New Requirements for Seafarers starting from 01.07.2013

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16 June 2013

The 2010 Manila amendments to the STCW Convention constitute a comprehensive package of changes and have led to a number of new requirements. Some requirements have already entered into force; some become effective within a 5-year transition period. The next important date arises in the second half of 2013. Time for shipping companies to have another look at the amendments, to check if everything is in compliance and see what can be expected next.

One of the biggest challenges for shipping companies is the daily rest hour minimums. As the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC 2006) will come into force later than expected the strict guidelines relating to rest hours have already been put into place through the Manila Amendments to the STCW Convention. Although a big wave of port state control inspections has not yet happened, with the entry into force of the MLC 2006 on 20.08.2013 more tightened inspections can be expected.

Another next important date is the 01.07.2013. From then all training institutes will have to implement the Manila amendments in their programme. This includes that nautical and technical officers are now obliged to increase their knowledge regarding Bridge and Engine Resource Management, Leadership and Teamworking Skills and Marine Environmental Awareness. The new competencies are part of the requirements of nautical and technical officers and will be trained as part of the nautical and ship operational apprenticeships in the seafarer schools.

For seafarers the 5-year transition period through to 2017 will require some preparation. All of the new requirements will have to be included into the vocational training for officers. As an example for nautical officers the requirements for ECDIS training have been intensified and for technical officers new requirements regarding Medium Voltage Installations now apply. Those officers who seek to revalidate their certificate of competencies need to prove that they have obtained the new requirements by additional training. Flag States may endorse new CoC with restrictions, if said requirements have not been obtained.

With the Manila Amendments new standards for deck and engine ratings have also been adopted, which simply stated means means higher quality. If someone wishes to sail as an Able Seafarer Deck (AB Deck) or Able Seafarer Engine (AB Engine), he or she needs to be trained and educated according to the STCW standard. With this decision the IMO meets concerns in regards to the advancing technologies in thse areas and the need for focused training to improve safety on board ships.

Being in compliance with the amendments

In order to be in compliance with the Manila amendments and the resulting requirements and to be in time with all changes GL Academy helps customers by offering courses covering all of these topics.

STCW 2010 Implementation Workshop

In this workshop participants will improve their expertise on the STCW Convention and Code and receive the theoretical knowledge and skills to implement the new requirements for ships’ crews, shipping companies as well as for shipping administrations and to ensure compliance. In practical case studies the participants will learn how to make the necessary adjustments to an existing management system and, with the use of the accompanying documentation and helpful tools, to ensure the implementation of the new requirements during daily routine.

Marine Environmental Awareness Course

With the 2010 Manila Amendments, various new requirements for seafarers were added to the STCW Convention. Chapters II and III of the STCW Code mention the competence “ensure compliance with prevention pollution requirements” as part of the function: “Controlling the operation of a ship and care for persons on board at the operational level“. In addition, the competence “takes precautions to prevent pollution of the marine environment” is part of the basic training in chapter VI. In response to these new requirements for marine environment awareness training the IMO validated an appropriate model course.

This course specifically focuses on the contribution of the human element to the prevention of pollution and covers the relevant information for participants to demonstrate the intention to observe procedures for monitoring ship-board operations and ensure compliance with the requirements for environmental protection.

This course is based on the requirements of IMO Model Course 1.38 “Marine Environmental Awareness” and those who have successfully completed the course will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the importance of preventing pollution in the marine environment. They will have better understanding of the effects of shipping on the environment which will lead to better compliance with regulations and better use of technical installations and procedures.

Security Awareness Training for Seafarers with Designated Security Duties

The transitional provisions under STCW 1978, as amended, section A-VI/6 is only applicable for seafarers who commenced an approved seagoing service prior to 1 January 2014. Until 1 January 2014, seafarers with designated security duties who commenced an approved seagoing service prior to 1 January 2014 shall be able to demonstrate competence to undertake the tasks, duties and responsibilities listed in column 1 of STCW table A-VI/6-2 by:

– approved seagoing service as shipboard personnel with designated security duties, for a period of at least six months in total during the preceding three years; or
– having performed security functions considered to be equivalent to the seagoing service; or
– passing an approved test; or
– successfully completing approved training

The course provides participants with the knowledge required for seafarers with designated security duties in connection with a Ship Security Plan (SSP) to perform their duties in accordance with the requirements of Chapter XI-2 of SOLAS 74 as amended, the ISPS Code, and section A-VI/6 of the STCW Code, as amended.

The course addresses to seafarers or other shipboard personnel, such as armed guards, likely to have designated security duties in connection with the Ship Security Plan and shore-based personnel involved in ship security.

Source: GL Academy News

Translation By: Huseyin Sahin