what is stcw certificate

The STCW certificate, which stands for Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping, is an internationally recognized certification that sets minimum qualification standards for masters, officers, and watch personnel on seagoing merchant ships and large yachts. It ensures a lateral standard of training is achieved across all countries in the world, promoting uniformity among safety and management procedures in place on ships operating in international waters. The STCW certification has different levels relating to experience, position, and the size and range of the vessel worked aboard, and it is required for anyone wishing to work on commercial vessels that are over 24 meters long. The certification includes various courses such as Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities, Proficiency in Security Awareness, and others, depending on the position and responsibilities on board. The STCW Convention was adopted in 1978 by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and has been significantly amended in 1995 and 2010, with the most recent framework approved in 2010 and continues to be implemented by countries worldwide.