Changes to Competence Tables
Various changes to the STCW Competence Tables are included in the Manila Amendments. Important examples include the need for deck officers to be competent in the use of ECDIS and for engineer officers to be able to operate pollution prevention equipment. More generally, additional emphasis is given to environment management.
Changes to minimum rest hours
The STCW Convention also covers watchkeeping arrangements. This includes seafarers’ minimum rest periods to prevent fatigue and ensure seafarers are fit for duty. The STCW minimum rest hours are now harmonised with the work hour requirements adopted by the International Labour Organization including the ILO Maritime Labour Convention (MLC).
The new IMO rest hour requirements came into force in January 2012 and introduced stricter minimum requirements than those currently in force. The main changes are as follows:
* Minimum amount of rest in any seven-day period is increased to 77 hours from 70 hours;
* Seafarers must always have 10 hours rest in any 24-hour period with no exceptions, except during an emergency;
* It is now mandatory to maintain records of each individual seafarers’ rest hours, which may be inspected during Port State Control inspections; and
* The rest hour limits now apply to most seafarers on board, including masters, not only watchkeepers as had previously been the case.
From January 2012, seafarers have been required to review and sign a record of their work/rest hours periodically (typically at least once a month) to ensure they comply with the minimum rest hours stipulated.
Leadership and teamwork
For deck and engine officers, substantial new competence requirements related to leadership, teamwork and managerial skills have been added. Assertiveness training for all seafarers has also been included, given its importance not only for those who have to direct operations but also for those in lower grades who may have to communicate on safety matters with senior officers, the master and/or shore personnel.
Training record books
It will be mandatory for all deck and engine rating trainees to demonstrate competence through the use of on-board training record books, with completion to be supervised by officers responsible for on board training (in addition to the existing requirements applicable to officer trainees).
Mandatory security training
As well as specific training and certification requirements for ship security officers, new security familiarisation and training requirements have been introduced for all grades of shipboard personnel. Seafarers may be compliant with these new security requirements through seagoing service or previous training.
Refresher training
An important feature of the Manila Amendments is the additional emphasis given to the need for seafarers’ standards of competence to be maintained throughout their careers. All seafarers are now required to provide evidence of appropriate levels of competence in basic safety training (including survival, firefighting, first aid, and personal safety)every five years. Much of this refresher training can be conducted on board but some will require training at shore-based institutions.
Seafarers who hold certificates of proficiency in survival craft, rescue boats (CPSC) and fast rescue boats or advanced firefighting will also have to show that they have maintained their levels of competence in these skills every five years.
Tanker training
STCW now contains new, comprehensive Competence Tables for training in oil, chemical and gas tanker operations, at both basic and advanced levels. New guidance has also been developed for crew on offshore support vessels and all ships in polar waters.
New seafarer grades
and certification
STCW 2010 introduces extensive training and certification requirements for the new grades of “Able Seafarer Deck” and “Able Seafarer Engine”. These are in addition to the current navigational and engine watch rating requirements which are otherwise unchanged.
New competence standards and certification for the position of electro-technical officer and electro-technical rating’ have also been established, in recognition of a position already widely established, particularly in the passenger ship industry.
It should be noted that there are many interchangeable competencies between the Able Seafarer Engine and the Electro-Technical Rating. It is therefore possible to consider the Electro-Technical Rating aspects as a supplement to the Able Seafarer Engine training, which should contribute to career development for such seafarers and might enhance the flexibility of their role on board.
Medical standards
Additional medical fitness standards and requirements for certification have been introduced.
Prevention of unsafe alcohol use
These include a specific limit of 0.05 per cent blood alcohol level or 0.25mg/l alcohol in the breath.
