What does STCW stand for? - ANSWERInternational Convention on Standards of
Training, Certification and Watch-keeping. It contains minimum standards on
training, certification and watch-keeping.
What are the chapters in the STCW Convention? - ANSWERI - General Provisions
II - Master & Deck Provisions
III - Engine Department
IV - Radio Operators
V - Special Training Requirements for Personnel on Certain Types of Ships
VI - Emergency, Occupational Safety, Security, Medical Care, Survival Functions
VII - Alternative Certification
VIII - Watch-keeping
What is the format of the STCW convention and code? - ANSWER- Articles (legal
agreements) of the 1978 Convention and major revisions
- An Annex with 8 Chapters containing Technical Regulations
- The Code Part A (mandatory) and B (guidance) relating to the chapters.
Chapter I - ANSWERThis chapter on general provisions includes minimum medical
standards for seafarers
Chapter VI - ANSWERDetails basic safety training courses required for each rank
including security familiarisation, PSR and fire-fighting.
Chapter VII - ANSWERRequirements for integrated deck and engine courses.
Chapter VIII - ANSWERIncludes:
- fitness for duty (hours of rest and alcohol limits),
- watch-keeping arrangements and principles
- roles and responsibilities
- duties relating to maintaining a proper look-out
- the process for handing-over a watch.
Chapters II, III and IV - ANSWERThese chapters include tables of competencies (IV
includes this for GMDSS Operators)
Chapter V - ANSWERIncludes special training requirements for personnel on certain
vessels including:
- Passenger ships
- Tankers
- Ships operating in polar waters
Chapter VIII sections - ANSWERPart 1: Certification
Part 2: Voyage planning
Part 3: Watch-keeping principles in general