STCW under review: What to expect, and when to expect it

The STCW Convention and Code (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping) has been the main, international standard for training and certification of seafarers since 1978, and is currently undergoing a massive overhaul.

What does this mean for you?

Since its inception, the convention has received a steady trickle of amendments, with two major revisions in 1995 and 2010. The upcoming changes are on track to be the largest ones yet, so everyone who works at sea should start preparing to update their procedures.

This article should provide an overview of what changes you may expect, and a timeline for when they will go live.

Why is IMO revising the STCW Convention and Code?

IMO states that the revisions to the STCW are motivated by two main concerns: Technological and social developments.

Automation, digitization and other new technologies demand new competencies that are not covered by the existing convention. There are also a growing number of women onboard ships, as well as greater awareness of diversity.

The IMO’s comprehensive review identified over 400 gaps to be addressed in the latest version of the STCW. Now remains the job of fixing them.

What is the timeline of the STCW revisions?

The STCW revisions are a several years long undertaking, undoubtedly subject to change. However, we can give an overview of what has already been done, and a rough estimate of the steps to come:

Source: The IMO STCW Review FAQ

What changes might you expect from the revised STCW?

1. Competence tables will be modernized

The STCW already sets clear demands for the skillsets of onboard personnell, and were last updated in the 2010 Manila Amendments. Since then, ship systems, automation and operational complexity have moved faster than the wording in the STCW.

The new and improved Convention and Code will likely expand and clarify expectations for crew members, as well as set higher demands for demonstrating their competence.

2. Stricter demands for verification and oversight

To follow up on the point above, the paper trail is likely to receive more attention. Compliance oversight varies dramatically across regions, and the new STCW may be expected to address this.

Expect not only increased demands for a verifiable paper trail, but more questions from auditors, flag inspectors, or charterers.

3. Increased focus on cybersecurity

While cybersecurity is not a new topic to the IMO, it is rapidly growing more important. Not only are ships more digitalized, but the threat level is higher than it has ever been.

Future STCW language may be assumed to demand a certain amount of baseline digital awareness, if not deep technical specialization. Training content and assessment expectations will probably evolve to reflect real shipboard systems.

What can you do to prepare for the STCW now?

While the new and improved STCW is still years away, it never hurts to prepare. Certain routines are evergreen, and will help you to not be caught off-guard when sudden change is demanded.

Here are a few recommendations for what you can do already:

• Tighten certificate verification routines.
• Standardize training record quality across vessels.
• Keep track of early signals from the HTW meeting records.
• Plan for staggered implementation, and update your training in waves.

And of course, Bruusgaard will do its best to keep you updated as more information becomes available.