Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping

STCW was adopted by IMO in 1978 and significantly updated by the 1995 and 2010 Manila Amendments. It establishes minimum competency standards for masters, deck officers, engineer officers, and ratings, including mandatory basic safety training (BST) covering personal survival, fire prevention, first aid, and personal safety. The STCW Code (Parts A and B) details the required proficiencies and minimum rest periods. Seafarers' certificates must be recognised by flag states through their national maritime administrations.