International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW)

The IMO convention setting international minimum standards for seafarer training, certification and watchkeeping.

Known as STCW, the convention was adopted in 1978 and has been amended substantially, including the 1995 amendments and the 2010 Manila Amendments. It is supported by the STCW Code, whose Part A contains mandatory standards and Part B provides recommended guidance.

STCW covers competence, certificates, watchkeeping, medical fitness, rest and safety training for relevant seafarers. Parties implement and enforce it through national systems, so the exact certificate, endorsement and revalidation requirements for an individual must be checked with the responsible maritime administration.