STCW Training Explained

The Standards of Training, Certification & Watchkeeping Convention (STCW) sets the requirements that all seafarers need to achieve certification.

THE STCW CONVENTION

The 1978 STCW convention was the first to establish international basic requirements on training, certification and watchkeeping for seafarers. In 1995 the Convention was extensively amended by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The amended code - STCW 95 - is named for the year that it was accepted by the IMO and its signatory countries.

STCW 95 certification was created to promote safety of life and property at sea and to protect the marine environment. It establishes internationally accepted standards of training and certification of seafarers, ensuring that crew are qualified and fit for duties at sea.

STCW 95 Basic Safety certificates are a requirement for virtually all professional seafarers.

The level of certification and training you are required to have is based on the capacity in which you serve and the type of vessel you work on.

There are three levels of service:

Management  –  Masters, Chief Engineers and Chief Mates
Operational    –   Mates and Assistant Engineers
Support         –   Ratings
 

The codes for STCW compliant licences or certificates are divided by sections, departments and levels. We made our maritime training catalogue with the STCW structure in mind.