STCW 2010 Transitional Provisions

The full text of the revised Convention and Code can be found on the IMO website.

Transitional Provisions

Although the new regulations come into effect on 1 January 2012, there are two transitional arrangements concerning certification issued under previous Convention requirements:

“Until 1 January 2017, a Party may continue to issue, recognize and endorse certificates in accordance with the provisions of the Convention which applied immediately prior to 1 January 2012 in respect of those seafarers who commenced approved seagoing service, an approved education and training programme or an approved training course before 1 July 2013.

Until 1 January 2017, a Party may continue to renew and revalidate certificates and endorsements in accordance with the provisions of the Convention which applied immediately prior to 1 January 2012.”

STCW 2010 Refresher Courses

The full text of the revised Convention and Code can be found on the IMO website.

Refresher Training for Statutory Short Courses

Another significant development in the revised Convention and Code concerns the requirement to undergo refresher training in a number of key areas.

Previously the STCW requirements in respect of refresher training for a number of statutory short courses were interpreted in a number of ways by various Administrations. Any loopholes in the regulations have now been removed and courses concerning the safety and survival of crew and passengers will require refresher training every five years.

The following statutory courses will, under the new STCW Convention and Code require refresher training at least every five years: 

• Basic Safety Training;
• Crisis Management and Human Behaviour;
• Crowd Management;
• Passenger Safety, Cargo Safety and Hull Integrity;
• Proficiency in Fast Rescue Boats;
• Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats, other than Fast Rescue Boats;
• Training in Advanced Fire Fighting. 

It is a possibility that such refresher training may be in an abbreviated form of the training scope covered by the initial course; this may be met by web based learning, shipboard training or drills, or the more traditional shore based training. The exact requirements will be determined by individual Administrations.  

If Members require any further guidance they should contact the Loss Prevention department.