The STCW Convention is the international framework that determines whether a seafarer is qualified to step aboard a ship — and whether that ship can legally sail. Adopted in 1978 and comprehensively revised through the 2010 Manila Amendments, STCW establishes minimum competency standards for every rank from rating to master, every department from deck to engine to radio, and every specialised function from tanker operations to polar navigation. With 167 ratifying parties covering over 99% of world shipping tonnage, STCW certification is universally enforced — and PSC officers can detain vessels where crew cannot produce valid certificates. The convention directly addresses the human element in maritime safety: research indicates that 80-85% of maritime accidents involve human error, making standardised training the most effective prevention measure available. From January 1, 2026, new amendments require mandatory training on prevention of violence, harassment, and bullying — reflecting the convention's continuing evolution. A comprehensive review of over 400 identified gaps began in 2024, with a full revision expected by 2027. For crew managers and training officers, STCW compliance means tracking certificates across multiple types (CoC, CoP, Documentary Evidence), managing 5-year refresher cycles, ensuring flag state endorsements, and verifying that every crew member's qualifications match their assigned duties. Start a free trial of Marine Inspection to automate crew certification tracking, refresher training alerts, and competency documentation.
Convention Structure: Eight Chapters
STCW is organised into eight chapters, each covering a distinct area of maritime competence. The Convention sets general requirements; the STCW Code (Part A = mandatory, Part B = recommended guidance) provides the detailed competency tables.
Certificate Hierarchy: CoC, CoP & Documentary Evidence
STCW creates a three-tier certification system. Understanding which certificate type your crew needs — and who can issue it — prevents PSC deficiencies and recruitment delays. Book a Marine Inspection demo to see how certificate type tracking works across multinational crews.
Basic Safety Training: What Every Seafarer Needs
Under Regulation VI/1, every seafarer with designated safety or pollution-prevention duties must complete the Basic Safety Training package. This is mandatory regardless of rank — from the newest rating to the Master.
Watchkeeping Standards (Chapter VIII)
Chapter VIII is the operational backbone of STCW — it determines how watches are structured, what rest seafarers receive, and when the Master must be on the bridge. PSC officers check compliance during inspections.
| Requirement | Standard | Details | PSC Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rest hours | Min 10 hrs / 24 hrs; 77 hrs / 7 days | Rest may be split into max 2 periods, one of which must be at least 6 hours. Max 14-hour gap between rest periods. | Daily rest records for all watchkeepers signed by seafarer and Master |
| Bridge watchkeeping | OOW must have undivided attention | Sole lookout only permitted in daylight, clear weather, no hazards, with remote alarm on radar. Master must be called immediately if in doubt. | Bridge manning, lookout arrangements, radar/ECDIS usage |
| Engine watchkeeping | Competent engineer must be on duty at all times | UMS (Unattended Machinery Space) operation permitted with appropriate alarm systems and procedures. Chief Engineer determines watch arrangements. | UMS alarm systems, engine room manning, emergency procedures |
| Port watchkeeping | Adequate watch maintained at all times in port | OOW responsible for safety of ship, cargo operations, security. Mooring arrangements checked regularly. Pollution prevention measures maintained. | Gangway watch, cargo operations supervision, fire rounds |
| Fitness for duty | All watchkeepers must be fit and not impaired | No watchkeeper impaired by fatigue, alcohol, or drugs. Watch schedules must allow adequate rest. Drug and alcohol policies must be enforced. | Evidence of fatigue, alcohol testing capabilities, rest records |
| Handover procedures | Formal handover between relieving watches | Outgoing OOW must not leave until relieving officer has fully taken over. Handover must include: position, traffic, weather, standing orders, navigation warnings. | Bridge handover log, standing orders book |
The 5-Year Refresher Cycle
The Manila Amendments introduced mandatory 5-year refresher training for safety-critical functions — addressing "skills fade" where over half of training content is forgotten within six months. Seafarers with 12+ months of qualifying sea service in the preceding 5 years may be eligible for abbreviated revalidation courses. Sign up for Marine Inspection to automate refresher training alerts across your crew.
| Certificate / Competency | STCW Code Table | Refresher Required | Abbreviated Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Survival Techniques (PST) | A-VI/1-1 | Yes — every 5 years | Available with 12+ months sea service in last 5 years |
| Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting (FPFF) | A-VI/1-2 | Yes — every 5 years | Available with 12+ months sea service in last 5 years |
| Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boats | A-VI/2-1 | Yes — every 5 years | Available with qualifying sea service |
| Fast Rescue Boats | A-VI/2-2 | Yes — every 5 years | Available with qualifying sea service |
| Advanced Fire Fighting | A-VI/3 | Yes — every 5 years | Available with qualifying sea service |
| Medical First Aid / Medical Care | A-VI/4 | Not mandated by STCW | EU directive may require updating for EU-flagged ships |
| Elementary First Aid (EFA) | A-VI/1-3 | Not mandated by STCW | Company policy may require periodic refresher |
| PSSR (inc. anti-harassment from 2026) | A-VI/1-4 | Not mandated by STCW | New courses from 1 Jan 2026 must include anti-harassment module |
2026 Amendment: Anti-Harassment Training
From January 1, 2026, STCW Table A-VI/1-4 includes a new mandatory competency: preventing and responding to violence, harassment, bullying, and sexual assault onboard. This is the most significant amendment since the Manila Amendments.
STCW Compliance Checklist
Use this before PSC inspections and during crew change. PSC officers check certificates, endorsements, and watchkeeping compliance — deficiencies can result in detention. Schedule a demo to see how Marine Inspection automates STCW certificate tracking and crew competency verification.
