A brief explanation of The STCW 2010 Manila Ammendments.
(For the Complete STCW guide for Seafarers (ITF) Click Here)
(For the ISF brochure on the STCW-2010 Manila ammendments Click Here)
The entire STCW convention and code was significantly amended in 1995 and again in 2010 which is also referred to as "The 2010 Manila Amendments". While STCW convention was created to standardize the Maritime Profession internationally, these new amendments were necessary to keep training standards in line with new technological and operational requirements that require new shipboard competencies. The Manila Amendments came into effect as of 1 January 2012 with transition period until 1 Jan 2017 where by that time all seafarers must have been trained and certified in accordance with the STCW 2010 Manila Amendments.
Amongst the amendments adopted, there are a number of important changes to each chapter of the Convention and Code, including:
> Improved measures to prevent fraudulent practices associated with certificates of competency and strengthen the evaluation process (monitoring of Parties' compliance with the Convention);
> Revised requirements on hours of work and rest and new requirements for the prevention of drug and alcohol abuse, as well as updated standards relating to medical fitness standards for seafarers;
> New grades of certification requirements for able seafarers deck and engine;
>New requirements relating to training in modern technology such as electronic charts and information systems (ECDIS);
> New requirements for marine environment awareness training and training in leadership and teamwork;
> New training and certification requirements for electro-technical officers;
> Updating of competence requirements for personnel serving on board all types of tankers, including new requirements for personnel serving on liquefied gas tankers;
> New requirements for security training, as well as provisions to ensure that seafarers are properly trained to cope if their ship comes under attack by pirates;
> Additional medical standards
> New updated training and refresher requirements.
> Introduction of modern training methodology including distance learning and web-based learning;
> New training guidance for personnel serving on board ships operating in polar waters; and
> New training guidance for personnel operating Dynamic Positioning Systems.
How do those changes affect you?
In addition to the newly introduced proficiency requirements for seafarers, this also mean that all trainings and competences under the 1995 STCW convention and code which were updated in the 2010 Manila Amendments will now then be required to be refreshed and updated to make it in line with the new STCW as amended.
As part of the improved measures to prevent fraudulent practices associated with certification of seafarers, the STCW Convention set the standard for certification and documentary evidence requirement which authorize the holder (seafarers) in certain functions onboard ships. Certification issued for the capacity as Masters and Officers, including certification for GOC for GMDSS are referred to as “Certificate of Competency” (COC). This certification then need to be “Endorsed” (Endorsement Certificate (EC)) by an administration (i.e. Philippines, Liberia, Dutch) to attest recognition of the certificate issued by another country which is a Party and compliant to STCW and authorize the holder (seafarer) to serve onboard their ships in that capacity. Except for the certification for Masters and officers to serve on oil, chemical or liquefied gas tankers where certification may be CE, COC or COP; such other functions on board ships required for a seafarer these certifications are referred to as “Certificate of Proficiency” (COP). These functions may be required for revalidation every five years.
To simplify the presentation of the list of certificates or documentary evidence required under STCW Convention, refer to below table which also makes references to the relevant regulations and the requirements for endorsement, registration and revalidation as described in Table B-I/2 of the STCW Code.
|
Regulations |
Type of certificate and brief description |
Endorsement attesting recognition of a certificate1 |
Registration required2 |
Revalidation of certificate3 |
|
II/1, II/2, II/3, III/1, III/2, III/3, III/6, IV/2, VII/2 |
Certificate of Competency – For masters, officers and GMDSS radio operators |
YES |
YES |
YES |
|
II/4, III/4, VII/2 |
Certificate of Proficiency – For ratings duly certified to be a part of a navigational or engine-room watch |
NO |
YES |
NO |
|
II/5, III/5, III/7, VII/2 |
Certificate of Proficiency – For ratings duly certified as able seafarer deck, able seafarer engine or electro-technical rating |
NO |
YES |
NO |
|
V/1-1, V/1-2 |
Certificate of Proficiency or endorsement to a Certificate of Competency – For masters and officers on oil, chemical or liquefied gas tankers |
YES |
YES |
YES |
|
V/1-1, V/1-2 |
Certificate of Proficiency – For ratings on oil, chemical or liquefied gas tankers |
NO |
YES |
NO |
|
V/2 |
Documentary evidence – Training for masters, officers, ratings and other personnel serving on passenger ships |
NO |
NO |
NO4 |
|
VI/1 |
Certificate of Proficiency5 – Basic training |
NO |
YES |
YES6 |
|
VI/2 |
Certificate of Proficiency5 – Survival craft, rescue boats and fast rescue boats |
NO |
YES |
YES6 |
|
VI/3 |
Certificate of Proficiency5 – Advanced fire fighting |
NO |
YES |
YES6 |
|
VI/4 |
Certificate of Proficiency5 – Medical first aid and medical care |
NO |
YES |
NO |
|
VI/5 |
Certificate of Proficiency – Ship security officer |
NO |
YES |
NO |
|
VI/6 |
Certificate of Proficiency7 – Security awareness training or security training for seafarers with designated security duties |
NO |
YES |
NO |
1Endorsement attesting recognition of a certificate means endorsement in accordance with regulation I/2, par. 7.
2Registration required means as part of register or registers in accordance with regulation I/2, paragraph 14.
3Revalidation of a certificate means establishing continued professional competence in accordance with regulation I/11 or maintaining the required standards of competence in accordance with sections A-VI/1 to A-VI/3, as applicable.
4 As required by regulation V/2, paragraph 3, seafarers who have completed training in “crowd management”, “crisis management and human behavior” or “passenger safety, cargo safety and hull integrity” shall at intervals of not exceeding five years undertake appropriate refresher training or to provide evidence of having achieved the required standards of competence within the previous five years.
5 The certificates of competency issued in accordance with regulation II/1, II/2, II/3, III/1, III/2, III/3, III/6 and VII/2 include the proficiency requirements in “basic training”, “survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats”, “advanced fire fighting”, and “medical first aid”; therefore, holders of mentioned certificates of competency are not required to carry Certificates of Proficiency in respect of those competences of chapter VI.
6 In accordance with sections A-VI/2, A-VI/2 and A-VI/3, seafarers shall provide evidence of having maintained the required standards of competence every five years.
7 Where security awareness training or training in designated security duties is not included in the qualification for the certificate to be issued.