STCW Code Section Contains Mandatory Provisions to Which Specific Reference Is Made in the Annex to the International Convention on STCW, 1978, as amended (STCW 2010).
International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978 was adopted on 7 July 1978 and entered into force on 28 April 1984. The main purpose of the Convention is to promote safety of life and property at sea and the protection of the marine environment by establishing in common agreement international standards of training, certification and watchkeeping for seafarers. Revisions to the conventions occurred in 1984, 1995, 1997, and 2010 of which major revisions were of 1995 and 2010.
STCW 1995 Amendments (STCW95)
The IMO adopted a comprehensive revision of STCW on 7 July 1995 which also included a proposal to develop a new STCW Code, which would contain the technical details associated with provisions of the Convention. The amendments entered force on 1 February 1997.
STCW 2010 Manila Amendments (STCW 2010)
The Manila amendments to the STCW Convention and Code were adopted on 25 June 2010, marking a major revision of the STCW Convention and Code. The STCW 2010 amendments are set to enter into force on 1 January 2012 under the tacit acceptance procedure and are aimed at bringing the Convention and Code up to date with developments since they were initially adopted and to enable them to address issues that are anticipated to emerge in the foreseeable future.
Whats is the STCW Code?
The STCW Code section contains mandatory provisions to which specific reference is made in the annex to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended (STCW Convention). These provisions give in detail the minimum standards required to be maintained by Parties in order to give full and complete effect to the Convention. Also contained in this part are standards of competence required to be demonstrated by candidates for the issue and revalidation of certificates of competency under the provisions of the STCW Convention.
MUST READ
- STCW Guide for Seafarers (Requirements & Certifications)
- What is STCW? - An Introduction
- STCW Basic Training Refresher Online
STCW Code Sections, Tables & Regulations
Following are the different regulations, sections and tables as prescribed in the STCW Code by International Maritime Organization (IMO).
You may also check our STCW Guide section for further clarity and understanding of the STCW Code, its requirements, and certifications.
The following chapters are adapted from the resolution 1 and resolution 2 of the STCW Convention and 2010 Manila Amendments.
Chapter 2: STCW Code for Standards Regarding the Master and Deck Department (Certification)
- STCW II/1: Officers in Charge of a Navigational Watch on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more
- STCW II/2: Masters and Chief Mates on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more
- STCW II/3: Officers in Charge of a Navigational Watch and of Masters on ships of less than 500 gross tonnage, engaged on near-coastal voyages
- STCW II/4: Ratings Forming Part of a Navigational Watch
- STCW II/5: Ratings as Able Seafarer Deck
Chapter 3: STCW Code for Standards Regarding Engine Department (Certification)
- STCW III/1: Officers in Charge of an Engineering Watch in a manned engine-room or as designated duty engineers in a periodically unmanned engine-room
- STCW III/2: Chief Engineer officers and Second Engineer officers on ships powered by main propulsion machinery of 3,000 kW propulsion power or more.
- STCW III/3: Chief Engineer officers and Second Engineer officers on ships powered by main propulsion machinery of between 750 kW and 3,000 kW propulsion power
- STCW III/4: Ratings Forming Part of an Engineering Watch in a manned engine-room or designated to perform duties in a periodically unmanned engine-room
- STCW III/5: Able Seafarer Engine in a manned engine-room or designated to perform duties in a periodically unmanned engine-room.
- STCW III/6: Electro-Technical Officers
- STCW III/7: Electro-Technical Rating
Chapter 4: STCW Code for Standards Regarding Radio Operators (Ceritication)
Chapter 5: STCW Code for Standards Regarding Special Training Requirements for Personnel on Certain Types of Ships
- STCW V/1-1: Masters, officers and ratings on oil and chemical tankers
- STCW V/1-2: Masters, officers and ratings on liquefied gas tankers
- STCW V/2: Masters, officers, ratings and other personnel on passenger ships
- STCW V/3: Masters, Officers, Ratings and Other Personnel on Certain Types of Ship (IGF Code)
- STCW V/4: Masters and deck officers on ships operating in polar waters (Polar Code)
Chapter 6: STCW Code for Standards Regarding Emergency, Occupational Safety, Security, Medical Care and Survival Functions
- STCW VI/1: Safety familiarization, Basic Training and instruction for all seafarers.
- STCW VI/2: Issue of certificates of proficiency in survival craft, rescue boats and fast rescue boats.
- STCW VI/3: Training in Advanced Fire Fighting.
- STCW VI/4: Related to Medical First Aid and medical care.
- STCW VI/5: Issue of certificates of proficiency for ship security officers.
- STCW VI/6: Security-related training and instruction for all seafarers.
STCW Code - Additional Resources under STCW Convention
- STCW Sections B-V/a to B-V/f: Sections B-V/a, B-V/b, B-V/c, B-V/d, B-V/e, and B-V/f - additional special training requirements for personnel on certain types of ships
- STCW I/9: Medical Fitness and Eyesight Requirements for Seafarers
- STCW Table B-I/2: List of Certificates or Documentary Evidence Required Under the STCW Convention
STCW Online Courses
- STCW 2010 Basic Training Refresher Bundle Online (Palau Registry Approved): This bundle, approved by the Palau Registry and fully compliant with all requirements of Sections A-VI/1-1,2,3,4 of the SCTW Code. The courses are also available individually.
- STCW 2010 UK MCA Approved Maritime Security Courses Online: These online courses - Proficiency in security awareness (PSA), Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (DSD), and Ship Security Officer (SSO) Courses - are approved by the UK MCA.
- STCW 2010 Cyprus (EU) Approved Maritime Security Courses Online: Proficiency in security awareness (PSA), Proficiency in designated security duties (DSD), and Ship security officer (SSO) Courses.
- Canada Approved STCW 2010 & ISPS Courses Online: Transport Canada Approved Maritime Certification Online - Vessel Personnel with Security Responsibilities (VPWSR/PDSD), Company Security Officer (CSO), Port Facility Security Officer (MFSO/PFSO), and Designated Person Ashore (DPA).
LAST UPDATED ON Aug 25, 2025