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STCW II/1 - Officer in Charge of Navigational Watch (OICNW) 500 GT or More

IMO STCW 2010 Regulations - Mandatory Minimum Requirements for Certification of Officers In Charge of a Navigational Watch (OICNW) on Ships of 500 Gross Tonnage or More

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STCW II/1 Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (OICNW) is an operational level STCW endorsement with tonnage limitations for the deck officer on a sea going merchant ship. Eligibility for OICNW is defined in STCW Regulation II / 1 and the certification is to be issued by the local maritime administration of the respective countries. Some example of OICNW endorsements would be Chief Mate, Third Mate (Third officer), Second Mate (Second Officer), Mate, Mate (Pilot) etc. 

These endorsements are required for officers serving on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more, and they confirm that the individual has met specific training, competency, and assessment standards outlined in the STCW Code, particularly under Section B-II/1.

Summary of STCW II/1

STCW Code II/1 sets the basic requirements for getting certified as an Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (OICNW) on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more. To qualify, candidates should be at least 18 years old and have 12 months of approved sea time, with 6 months spent doing supervised bridge watchkeeping. They will also need to finish an approved training program, meet the required skills in navigation, Cargo handling, emergency procedures, and more, plus hold the necessary certificates.

Candidates must meet the standard of competence, including Basic Training, Proficiency in Survival Craft, Rescue Boats and Fast Rescue Boats, Advanced Fire Fighting, Medical First Aid, and radio communications. If you’re working on near-coastal voyages, some topics like celestial navigation might not be part of the training. The whole process is closely monitored and documented.

Please find below the STCW II / 1 regulations and tables. You may also check our STCW Guide section for more clarity on the requirements at various stages of a merchant mariner.

STCW Code Section A-II/1 - Chapter II (STCW 2010 Resolution 2)

Mandatory Minimum Requirements for Certification of Officers In Charge of a Navigational Watch on Ships of 500 Gross Tonnage or More
OICNW Standard of Competence
  1. Every candidate for certification shall:
    1. be required to demonstrate the competence to undertake, at the operational level, the tasks, duties and responsibilities listed in column 1 of table A-II/1;
    2. at least hold the appropriate certificate for performing VHF radiocommunications in accordance with the requirements of the Radio Regulations; and
    3. if designated to have primary responsibility for radiocommunications during distress incidents, hold the appropriate certificate issued or recognized under the provisions of the Radio Regulations.
  2. The minimum knowledge, understanding and proficiency required for certification is listed in column 2 of table A-II/1.
  3. The level of knowledge of the subjects listed in column 2 of table A-II/1 shall be sufficient for officers of the watch to carry out their watchkeeping duties.*
  4. Training and experience to achieve the necessary level of theoretical knowledge, understanding and proficiency shall be based on section A-VIII/2, part 4-1 – Principles to be observed in keeping a navigational watch – and shall also take into account the relevant requirements of this part and the guidance given in part B of this Code.
  5. Every candidate for certification shall be required to provide evidence of having achieved the required standard of competence in accordance with the methods for demonstrating competence and the criteria for evaluating competence tabulated in columns 3 and 4 of table A-II/1.
OICNW Onboard Training
  1. Every candidate for certification as officer in charge of a navigational watch of ships of 500 gross tonnage or more whose seagoing service, in accordance with paragraph 2.2 of regulation II/1, forms part of a training programme approved as meeting the requirements of this section shall follow an approved programme of onboard training which:
    1. ensures that, during the required period of seagoing service, the candidate receives systematic practical training and experience in the tasks, duties and responsibilities of an officer in charge of a navigational watch, taking into account the guidance given in section B-II/1 of this Code;
    2. is closely supervised and monitored by qualified officers aboard the ships in which the approved seagoing service is performed; and
    3. is adequately documented in a training record book or similar document.*
OICNW Near-Coastal Voyages
  1. The following subjects may be omitted from those listed in column 2 of table A-II/1 for issue of restricted certificates for service on near-coastal voyages, bearing in mind the safety of all ships which may be operating in the same waters:
    1. celestial navigation and;
    2. those electronic systems of position fixing and navigation that do not cover the waters for which the certificate is to be valid.

*The relevant IMO Model Course(s) may be of assistance in the preparation of courses

STCW Table A-II/1 of Chapter II (STCW 2010 Res. 2)

Specification of minimum standard of competence for officers in charge of a navigational watch on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more

STCW Code Table A-II/1 outlines the competencies required for officers in charge of a navigational watch on ships of 500 GT or more.

Navigation at the Operational Level: The officer in charge of a navigational watch shall demonstrate competence in planning and conducting a passage using appropriate navigational methods including celestial, terrestrial, electronic, radar, and ECDIS-based systems. Proficiency is required in the use of compasses, echo sounders, meteorological instruments, and steering control systems. The officer shall apply knowledge of watchkeeping principles, comply with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), and maintain a safe navigational watch through effective bridge resource management. Competence includes the correct interpretation and use of radar, ARPA, and ECDIS, as well as the use of Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCP) and visual signalling using the International Code of Signals.

Cargo Handling and Stowage at the Operational Level: The officer shall demonstrate knowledge of the procedures for loading, stowage, securing, care during the voyage, and unloading of cargoes, including dangerous and hazardous materials. Competence includes the ability to assess the effect of cargo on ship stability and seaworthiness, and to carry out operations in accordance with established cargo plans, safety regulations, and recognized codes of practice. The officer shall inspect cargo spaces, hatch covers, and associated equipment for damage or defects, identify signs of corrosion, and report findings in accordance with established procedures. Effective communication shall be maintained during Cargo Operations, and safety practices shall be consistently applied.

Controlling the Operation of the Ship and Care for Persons on Board at the Operational Level: The officer shall ensure compliance with requirements for the prevention of pollution in accordance with MARPOL and other relevant conventions. Competence includes maintaining ship stability through the use of stability data, stress tables, and ensuring watertight integrity. The officer shall respond effectively to emergencies, including fire and abandon-ship situations, and demonstrate proficiency in the operation of fire-fighting and life-saving appliances. Knowledge of medical first aid, shipboard safety procedures, and emergency response plans is required. Leadership and teamworking skills shall be applied through task management, resource allocation, and effective communication to maintain the safety of personnel and the vessel.

See STCW Table A-II/1 PDF

STCW Section B-II/1 of Chapter II (STCW 2010 Res. 2)

Guidance regarding the certification of officers in charge of a navigational watch on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more

Summary of STCW Code Section B-II/1: STCW Code Section B-II/1 outlines the certification process for officers in charge of a navigational watch on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more. Candidates must complete a structured training program, including onboard and ashore training, with mandatory seagoing service for competence demonstration. Onboard training is integrated into the overall plan and managed by the ship's company, with prospective officers maintaining a training record book. The Company Training Officer manages the program, while the Shipboard Training Officer organizes practical training. The Master oversees the entire process. Training tasks cover navigation, seamanship, cargo handling, and emergency procedures. Competence is assessed through practical demonstrations, tests, and direct observation, ensuring prospective officers meet the required standards for navigational duties.

See STCW Section B-II/1 PDF

MUST READ:

STCW Regulation II/1 of Chapter II (STCW 2010 Res. 1)

Mandatory Minimum Requirements for Certification of Officers In Charge of a Navigational Watch on Ships of 500 Gross Tonnage or More
  1. Every officer in charge of a navigational watch serving on a seagoing ship of 500 gross tonnage or more shall hold a certificate of competency.
  2. Every candidate for certification shall:
    1. be not less than 18 years of age;
    2. have approved seagoing service of not less than 12 months as part of an approved training programme which includes onboard training that meets the requirements of section A-II/1 of the STCW Code and is documented in an approved training record book, or otherwise have approved seagoing service of not less than 36 months;
    3. have performed, during the required seagoing service, bridge watchkeeping duties under the supervision of the Master or a qualified officer for a period of not less than six months;
    4. meet the applicable requirements of the regulations in chapter IV, as appropriate, for performing designated radio duties in accordance with the Radio Regulations;
    5. have completed approved education and training and meet the standard of competence specified in section A-II/1 of the STCW Code; and
    6. meet the standard of competence specified in section A-VI/1, paragraph 2, section A-VI/2, paragraphs 1 to 4, section A-VI/3, paragraphs 1 to 4 and section A-VI/4, paragraphs 1 to 3 of the STCW Code.

Disclaimer: For general information purpose only - please check with IMO STCW Convention for the latest requirements and accurate info

LAST UPDATED ON Aug 25, 2025