USERS GROUP UPDATE JULY 2009

The IMO Sub-Committee on Standards of Training and Watchkeeping (STW) is making significant progress with the comprehensive review of the STCW Convention. In order to be ready for the changes, IMO has invited discussion on industry needs and wishes to work closely with us all, as the changes progress towards adopting the amendments at a Diplomatic Conference of STCW Parties in the Philippines in June, 2010.

Subjects include: 

Chapter II Master and Deck Department - in particular new or amended provisions relating to celestial navigation, ARPA and radar requirements, marine environment awareness training and VTS training

Chapter III Engine Department - in particular new or amended provisions relating to harmonization of near coastal requirements and marine environment awareness training

Chapter IV Radiocommunications and Radio Personnel and Chapter VII Alternative Certification

Chapter VI Emergency, Occupational Safety, Security, Medical Care and Survival Functions - in particular new or amended requirements for maintaining professional competence in areas where training cannot be conducted on board and security training

Chapter VIII Watchkeeping - in particular relating to new or amended requirements for the prevention of drug and alcohol abuse; provisions for maintaining a safe anchor watch; bridge and engine room resource management and harmonization of hours of rest and work
Significant progress has also been made with the preparation of the preliminary draft text of Chapter V Special Training Requirements for Personnel on Certain Types of Ships.

Videotel invites you to work with us as these changes are clarified, so that we are all ready for the new requirements when they are implemented.

You can contact me directly at LHolder@videotelmail.com.