STCW Convention

The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended, sets the minimum qualifications for masters, officers, and watch personnel on seagoing ships. The 1995 amendments restructured it into the Convention and the associated STCW Code (Part A mandatory, Part B guidance), and the 2010 Manila amendments updated competence standards, rest-hours, and security training. Parties issue certificates of competency against defined functions and levels, and flag states maintain the white list of those giving full effect. It underpins safe manning and watchkeeping discipline.