IMO: REPORT ON THE STANDARDS OF TRAINING AND

UNCLAS LONDON 002293

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EWWT IMO UK
SUBJECT: IMO: REPORT ON THE STANDARDS OF TRAINING AND
WATCHKEEPING WORKING GROUP, LONDON, SEPTEMBER 7-11, 2009.

1) SUMMARY: The second meeting of the International Maritime
Organization's ad hoc intersessional meeting of the Standards
of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STW) Working
Group (WG) meeting on the comprehensive review of the
International Convention on Standards of Training,
Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW
Convention) and Code met in London September 7-11, 2009,
chaired by Ms. Mayte Medina (United States). End summary.

Comprehensive Review of STWC Convention and STCW Code
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2) Agenda items 2, 3, 4 and 7 were a comprehensive review of
the STCW Convention and STCW Code. The STW Subcommittee (S/C)
discussed the proposed amendments to the Convention and Code
from STW 40 in February 2009, and further developed and
finalized revised draft text. On Chapter 1 - General
Provisions, the WG agreed: 1) to develop definitions for
"certificate of competency", 2) to specify the minimum
information to be included in a certificate of proficiency;
3) to develop minimum medical standards, with further
discussion in STW 41; 4) to finalize requirements for
effective communications on board; and 5) to finalize the
draft text with minor amendments. The WG also harmonized and
clarified methods for the revalidation of certificates.

3) On Chapter II - the Master and Deck department, the WG
agreed: 1) to pare down the mandatory training requirements
for the transmission and reception by visual signaling of
Morse group letter signals as advised by 55th session of
Subcommittee on the Safety of Navigation (NAV 55),and 2) to
replace the terms "Decca" and "Loran" with the generic term
"terrestrial electronic position fixing systems" as advised
by NAV 55.

4) On Chapter III - Engine Department, the WG agreed: 1) to
retain the existing propulsion power limitations in the near
coastal provisions; and 2) to include training requirements
for electro-technical personnel, one at the support level and
one at the operational level.

5) On Chapter VII - Alternative Certification, the WG agreed
to finalize certification requirements for able seafarer deck
and able seafarer engine ratings with minor amendments and
have further consideration at STW 41.

6) Agenda items 5, 6, and 8 were a comprehensive review of
the STCW Convention and STCW Code. The S/C discussed the
proposed amendments to the Convention and Code emanating from
STW 40 in February 2009, and further developed and finalized
draft text. On Chapter V - Special Training Requirements for
Personnel on Certain Types of Shops, the WG agreed: 1) to
finalize guidance regarding training of masters and officers
in charge of a navigational watch for offshore supply
vessels; 2) to finalize guidance for personnel operating
dynamic positioning systems; 3) to include fire-fighting
training for personnel on board tankers; 4) to re-format the
tables of competence for tankers for consistency and clarity
in regards to oil, chemical, and liquefied gas tanker
training for masters, officers and ratings; 5) to finalize
minor amendments for guidance regarding training of seafarers
on passenger ships.

7) On Chapter VI - Emergency, Occupational Safety, Medical
Care and Survival Functions, the WG agreed to require
refresher training for basic safety training, survival craft,
rescue boats and fast rescue boats, and advanced
fire-fighting in order to maintain professional competence
for those areas where training cannot be conducted on board
ship.

8) On Chapter VIII - Watchkeeping, the WG developed draft
text to harmonize the STCW Convention with the International
Labor Organization (ILO) Maritime Labor Convention of 2006,
but significant disagreement remains concerning the proposed
derogation clauses which will be discussed at STW 41.

9) The S/C addressed all of the agenda items during the
meeting. Under agenda item 9 - Any Other Business, the WG
discussed arrangements for Working Groups at STW 41. The S/C
decided to establish two working groups under agenda item 7
for a comprehensive review of the STCW Convention and Code.
WG-1 will review chapters I, II, III, and VII of the STCW
Convention and Code. WG-2 will review chapters IV, V, VI and
VIII of the STCW Convention and Code.

10) The S/C agreed that at STW 41 the plenary should only
consider those documents which require a decision on matters
of principle. This will provide the working groups with the
maximum working time possible during that session.

Resolutions to be Proposed to the Conference for Adoption
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11) The working group identified the following resolutions
that should be submitted to the international conference for
consideration and adoption:
a. Contributions of the International Labor Organization;
b. Development of guidelines on the implementation of
international standards of medical fitness for seafarers;
c. Revision of model courses published by the
International Maritime Organization;
d. Promotion of technical knowledge, skills and
professionalism of seafarers;
e. Attracting new entrants to the maritime profession;
f. Promotion of technical co-operation;
g. Transitional provisions and early implementation; and
h. Promotion of the participation of women in the
maritime industry.

12) The forty-first session of the STW is scheduled for
January 11-15, 2010.

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