1. ONGOING COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE STCW CONVENTION AND CODEby
Captain Ashok Mahapatra
Head, Maritime Training and Human Element Section
Maritime Safety Division
International Maritime Organization

2. INTRODUCTION STCW Convention adopted in 1978
Recognized in late 1980’s, it was not achieving its intended purpose
Series of accidents led to a decision in 1993 to extensively revise the STCW Convention
1995 amendments resulted in a competence-based training and assessment rather than knowledge based
Defined skills, knowledge, understanding and abilities to ensure that individuals were capable of fulfilling there roles on board

3. Comprehensive review of the STCW Convention and Code
PRINCIPLES
Retain the structure and goals of the 1995 revision
Do not down scale existing standards
Do not amend the articles of the Convention
Address inconsistencies, interpretations, outdated provisions, MSC instructions, clarifications already issued and technological advances
Address requirements for effective communication

4. Comprehensive review of the STCW Convention and Code
PRINCIPLES (Cont)
Provide for flexibility in terms of compliance and for required levels of training, certification and watchkeeping arrangements due to innovation in technology
Address the special character and circumstances of short sea shipping and the offshore industry
Address security-related issues

5. AREAS TO BE COVERED Fraudulent certificates Definitions
Near-coastal voyages
Communication of information (White list process)
Tanker training requirements
Able seafarer

6. AREAS TO BE COVERED
Amendments to the STCW Convention and Code so as to include security-related provisions
Master and deck department
Engine Department
Emergency, occupational safety, medical care and survival functions

7. AREAS TO BE COVERED Alternative certification Watchkeeping STCW Code
Pleasure - and commercially operated yachts

8. TIMELINE
Complete the comprehensive review along with appropriate amendments to the STCW Convention and Code - STW 41 (January 2010)
Adoption - Diplomatic Conference in Manila, Philippines (June 2010)
Anticipated entry into force date - 1 January 2012

9. LEADERSHIP TRAINING
Essential - value of shipping assets, working environment, risk/reward ratio, world community expectations place ever greater demands on owners, managers and seafarers
Criminalization of seafarers - personal liability / rights and obligations
Industry to focus on and promote the qualities of leadership and apply leadership training
Retaining ship-board personnel
Simultaneous leadership training for both ship - and shore - based staff to ensure effective communication

10. MANPOWER SHORTAGE Shortage of seafarers – cause for concern
BIMCO/ISF study predicts estimated shortfall of 27,000 officers by 2015
Raise profile
Encourage young persons to take up careers at sea
Russian Federation well placed to fill the gap

11. THANK YOU