The Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) are internationally recognized rules that direct the knowledge and skills mariners need to perform their jobs safely. Any mariners working aboard vessels that operate in international waters must hold appropriate STCW endorsements.

 

Training requirements are mandated in two categories, management level and operational level. Management level training would be for the vessels officers while operation level training would be for all crew members. 

 

There are two factors that determine which STCW training courses are required. First, requirements will vary depending on the mariner's position on board (Master, Engineer,  Mate, AB, Steward...). The ship's officers will need a lot more training than the AB. The second factor is the vessel. Training requirements may be tailored for certain types of vessels. For example, an oil tanker will require very different crew training than a passenger vessel. 

 

The STCW Code has 6 chapters. The most relevant for the yachting and small passenger vessel community are Chapter II (2) and Chapter VI (6).  Chapter II covers the requirements for a ships Deck Officers and Chapter VI cover requirements for Emergency, Occupational Safety, Security, Medical Care, and Survival Functions . Below are  tables describing both chapters.

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