Security training needs STCW mandate

Security training needs STCW mandate

Fairplay Daily News Nov 06

- MANILA – Security training should be included in the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Convention, which the IMO is expected to review in January, says a senior flag state spokesman.

Faslur Chowdhury, deputy director of Bahamas Maritime Authority, told the 7th Asia Pacific Manning and Training Conference, held in Manila last week, that ship security officer training is being proposed for inclusion in Chapter VI, as new regulation VI/5. The chapter already deals with regulations on safety, medical and survival functions. However, Chowdhury, who is responsible for manning, training and investigation at the BMA, said the industry felt that all seafarers – not only ship security officers – should have some basic security awareness training.

He added that this could be included in the revised “Basic Training” as the fifth new component proposed for inclusion in the convention. The need for security training has taken priority over many other
issues in view of the global threat of terrorism and piracy in international shipping.