Explanatory note
(This note does not form part of the Regulations)
These Regulations further amend the Merchant Shipping (Training and Certification) Regulations 1997. They implement amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers 1978 (the STCW Convention), as amended in July 1995 (STCW 95). These amendments were adopted by the Maritime Safety Committee of the International Maritime Organization at its 68th session in May/June 1997, by resolutions MSC.66(68) and MSC.67(68).
The amendments are:
masters, officers, ratings and other personnel on ro-ro passenger ships no longer need to undertake 5 yearly refresher training if they can prove they have achieved the required standard of competence within the previous 5 years (regulation 2(3)); and
training and qualification requirements are introduced for masters, officers, ratings and other personnel on passenger ships (other than ro-ro passenger ships and high speed craft) engaged on international voyages, so that they are now similar to those for such personnel on ro-ro passenger ships (regulation 2(2) and (4)).
Copies of STCW 95 and its associated STCW Code, and amendments thereto, are available from the International Maritime Organization, 4 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7SR.