1

ONGOING COMPREHENSIVE ONGOING COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE STCW REVIEW OF THE STCW

CONVENTION AND CODECONVENTION AND CODE

byCaptain Ashok Mahapatra

Head, Maritime Training and Human Element Section

Maritime Safety DivisionInternational Maritime Organization

amahapat@imo.org

2

INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION

STCW Convention adopted in 1978 Recognized in late 1980’s, it was not

achieving its intended purpose Series of accidents led to a decision in 1993

to extensively revise the STCW Convention 1995 amendments resulted in a competence-

based training and assessment rather than knowledge based

Defined skills, knowledge, understanding and abilities to ensure that individuals were capable of fulfilling there roles on board

3

Comprehensive review of the Comprehensive review of the STCW Convention and CodeSTCW Convention and Code

PRINCIPLES

Retain the structure and goals of the 1995 revision Do not down scale existing standards Do not amend the articles of the Convention Address inconsistencies, interpretations, outdated

provisions, MSC instructions, clarifications already issued and technological advances

Address requirements for effective communication

4

Comprehensive review of the Comprehensive review of the STCW Convention and CodeSTCW Convention and Code

PRINCIPLES (Cont)

Provide for flexibility in terms of compliance and for required levels of training, certification and watchkeeping arrangements due to innovation in technology

Address the special character and circumstances of short sea shipping and the offshore industry

Address security-related issues

5

AREAS TO BE COVEREDAREAS TO BE COVERED

Fraudulent certificates Definitions Near-coastal voyages Communication of information

(White list process) Tanker training requirements Able seafarer

6

AREAS TO BE COVEREDAREAS TO BE COVERED

Amendments to the STCW Convention and Code so as to include security-related provisions

Master and deck department Engine Department Emergency, occupational safety,

medical care and survival functions

7

AREAS TO BE COVEREDAREAS TO BE COVERED

Alternative certificationWatchkeepingSTCW CodePleasure - and commercially

operated yachts

8

TIMELINETIMELINE

Complete the comprehensive review along with appropriate amendments to the STCW Convention and Code - STW 41 (January 2010)

Adoption - Diplomatic Conference in Manila, Philippines (June 2010)

Anticipated entry into force date - 1 January 2012

9

LEADERSHIP TRAININGLEADERSHIP TRAINING

Essential - value of shipping assets, working environment, risk/reward ratio, world community expectations place ever greater demands on owners, managers and seafarers

Criminalization of seafarers - personal liability / rights and obligations

Industry to focus on and promote the qualities of leadership and apply leadership training

Retaining ship-board personnel Simultaneous leadership training for both ship -

and shore - based staff to ensure effective communication

10

MANPOWER SHORTAGEMANPOWER SHORTAGE

Shortage of seafarers – cause for concern BIMCO/ISF study predicts estimated shortfall

of 27,000 officers by 2015 Raise profile Encourage young persons to take up careers at

sea Russian Federation well placed to fill the gap

11

THANK YOU