giving effect to that amendment for a period not longer than one year from the date of its entry into force, or for such longer period as may be determined by a two-thirds majority of the Parties present and voting in the expanded Maritime Safety Committee at the time of the adoption of the amendment; or

(b) amendment by a conference:

(i) upon the request of a Party concurred in by at least one third of the Parties, the Organization shall convene, in association or consultation with the Director-General of the International Labour Office, a conference of Parties to consider amendments to the Convention;

(ii) every amendment adopted by such a conference by a two-thirds majority of the Parties present and voting shall be communicated by the Secretary-General to all Parties for acceptance;

(iii) unless the conference decides otherwise, the amendment shall be deemed to have been accepted and shall enter into force in accordance with the procedures specified in subparagraphs (a)(vi) and (a)(viii) or sub-paragraphs (a)(vii) and (a)(ix) respectively, provided that references in these sub-paragraphs to the expanded Maritime Safety Committee shall be taken to mean references to the conference.

(2) Any declaration of acceptance of, or objection to, an amendment or any notice given under paragraph (1)(a)(ix) shall be submitted in writing to the Secretary-General, who shall inform all Parties of any such submission and the date of its receipt.

(3) The Secretary-General shall inform all Parties of any amendments which enter into force, together with the date on which each such amendment enters into force.

Article XIII — Signature, ratification, acceptance, approval and accession

(1) The Convention shall remain open for signature at the Headquarters of the Organisation from 1 December 1978 until 30 November 1979 and shall thereafter remain open for accession. Any State may become a Party by:

(a) signature without reservation as to ratification, acceptance or approval; or

(b) signature subject to ratification, acceptance or approval, followed by ratification, acceptance or approval; or (c) accession.

(2) Ratification, acceptance, approval or accession shall be effected by the deposit of an instrument to that effect with the Secretary-General.

(3) The Secretary-General shall inform all States that have signed the Convention or acceded to it and the Director-General of the International Labour Office of any signature or of the deposit of any instruments of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession and the date of its deposit.

Article XIV — Entry into force

(1) The Convention shall enter into force 12 months after the date on which not less than 25 States, the combined merchant fleets of which constitute not less than 50% of the gross tonnage of the world’s merchant shipping of ships of 100 gross tonnage or more, have either signed it without reservation as to ratification, acceptance or approval or deposited the requisite instruments of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession in accordance with article XIII.

(2) The Secretary-General shall inform all States that have signed the Convention or acceded to it of the date on which it enters into force.

(3) Any instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession deposited during the 12 months referred to in paragraph (1) shall take effect on the coming into force of the Convention or three months after the deposit of such instrument, whichever is the later date.

(4) Any instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession deposited after the date on which the Convention enters into force shall take effect three months after the date of deposit. (5) After the date on which an amendment is deemed to have been accepted under article XII, any instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession deposited shall apply to the Convention as amended.

Article XV — Denunciation

(1) The Convention may be denounced by any Party at any time after five years from the date on which the Convention entered into force for that Party.

(2) Denunciation shall be effected by notification in writing to the Secretary-General who shall inform all other Parties and the Director-General of the International Labour Office of any such notification received and of the date of its receipt as well as the date on which such denunciation takes effect.

(3) A denunciation shall take effect 12 months after receipt of the notification of denunciation by the Secretary-General or after any longer period which may be indicated in the notification.

Article XVI — Deposit and registration

(1) The Convention shall be deposited with the Secretary-General who shall transmit certified true copies thereof to all States that have signed the Convention or acceded to it.

(2) As soon as the Convention enters into force, the Secretary-General shall transmit the text to the Secretary-General of the United Nations for registration and publication, in accordance with Article 102 of the Charter of the United Nations.

Article XVII — Languages

The Convention is established in a single copy in the Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish languages, each text being equally authentic. Official translations in the Arabic and German languages shall be prepared and deposited with the signed original.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned, being duly authorised by their respective Governments for that purpose, have signed the Convention.

DONE AT LONDON this seventh day of July, one thousand nine hundred and seventy-eight.

 

Annex

Chapter I. GENERAL PROVISIONS

Regulation I/1. Definitions and clarifications

1 For the purpose of the Convention, unless expressly provided otherwise:

2 These regulations are supplemented by the mandatory provisions contained in part A of the STCW Code and:

3 The references made in article VI of the Convention to “the Administration” and “the issuing Administration” shall not be construed as preventing any Party from issuing and endorsing certificates under the provisions of these regulations.

Regulation I/2. Certificates and endorsements

1 Certificates shall be in the official language or languages of the issuing country. If the language used is not English, the text shall include a translation into that language.

2 In respect of radio operators, Parties may:

3 The endorsement required by article VI of the Convention to attest the issue of a certificate shall only be issued if all the requirements of the Convention have been complied with.

4 At the discretion of a Party endorsements may be incorporated in the format of the certificates being issued as provided for in section A-I/2 of the STCW Code. If so incorporated the form used shall be that set forth in section A-I/2, paragraph 1. If issued otherwise, the form of endorsements used shall be that set forth in paragraph 2 of that section.

5 An Administration which recognizes a certificate under regulation I/10 shall endorse such certificate to attest its recognition. The endorsement shall only be issued if all requirements of the Convention have been complied with. The form of the endorsement used shall be that set forth in paragraph 3 of section A-I/2 of the STCW Code.

6 The endorsements referred to in paragraphs 3, 4 and 5:

7 The capacity in which the holder of a certificate is authorized to serve shall be identified in the form of endorsement in terms identical to those used in the applicable safe manning requirements of the Administration.

8 Administrations may use a format different from the format given in section A-I/2 of the STCW Code, provided that, as a minimum, the required information is provided in Roman characters and Arabic figures, taking into account the variations permitted under section A-I/2.

9 Subject to the provisions of regulation I/10, paragraph 5, any certificate required by the Convention must be kept available in its original form on board the ship on which the holder is serving.

Regulation I/3. Principles governing near-coastal voyages

1 Any Party defining near-coastal voyages for the purpose of the Convention shall not impose training, experience or certification requirements on the seafarers serving on board the ships entitled to fly the flag of another Party and engaged on such voyages in a manner resulting in more stringent requirements for such seafarers than for seafarers serving on board ships entitled to fly its own flag. In no case shall any such Party impose requirements in respect of seafarers serving on board ships entitled to fly the flag of another Party in excess of those of the Convention in respect of ships not engaged on near-coastal voyages.

2 With respect to ships entitled to fly the flag of a Party regularly engaged on near-coastal voyages off the coast of another Party, the Party whose flag the ship is entitled to fly shall prescribe training, experience and certification requirements for seafarers serving on such ships at least equal to those of the Party off whose coast the ship is engaged, provided that they do not exceed the requirements of the Convention in respect of ships not engaged on near-coastal voyages. Seafarers serving on a ship which extends its voyage beyond what is defined as a near-coastal voyage by a Party and enters waters not covered by that definition shall fulfil the appropriate competency requirements of the Convention.

3 A Party may afford a ship which is entitled to fly its flag the benefits of the near-coastal voyage provisions of the Convention when it is regularly engaged off the coast of a non-Party on near-coastal voyages as defined by the Party.

4 Parties defining near-coastal voyages, in accordance with the requirements of this regulation, shall communicate to the Secretary-General, in conformity with the requirements of regulation I/7, the details of the provisions adopted.

5 Nothing in this regulation shall, in any way, limit the jurisdiction of any State, whether or not a Party to the Convention.

Regulation I/4. Control procedures

1 Control exercised by a duly authorized control officer under article X shall be limited to the following:

2 Deficiencies which may be deemed to pose a danger to persons, property or the environment include the following:

3 Failure to correct any of the deficiencies referred to in paragraph 2, in so far as it has been determined by the Party carrying out the control that they pose a danger to persons, property or the environment, shall be the only grounds under article X on which a Party may detain a ship.

Regulation I/5. National provisions

1 Each Party shall establish processes and procedures for the impartial investigation of any reported incompetency, act or omission, that may pose a direct threat to safety of life or property at sea or to the marine environment, by the holders of certificates or endorsements issued by that Party in connection with their performance of duties related to their certificates and for the withdrawal, suspension and cancellation of such certificates for such cause and for the prevention of fraud.

2 Each Party shall prescribe penalties or disciplinary measures for cases in which the provisions of its national legislation giving effect to the Convention are not complied with in respect of ships entitled to fly its flag or of seafarers duly certificated by that Party.

3 In particular, such penalties or disciplinary measures shall be prescribed and enforced in cases in which:

4 A Party, within whose jurisdiction there is located any company which, or any person who, is believed on clear grounds to have been responsible for, or to have knowledge of, any apparent non-compliance with the Convention specified in paragraph 3, shall extend all co-operation possible to any Party which advises it of its intention to initiate proceedings under its jurisdiction.

Regulation I/6. Training and assessment

Each Party shall ensure that:

 

Regulation I/7. Communication of information

1 In addition to the information required to be communicated by article IV, each Party shall provide to the Secretary-General within the time periods prescribed and in the format specified in section A-I/7 of the STCW Code, such other information as may be required by the Code on other steps taken by the Party to give the Convention full and complete effect.

2 When complete information as prescribed in article IV and section A-I/7 of the STCW Code has been received and such information confirms that full and complete effect is given to the provisions of the Convention, the Secretary-General shall submit a report to this effect to the Maritime Safety Committee.

3 Following subsequent confirmation by the Maritime Safety Committee, in accordance with procedures adopted by the Committee, that the information which has been provided demonstrates that full and complete effect is given to the provisions of the Convention:

 

Regulation I/8. Quality standards

1 Each Party shall ensure that:

2 Each Party shall also ensure that an evaluation is periodically undertaken in accordance with the provisions of section A-I/8 of the STCW Code by qualified persons who are not themselves involved in the activities concerned.

3 Information relating to the evaluation required by paragraph

2 shall be communicated to the Secretary-General.

Regulation I/9. Medical standards — Issue and registration of certificates

1 Each Party shall establish standards of medical fitness for seafarers, particularly regarding eyesight and hearing.

2 Each Party shall ensure that certificates are issued only to candidates who comply with the requirements of this regulation.

3 Candidates for certification shall provide satisfactory proof:

4 Each Party undertakes to:

 

Regulation I/10. Recognition of certificates

1 Each Administration shall ensure that the provisions of this regulation are complied with, in order to recognize, by endorsement in accordance with regulation I/2, paragraph 5, a certificate issued by or under the authority of another Party to a master, officer or radio operator and that:

2 Measures shall be established to ensure that seafarers who present, for recognition, certificates issued under the provisions of regulations II/2, III/2 or III/3, or issued under VII/1 at the management level, as defined in the STCW Code, have an appropriate knowledge of the maritime legislation of the Administration relevant to the functions they are permitted to perform.

3 Information provided and measures agreed upon under this regulation shall be communicated to the Secretary-General in conformity with the requirements of regulation I/7.

4 Certificates issued by or under the authority of a non-Party shall not be recognized.

5 Notwithstanding the requirement of regulation I/2, paragraph 5, an Administration may, if circumstances require, allow a seafarer to serve in a capacity, other than radio officer or radio operator, except as provided by the Radio Regulations, for a period not exceeding three months on board a ship entitled to fly its flag, while holding an appropriate and valid certificate issued and endorsed as required by another Party for use on board that Party’s ships but which has not yet been endorsed so as to render it appropriate for service on board ships entitled to fly the flag of the Administration. Documentary proof shall be readily available that application for an endorsement has been submitted to the Administration.

6 Certificates and endorsements issued by an Administration under the provisions of this regulation in recognition of, or attesting the recognition of, a certificate issued by another Party, shall not be used as the basis for further recognition by another Administration.

Regulation I/11. Revalidation of certificates

1 Every master, officer and radio operator holding a certificate issued or recognized under any chapter of the Convention other than chapter VI, who is serving at sea or intends to return to sea after a period ashore shall, in order to continue to qualify for seagoing service, be required at intervals not exceeding five years to:

2 Every master, officer and radio operator shall, for continuing seagoing service on board ships for which special training requirements have been internationally agreed upon, successfully complete approved relevant training.

3 Each Party shall compare the standards of competence which it required of candidates for certificates issued before 1 February 2002 with those specified for the appropriate certificate in part A of the STCW Code, and shall determine the need for requiring the holders of such certificates to undergo appropriate refresher and updating training or assessment.

4 The Party shall, in consultation with those concerned, formulate or promote the formulation of a structure of refresher and updating courses as provided for in section A-I/11 of the STCW Code 5 For the purpose of updating the knowledge of masters, officers and radio operators, each Administration shall ensure that the texts of recent changes in national and international regulations concerning the safety of life at sea and the protection of the marine environment are made available to ships entitled to fly its flag.

Regulation I/12. Use of simulators

1 The performance standards and other provisions set forth in section A-I/12 and such other requirements as are prescribed in part A of the STCW Code for any certificate concerned shall be complied with in respect of:

2 Simulators installed or brought into use prior to 1 February 2002 may be exempted from full compliance with the performance standards referred to in paragraph 1, at the discretion of the Party concerned.

Regulation I/13. Conduct of trials

1 These regulations shall not prevent an Administration from authorizing ships entitled to fly its flag to participate in trials.

2 For the purposes of this regulation, the term “trial” means an experiment or series of experiments, conducted over a limited period, which may involve the use of automated or integrated systems in order to evaluate alternative methods of performing specific duties or satisfying particular arrangements prescribed by the Convention, which would provide at least the same degree of safety and pollution prevention as provided by these regulations.

3 The Administration authorizing ships to participate in trials shall be satisfied that such trials are conducted in a manner that provides at least the same degree of safety and pollution prevention as provided by these regulations. Such trials shall be conducted in accordance with guidelines adopted by the Organization.

4 Details of such trials shall be reported to the Organization as early as practicable but not less than six months before the date on which the trials are scheduled to commence. The Organization shall circulate such particulars to all Parties.

5 The results of trials authorized under paragraph 1, and any recommendations the Administration may have regarding those results, shall be reported to the Organization, which shall circulate such results and recommendations to all Parties.

6 Any Party having any objection to particular trials authorized in accordance with this regulation should communicate such objection to the Organization as early as practicable. The Organization shall circulate details of the objection to all Parties.

7 An Administration which has authorized a trial shall respect objections received from other Parties relating to such trial by directing ships entitled to fly its flag not to engage in a trial while navigating in the waters of a coastal State which has communicated its objection to the Organization.

8 An Administration which concludes, on the basis of a trial, that a particular system will provide at least the same degree of safety and pollution prevention as provided by these regulations may authorize ships entitled to fly its flag to continue to operate with such a system indefinitely, subject to the following requirements:

9 At the request of any Party, the Maritime Safety Committee shall establish a date for the consideration of the trial results and for the appropriate determinations.

Regulation I/14. Responsibilities of companies

1 Each Administration shall, in accordance with the provisions of section A-I/14, hold companies responsible for the assignment of seafarers for service in their ships in accordance with the provisions of the present Convention, and shall require every such company to ensure that:

 

Regulation I/15. Transitional provisions

1 Until 1 February 2002, a Party may continue to issue, recognize and endorse certificates in accordance with the provisions of the Convention which applied immediately prior to 1 February 1997 in respect of those seafarers who commenced approved seagoing service, an approved education and training programme or an approved training course before 1 August 1998.

2 Until 1 February 2002, a Party may continue to renew and revalidate certificates and endorsements in accordance with the provisions of the Convention which applied immediately prior to 1 February 1997.

3 Where a Party, pursuant to regulation I/11, reissues or extends the validity of certificates originally issued by that Party under the provisions of the Convention which applied immediately prior to 1 February 1997, the Party may, at its discretion, replace tonnage limitations appearing on the original certificates as follows:

 

Chapter II. MASTER AND DECK DEPARTMENT

Regulation II/1. Mandatory minimum requirements for certification of officers in charge of a navigational watch on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more

1 Every officer in charge of a navigational watch serving on a seagoing ship of 500 gross tonnage or more shall hold an appropriate certificate.

2 Every candidate for certification shall:

 

Regulation II/2. Mandatory minimum requirements for certification of masters and chief mates on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more

Master and chief mate on ships of 3,000 gross tonnage or more

1 Every master and chief mate on a seagoing ship of 3,000 gross tonnage or more shall hold an appropriate certificate.

2 Every candidate for certification shall:

 

Master and chief mate on ships of between 500 and 3,000 gross tonnage

3 Every master and chief mate on a seagoing ship of between 500 and 3,000 gross tonnage shall hold an appropriate certificate.

4 Every candidate for certification shall:

 

Regulation II/3. Mandatory minimum requirements for certification of officers in charge of a navigational watch and of masters on ships of less than 500 gross tonnage

Ships not engaged on near-coastal voyages

1 Every officer in charge of a navigational watch serving on a seagoing ship of less than 500 gross tonnage not engaged on near-coastal voyages shall hold an appropriate certificate for ships of 500 gross tonnage or more.

2 Every master serving on a seagoing ship of less than 500 gross tonnage not engaged on near-coastal voyages shall hold an appropriate certificate for service as master on ships of between 500 and 3,000 gross tonnage.

 

Ships engaged on near-coastal voyages

Officer in charge of a navigational watch

3 Every officer in charge of a navigational watch on a seagoing ship of less than 500 gross tonnage engaged on near-coastal voyages shall hold an appropriate certificate.

4 Every candidate for certification as officer in charge of a navigational watch on a seagoing ship of less than 500 gross tonnage engaged on near-coastal voyages shall:

Master

5 Every master serving on a seagoing ship of less than 500 gross tonnage engaged on near-coastal voyages shall hold an appropriate certificate.

6 Every candidate for certification as master on a seagoing ship of less than 500 gross tonnage engaged on near-coastal voyages shall: .1 be not less than 20 years of age; .2 have approved seagoing service of not less than 12 months as officer in charge of a navigational watch; and .3 have completed 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 on near-coastal voyages.

 

Exemptions

7. The Administration, if it considers that a ship’s size and the conditions of its voyage are such as to render the application of the full requirements of this regulation and section A-II/3 of the STCW Code unreasonable or impracticable, may to that extent exempt the master and the officer in charge of a navigational watch on such a ship or class of ships from some of the requirements, bearing in mind the safety of all ships which may be operating in the same waters.

Regulation II/4. Mandatory minimum requirements for certification of ratings forming part of a navigational watch

1 Every rating forming part of a navigational watch on a seagoing ship of 500 gross tonnage or more, other than ratings under training and ratings whose duties while on watch are of an unskilled nature, shall be duly certificated to perform such duties.

2 Every candidate for certification shall:

3 The seagoing service, training and experience required by sub-paragraphs 2.2.1 and 2.2.2 shall be associated with navigational watchkeeping functions and involve the performance of duties carried out under the direct supervision of the master, the officer in charge of the navigational watch or a qualified rating.

4 Seafarers may be considered by the Party to have met the requirements of this regulation if they have served in a relevant capacity in the deck department for a period of not less than one year within the last five years preceding the entry into force of the Convention for that Party.

 

Chapter III. ENGINE DEPARTMENT

Regulation III/1. Mandatory minimum requirements for certification a manned engine-room or designated duty engineers in a periodically unmanned engine room

1 Every officer in charge of an engineering watch in a manned engine-room or designated duty engineer officer in a periodically unmanned engine-room on a seagoing ship powered by main propulsion machinery of 750 kW propulsion power or more shall hold an appropriate certificate.

2 Every candidate for certification shall:

 

Regulation III/2. Mandatory minimum requirements for certification of chief engineer officers and second engineer officers on ships powered by main propulsion machinery of 3,000 kW propulsion power or more

1 Every chief engineer officer and second engineer officer on a seagoing ship powered by main propulsion machinery of 3,000 kW propulsion power or more shall hold an appropriate certificate.

2 Every candidate for certification shall:

 

Regulation III/3. Mandatory minimum requirements for certification of chief engineer officers and second engineer officers on ships powered by main propulsion machinery of between 750 kW and 3,000 kW propulsion power

1 Every chief engineer officer and second engineer officer on a seagoing ship powered by main propulsion machinery of between 750 and 3,000 kW propulsion power shall hold an appropriate certificate.

2 Every candidate for certification shall:

3 Every engineer officer who is qualified to serve as second engineer officer 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 that 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.

Regulation III/4. Mandatory minimum requirements for certification of ratings forming part of a watch in a manned engine-room or designated to perform duties in a periodically unmanned engine-room

1 Every rating forming part of an engine-room watch or designated to perform duties in a periodically unmanned engine-room on a seagoing ship powered by main propulsion machinery of 750 kW propulsion power or more, other than ratings under training and ratings whose duties are of an unskilled nature, shall be duly certificated to perform such duties.

2 Every candidate for certification shall:

3 The seagoing service, training and experience required by sub-paragraphs 2.2.1 and 2.2.2 shall be associated with engine-room watchkeeping functions and involve the performance of duties carried out under the direct supervision of a qualified engineer officer or a qualified rating.

4 Seafarers may be considered by the Party to have met the requirements of this regulation if they have served in a relevant capacity in the engine department for a period of not less than one year within the last five years preceding the entry into force of the Convention for that Party.

 

Chapter IV. RADIOCOMMUNICATION AND RADIO PERSONNEL

Explanatory note:

Mandatory provisions relating to radio watchkeeping are set forth in the Radio Regulations and in the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended. Provisions for radio maintenance are set forth in the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended, and the guidelines adopted by the Organization.

Regulation IV/1. Application

1 Except as provided in paragraph 3, the provisions of this chapter apply to radio personnel on ships operating in the global maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS) as prescribed by the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended.

2 Until 1 February 1999, radio personnel on ships complying with the provisions of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, in force immediately prior to 1 February 1992 shall comply with the provisions of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, in force prior to 1 December1992.

3 Radio personnel on ships not required to comply with the provisions of the GMDSS in chapter IV of the SOLAS Convention are not required to meet the provisions of this chapter. Radio personnel on these ships are, nevertheless, required to comply with the Radio Regulations. The Administration shall ensure that the appropriate certificates as prescribed by the Radio Regulations are issued to or recognized in respect of such radio personnel.

Regulation IV/2, Mandatory minimum requirements for certification of GMDSS radio personnel

1 Every person in charge of or performing, radio duties on a ship required to participate in the GMDSS shall hold an appropriate certificate related to the GMDSS, issued or recognized by the Administration under the provisions of the Radio Regulations.

2 In addition, every candidate for certification under this regulation for service on a ship which is required by the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended, to have a radio installation shall:

Chapter V. SPECIAL TRAINING REQUIREMENTS FOR PERSONNEL ON CERTAIN TYPES OF SHIPS

Regulation V/1. Mandatory minimum requirements for the training and qualification of masters, officers and ratings on tankers

1 Officers and ratings assigned specific duties and responsibilities related to cargo or cargo equipment on tankers shall have completed an approved shore-based fire-fighting course in addition to the training required by regulation VI/1 and shall have completed:

so however that, the Administration may accept a period of supervised seagoing service shorter than that prescribed by sub-paragraph .1, provided:

2 Masters, chief engineer officers, chief mates, second engineer officers and any person with immediate responsibility for loading, discharging and care in transit or handling of cargo shall, in addition to meeting the requirements of sub-paragraphs 1.1 or 1.2, have:

3 Within two years after the entry into force of the Convention for a Party, seafarers may be considered to have met the requirements of sub-paragraph 2.2 if they have served in a relevant capacity on board the type of tanker concerned for a period of not less than one year within the preceding five years.

4 Administrations shall ensure that an appropriate certificate is issued to masters and officers, who are qualified in accordance with paragraphs 1 or 2 as appropriate, or that an existing certificate is duly endorsed. Every rating who is so qualified shall be duly certificated.

Regulation V/2. Mandatory minimum requirements for the training and qualifications of masters, officers, ratings and other personnel on ro-ro passenger ships

1 This regulation applies to masters, officers, ratings and other personnel serving on board ro-ro passenger ships engaged on international voyages. Administrations shall determine the applicability of these requirements to personnel serving on ro-ro passenger ships engaged on domestic voyages.

2 Prior to being assigned shipboard duties on board ro-ro passenger ships, seafarers shall have completed the training required by paragraphs 4 to 8 below in accordance with their capacity, duties and responsibilities.

3 Seafarers who are required to be trained in accordance with paragraphs 4, 7 and 8 below shall, at intervals not exceeding five years, undertake appropriate refresher training or be required to provide evidence of having achieved the required standard of competence within the previous five years.

4 Master, officers and other personnel designated on muster lists to assist passengers in emergency situations on board ro-ro passenger ships shall have completed training in crowd management as specified in section A-V/2, paragraph 1 of the STCW Code.

5 Masters, officers and other personnel assigned specific duties and responsibilities on board ro-ro passenger ships shall have completed the familiarization training specified in section A-V/2, paragraph 2 of the STCW Code.

6 Personnel providing direct service to passengers in passenger spaces on board ro-ro passenger ships shall have completed the safety training specified in section A-V/2, paragraph 3 of the STCW Code.

7 Masters, chief mates, chief engineer officers, second engineer officers and every person assigned immediate responsibility for embarking and disembarking passengers, loading, discharging or securing cargo, or closing hull openings on board ro-ro passenger ships shall have completed approved training in passenger safety, cargo safety and hull integrity as specified in section A-V/2, paragraph 4 of the STCW Code.

8 Masters, chief mates, chief engineer officers, second engineer officers and any person having responsibility for the safety of passengers in emergency situations on board ro-ro passenger ships shall, have completed approved training in crisis management and human behaviour as specified in section A-V/2, paragraph 5 of the STCW Code.

9 Administrations shall ensure that documentary evidence of the training which has been completed is issued to every person found qualified under the provisions of this regulation.

Regulation V/3. Mandatory minimum requirements for the training and qualifications of masters, officers, ratings and other personnel on passenger ships other than ro-ro passenger ships

1 This regulation applies to masters, officers, ratings and other personnel serving on board passenger ships, other than ro-ro passenger ships, engaged on international voyages. Administrations shall determine the applicability of these requirements to personnel serving on passenger ships engaged on domestic voyages.

2 Prior to being assigned shipboard duties on board passenger ships, seafarers shall have completed the training required by paragraphs 4 to 8 below in accordance with their capacity, duties and responsibilities.

3 Seafarers who are required to be trained in accordance with paragraphs 4, 7 and 8 below shall, at intervals not exceeding five years, undertake appropriate refresher training or be required to provide evidence of having achieved the required standard of competence within the previous five years.

4 Personnel designated on muster lists to assist passengers in emergency situations on board passenger ships shall have completed training in crowd management as specified in section A-V/3, paragraph 1 of the STCW Code.

5 Masters, officers and other personnel assigned specific duties and responsibilities on board passenger ships shall have completed the familiarization training specified in section A-V/3, paragraph 2 of the STCW Code.

6 Personnel providing direct service to passengers on board passenger ships in passenger spaces shall have completed the safety training specified in section A-V/3, paragraph 3 of the STCW Code.

7 Masters, chief mates, and every person assigned immediate responsibility for embarking and disembarking passengers shall have completed approved training in passenger safety as specified in section A-V/3, paragraph 4 of the STCW Code.

8 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 shall have completed approved training in crisis management and human behaviour as specified in section A-V/3, paragraph 5 of the STCW Code.

9 Administrations shall ensure that documentary evidence of the training which has been completed is issued to every person found qualified under the provisions of this regulation.

 

Chapter VI. EMERGENCY, OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY,

MEDICAL CARE AND SURVIVAL FUNCTIONS

Regulation VI/1. Mandatory minimum requirements for familiarization, basic safety training and instruction for all seafarers

Seafarers shall receive familiarization and basic safety training or instruction in accordance with section A-VI/1 of the STCW Code and shall meet the appropriate standard of competence specified therein.

Regulation VI/2. Mandatory minimum requirements for the issue of certificates of proficiency in survival craft, rescue boats and fast rescue boats

1 Every candidate for a certificate of proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats shall:

2 Every candidate for a certificate of proficiency in fast rescue boats shall:

 

Regulation VI/3. Mandatory minimum requirements for training in advanced fire-fighting

1 Seafarers designated to control fire-fighting operations shall have successfully completed advanced training in techniques for fighting fire with particular emphasis on organization, tactics and command in accordance with the provisions of section A-VI/3 of the STCW Code and shall meet the standard of competence specified therein.

2 Where training in advanced fire-fighting is not included in the qualifications for the certificate to be issued, a special certificate or documentary evidence, as appropriate, shall be issued indicating that the holder has attended a course of training in advanced fire-fighting.

Regulation VI/4. Mandatory minimum requirements relating to medical first aid and medical care

1 Seafarers designated to provide medical first aid on board ship shall meet the standard of competence in medical first aid specified in section A-VI/4, paragraphs 1 to 3 of the STCW Code.

2 Seafarers designated to take charge of medical care on board ship shall meet the standard of competence in medical care on board ships specified in section A-VI/4, paragraphs 4 to 6 of the STCW Code.

3 Where training in medical first aid or medical care is not included in the qualifications for the certificate to be issued, a special certificate or documentary evidence, as appropriate, shall be issued indicating that the holder has attended a course of training in medical first aid or in medical care.

 

Chapter VII. ALTERNATIVE CERTIFICATION

Regulation VII/1. Issue of alternative certificates

1 Notwithstanding the requirements for certification laid down in chapters II and III of this Annex, Parties may elect to issue or authorize the issue of certificates other than those mentioned in the regulations of those chapters, provided that:

2 No certificate shall be issued under this chapter unless the Party has communicated information to the Organization in accordance with article IV and regulation I/7.

Regulation VII/2. Certification of seafarers

1 Every seafarer who performs any function or group of functions specified in tables A-II/1, A-II/2, A-II/3 or A-II/4 of chapter II or in tables A-III/1, A-III/2, A-III/4 of chapter III or A-IV/2 of chapter IV of the STCW Code, shall hold an appropriate certificate.

Regulation VII/3. Principles governing the issue of alternative certificates

1 Any Party which elects to issue or authorize the issue of alternative certificates shall ensure that the following principles are observed:

2 The principle of interchangeability in paragraph 1 shall ensure that:

3 In issuing any certificate under the provisions of this chapter the following principles shall be taken into account:

4 The principles contained in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this regulation shall ensure that the competency of both deck and engineer officers is maintained.

 

Chapter VIII. WATCHKEEPING

Regulation VIII/1. Fitness for duty

Each Administration shall, for the purpose of preventing fatigue:

 

Regulation VIII/2. Watchkeeping arrangements and principles to be observed

1 Administrations shall direct the attention of companies, masters, chief engineer officers and all watchkeeping personnel to the requirements, principles and guidance set out in the STCW Code which shall be observed to ensure that a safe continuous watch or watches appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions are maintained in all seagoing ships at all times.

2 Administrations shall require the master of every ship to ensure that watchkeeping arrangements are adequate for maintaining a safe watch or watches, taking into account the prevailing circumstances and conditions and that, under the master’s general direction:

Resolution 1

ADOPTION OF AMENDMENTS TO THE ANNEX

TO THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION ON STANDARDS

OF TRAINING, CERTIFICATION AND WATCHKEEPING

FOR SEAFARERS, 1978

THE CONFERENCE,

RECALLING article XII(1)(b) of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978 (hereinafter referred to as “the Convention”), concerning the procedure for amending the Convention by a Conference of Parties,

HAVING CONSIDERED amendments to the annex to the Convention proposed and circulated to the Members of the Organization and to all Parties to the Convention, to replace the existing text of the annex to the Convention.

1. ADOPTS, in accordance with article XII(1)(b)(ii) of the Convention, amendments to the annex to the Convention, the text of which is set out in the Annex to the present resolution;

2. DETERMINES, in accordance with article XII(1)(a)(vii) 2 of the Convention, that the amendments annexed hereto shall be deemed to have been accepted on 1 August 1996, unless, prior to that date, more than one third of Parties to the Convention or Parties, the combined merchant fleets of which constitute not less than 50% of the gross tonnage of the world’s merchant shipping of ships of 100 gross tonnage or more, have notified the Secretary-General that they object to the amendments;

3. INVITES Parties to note that, in accordance with article XII(1)(a)(ix) of the Convention, the amendments annexed hereto shall enter into force on 1 February 1997 upon being deemed to have been accepted in accordance with paragraph 2 above.

 

Resolution 3

TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS

THE CONFERENCE,

HAVING ADOPTED the 1995 amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978,

HAVING AGREED that the amendments will include regulation I/15 on Transitional provisions, which allows for an interval of 5 years before Parties will be required to issue, recognize and endorse certificates in accordance with the amendments adopted by the Conference,

RECOGNIZING that, in order for full compliance to be achieved by 1 February 2002, it is necessary for Parties to begin promptly taking appropriate measures to implement the revised Convention in their national training, certification and administration systems,

BEING CONCERNED that difficulties which may arise in connection with implementing the requirements of the revised STCW Convention could undermine the objective of introducing the highest practicable standards of competence at the earliest possible time,

1. URGES each Party to keep the Maritime Safety Committee of the International Maritime Organization informed of progress being made in respect of the transitional provisions of regulation I/15 under its national system to implement the requirements of the amendments to the STCW Convention, adopted by the Conference, as well as any difficulties encountered in this regard;

2. INVITES the Maritime Safety Committee, in order to promote the introduction of the highest practicable standards of competence as soon as possible, to monitor progress toward implementation of the revised STCW Convention by all Parties, with the aim of encouraging an orderly transition and anticipating complications which could otherwise undermine full and effective implementation.

 

Resolution 4

TRAINING OF RADIO OPERATORS FOR THE GLOBAL

MARITIME DISTRESS AND SAFETY SYSTEM (GMDSS)

THE CONFERENCE,

HAVING ADOPTED the 1995 amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, with a view to strengthening the implementation of the Convention and thereby improving the competence of seafarers,

HAVING ALSO ADOPTED requirements for all officers in charge of a navigational watch to be trained and certificated, as appropriate, for performing designated radio duties,

RECOGNIZING the importance of efficient radio watchkeeping and radio maintenance for the safety of life and property at sea and the protection of the marine environment,

BEARING IN MIND the requirements of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) prescribed by the Radio Regulations and the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974, as amended in 1988,

NOTING that, in accordance with regulation IV/1 of the 1974 SOLAS Convention, as amended in 1988, every ship to which chapter IV of the SOLAS Convention applies will, after 1 February 1999, comply with all applicable requirements of that chapter and the GMDSS will be fully implemented,

NOTING ALSO that regulation IV/16 of the 1974 SOLAS Convention, as amended, requires that every ship shall carry personnel qualified for distress and safety radiocommunication purposes to the satisfaction of the Administration,

NOTING FURTHER that resolution A.769(18) adopted by the Assembly of the International Maritime Organization recommends Governments, before issuing a GMDSS certificate to a holder of a non-GMDSS certificate, to require the candidate to pass at least a limited examination in accordance with procedures and arrangements set out in that resolution, being aware, however, that the provisions of that resolution expires on 1 February 1997,

APPRECIATING that the GMDSS will also provide the only means for conducting distress and safety communications for most other ships to which the 1974 SOLAS Convention, as amended, does not apply,

APPRECIATING ALSO the need for persons on board such ships to also be trained and certificated in accordance with the Radio Regulations and with the 1978 STCW Convention, as amended,

RECOGNIZING that this necessitates the training and certification of a considerable number of existing masters, deck officers and radiocommunication personnel to undertake GMDSS radio operator functions prior to 1 February 1999,

BEING OF THE OPINION that, if such training and certification is delayed, there may be a shortage of GMDSS radio operators world-wide when the GMDSS is fully implemented,

STRONGLY URGES Governments to:

.1 take steps to ensure that a sufficient number of persons taking responsibility for distress and safety communications on their ships are trained and certificated as GMDSS radio operators prior to 1 February 1999, without reducing the quality of the training;

.2 bring this matter to the attention of their shipowners and seafarers and of all others who may need to use, or whose vessels may need to use, GMDSS services.

Resolution 5

TRAINING IN CRISIS MANAGEMENT AND HUMAN BEHAVIOUR FOR PERSONNEL SERVING ON BOARD RO-RO PASSENGER SHIPS

THE CONFERENCE,

HAVING ADOPTED the 1995 amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978 and the International Seafarers’ Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Code,

CONSIDERING regulation V/2.8 of the STCW Convention, as amended, which requires masters, chief mates, chief engineer officers, second engineer officers and any person having responsibility for the safety of passengers in emergency situations to be trained in crisis management and human behaviour,

CONSIDERING ALSO that the STCW Code, inter alia, requires that such training shall be to the satisfaction of the Administration based on standards developed by the International Maritime Organization,

NOTING that the Maritime Safety Committee of the Organization, at its sixty-fifth session, agreed that crisis management and human behaviour training is essential for key personnel on ro-ro passenger ships and should include the following elements:

— human behaviour and responses,

— optimizing the use of resources,

— development of emergency plans,

— leadership skills,

— stress handling, and

— communication,

ALSO NOTING the opinion of the Maritime Safety Committee that the details of such crisis management and human behaviour training have to be further developed to include the knowledge, understanding and proficiency to be achieved, the method for demonstrating competence and the criteria for evaluating competence before they are included in Part A of the STCW Code,

INVITES the International Maritime Organization to develop, as a matter of urgency, detailed provisions on the training of personnel on ro-ro passenger ships in crisis management and human behaviour, for possible inclusion in the STCW Code.

Resolution 6

TRAINING OF PERSONNEL ON PASSENGER SHIPS

THE CONFERENCE,

HAVING ADOPTED the 1995 amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, including regulation V/2 on mandatory minimum requirements for the training and qualifications of masters, officers, ratings and other personnel on ro-ro passenger ships,

ANTICIPATING that such special training provisions will significantly increase the safety of passengers on ro-ro passenger ships during emergency situations,

RECOGNIZING the important contribution of ship’s personnel towards the safe evacuation of passengers in emergency situations,

APPRECIATING that personnel designated to assist passengers in emergency situations on passenger ships may have to assist fellow crew members who are not specially trained and that this could affect the behaviour of passengers in such situations,

BEING AWARE that some passenger ship personnel are not required to be trained to the same standard as personnel on ro-ro passenger ships,

1. INVITES the International Maritime Organization to consider developing appropriate provisions covering the training of masters, officers, ratings and other personnel serving on passenger ships for inclusion in the 1978 STCW Convention, as amended;

2. INVITES Parties to the 1978 STCW Convention to consider applying voluntarily to personnel serving on passenger ships, the relevant training provisions of regulation V/2.

Resolution 7

MONITORING THE IMPLICATIONS OF ALTERNATIVE CERTIFICATION

THE CONFERENCE,

HAVING ADOPTED the 1995 amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978,

RECOGNIZING that chapter VII of the revised Annex to the STCW Convention provides for alternative certification systems and that such systems may be implemented in different ways by Parties to the Convention,

RECOGNIZING FURTHER that experience with such systems is, at present, limited and that they may significantly affect the distribution of work and responsibility among crew members,

DESIRING to ensure that the implementation of such systems will not, as a consequence, prejudice the safety of life at sea, the safety of the ship, its operation, or the protection of the marine environment,

INVITES the Maritime Safety Committee of the International Maritime Organization to keep under review the implementation of chapter VII of the revised Annex to the STCW Convention and the relevant sections of the STCW Code with the aim of:

.1 identifying the alternative certification systems being implemented under chapter VII;

.2 determining whether revisions are needed to the STCW Code to ensure that the requirements for implementation of such systems are adequate and effective; and

.3 developing further the principles contained in regulation VII/3 and clarifying their application.

Resolution 8

PROMOTION OF TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND PROFESSIONALISM OF SEAFARERS

THE CONFERENCE,

HAVING ADOPTED the 1995 amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, with a view to strengthening the implementation of the Convention and thereby improving the competence of seafarers,

APPRECIATING that the overall effectiveness of selection, training and certification processes can only be evaluated through the skills, abilities and competence exhibited by seafarers during the course of their service on board ship,

RECOMMENDS that Administrations should make arrangements to ensure that companies:

.1 establish criteria and processes for the selection of personnel exhibiting the highest practicable standards of technical knowledge, skills and professionalism;

.2 monitor the standards exhibited by ship’s personnel in the performance of their duties;

.3 encourage all officers to participate actively in the training of junior personnel;

.4 monitor carefully and frequently review the progress made by junior personnel in their acquisition of knowledge and skills during their service on board ship;

.5 provide refresher and updating training at suitable intervals as may be required; and

.6 take all appropriate measures to encourage pride of service and professionalism on the part of the personnel they employ.

 

Resolution 9

DEVELOPMENT OF INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS OF MEDICAL FITNESS FOR SEAFARERS

THE CONFERENCE,

HAVING ADOPTED the 1995 amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978,

NOTING the lack of agreed international standards of medical fitness for seafarers,

RECOGNIZING the importance of the overall medical fitness of masters and ships’ crews to the safety of life and property at sea and the protection of the marine environment,

TAKING COGNIZANCE OF the International Labour Organisation’s conventions concerning the medical examination of seafarers,

NOTING FURTHER that the International Labour Organization and the World Health Organization are undertaking research into existing medical examination requirements for seafarers on a global basis,

INVITES the Organization, in co-operation with the International Labour Organization and the World Health Organization, to develop international standards of medical fitness for seafarers.

 

Resolution 10

TRAINING OF MARITIME PILOTS, VESSEL TRAFFIC SERVICE PERSONNEL AND MARITIME PERSONNEL EMPLOYED ON MOBILE OFFSHORE UNITS

THE CONFERENCE,

HAVING ADOPTED the 1995 amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978,

BEARING IN MIND the contribution made to safety of life and property at sea and to the protection of the marine environment by maritime pilots, vessel traffic service personnel and maritime personnel employed on board mobile offshore units,

NOTING that time constraints have prevented full consideration to be given to the possibility of including provisions on the training and certification of such personnel in the amendments to the 1978 STCW Convention adopted by the Conference,

INVITES the International Maritime Organization to consider developing provisions covering the training and certification of maritime pilots, vessel traffic service personnel and maritime personnel employed on mobile offshore units for inclusion in the 1978 STCW Convention or in such other instrument or instruments as may be appropriate.

 

Resolution 11

PROMOTION OF TECHNICAL CO-OPERATION

THE CONFERENCE,

HAVING ADOPTED the 1995 amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978,

RECOGNIZING the importance of adequate education, training and appropriate experience for all seafarers,

NOTING the provisions of the 1995 amendments to the 1978 STCW Convention which aim at enhancing the mandatory minimum requirements for the training and qualifications of all seafarers,

RECOGNIZING FURTHER that, in some cases, there may be limited facilities for obtaining the required experience and providing specialized training programmes, particularly in developing countries,

BELIEVING that the promotion of technical co-operation at an inter-governmental level will assist those States not yet having adequate expertise or facilities for providing such training and experience to implement the revised STCW Convention requirements,

1. STRONGLY URGES Parties to provide, or arrange to provide, in co-operation with the International Maritime Organization, assistance to those States which have difficulty in meeting the improved requirements of the STCW Convention and which request such assistance;

2. INVITES the International Maritime Organization to extend endeavours to provide States with the assistance they require and to make adequate provision for that purpose within its technical co-operation programme.

 

Resolution 12

CONTRIBUTION OF THE WORLD MARITIME UNIVERSITY (WMU) IN THE ACHIEVEMENT OF ENHANCED STANDARDS OF MARITIME TRAINING

THE CONFERENCE,

HAVING ADOPTED the 1995 amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978,

HAVING ALSO ADOPTED resolution 11 on Promotion of technical co-operation,

BEING AWARE that many countries, in particular developing countries, may have difficulty in achieving the levels of training and assessment required by the amended convention,

RECOGNIZING the significance of the contribution of the WMU graduates, particularly in developing countries, to the implementation of the amended STCW Convention and improved standards of training, as well as to the implementation of standards incorporated in various maritime safety and pollution prevention-related conventions of the International Maritime Organization in general,

BEING ALSO AWARE that there is a continuing need for personnel in the international maritime field to have an adequate level of education and training in order to achieve the objectives of the Organization for safer shipping and cleaner oceans in a uniform and effective manner worldwide,

NOTING that this continuing need can be met by the WMU assuming a leading role for the transfer of maritime education and knowledge through its activities and the networking of advanced maritime training establishments,

1. URGES the Organization to continue to:

2. RECOMMENDS STRONGLY that Governments continue to support and utilize the resources of the WMU to meet their needs for highly trained maritime lecturers and administrators;

3. REQUESTS the Secretary-General of the Organization to bring this resolution to the attention of the Assembly of the Organization inviting it to consider adopting a similar resolution.

 

Resolution 13

REVISION OF MODEL COURSES PUBLISHED BY THE INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANIZATION

THE CONFERENCE,

HAVING ADOPTED the 1995 amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978,

RECOGNIZING the significant contribution made through the publication by the International Maritime Organization of model courses, which have provided core curricula based on the minimum requirements of the STCW Convention provisions adopted in 1978,

APPRECIATING that the model courses have thereby assisted many training institutions to improve the quality of the training they provide and have been used to improve procedures for assessing competency,

DESIRING to achieve greater uniformity in the application of the training and assessment provisions of the STCW Convention, as amended,

INVITES:

.1 the Organization to take steps to revise and update those model courses which provide guidance on the implementation of the training and assessment provisions of the STCW Convention, as amended; and

.2 Governments to provide funding for, and otherwise assist in, the revision and updating of such model courses.

 

Resolution 14

PROMOTION OF THE PARTICIPATION OF WOMEN IN THE MARITIME INDUSTRY

THE CONFERENCE,

HAVING ADOPTED the 1995 amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978,

NOTING the International Maritime Organization’s Medium-Term Plan for the Integration of Women in the Maritime Sector and expressing support for the Organization’s aims of promoting the training of women in the maritime sector,

DESIRING to achieve equal access for men and women to maritime training and to employment on board ship,

INVITES Governments:

.1 to give special consideration to securing equal access by men and women in all sectors of the maritime industry;

.2 to highlight the role of women in the seafaring profession and to promote their greater participation in maritime training and at all levels in the maritime industry.