Seafarer’s qualifications and maritime safety – recent developments

On 1 January 2017 amendments to the Convention on Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping of Seafarers 1978 (Part A) – better known as STCW – and the STCW Code (Part B) related to the International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or other Low-Flashpoint Fuels will enter into force. The amendments have already had a significant impact as they require additional certification and training, with refreshing requirements.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has produced two important sources of law on the competence and proper training of seafarers on board: the STCW; and the International Safety Management Code 1993 (ISM Code), incorporated in the International Convention on the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) 1978 as amended and accordingly mandatory for the majority of the vessels undertaking international voyages.