FAQ

 Vessel operators work on all types of vessels that serve the coastal network of ports along the coasts, outer islands, and territories. They also attend to vessels at ports and jetty terminals on behalf of the owners.

As the owner, they are entitled to the profits generated by the vessel and are responsible for its maintenance, insurance, and any other related costs. On the other hand, a vessel operator is a company that operates the vessel on behalf of the owner.

Vessel owner or operator means the legal owner of a vessel and/or the charterer or other person in charge of the day-to-day operation. A vessel Operator and Vessel Owner are two distinct roles in the maritime industry, each with their own responsibilities and functions. Though there are overlaps in their roles, there are separate duties each of them perform: A Vessel Operator responsible for managing the daily operations and commercial aspects of a ships or fleet of vessels. Vessel Operators responsibilities include: Navigation and Voyage Planning. Ensuring the vessels follows the most efficient and safe routes. Chartering: Negotiating and entering into contracts with the charterers to lease the vessel for a specific period or voyage. Cargo Handling: Coordinating the loading, stowage, and unloading of cargoes at ports, as well as managing any cargo related issues. Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring that all vessels adhere to all relevant maritime regulations, including safety, environmental pollutions and customs requirements. A Vessel Owner is an individual or company that owns a vessel or a fleet of vessels. The vessel owner is responsible for: Financing: Acquiring the necessary fund to purchase or build a vessel and cover its operational costs. Risk Management: Insuring the vessel and cargo against potential losses, damages or liabilities. Investment Decision: Deciding whether to buy or sell vessels, invests in upgrades or expand the fleet. Overall Performance: Monitoring the profitability and performance of the vessels and making strategic/sound decisions to maximize returns. Crew Management: Ensuring that adequate resources or funds are provided to crew the vessels with trained and qualified personnel. Ship Maintenance: Overseeing by funding regular maintenance and repairs to keep the vessel in optimal conditions.

Planning & coordination. Daily planning and coordination of voyages, load & discharge operations and stowage plans. Checking bunkers requirement, cargo intakes, itineraries and all other matters having an impact on the respective voyage. Vessel instructions and handling. The operator is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the ship, including crewing, chartering, and cargo handling. They may also be responsible .

This document is issued to masters, officers, radio operators and ratings forming part of a watch who meet the standards of competence relevant to their particular functions and level of responsibility on-board.

A document issued to masters and officers, either as part of the certificate or as a separate document. This attests (endorses) that the national certificate has been issued in accordance with all STCW requirements. However, due to the ongoing problem with fraudulently issued certificates, the amended 2010 STCW Convention has made substantial changes in regulation I/2 to tighten up on the endorsement process. It is now required that all endorsements are only issued by the administration after fully verifying the authenticity of any certificates and documentary evidence, and the candidate has fulfilled all requirements and has the standard of competence for the capacity identified in the endorsement. There is also a requirement to ensure there is proper approval of the equivalent seagoing service and training and also to maintain a database of certification registration with a controlled electronic access.

This endorsement certificate is issued by an administration as an official recognition of the validity of a certificate issued by another administration. This procedure is necessary as many merchant fleets are manned by seafarers certificated by other administrations. In other words, if you hold a certificate from country ‘x’ , but you are serving on a ship registered in country ‘y’ , then you need to apply to the maritime administration of country ‘y’ for a certificate authorizing you to serve on ships registered under its flag. Under the 2010-amended STCW Convention regulation I/2 all seafarers serving on foreign ships must obtain an endorsement.

These are documents issued to the seafarer to certify that he or she has met the required standard of competence in a specific duty. These certificates include certificates for personnel serving on certain types of ship (tankers, and passenger ships) and for those assigned with safety, security and pollution prevention duties. It certifies that the holder meets STCW standards of competence in specific functions related to safety, care of persons, or cargo.

This is a document which is not necessarily issued or recognized by the administration (and is not, therefore, called a certificate). Documents issued by the ship-owner or master of the vessel to attest that the seafarer has participated in a safety drill or has completed some type of training (for example familiarization training) are examples of documentary evidence. It is important to keep these documents since they are one of the accepted ways of demonstrating that you have achieved proficiency in a given task (basic safety training, for example). Where such evidence is not available of on-board training and experience you will be required to undergo a five yearly refresher course in personal survival and fire prevention and fire fighting.

If you are an officer, you must meet minimum requirements in respect of standards of competence, seagoing service time, medical fitness and age. You should be in possession of a valid certificate of competence according to your rank and functions on-board. This certificate should be endorsed (in the same certificate or in a separate document) by the issuing administration. You should also have all the ancillary certificates required such as radar or ARPA, GMDSS, and those referring to safety duties on-board specific types of ships. Part 2 and part 3 of this section will give you guidance as to what certificates officers require. To know the exact requirements and standards of competence for each certificate you should consult chapters II (master and deck department), III (engine department), IV (radio personnel), V (training requirements for personnel on certain types of ships), VI (emergency, occupational safety, medical care and survival functions) of the STCW Convention. These chapters should be read in conjunction with the respective section of part A of the STCW Code.

Certificates for masters, officers and radio operators must be endorsed by the issuing administration and re-validated at intervals not exceeding five years. Certificates issued under STCW standards should be upgraded to the 2010-amended STCW standards before January 2017 (see section 4). Other certificates for specialised training are subject to refresher training (see part 2 in this section).

If you intend to serve on ships registered under the flag of a foreign country, then you need an endorsement of recognition issued by the administration of that country. Some administrations may also require an endorsement of recognition for specialized training certificates. In some instances, administrations from other countries will only recognize training which has been completed at specific training establishments in your country of origin. If in doubt, ask the foreign administration if it has any requirements in this respect.

If you eventually want to opt for the next higher certificate you will need to meet a number of requirements, including approved training and education, minimum age, approved seagoing service and medical fitness.

All officers need to complete a period of ship-specific and security familiarization training before being assigned any shipboard functions. There is no certificate awarded for this, but a record of the training should be kept in the ship’s official logbook. This requirement applies to any member of the crew, including hotel staff holding officer rank in passenger ships.

Officers serving on any type of ship who are designated with safety and pollution prevention responsibilities in the operation of the ship need basic safety training. Such training must cover personal survival techniques, basic fire prevention and fire fighting, elementary first aid, and personal and social responsibilities. This requirement applies to practically all officers serving on merchant ships. Cadets assigned with these duties also need to complete basic safety training before going to sea. Basic safety training should be documented as having taken place within five years of the officers being assigned to safety and pollution prevention duties. You need to complete an approved training course or provide evidence that you have achieved the required standards of competence within the previous five years (by participating in drills and exercises, for example, or assessment by a qualified assessor). It is advisable that you do hold some form of documentary evidence to show that you have achieved competence in these functions within the previous five years (this may be in the form of record of drills or letters from a training centre).

All ships must have a qualified security officer delegated by the company and master of the ship, who is responsible for ensuring that the other crew are familiarized and trained in security matters for that vessel. The revised convention has introduced bridge resource management and engine resource management requirements for senior officers and leadership and management skills within their certificate. Companies should be responsible for providing training in these areas where seafarers do not have appropriate training. Where the company requires to carry an electro-technical officer they should comply with the new competency requirements under A-III/6.

What are the gene Ratings fall under three general categories; those forming part of a watch (deck or engine), those who are not assigned watch-keeping duties, and those undergoing training. As a rating you are required to meet minimum standards of medical fitness, minimum age (if designated with watch-keeping duties), competence (if designated with watch-keeping duties), and seagoing service time (if designated with watch- keeping duties). Ratings who are not assigned watch-keeping duties or those still undergoing training are not required to hold watch-keeping certificates. All other certification requirements for ratings depend on the functions performed on board. Part 2 and part 3 of this section will give you guidance as to what certificates you require, depending on the function you perform and the type of ship you are serving on. If you want to know the exact standards of competence you should meet, consult chapters II (master and deck department), III (engine department), IV (radio personnel), V (training requirements for personnel on certain types of ships), VI (emergency, occupational safety, medical care and survival functions) of the STCW Convention. These chapters should be read in conjunction with the respective section of part A of the STCW Code.

Ratings forming part of a watch (deck or engine) need to be specifically certified for this function. If you are part of a navigational watch, you need to hold a certificate known as ‘rating forming part of a navigational watch’ certificate. On the other hand, if you are part of an engineering watch, you will need to hold a certificate known as ‘rating forming part of an engineering watch’ certificate. To obtain these certificates you need to show that you are competent in the functions set out in the following paragraphs. You can find the complete version of these in the STCW Convention under section A-II/4 for deck personnel and A-III/4 for engine personnel. Seafarers who have the appropriate competencies to become able seafarer deck or able seafarer engine under the new provisions II/5 and III/5 must first have become proficient watch-keepers. However if you served for a period of not less than one year as a rating in the relevant capacity before the convention came into force for the administration issuing your certificate then you may be considered to meet the competence requirements and will be certified accordingly, without needing to undergo any further training. The above may also apply to integrated ratings under the new provisions of VII/2.4.

You should meet the competence requirements stated below. These do not apply to ratings on ships of below 500 gross tonnages. You must be able to: Steer the ship and comply with helm orders issued in English (covers the use of magnetic and gyro compasses, helm orders, change over from automatic pilot to hand steering device and vice-versa). Keep a proper look-out by sight and hearing (covers the responsibilities of a look-out including reporting the approximate bearing of a sound signal, light or other object in degrees or points). Contribute to monitoring and controlling a safe watch (covers shipboard terms and definitions, use of internal communication and alarm systems, have the ability to understand orders and to communicate with the officer of the watch in matters relevant to watch-keeping duties, be familiar with the procedures for the relief, maintenance and hand-over of a watch, the information required to maintain a safe watch and basic environmental protection procedures). Operate emergency equipment and apply emergency procedures (covers knowledge of emergency duties and alarm signals, knowledge of pyrotechnic distress signals, satellite EPIRB’s and SARTS, avoidance of false distress alerts and action to be taken in the event of accidental activation).

If you are part of an engineering watch you should meet the competence requirements stated below. The requirements are the same as for STCW-95. They do not apply to ratings on ships of below 750kW in propulsion power. You need to be able to: Carry out a watch routine appropriate to the duties of a rating forming part of an engine room watch, and communicate effectively in matters related to watch-keeping duties (covers terms used in machinery spaces and the names of machinery and equipment, engine-room watch-keeping procedures, safe working practices in engine-room operations, basic environmental protection procedures, use of internal communications systems, engine room alarm systems, and ability to distinguish between the various alarms with special reference to fire extinguishing gas alarms). Keep a boiler watch and maintain the correct water level and steam pressure (covers safe operation of boilers). Operate emergency equipment and apply emergency procedures (covers knowledge of emergency duties, escape routes from machinery spaces, familiarity with the location and the use of fire fighting equipment in machinery areas).

Progression through the ranks, particularly from rating to officer, is possible under STCW. However, you will need to complete approved seagoing service and complete an approved programme of training. Under the 2010 STCW Convention the requirement for training books is extended to the able seafarer deck or engine. Under the old system it was possible to progress through the ranks based on seagoing service time only but this is no longer applicable.

Ratings serving on any type of ship who are designated with safety, security and pollution prevention responsibilities in the operation of the ship need basic safety training. This covers personal survival techniques, basic fire prevention and fire fighting, elementary first aid, and personal and social responsibilities. This requirement applies to practically all ratings serving on merchant ships as well as to ratings undergoing training. Basic safety training should be documented as having taken place within five years of a rating’s being assigned to safety and pollution prevention duties. You need to complete an approved training course or provide evidence that you have attained the required standards of competence within the previous five years (by participating in drills and exercises, for example, or assessment by a qualified assessor). There is no requirement for seafarers to hold an official certificate of basic training, but it is advisable that you possess some form of documentary evidence to show that you have attained competence in these functions within the previous five years (record of drills or letters from a training centre).

Certificates for ratings forming part of a watch are not subject to revalidation. Other certificates are subject to refresher training (see part 2 in this Section).

Under the convention, certificated watch-keeping ratings are not required to have an endorsement of recognition when serving on ships registered under the flag of another country. However, the administrations of some foreign countries require and issue endorsements for ratings forming part of a watch and other certificates relating to specific functions (tanker training, for example). Ask your employer (ship-owner or manning agent), or the respective administration directly to find out whether you need to obtain an endorsement of recognition. In some cases, an endorsement of recognition for a specialized certificate will only be issued if the training has been completed at a training centre approved by the administration of the foreign country. Again, if in doubt, ask the administration for any requirements in this respect.

All ratings need to complete a period of ship-specific familiarization training, including security before being assigned any shipboard functions. There is no certificate awarded for this, but a record should be kept of it in the ship’s official logbook. This requirement applies to any member of the crew, including hotel staff in passenger ships.

Masters on ships of 3,000 gross tonnage or more must: Previous certificate & seagoing service: meet requirements for certification as an officer in charge of a navigational watch on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more and have at least 36 months approved seagoing service in that capacity; however, this period may be reduced to not less than 24 months if not less than 12 months of such seagoing service has been served as chief mate. Education & Training: have completed a period of approved education and training and meet the standard of competence specified in section A-II/2 of the STCW Code for masters on ships of 3,000 gross tonnage or more.

All ratings need to complete a period of ship-specific familiarization training, including security before being assigned any shipboard functions. There is no certificate awarded for this, but a record should be kept of it in the ship’s official logbook. This requirement applies to any member of the crew, including hotel staff in passenger ships.

Masters on ships of 3,000 gross tonnage or more must: Previous certificate & seagoing service: meet requirements for certification as an officer in charge of a navigational watch on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more and have at least 36 months approved seagoing service in that capacity; however, this period may be reduced to not less than 24 months if not less than 12 months of such seagoing service has been served as chief mate. Education & Training: have completed a period of approved education and training and meet the standard of competence specified in section A-II/2 of the STCW Code for masters on ships of 3,000 gross tonnage or more.

The Masters on ships of 500 – 3,000 gross tonnage must have: Previous certificate & seagoing service: meet requirements for certification as an officer in charge of a navigational watch on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more and have at least 36 months approved seagoing service in that capacity; however, this period may be reduced to not less than 24 months if not less than 12 months of such seagoing service has been served as chief mate. Education & training: have completed a period of approved education and training and meet the standard of competence specified in section A-II/2 of the STCW Code for masters on ships of between 500 and 3,000 gross tonnage.

Masters on ships of less than 500 gross tonnage must: Age: be not less than 20 years of age. Seagoing service: have approved seagoing service of not less than 12 months as officer in charge of a navigational watch. Education & Training: have completed a period of approved education and training and meet the standard of competence specified in section A-II/3 of the STCW Code for masters on ships of less than 500 gross tonnage engaged in near-coastal voyages.

Chief mates on ships of 3,000 gross tonnage or more must: Previous certificate & seagoing service: meet requirements for certification as an officer in charge of a navigational watch on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more and have at least 12 months approved seagoing service in that capacity. Education & training: have completed approved education and training and meet the standard of competence specified in section A-II/2 of the STCW Code for masters and chief mates on ships of 3,000 gross tonnage or more. Chief mates on ships of 500 — 3,000 gross tonnage must: a) Education & training: have completed a period of approved education and training and meet the standard of competence specified in section A- II/2 of the STCW Code for masters and chief mates on ships of between 500 and 3,000 gross tonnage. Note: The master and chief mate competencies now include bridge resource management and require leadership, teamwork and management skills.

Officers in charge of a navigational watch on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more must: Age: be not less than 18 years of age. Seagoing service: have approved seagoing service of not less than one year as part of an approved training programme, including onboard training. This training must meet the requirements of section A-II/1 of the STCW Code and be documented in an approved training record book. Otherwise, the seafarer must have approved seagoing service of not less than 36 months. Bridge watch-keeping duties: have performed, during the required seagoing service, bridge watch-keeping duties under the supervision of the master or a qualified officer for a period of not less than six months. Radio duties: meet the applicable requirements of the regulations in chapter IV (GMDSS), as appropriate, for performing designated radio duties in accordance with the radio regulations. Education and Training: have completed a period of approved education and training and meet the standard of competence specified in section A-II/1 of the STCW Code.

Officers in charge of a navigational watch on ships of less than 500 gross tonnage must: Ships not engaged on near-coastal voyages: Certificate: hold an appropriate certificate for ships of 500 gross tonnage or more. Age: be not less than 18 years of age. Ships engaged on near coastal voyages: Age: be not less than 18 years of age. Seagoing service: have completed special training, including an appropriate period of seagoing service as required by the administration, or approved seagoing service in the deck department of not less than 36 months. Radio duties: meet the applicable requirements of the regulations in chapter IV (GMDSS), as appropriate, for performing designated radio duties in accordance with the Radio Regulations. Education & training: have completed a period of approved education and training and meet the standard of competence specified in section A-II/3 of the STCW Code for officers in charge of a navigational watch on ships of less than 500 gross tonnage engaged in near-coastal voyages. Note: All navigational officers must now have thorough knowledge of and ability to use ECDIS.

General requirements to obtain a certificate of competency as a GMDSS operator Age: be not less than 18 years of age. Education & training: have completed a period of approved education and training and meet the standard of competence.

General requirements to obtain a certificate of competency as a rating forming part of a navigational watch Applies only for service on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more. The rating must: Age: be not less than 16 years of age. Seagoing service: have completed approved seagoing service, including not less than six months' training and experience, or Education & training: have received special training, either pre-sea or onboard ship, including an approved period of seagoing service which shall not be less than two months; and Competence: meet the standard of competence specified in section A-II/4.

  General requirements to obtain a certificate of competency as an able seafarer deck Applies only for service on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more. The rating must: Age: be not less than 18 years of age. Meet the requirements for certification as a rating forming part of a navigational watch. Seagoing service: have completed 18 months approved seagoing service in the deck department, or 12 months and completed approved training. Education & training: onboard training documented in a training book or approved training ashore with a minimum of 12 months sea service. Competence: meet the standard of competence specified in section A-II/5. Note: There are also alternative training options for integrated ratings in A-VII/2, and seafarers should make enquires with their national administrations.

  General requirements to obtain a certificate of competency as a chief engineer Chief engineer officers on ships powered by main propulsion machinery of 3,000 kW propulsion power or more must: Previous certificate & seagoing service: meet the requirements for certification as an officer in charge of an engineering watch and have not less than 36 months approved seagoing service, of which not less than 12 months shall have been served as an engineer officer in a position of responsibility while qualified to serve as second engineer officer. Education & training: have completed approved education and training and meet the standard of competence specified in section A-III/2 of the STCW Code.   Chief engineer officers on ships powered by main propulsion machinery of 750 kW — 3,000 kW propulsion power must: Previous certificate & seagoing service: meet the requirements for certification as an officer in charge of an engineering watch and have not less than 24 months approved seagoing service, of which not less than 12 months shall have been served while qualified to serve as second engineer officer. Education & training: have completed approved education and training and meet the standard of competence specified in section A-III/3 of the STCW Code.

General requirements to obtain a certificate as a second engineer Second engineer officers on ships powered by main propulsion machinery of 3,000 kW propulsion power or more must: Previous certificate & seagoing service: meet the requirements for certification as an officer in charge of an engineering watch and have not less than 12 months approved seagoing service as assistant engineer officer or engineer officer. Education & training: have completed approved education and training and meet the standard of competence specified in section A-III/2 of the STCW Code. Note: Second engineer officers qualified for service on ships powered by main propulsion machinery of 3,000 kW propulsion power or more, may serve as chief engineer officer on ships powered by main propulsion machinery of less than 3,000 kW propulsion power provided not less than 12 months approved seagoing service shall have been served as an engineer officer in a position of responsibility and the certificate is so endorsed.   Second engineer officers on ships powered by main propulsion machinery of 750 kW — 3,000 kW propulsion power must: Previous certificate & seagoing service: meet the requirements for certification as an officer in charge of an engineering watch and have not less than 12 months approved seagoing service as assistant engineer officer or engineer officer. Education & training: have completed approved education and training and meet the standard of competence specified in section A-III/3 of the STCW Code. Note: The chief engineer and second engineer competencies now include engine resource management and require leadership, teamwork and management skills.

General requirements to obtain a certificate of competency as an officer in charge of an engineering watch Officers in charge of an engineering watch in a manned engine-room or designated duty engineers in a periodically unmanned engine-room (750 kW propulsion power or more) must: Age: be not less than 18 years of age. Seagoing service: have completed not less than 12 months of combined workshop skills training and approved seagoing service of which not less than 6 months shall be seagoing service as part of an approved training programme or; not less than 36 months of combined workshop skills training and approved seagoing service of which not less than 30 months shall be seagoing service in the engine department. This must be documented in an approved training record book. have performed, during the required seagoing service, engine-room watch-keeping duties under the supervision of the chief engineer or a qualified engineer officer for a period of not less than six months. Education & training: have completed approved education and training and meet the standards of competence specified in section A-III/1 of the STCW Code. Note: The minimum period of training has been reduced from 30 months to 12 months of a combined workshop skills training and an approved seagoing service (six months) as part of an approved training programme. However competence levels have not been reduced and training periods should remain as currently set by administrations.

General requirements to obtain a certificate of competency as an electro-technical officer Electro-technical officers serving on a seagoing ship powered by a main propulsion machinery of 750 kW propulsion power or more must be: Age: not less than 18 years of age. Seagoing service: have completed not less than 12 months of combined workshop skills training and approved seagoing service of which not less than six months shall be seagoing service as part of an approved training programme or; not less than 36 months of combined workshop skills training and approved seagoing service of which not less than 30 months shall be seagoing service in the engine department. This must be documented in an approved training record book. Education & training: have completed approved education and training programme meeting the standards of competence specified in section A-III/6 of the STCW Code. Note: Seafarers may be considered to have met requirements of this regulation if they have served on board a ship for a period of not less than 12 months within the last 60 months preceding the entry into force of this regulation and the competence specified in section A-III/6   Notwithstanding the above requirements, a suitable qualified person may be able to undertake certain functions of section A-III/6

General requirements to obtain a certificate of competency as a rating forming part of a watch in a manned engine-room or designated to perform duties in a periodically unmanned engine room Applies only for service on ships of 750 kW propulsion power or more. The rating must: Age: be not less than 16 years of age. Seagoing service: have completed approved seagoing service including not less than six months training and experience, or Education & training: special training, either pre-sea or onboard ship, including an approved period of seagoing service which shall not be less than two months; and meet the standard of competence specified in section A-II/4 of the STCW Code.

General requirements to obtain a certificate of competency as an able seafarer engine Applies only for service on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more.   The rating must: Age: be not less than 18 years of age. Meet the requirements for certification as a rating forming part of a engine watch. Seagoing service: have completed 12 months approved seagoing service in the deck department, or six months and completed approved training. Education & training: onboard training documented in a training book or approved training ashore with a minimum of 12 months sea service. Competence: meet the standard of competence specified in section A-III/5. Note: There are also alternative training options for integrated ratings in A-VII/2 and seafarers should make enquires with their national administrations.

General requirements to obtain a certification as a electro-technical rating Electro-technical rating serving on a seagoing ship powered by a main propulsion machinery of 750 kW propulsion power or more must be: Age: be not less than 18 years of age. Seagoing service: have completed approved seagoing service including not less than 12 months training and experience, or completed approved training, including an approved period of seagoing service which shall not be less than six months or, qualifications that meet the technical competences in table A-III/7 and an no less than three months approved period of seagoing service. This must be documented in an approved training record book. Education & training: education and training programme meeting the standards of competence specified in section A-III/7 of the STCW Code. Note: Seafarers may be considered to have met requirements of this regulation if they have served on board a ship for a period of not less than 12 months within the last 60 months preceding the entry into force of this regulation and the competence specified in section A-III/7   Notwithstanding the above requirements, a suitable qualified person may be able to undertake certain functions of section A-III/7

Responsibilities of companies As a company, we are responsible for the implementation of the STCW Convention and for ensuring that seafarers have appropriate certification for a position they are assigned. The amended convention now clearly requires that each seafarer be fully familiarized, and understand the company’s policies and procedures. Too often seafarers are not given sufficient time or opportunity to be made familiar with the vessel and seafarers should ask for any information they are not fully aware of. Implementation of the ISM code relevant to STCW Parts of our core responsibilities are particularly emphasized in the implementation of the international safety management (ISM) code so that seafarers employed onboard are competent, qualified and can perform their duties safety and effectively. Vessel Operators Ltd ensures the master is properly qualified for command, conversant with the safety management system and given the necessary support. The company ensures the vessels are correctly manned with qualified, certificated and medically fit seafarers who are properly familiarized with their duties. The company also ensures crews properly understand the SMS to the level of their duties and are properly trained for its implementation. The company ensures that the ship’s personnel are able to communicate effectively in their duties.

Mandatory safety, security and ship-board familiarization training   Every time you join a new ship you need to undergo the basic safety familiarization, security familiarization and ship-specific familiarization training. Basic safety familiarization gives information and instruction about what to do in the case of an emergency. Before being assigned to shipboard duties, you should receive either approved training in personal survival techniques or sufficient information to be able to: communicate with other persons on board on safety issues understand safety information symbols, signs and alarm signals know the procedures for man overboard, fire or smoke detected, and abandon ship alarms identify muster and embarkation stations identify escape routes locate and don life jackets use fire extinguishers take immediate action upon encountering an accident or other medical emergency operate fire, weather-tight and watertight doors fitted in the particular ship other than those for hull openings. Note: Basic familiarization training is different from basic safety training. For information on basic safety training refer to the general requirements for officers or ratings shown in Section 2. Ship-specific familiarization gives you the opportunity to become acquainted with the specific equipment you will be using, and ship specific watch-keeping, safety, environmental protection and emergency procedures, and arrangements you need to know to perform any assigned duties properly. This training should be completed at the earliest possible opportunity after joining the ship. Security familiarization is a new requirement for all crew in compliance with the provisions of the ISPS code and will usually include measures to take in the event of a piracy or armed robbery threat or attack. This training will require you to take part in security-related emergency and contingency procedures. You will also be required to have security awareness training and if you have designated security duties, further competence in these tasks, duties and responsibilities.

Yes, our company provides placement for cadetship or On-board training and assessment. On various types of ships.   The STCW Convention lays great emphasis on practical competence. Therefore an important part of any STCW training programme is to put into practice what you have learned from books or with an instructor in a classroom. For some specific skills this is best done at approved training establishments in purpose-built installations ashore (fire fighting courses, for example). However, to gain certain other competencies the best way is to practice them at sea under the supervision of a person with appropriate training and experience. This is why it is extremely important that experienced seafarers take every opportunity to train less experienced seafarers. This is the best way of passing on knowledge to new generations of seafarers. Any training that is carried out on-board, as part of an approved training programme, must be recorded in a training record book. This book is approved by the administration issuing the certificate and lists the specific tasks that should be completed by the student while he/she is at sea in order to demonstrate that competency has been achieved. All trainees must document their on-board training in a training record book. The tasks assigned in this book should be completed by the candidate under the supervision of a training supervisor on board. This will normally be a designated officer. The training supervisor will inspect the progress made by the student and sign the book accordingly. Training record books should also be checked regularly by the master. On completion of all the tasks contained in the record book, this is submitted to examiners from the administration or from training establishments. They will inspect it as part of the evidence to demonstrate that the candidate has achieved the standard of competence in order to qualify for an STCW certificate. Training and assessment, both on-board and ashore, should always be conducted by instructors and assessors qualified in the tasks that are being taught. The training programme must be approved by the maritime administration issuing the certificate.

Alcohol and drug consumption   Consumption of alcohol or illegal drugs can severely impair any seafarer’s fitness for duty. In most countries, consumption of drugs is strictly forbidden and anyone convicted of this offence could face severe penalties, including imprisonment and the almost certain termination of their contract. A seafarer can expect little sympathy from their employer or the authorities if caught in possession of, or using, illegal substances. The adverse effects on personal health and general safety on board are also compelling reasons for avoiding alcohol and drug abuse. The consumption of alcohol on board ship is being progressively phased out through strict regulations and screening. Many companies now enforce a no-alcohol policy on-board their ships, and companies and port state inspectors may carry out random alcohol tests on crew members. Note: Even where the flag state and company have policies that do not prohibit alcohol port state regulations apply and the consumption of any alcohol may be considered an offence. The amended 2010 STCW Convention requires administration should put in place adequate measures to prevent drug and alcohol abuse. There is also a mandatory requirement for the administration to establish a limit of not greater than 0.05% blood alcohol level (BAC) or 0.25 mg/l alcohol in the breath or a quantity of alcohol leading to such alcohol concentration for masters, officers and other seafarers while performing designated safety, security and marine environmental duties. Guidelines in part B of the STCW Code on watch-keepers recommend seafarers should not consume any alcohol within four hours of going on watch. Note: The scope of coverage in the amended 2010 STCW is wider now, covering not only watch-keepers but also crew with environmental and security duties.