Stcw

Six-Month Grace Period For STCW 95 Compliance

IMO has issued advice to port state control officers that, for a period of six months after the February 1, 2002 implementation deadline for the revised Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW 95), ships whose officers do not hold STCW 95 certificates or flag state endorsements need not be detained. The move comes in recognition of the fact that many seafarers have not yet been able to obtain the necessary certification required by the convention and that Parties to the convention have had difficulties in concluding the arrangements required to process reciprocal recognition endorsements. In a circular letter issued by the 33rd Sub Committee on Standards of Training and Watchkeeping (STW), it is recommended that, until July 31, 2002, port state control officers issue only a warning in cases where a seafarer’s documentation complies with the requirements immediately before February 1, 2002 but is not in accordance with the requirements of STCW 95. Port State control officers are recommended to issue the warnings to the shipping companies concerned only and to notify the seafarers and inform the flag State accordingly. Many delegations expressed their disappointment at the measure, but there was agreement that it in no way altered the implementation date of the Convention and was simply a pragmatic response to what had become a lengthy administrative process

IMO Fishing Boat Protocal Now in Force

The International Convention on Training and Certification for Fishing Vessel Personnel (STCW-F 1995) enters into force. The STCW-F Convention sets the certification and minimum training requirements for crews of seagoing fishing vessels of 24 metres in length and above. The Convention consists of 15 Articles and an annex containing technical regulations. The STCW-F Convention has been ratified by 15 States: Canada, Denmark, Iceland, Kiribati, Latvia, Mauritania, Morocco, Namibia, Norway

Seagull Steps Up to High Voltage Demands

Maritime training specialist Seagull has plugged a growing gap in shipboard expertise by launching new CBT titles targeted at High Voltage electrical systems operation and maintenance. The wider adoption of electrical propulsion, variable speed drives and cold ironing have combined to make shipboard higher voltage systems (above 1,000V) increasingly commonplace in the maritime industry. Two new Seagull courses, CD#0232 and CD#0233

Supplemental Proposed Rule Published on Implementation of the Amendments to STCW

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Coast Guard today announced the publication in the Federal Register of a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking on implementation of the 1995 Amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) for Seafarers, 1978, and changes to domestic endorsements. This proposed rule enhances maritime safety by ensuring U.S. mariners meet the standards laid out in the STCW Convention

VMT on IMO’s Recognition of Survival Craft Simulation

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has approved proposed changes to the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW ‘95) Convention at a Diplomatic Conference in Manila, Philippines. Acceptance of the amended STCW Convention and its associated Codes means simulators have been formally recognized as a suitable tool for survival craft training. Virtual Marine Technology, manufacturer of SurvivalQuestTM

LA/LB Issues Tug Escort Proposal

The California Office of Spill Prevention and Response (OSPR) issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) regarding guidelines for tank vessel escorts for Los Angeles/Long Beach Harbors. A public meeting will be held in Long Beach on June 15. Written comments on the NPRM should be submitted by the same date. The Proposed Amendments would, among other things, impose STCW hours of rest requirements on tug crews, even though the STCW does not directly apply to the tugs

Transas Holds Most Advanced Certificates

On December 18, 2012 Det Norske Veritas (Norway) issued statement of compliance for the Transas navigational and DP simulators.   As a result, the Transas Navi-Trainer Professional 5000 holds the most advanced certificates set in the maritime simulator industry; it has been certified as a Bridge Operation Simulator Class A with class notation “Integrated simulator system, NAUT AW (SIM), DYNPOS – AUT (SIM), HSC, TUG, ICE

IMO's STW 44 Committee to Consider ISM Code Amendment

The International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Sub-Committee on Standards of Training & Watchkeeping (STW 44) agenda items. The meeting is held from 29 April to 3 May 2013 in London and BIMCO’s Marine Department will be present. The Sub-Committee on Standards of Training and Watchkeeping aims through the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), to set the standards of competence for seafarers internationally

Qualification for U.S. Deck and Engineering Ratings

The U.S. Coast Guard's National Maritime Center has issued a Policy Letter entitled Qualifications for Deck and Engineering Ratings. The letter clarifies requirements relating to qualification as an able seaman or as a watchstanding qualified member of the engineering department (QMED) and either an STCW certification as a rating forming part of a navigational watch (RFPNW) or an engineering watch (RFPEW).

Canada Proposes Amendments to MTSR

Transport Canada published proposed amendments to the Maritime Transportation Security Regulations (MTSR). The proposal, if adopted, would implement for Canada recent changes to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW Convention) and require that the vessel security officer (VSO) have a certificate of proficiency. Comments on the proposal should be submitted by November 12. [Source: HK Law]