March 26, 2018

by INTLREG Admin

STCW Amendment on qualification of SSO in force from January, 1, 2008

At the 81st session of IMO’s Maritime Safety committee, two resolutions namely MSC.203(81) – Adoption of amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended; and MSC.209(81) – Adoption of amendments to Part A of the Seafarers’ Training, Certification and Watchkeeping Code (STCW Code); were adopted. These amendments entered in to force on January 1, 2008.

The amendments stipulate mandatory training and certification requirements for persons to be designated as Ship Security Officers (SSOs). The amendments to the STCW Convention and to parts A and B of the STCW Code include:
• Requirements for the issue of certificates of proficiency for Ship Security Officers;
• Specifications of minimum standards of proficiency for Ship Security Officers; and
• Guidance regarding training for Ship Security Officers.

Further amendments to part A of the STCW Code add additional training requirements for the launching and recovery of fast rescue boats. The amendments have been prepared in response to reports of injuries to seafarers in numerous incidents involving the launching and recovery of fast rescue boats in adverse weather conditions.

A Party may continue to recognize personnel who hold, or can document, qualifications as ship security officers until 1 July 2009.

Copy of the resolutions MSC 203(81) and MSC 209 (81) can be downloaded by clicking at the respective links.