Ramil C.

Salundaga Integrated Management System (MGMT 2)

BSMARE- B3A Professor/ Instructor: 2/E Oliverio Padrique

WEEK 10- ACTIVITY NO. 10

THE MAJOR REVISIONS AND UPDATES OF THE STCW 1978 IN 1984, 1995, 2010
AND 2017.

1.) What is STCW?

STCW stands for the International
Convention on Standards of Training,
Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers.
It is a global agreement that sets minimum
training, certification, and watchkeeping
requirements for seafarers working on seagoing
vessels. The convention was first adopted in 1978
by the International Maritime Organization (IMO)
and has been amended several times since then.
The main objective of STCW is to ensure that all seafarers receive a consistent level of
training and certification, regardless of their nationality or the country where they work. The
convention establishes minimum standards for the training and certification of seafarers in areas
such as firefighting, first aid, survival at sea, and navigation. It also sets guidelines for the hours
of work and rest, as well as the minimum manning requirements for ships.
STCW is mandatory for all seafarers working on vessels subject to the International
Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), which covers most commercial vessels
engaged in international trade. It is enforced by maritime authorities in each country that has
ratified the convention, and failure to comply with its provisions can result in penalties and
fines.
2.) The important changes to each chapter of STCW Convention and Code
include STCW 2010 – Manila Amendments. Explain No. 5?
“5.) Rest hour onboard has been increased from 70 hours to 77 hours per week for
decent working of seafarer onboard”
To explain it, Prior to the STCW 2010 Manila Amendments, the minimum required rest
period for seafarers was 70 hours per week. However, one of the important changes that were
introduced as part of the Manila Amendments was an increase in the minimum required rest
period from 70 hours to 77 hours per week.
This increase in rest hours was made to ensure that seafarers are provided with a decent
working environment and adequate rest to perform their duties safely and effectively. The
additional 7 hours of rest per week can make a significant difference in reducing fatigue and
improving the well-being of seafarers working onboard a vessel.
It's worth noting that the 77-hour rest period is a minimum requirement, and many
shipping companies may provide their seafarers with more rest time than this. Additionally, the
STCW Convention and Code also sets out requirements for the distribution of rest periods
throughout the day and week to ensure that seafarers are able to get sufficient rest and maintain
their physical and mental health.

3.) The important changes to each chapter of STCW Convention and Code
include STCW 2010 – Manila Amendments. Explain No. 10?
“10.) New methods of training in modern technology like electronic chart display
and information system (ECDIS).”
To explain it, one of the important
changes that were introduced as part of the
STCW 2010 Manila Amendments was a focus on
new methods of training in modern technology,
including electronic chart display and
information systems (ECDIS).
ECDIS is a computer-based navigation
system that uses electronic charts and other digital data to provide real-time information about a
vessel's position and surroundings. It is designed to improve safety, efficiency, and accuracy in
navigation, and it has become an increasingly important tool in the modern maritime industry.
 To ensure that seafarers are able to use ECDIS effectively and safely, the STCW
Convention and Code now require training in the use of ECDIS as part of the mandatory
training requirements. This training covers topics such as chart accuracy, display settings,
alarms, and emergency procedures, and it is designed to ensure that seafarers have the necessary
knowledge and skills to operate ECDIS systems safely and effectively.
In addition to mandatory training, there are also a number of non-mandatory training
programs and courses that focus on the use of ECDIS and other modern technologies in
navigation and ship operations. These courses can provide seafarers with advanced skills and
knowledge in areas such as voyage planning, weather routing, and collision avoidance, and they
can help to improve safety, efficiency, and performance in the maritime industry.

4.) The important changes to each chapter of STCW Convention and Code
include STCW 2010 – Manila Amendments. Explain No. 1?
“1.) Revalidation for higher and managerial level officer for certificate of
competency (COC) issued by any governing authority”
To explain it, one of the important changes introduced as part of the STCW 2010 Manila
Amendments was the requirement for revalidation of the COC for higher and managerial level
officers. This means that seafarers who hold higher-ranking positions, such as Chief Engineer,
Master, or Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (OICNW), are required to undergo
revalidation of their COC after a certain period of time to ensure that they maintain their
competence and knowledge.
The revalidation process involves demonstrating that the seafarer has completed the
necessary training and assessments to maintain their competence and knowledge in their field of
work. This may include completing refresher courses, undergoing assessments, and
demonstrating practical skills and knowledge in simulated or real-life scenarios.
The requirement for revalidation of the COC applies to certificates issued by any
governing authority. This means that regardless of which country issued the COC, seafarers
must meet the same standards for revalidation in order to continue serving in higher or
managerial level positions.
The purpose of the revalidation requirement is to ensure that seafarers remain up-to-date
with the latest technologies, regulations, and best practices in the maritime industry, and to
maintain a high level of safety and competence in the operation of vessels. By requiring
seafarers to undergo periodic revalidation of their COC, the STCW Convention and Code helps
to ensure that the maritime industry remains safe, efficient, and sustainable over the long term.

5.) The important changes to each chapter of STCW Convention and Code
include STCW 2010 – Manila Amendments. Explain No. 8?
“8.) Updated drugs and alcohol policy and stringent medical examination.”
To explain it, the updated drugs and
alcohol policy requires that all seafarers working
onboard vessels be subject to a comprehensive
drug and alcohol screening program. This
includes pre-employment screening, as well as
periodic and random testing while on board the
vessel. The purpose of this policy is to prevent
drug and alcohol abuse among seafarers, which
can lead to impaired performance, accidents, and other safety hazards.
In addition to the updated drugs and alcohol policy, the STCW Convention and Code also
introduced more stringent medical examination requirements for seafarers. These requirements
are designed to ensure that seafarers are physically and mentally fit to perform their duties
safely and effectively.
The medical examination requirements include a comprehensive physical examination, as
well as assessments of vision, hearing, and other critical functions. Seafarers must also undergo
regular medical examinations to maintain their fitness to work.
By implementing these updated drugs and alcohol policies and stringent medical
examination requirements, the STCW Convention and Code helps to ensure that seafarers are
able to perform their duties safely and effectively while on board a vessel. These measures help
to reduce the risks of accidents and injuries, and improve the overall safety and efficiency of the
maritime industry.
6.) Summarize the chapter II of 1978 Convention and was adopted in 1995
which among those number of important changes of the Convention.
Chapter II of the 1978 Convention focuses on the Master and Deck Department of a
vessel. The chapter outlines the mandatory minimum requirements for the training, certification,
and watchkeeping standards of these seafarers. It sets out the training requirements for each
position, including the Master, Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (OICNW), and
Rating forming part of a navigational watch. It also outlines the minimum standards for hours of
rest and work for these seafarers to ensure they are able to perform their duties safely and
effectively.
The chapter also establishes procedures for the issuance and recognition of certificates of
competency for these positions, and requires seafarers to undergo revalidation of their
certificates after a certain period of time. The goal of this chapter is to ensure that the Master
and Deck Department of a vessel are trained, qualified, and competent to operate the vessel
safely and efficiently.

7.) Who is the IMO Secretary-General STCW 2010 amended?

The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) during the
adoption of the STCW 2010 Manila Amendments was Mr. Efthimios E. Mitropoulos of
Greece. He served as Secretary-General from 2004 until 2011 and was instrumental in
advancing the work of the IMO on a range of issues, including maritime safety, security, and
environmental protection. Under his leadership, the IMO played a key role in the development
and adoption of the STCW 2010 Manila Amendments, which have had a significant impact on
the training, certification, and competency standards of seafarers around the world.