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STCW Certificate Requirements According to Duties Performed Onboard


Other STCW Certificates According to Function Performed Onboard and /or Type of Vessel



STCW Certificates Required for Seaferes According to Certain Duties:


Requirements for Crew Members with Designated Safety or Pollution Prevention Duties in the Ship Operations

According to the International Safety Management Code (ISM Code), the responsibility and authority of the designated person or persons should include monitoring the safety and pollution prevention aspects of the operation of each ship and to ensure that adequate resources and shore based support are applied, as required.


      Table:Certificates and training requirements - Designated person, safety & pollution control


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Following certificates required for crew members that are not certified under the STCW 2010 Convention or do not have designated safety or pollution prevention duties in the operation of the ship

non designated person certificates
      Table:Certificates and training requirements - Non designated person, safety & pollution control

Note: STCW Convention only requires medical certi­cates and Basic Training for seafarers certi­ed under the convention or carrying out safety duties. The 2006 ILO MLC requires all seafarers have medicals, Reg 1.2 and successfully completed training for personal safety on board ship, Reg 1.3.


Requirements for Seafarers In Charge of Survival Craft or Rescue Boats (other than Fast Rescue Boats)

For Seafarers who are assigned to crew a ship's or offshore installation's lifeboat and rescue boat, other than a fast rescue boat, with the knowledge and skills to safely and efficiently launch and take charge of the lifeboat and rescue boat in emergency situations.


      Table:Certificates and training requirements - Survival craft or rescue boat


Requirements if Designated as Crew of a Fast Rescue Boat

For all supply vessel and workboat personnel who are designated with utility boat and/or rescue responsibilities with the knowledge and skills to safely carry out these duties.


      Table:Certificates and training requirements - Fast rescue boat


Requirements if Designated to Control Fire Fighting Operations

For deck and engineering officers who are designated to control fire fighting operations on board a ship with particular attention paid to organisation, tactics and command.


      Table:Certificates and training requirements - Fire fighting operations



Requirements if Designated to Provide Medical Care

Every seafarer who is designated to take charge of Medical Care on board ship shall be required to demonstrate the competence to undertake the tasks, duties and responsibilities.


      Table:Certificates and training requirements - Medical care


Requirements if Designated with Security Duties

This is for seafarers, with exception of the Ship Security Officer, who is responsible for specific safety tasks. 


      Table:Certificates and training requirements - Designated security duties


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Requirements if Designated as the Ship Security Officer

The Ship Security officer (SSO) ensures both the Security of the ship as well as the implementation and support of the Ship Security Plan. The SSO in association with the Company Security Officer (CSO) will ensure the safety awareness of the crew on board.


      Table:Certificates and training requirements - Ship security officer


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Requirements for Personnel Working on Passenger Ships Engaged in International Voyages

Training and qualifications of masters, officers, ratings and other personnel on passenger ships engaged on international voyages. Also before being assigned shipboard duties, all persons serving on a passenger ship shall meet the requirements of section A-VI/1, paragraph 1 of the STCW Code


      Table:Certificates and training requirements - International voyage


Requirements for Personnel Working on a Tanker

Training and certification required for personnel assigned for specific duties and responsibilities related to Cargo or cargo equipment - loading, discharging, care in transit, handling, tank cleaning and other cargo related operations on oil/chemical tankers.


      Table:Certificates and training requirements - Tanker


Requirements for Master, Chief Mate, and OICNW Serving in Polar Waters


Anti Piracy Training

  • Anti piracy training for all crew will be dependent on the area the vessel operates in and may be incorporated into the security training required under the ISPS code at the discretion of the flag state and company.


Additional Non-Mandatory Training - STCW 2010

  • B-V/a - Additional training for masters and chief mates of large ships and ships with unusual manoeuvring characteristics
  • B-V/b - Training of officers and ratings responsible for cargo handling on ships carrying dangerous and hazardous substances in solid form in bulk
  • B-V/c - Training of officers and ratings responsible for cargo handling on ships carrying dangerous and hazardous substances in package form
  • B-V/d - Application of the provisions of the STCW Convention to mobile offshore units (MOUs)
  • B-V/e - Training and qualifications of masters and officers in charge of a Navigational watch on board offshore supply vessels
  • B-V/f -  Training and experience for personnel operating dynamic positioning systems

You may also read: Sections B-V/a to B-V/f (PDF) under our STCW Code section

Note: “Section B-V/g” is renamed as “Section B-V/4


Note: C/R - Certificates Required, D/P Documentary Proof, T/O Training Onboard, E/R Endorsement Required


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