Attention!
Resolution MSC.560(108) of the International Maritime Organization, adopted on 23 May 2024, amended the Seafarers’ Training, Certification and Watchkeeping Code (STCW Code) which enters into force on 1 January 2026.
The Amendments have been made to chapter VI “Standards regarding Emergency, Occupational Safety, Security, Medical Care and Survival Functions” of part A of the Seafarers’ Training, Certification and Watchkeeping Code (STCW Code). Namely, table A-VI/1-4 of section A-VI/1 of the STCW Code was replaced and supplemented with relevant competencies necessary to contribute to prevention of and response to violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault. At the same time, the list of minimum standards of competence for basic safety training is defined in tables A-VI/1-1, A-VI/1-2, A-VI/1-3, and A-VI/1-4 of the STCW Code.
In addition, paragraph 2 of section A-VI/1, chapter VI, of the STCW Code stipulates that seafarers employed or engaged in any capacity on board a ship on the business of that ship as part of the ship's complement with designated safety or pollution-prevention duties in the operation of the ship shall, before being assigned to any shipboard duties, receive appropriate approved basic training or instruction in:
- personal survival techniques as set out in table A-VI/1-1;
- fire prevention and firefighting as set out in table A-VI/1-2;
- elementary first aid as set out in table A-VI/1-3;
- personal safety and social responsibilities as set out in table A-VI/1-4.
Subparagraph .2 of paragraph 2 of section A-VI/1, chapter VI, of the STCW Code also sets out that seafarers are required to provide evidence of having achieved the required standard of competence, in accordance with the methods for demonstrating competence and the criteria for evaluating competence tabulated in columns 3 and 4 of the above-mentioned tables, as well as through examination or continuous assessment as part of an approved training programs in the subjects listed in column 2 of those tables.
Thus, despite the absence of provisions in the national legislation regarding the expiry of certificates of proficiency in basic safety training in the event of amendments to international regulations, the above-mentioned provisions of the STCW Code indicate that, as of 1 January 2026, all seafarers must undergo relevant approved training or additional training programs reflecting the Amendments.
In view of the above, the qualification documents issued by seafarers’ training institutions (hereinafter – ‘STI’), namely the valid qualification documents in the areas of “Basic Safety Training,” “Basic Safety Training (short course),” and “Familiarization, Basic Training and Instruction for All Seafarers”, shall remain valid until their expiry date, provided that the STIs ensure additional training in the specified areas covering competencies related to contributing to the prevention of and response to violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying, and sexual assault.
Additionally, the same applies to STIs that have training programs approved by the Shipping Administration in the areas of “Basic Safety Training” and “Basic Safety Training (short course)”, taking into account the Amendments.
Upon completion of the mentioned training or additional training, extracts of the verification results relating to qualification documents, issued by STIs, will be available at https://vrf.marad.gov.ua and will contain a reference to compliance with Resolution MSC.560(108).