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STCW II/4 - Ratings Forming Part of a Navigational Watch (RFPNW) 500 GT or More

IMO STCW 2010 Regulations - Mandatory Minimum Requirements for Certification of Ratings Forming Part of a Navigational Watch (RFPNW)

STCW II/4 Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch (RFPNW) is a qualified rating and Endorsement, designed to fulfill the requirements of the STCW Convention in the deck department of an ocean going vessel. 

For all on ocean going vessels of 500 GT or more, RFPNW is to be duly certified to perform the duties of navigational watch. This certification ensures that personnel have the necessary skills and knowledge to assist with the ship's navigation and maintain safety during watch duties.

Summary of STCW II/4

The STCW Code II/4 Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch (RFPNW) certification is required for crew members to meet the STCW Convention standards on ocean-going vessels of 500 GT or more. Candidates must provide evidence of competence through specified methods, including practical testing. Additional recommended safety training topics include collision regulations, pilot ladder rigging, understanding wheel orders in English, handling survival craft, assisting with berthing and unberthing, basic anchoring, knowledge of dangerous cargo, stowage procedures, and deck maintenance.

To be eligible for the RFPNW certification, candidates must be at least 16 years old and complete the required training or seagoing service. This includes at least six months of experience or two months of special training focused on navigational duties. By fulfilling these competence standards and training requirements, ratings can ensure their readiness to support safe and efficient operations aboard ocean-going vessels, in compliance with STCW regulations.

Please find below the STCW II/4 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/4 - Chapter II (STCW 2010 Res 2)

Mandatory Minimum Requirements for Certification of Ratings Forming Part of a Navigational Watch

Standard of Competence

  1. Every rating forming part of a navigational watch on a seagoing ship of 500 gross tonnage or more shall be required to demonstrate the competence to perform the navigation function at the support level, as specified in column 1 of table A-II/4.
  2. The minimum knowledge, understanding and proficiency required of ratings forming part of a navigational watch on a seagoing ship of 500 gross tonnage or more is listed in column 2 of table A-II/4.
  3. 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 specified in columns 3 and 4 of table A-II/4. The reference to “practical test” in column 3 may include approved shore-based training in which the trainees undergo practical testing.
  4. Where there are no tables of competence for the support level in respect to certain functions, it remains the responsibility of the Administration to determine the appropriate training, assessment and certification requirements to be applied to personnel designated to perform those functions at the support level.

STCW Table A-II/4 of Chapter II (STCW 2010 Res 2)

Specification of minimum standard of competence for ratings forming part of a navigational watch

STCW Table A-II/4 PDF

STCW Code Section B-II/4 - Chapter II (STCW 2010 Res 2)

Guidance regarding the training and certification of ratings forming part of a navigational watch
  1. In addition to the requirements stated in table A-II/4 of this Code, Parties are encouraged, for safety reasons, to include the following subjects in the training of ratings forming part of a navigational watch:
    1. a basic knowledge of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972, as amended;
    2. rigging a pilot ladder;
    3. an understanding of wheel orders given by pilots in English;
    4. training for Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats;
    5. support duties when berthing and unberthing and during towing operations;
    6. a basic knowledge of anchoring;
    7. a basic knowledge of dangerous cargoes;
    8. a basic knowledge of stowage procedures and arrangements for bringing stores on board; and
    9. a basic knowledge of deck maintenance and of tools used on deck.

MUST READ:

STCW Regulation II/4 of Chapter II (STCW 2010 Res 1)

Mandatory Minimum Requirements for Certification of Ratings Forming Part of a Navigational Watch
  1. Every rating forming part of a navigational watch on a seagoing ship of 500 gross tonnage or more, other than ratings under training and ratings whose duties while on watch are of an unskilled nature, shall be duly certificated to perform such duties.
  2. Every candidate for certification shall:
    1. be not less than 16 years of age; .
    2. have completed:
      1. approved seagoing service including not less than six months of training and experience, or
      2. special training, either pre-sea or on board ship, including an approved period of seagoing service which shall not be less than two months; and
    3. meet the standard of competence specified in section A-II/4 of the STCW Code.
  3. The seagoing service, training and experience required by subparagraphs 2.2.1 and 2.2.2 shall be associated with navigational watchkeeping functions and involve the performance of duties carried out under the direct supervision of the master, the officer in charge of the navigational watch or a qualified rating.

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

LAST UPDATED ON Jan 12, 2025