STCW The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (or STCW), sets qualification standards for personnel on seagoing ships.
The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, was adopted by the International Conference on Training and Certification of Seafarers on 7 July 1978. The 1978 STCW Convention entered into force on 28 April 1984.
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The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, sets international qualification standards for masters, officers, and watch personnel on seagoing merchant ships and large yachts. [1] The convention is historically recognized as one of the "four pillars" of the international maritime legal regime, alongside SOLAS, MARPOL, and the ...
The Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Convention is an international treaty that sets minimum qualification standards for seafarers on seagoing merchant ships and large yachts.
The shipping industry depends on competent, well-trained seafarers to ensure safety of life at sea, maritime security, efficiency of navigation and protection and preservation of the marine environment. The revised STCW Convention aims to provide the international standards necessary for training institutes and trainers to develop the much-needed skills and competencies for today’s seafarer.
Guide to STCW Convention covering officer competency standards, certification requirements, watchkeeping duties, rest hours, endorsements, and 2026 Manila Amendments update.
STCW guide for 2026. Includes mandatory SASH training, full certificate lists for Masters and Engineers, updated training costs, and global validity rules