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This publication records the original intent of provisions developed for the 1996 revision of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) Convention as understood by the author, and takes into account subsequent developments and decisions of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and its Sub-Committee on Standards of Training and Watchkeeping (STW). Contents include: Treaties, IMO and global standards; A limited achievement; Its aims and effects; Competence requirements; Special training provisions; Safety training and emergency response; Alternative certification; Watchkeeping requirements and principles; The way ahead.

The effects of STCW 95 are examined. Firstly a historical sketch is presented to explain how the STCW convention originated the need for the 1995 revision and the impact on the Australian system. Next the current STCW 95 situation is outlined together with its problems and how these can be overcome and managed.

Training of seafarers was addressed in the International Convention on Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers in 1978 amended in 1995 (STCW). Key changes in the amendment are listed. The ways in which STCW 95 affects ship owners managers and operators are considered. Ship board training is also discussed.

Factors influencing the amendment of rules and regulations regarding the level of safety and environmental protection in the shipping industries are discussed in particular the effect of major accidents and the part played by human factors and inadequate management. Main requirements roles and responsibilities imposed on providers of maritime training and qualification by the revised International Convention on Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW-95) are outlined with particular reference to the development and implementation of quality assurance systems: the associated standards developed by DNV to cover the requirements of STCW-95 specifically for the maritime training industry and the associated DNV Certification are also detailed.

The revision of the STCW Convention is reviewed and the system which has been devised to give the Convention teeth culminating in the so-called White List is highlighted. The system comprises a list of competent persons from which the secretary-general selects a panel of competent persons who report on the information. One person is selected as being knowledgeable of the Party's system of training and the Party has their own representative present. The need for well organised reports additional information the report of the panel the report to the Secretary-General confirmation of compliance and the appeal procedure are outlined.

The provisions of the STCW 95 Code (International Convention on Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) which are related to the operation of engine room simulators are used to present exercises developed for the training course in Institut maritime du Quebec. In particular the training structure training objectives and training procedures are described.

The IMO Convention on Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers 1978 lays down requirements of competancy for certification of deck and engineer officers on seagoing service. The application of the regulations by the UK Department of Tranpsort is discussed.

A brief historical account outlines the work of the Maritime Safety Committee's Sub-committee on Standards of Training and Watchkeeping (The STW Sub-Committee) in the development of the STCW (Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping) Convention prior to it's entry into force during April 1984. The on-going review of the STCW Convention is discussed in detail with particular attention to: salient features in the need for review; the use of consultants in a novel approach to completing the necessary work; the potential for a functional approach to training and certification; a schedule of relevant meetings and key developments; details of the amendments proposed and under preparation for submission to the forthcoming (1995) Conference.

The 1995 revision of the STCW (standards of training certification and watchkeeping for seafarers) convention is one of several key initiatives underpinning IMO's objectives relating to the provision of manpower. STCW aims to establish a minimum international standard for the training and education of seafarers worldwide. By including quality control competence-based training and the requirement to communicate information within its provisions it establishes a regime to ensure that the required standards are met. IMO has taken responsibility for ensuring that member states comply with STCW. One of the first steps in this process has been the issuing of the first 'white list' which lists those parties complying with STCW 1995. How a place on the white list may be obtained is considered together with the practical effect of being on the list. The STCW as a 'living' document is considered. Finally the 'next steps' are discussed. An annex lists those parties subscribing to STCW 1978.

Limitations of the STCW '78 requirements for seafarers' training and certification are discussed with particular reference to the rapid and fundamental changes in shipboard organisation staffing and job functions occurring worldwide and to modern ways of ensuring competence at all levels of responsibility. The functional approach to maritime education and training proposed for use by the STCW Sub-Committee in its review and revision of the STCW Convention is described with attention to: the identification of appropriate functions (navigation cargowork COSCPO marine engineering electrical and electronic engineering maintenance and repair communications) and levels of responsibility (management operation support); implementation; and achievement of competency through training and assessment. Benefits and pitfalls of the technique are considered.

The International Convention on Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW Convention) was adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 1978 and entered force in April 1982. The application and enforcement of the Convention is discussed along with the amendments proposed. Compatibility of regulations and articles is reviewed. Control and verification is discussed. Convention enforcement fatigue prevention alternative certification watchkeeping remaining concerns unilateralism and technical co-operation are considered briefly.

Background to the current review of the IMO's 1978 STCW (Standards of training certification and watchkeeping) Convention is outlined with reference to the significant changes which have affected shipboard operational practices since its inception and to the provision made in the review for the adoption of modern methods of training and assessment including the use of simulators. Essential features of effective simulator based training are discussed together with the use of simulators in validation of training and establishment of competence: the STCW Convention Proposed Regulation I/13 - Use of Simulators is included. The range of equipment and software available is discussed and a system for simulator classification presented: worldwide availability of different types of equipment (including non-visual part-task types and full-mission shiphandling systems with visual capability) is estimated. The need to support formal training and assessment with experience of service at-sea is stressed.

New technology and developments aimed at preventing and dealing with pollution from ships are presented. Initiatives include the International Safety Management Code revision of STCW Convention and proposed changes to MARPOL 73/78 Convention. The International Convention on Oil Pollution preparedness Response and Cooperation 1990 (OPRC) has initiated renewed impetus to search for improved methods of oil spill response. Ways forward for the R&D community are considered including funding and communication.

The importance of setting performance standards for the modern shipping industry is considered in terms of changing patterns of ship manning and seafarer employment. The limitations of the IMO's Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Convention and the work of the STCW Revision Group are discussed with particular attention to the use of a functional approach the need to set performance standards at different levels appropriate determination of competence and structured programmes for training assessment and appraisal.

The need for a revised STCW convention is outlined. STCW 95 objectives and the existing system of education and training in India are discussed. Methods adopted for implementation of training including levels of certificates syllabuses and eligibility are considered. An examination system for marine engineer officers is presented.

Some common questions asked about the IMO Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping Convention (STCW) are considered. The enforcement of the STCW is discussed together with the responsibilities of flag states to ensure compliance particularly with the 'rest period' regulations.

The relationship between language and thought and semantic problems between English and Slovene are discussed. The effects of this in the translation of the revised STCW Convention (International Convention on Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping) made by non-specialist translators is considered. Examples are given. A partnership between linguists and subject specialists is called for.

The establishment of Port State Control as a means of ensuring compliance with international convention safety standards of ships and seamanship is discussed with attention to the enforcement of IMO 1978 International Convention on Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping (the STCW Convention) and its on-going revision for which significant draft proposals are listed with comment. The involvement of Port State Control systems with ensuring and monitoring flag state compliance is also considered.

Countries which have demonstrated compliance with requirements of the IMO Convention on Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW 95) are on an unofficial 'white list'. Reasons for revision of STCW are outlined. Once published the white list will be used by flag states when making decisions about certificates issued by other counties. Implications of the white list are discussed and delays in publication of the first list are explained. The application of ISO standards to training colleges and training and certification quality standards in general are also discussed.

The ISM (International Safety Management) Code and the revised STCW Convention (International Convention on Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping) both aim at improving safety of life and ships and the protection of the marine environment by focusing on the human element through quality of management and people. Aspects considered include casualty investigations and corrective action qualifications of seafarers communications maritime education and training.