THE International Maritime Organization and key stakeholders in the global shipping and manning industries formally adopted last week the Manila Convention which amends the Standard of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Code. The changes will take effect on January 1, 2012.
Provisions ratified in the conference include: improved measures to prevent fraudulent practices associated with certificates of competency and strengthen the evaluation process (monitoring of Parties’ compliance with the Convention); revised requirements on hours of work and rest and new requirements for the prevention of drug and alcohol abuse, as well as updated standards relating to medical fitness standards for seafarers; new certification requirements for able seafarers; new requirements relating to training in modern technology such as electronic charts and information systems; new requirements for marine environment awareness training and training in leadership and teamwork; new training and certification requirements for electro-technical officers; updating of competence requirements for personnel serving on board all types of tankers, including new requirements for personnel serving on liquefied gas tankers; new requirements for security training, as well as provisions to ensure that seafarers are properly trained to cope if their ship comes under attack by pirates.
