THE BASICS:
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STCW applies to all present
and future mariners who wish to sail beyond the boundary lines of the United States on
commercial vessels. These boundary lines essentially separate the bays, harbors and
other inland waters from the oceans.
NOTE:
In the United States, certain mariners are exempted from the STCW requirements.
Specifically, you do not need STCW ratings if you serve on vessels less then 200 gross
tons, that sail on voyages which begin and end in a United States port. This is called a
"Domestic Voyage".
STCW emphasizes hands-on
demonstrations of your skill and ability to prove that you are qualified to serve aboard
seagoing vessels. Most U.S. mariners have already done this in their careers.
The biggest change with STCW is that it formalizes the documentation of your ability
to perform these tasks.
Completing SeaSchool's
Coast Guard approved training course may be the least complicated way to meet the
additional STCW qualification requirements. You may also demonstrate your
knowledge and ability for STCW covered tasks before a Designated Examiner (DE). A
"DE" is an individual qualified to observe your performance and assess your
competence. This process is in it's early stages and may not be available to you
yet.
If you meet the
requirements of STCW you will be issued an STCW-95 Certificate. Your present license
or document are separate credentials from this certificate. You may still maintain
your license or document without STCW, however, you will essentially be limited to inland
waters employment.
Mariners who began training
or service prior to August 1, 1998 have one-time, gap-closing requirements to meet prior
to February 1, 2002. Existing mariners may upgrade their licenses or document (and
STCW Certificate) prior to this date under the current regulations, however, the
additional requirements still apply if you want the STCW.
Persons beginning training
or service employment on or after August 1, 1998 must be part of an organized training
program approved by the Coast Guard in order to upgrade their STCW certification beyond
entry-level qualifications.
STCW Courses:
Back to "The Basics"
Basic Safety Training
(BST):
This is actually four courses: Basic
Firefighting, Personal Survival, Personal Safety/Social Responsibility, and Elementary
First Aid. The course runs for five days. All mariners, except those in
non-qualified entry-level positions (ordinary seaman, wiper/oiler,
steward), must show that they are competent in the four areas mentioned.
Please call for particulars: 1-800-237-8663.
G.M.D.S.S.
Deck Officers must attend an approved training
program and obtain certification as GMDSS Operator to serve on a GMDSS equipped ship after
February 1, 2002. Note that after February 1, 1999, there must be at least two GMDSS
operators aboard every such vessel. Since all vessels above 300 gross tons must have
this equipment, the GMDSS training will apply to most deck officers. The Global
Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) course runs for 70 hours, and is held about
once a month.
Please call for particulars: 1-800-237-8663.
A.R.P.A.
The "Automatic Radar Plotting Aids" course
is held over 32 hours (4 days) and is usually incorporated with a renewal course on the
first day. Deck Officers must pass an approved ARPA course for service on ARPA
equipped vessels after February 1, 2002.
Please call for particulars: 1-800-237-8663.
Bridge Resource
Management:
Deck Officers must demonstrate proficiency in Bridge
Teamwork Procedure. This is a one-time-only requirement. The course runs for
32 hours (4 days).
Please call for particulars: 1-800-237-8663.
