REVISED STCW CONVENTION AND CODE ADOPTED

REVISED STCW CONVENTION AND CODE ADOPTED

International STCW Diplomatic Conference

21 – 25 June 2010
Manila, Philipines

REVISED STCW CONVENTION AND CODE ADOPTED
International STCW Diplomatic Conference
21 – 25 June 2010
Manila, Philipines

The 2010 International STCW Diplomatic Conference, held in Manila, from 21 to 25 June, saw major revisions and updating of the Seafarers’ Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Convention and Code to make it relevant to the future.
SOS General Secretary, Mr Kam Soon Huat and Seacare Thrift Pte Ltd Manager, Ms Sharon Li, was part of the delegation grom Singapore. They were among the 500 delegates from 85 Members States, the International Labour Organization (ILO), the European Commission (EC) and one other intergovernmental organization; and 17 non-governmental organizations.
At the Conference, major revisions, to the International STCW Convention and its associated Code was adopted, ensuring that necessary global standards will be in place to train and certify seafarers to operate technologically advanced ships for some time to come.
Among the amendments adopted were:
• Improved measures to prevent fraudulent practices associated with certificates of competency and strengthen the evaluation process (monitoring of Parties’ compliance with the Convention);
• Revised requirements on hours of work and rest and new requirements for the prevention of drug and alcohol abuse, as well as updated standards relating to medical fitness standards for seafarers;
• New certification requirements for able seafarers;
• New requirements relating to training in modern technology such as electronic charts and information systems (ECDIS);
• New requirements for marine environment awareness training and training in leadership and teamwork;
• New training and certification requirements for electro-technical officers;
• Updating of competence requirements for personnel serving on board all types of tankers, including new requirements for personnel serving on liquefied gas tankers;
• New requirements and provisions for security training to ensure that seafarers are properly trained to cope with pirates attacks;
• Introduction of modern training methodology including distance learning and web-based learning;
• New training guidance for personnel serving on board ships operating in polar waters, and
• New training guidance for personnel operating Dynamic Positioning Systems.

The Conference also adopted resolutions covering issues such as the verification of certificates of competency; the promotion of technical knowledge, skills and professionalism of seafarers, guidelines to implement international standards on seafarer medical fitness; measures to ensure the competency of masters and officers of ships operating in polar waters; attracting new entrants to the maritime profession; accommodation for trainees; women in the maritime industry and many more.

With the unanimous agreement of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the Diplomatic Conference in Manila also adopted a resolution nominating 25 June of each year as the “Day of the Seafarer”,. The resolution acknowledges seafarers significance for the maritime community and encourages Governments, shipping organizations, companies, shipowners and all other parties concerned to duly and appropriately promote the “Day of the Seafarer”.

Speaking at the close of the successful Conference, IMO Secretary General Efthimios E. Mitropoulos said that the adoption of the revised STCW and brought to a successful conclusion the concerned effort undertaken by so many –Government and industry alike, dedicated seafarer representative bodies, maritime training institutions, and the many other interested organizations – over a four – year period. “The immediate task at hand is to promulgate the standards of maritime excellence we have just come to adopt amongst those working at the sharp end of the industry and promote their proper implementation and enforcement through the usual means of enacting legislation and introducing enabling measures in maritime administrations and training establishments”, he said.

The STCW Diplomatic Conference was held under the auspices of IMO, the United Nations specialized agency tasked with responsibility for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine pollution from ships.

The amendments to be known as “The Manila amendments to the STCW Convention and Code” are set to enter into force on 1 January 2012 under the tacit acceptance procedure and are aimed at bringing the Convention and Code up to date with developments since they were initially adopted in 1978 and further revised in 1995, and to enable them to address issues that are anticipated to emerge in the foreseeable future.

Until such date of implementation parties can still renew or revalidate their certificates and endorsements in accordance with the provisions of the current Convention.


Recompiled from
SAMUDRA
Publication of the Singapore Organization of Seamen and Seacare Co-operative Limited
August 2010