STCW Courses

DEFINITIONS / STCW;

In fact International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, as amended, sets the standards of competence for seafarers internationally.

Seafarers Certifications

Term ‘certificates’ covers all official documents required under STCW.

In other words, Certificates are the main evidence you have to prove that your level of maritime education and training, length of service at sea, professional competence, medical fitness and age comply with STCW standards.

Certificate of competence

This certificate is issued to captains, officers, radio operators and ratings that form part of a watch that meets standards competence related to their specific functions and levels Responsibility on board.

Endorsement

Which document issued to masters and officers as part of the certificate or as a separate document.

So, certifies that the national certificate has been issued in accordance with all STCW requirements.

Recognition approval

This certificate is issued by one authority to formally recognize the validity of a certificate issued by another authority.

So, this procedure is necessary as many merchant ships employ seafarers who are certified by other administrations.

Certificates of proficiency

These are documents issued to the seafarer to certify that he or she has met the required standard of competence in a specific duty.

Such certficates include certificates for personnel serving on certain types of ship (tankers, and passenger ships) and for those assigned with safety, security and pollution prevention duties.

Documentary evidence

Before you join a ship make sure you have all the valid certificates you need to cover the functions you will be performing on board.

So, this documentary evidence is proof of your competence and will be subject to inspection by the master, flag state and port state inspectors.

And also that means to obtain an STCW certificate you first need to successfully complete a training programme approved by the issuing administration or to complete a period of approved seagoing service.

General requirements for officers 

Finally, If you are an officer, you must meet minimum requirements in respect of standards of competence, seagoing service time, medical fittness and age.

This means that you should be in possession of a valid certificate of competence according to your rank and functions on-board.