Delayed Enforcement of 2010 Amendments to the STCW Convention
The United States has encountered difficulties in fully implementing the 2010 amendments to the International Convention on Standards for Training, Certification and Watch keeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended (STCW).
U.S Mariners have experienced processing delays in the application for their credentials and difficulty in finding training courses.
As a result Many Mariners face 2017 with a limitation that reads
“Not valid after December 31, 2016”
Stamped on their credentials.
The US is not alone in this. Other countries, signatory to the STCW, are experiencing the same problems.
In recognition of this, the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Maritime Safety Committee, put out a circular called
ADVICE FOR PARTIES, ADMINISTRATIONS, PORT STATE CONTROL AUTHORITIES AND RECOGNIZED ORGANIZATIONS ON ACTION TO BE TAKEN IN CASES WHERE NOT ALL SEAFARERS CARRY CERTIFICATES AND ENDORSEMENTS MEETING THE 2010 MANILA AMENDMENTS TO THE STCW CONVENTION AND CODE FROM 1 JANUARY 2017
In it Administrations and Flag States are urged to take "a pragmatic and practical approach during inspections and to notify the ships, seafarers and Administrations concerned accordingly" and to delay enforcement of the 2010 amendments to the STCW until July 1, 2017.
The United States will follow this guidance and will encourage other port States to do the same.
The National Maritime Center as also Published a Bulletin concerning their processing delays.
Resolve Maritime Academy has all gap closing classes
- Leadership and Management
- Engine Resource Management
- Bridge Resource Management
- MEECE (our approval letter for a 5 day class lasts till February 2018)