STCW: Trained to Go to Sea

The STCW Convention sets minimum international standards for training, certification and watchkeeping for crews on merchant ships. It was adopted by the International Maritime Organization in 1978 and substantially revised in 1995 and in 2010 (the Manila Amendments).

Basic Training

Almost everyone who works aboard a seagoing merchant vessel must complete STCW Basic Training. It has four elements:

• Personal survival techniques: abandoning ship, immersion suits, life rafts, survival in the water.
• Fire prevention and firefighting: fire behaviour, extinguishers, hoses, breathing apparatus.
• Elementary first aid.
• Personal safety and social responsibilities: safe working practices, shipboard communication, pollution prevention.

Refresher training is required periodically for many mariners.

U.S. credentials

In the United States, the Coast Guard issues the Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC). Ratings include ordinary seaman, able seaman (AB) and qualified member of the engine department (QMED). Officer endorsements such as mate and engineer require sea time, approved training and exams. Medical certificates and a Transportation Worker Identification Credential are also required.

Why it matters

Ship casualties show that training saves lives. STCW also limits fatigue with minimum rest hours for watchkeepers.

Learning it here

The Maritime Crew (deck/engine) program prepares students for STCW Basic Training and the path toward USCG AB and QMED endorsements, with seamanship, navigation basics, engine-room fundamentals and safety drills in Gallery G6.