Chapter I — General Provisions
General responsibilities, definitions, certification arrangements and implementation requirements.
STCW & IMO
STCW & IMO Maritime Training Courses for Seafarers and Maritime Professionals
Develop up-to-date knowledge of seafarer training standards, shipboard safety, maritime security and key international IMO frameworks through flexible online maritime training.
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STCW / IMO Focus
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International Seafarer Standards
What Is the STCW Convention?
The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, establishes internationally agreed minimum standards for seafarer training, certification and watchkeeping.
The STCW Convention was adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 1978 and has been amended several times to reflect changes in ship technology, safety practice, competence requirements and the needs of the maritime industry.
The Convention is supported by the STCW Code. Part A contains mandatory provisions, while Part B contains recommended guidance. Together they cover areas including Masters and deck officers, engine department personnel, radiocommunication, special training for certain types of ships, emergency and safety functions, alternative certification and watchkeeping.
For seafarers and shore-based maritime professionals, understanding STCW is important because competence, certification and training requirements are connected to the duties people perform onboard ships and to the responsibilities of Administrations and maritime employers.
2026 update: A new 2026 edition of the STCW Convention and STCW Code has been published by IMO. Amendments that entered into force on 1 January 2026 include new mandatory minimum training requirements in personal safety and social responsibilities addressing prevention of and response to violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault.
STCW Structure
Main Chapters of the STCW Convention
The STCW framework is organized into eight main chapters covering different departments, functions and certification arrangements.
Chapter II — Master & Deck Department
Competence and certification standards for Masters, deck officers and deck personnel.
Chapter III — Engine Department
Standards for Chief Engineers, engineering officers and engine-room personnel.
Chapter IV — Radiocommunication
Requirements relevant to radio operators and maritime radiocommunication duties.
Chapter V — Special Training
Additional training for personnel serving on certain ship types or performing specified duties.
Chapter VI — Emergency, Safety & Survival
Emergency, occupational safety, security, medical care and survival functions.
Chapter VII — Alternative Certification
Alternative certification arrangements permitted under the Convention.
Chapter VIII — Watchkeeping
Principles and requirements supporting safe watchkeeping practices.
Competence & Certification
Why STCW Matters to Seafarers
STCW provides a common international baseline for the competence expected from seafarers performing defined shipboard duties.
- Defines minimum standards of competence
- Supports internationally consistent certification
- Sets requirements for training and assessment
- Addresses watchkeeping responsibilities
- Covers emergency and safety functions
- Includes security-related competence requirements
- Provides additional requirements for certain ship types
- Supports safe operation of increasingly complex ships
IMO Frameworks
STCW, SOLAS, ISPS & Other IMO Requirements
STCW forms part of a wider international maritime regulatory system. Professionals often need to understand how competence requirements connect with ship safety and security obligations.
STCW
Training, certification and watchkeeping standards for seafarers.
Official IMO Reference →SOLAS
The principal international convention dealing with the safety of merchant ships and many shipboard safety requirements.
Official IMO Reference →ISPS Code
The international security framework for ships and port facilities under SOLAS chapter XI-2.
Official IMO Reference →Safety & Security Roles
Shipboard Safety and Maritime Security Training
IMT's current STCW & IMO category combines broader STCW knowledge with specialist safety and security roles.
STCW Updates
Understanding how the Convention and Code evolve and how amendments influence training, competence and professional awareness.
Ship Safety Officer
Training focused on onboard safety culture, safe working practices, risk awareness and the responsibilities associated with a shipboard safety role.
Company Security Officer (CSO)
Knowledge related to company-level maritime security responsibilities and implementation of ship-security arrangements.
Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO)
Knowledge related to port-facility security responsibilities, assessments, plans and implementation under the ISPS framework.
Terminology note: “Ship Safety Officer” and “Ship Security Officer” are different roles. This page refers to the current IMT course titled Ship Safety Officer (SSO); maritime-security duties under the ISPS Code should not be confused with shipboard occupational-safety responsibilities.
Who It Is For
Who Should Consider STCW & IMO Training?
These programmes are relevant to seafarers and shore-based professionals who need stronger awareness of international training, safety and security frameworks.
Masters & Deck Officers
Senior deck personnel maintaining awareness of competence, watchkeeping, safety and regulatory developments.
Chief Engineers & Engineer Officers
Engineering professionals working within STCW competence and watchkeeping frameworks.
Shipboard Safety Personnel
Personnel involved in safety awareness, safe working practices and onboard safety culture.
Company Security Officers
Shore-based personnel supporting company and vessel maritime-security arrangements.
Port Facility Security Officers
Professionals responsible for port-facility security functions and ISPS implementation.
Marine Superintendents
Shore-based managers supporting crew competence, safety and regulatory readiness.
Maritime Trainers
Professionals who need current awareness of changes in the international seafarer-training framework.
Maritime Consultants & Inspectors
Professionals supporting compliance, audits, inspections and professional development.
2026 & Beyond
Current STCW Developments Maritime Professionals Should Know
STCW continues to evolve, and the Convention and Code are now undergoing a comprehensive review.
2026 STCW Edition
IMO released the digital 2026 edition of the STCW Convention and STCW Code in July 2026, consolidating the current text for maritime professionals and Administrations.
New PSSR Requirements
From 1 January 2026, STCW Code table A-VI/1-4 includes mandatory minimum training elements addressing violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault.
Comprehensive STCW Review
IMO is carrying out a wide-ranging review covering topics such as advanced training technologies, cybersecurity, mental health, psychological safety and other emerging competence needs. The revised treaty is currently targeted for IMO consideration around 2029–2030.
Training Options
Explore STCW & IMO Training Courses
IMT currently lists four programmes in this category covering STCW awareness, shipboard safety and maritime security responsibilities.
STCW 2010 & New Amendments
Develop broader awareness of the STCW Convention, the Manila Amendments and subsequent developments affecting seafarer training, certification and competence.
Ship Safety Officer (SSO)
Develop knowledge of onboard safety responsibilities, safety culture, safe working practices and practical approaches to reducing workplace risk at sea.
Company Security Officer (CSO)
Develop knowledge of company-level maritime security responsibilities and the security-management framework supporting ships under the ISPS Code.
Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO)
Develop knowledge of port-facility security responsibilities, security assessments, security plans and implementation within the ISPS framework.
Not Sure Which STCW or IMO Training Fits Your Role?
Tell us whether your interest is STCW updates, shipboard safety, company security or port-facility security. Our training team can help identify the most relevant option.
Important Clarification
Professional Development Course vs Statutory STCW Certification
Clear wording is important so students understand exactly what an online course does and does not provide.
Professional Knowledge & Awareness
Online courses can help maritime professionals understand international frameworks, role responsibilities, amendments and professional practice and can support continuing professional development.
Statutory Certification
Where STCW requires an Administration-approved training course, practical assessment, sea service, medical fitness or issuance of a statutory certificate or endorsement, those requirements must be fulfilled through the competent national maritime Administration and its approved arrangements.
Publishing rule for IMT: Do not describe a course as “IMO approved” unless there is a specific, verifiable authorization supporting that exact claim. IMO itself does not approve individual maritime training institutes or individual courses.
Frequently Asked Questions
STCW & IMO Maritime Training FAQ
Answers to common questions from seafarers and maritime professionals researching STCW training, updates, safety and security courses.
What does STCW stand for?
STCW stands for the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers.
What is the purpose of the STCW Convention?
STCW establishes internationally agreed minimum standards for the training, certification and watchkeeping competence of seafarers.
What is the difference between the STCW Convention and the STCW Code?
The Convention establishes the international treaty framework. The STCW Code provides more detailed technical requirements and guidance; Part A is mandatory and Part B contains recommended guidance.
What changed in STCW in 2026?
From 1 January 2026, new mandatory minimum requirements in personal safety and social responsibilities address prevention of and response to violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault. IMO has also published a 2026 edition of the Convention and Code.
Is STCW currently being revised?
Yes. IMO is conducting a comprehensive review of the STCW Convention and Code. The review is examining existing gaps and emerging issues, with the revised treaty currently targeted for consideration around 2029–2030.
Can STCW training be completed online?
Some knowledge-based professional-development training can be delivered online. However, statutory STCW courses may require Administration approval, practical exercises, demonstrations of competence or other conditions, so students should always check the exact national certification requirement for the certificate they need.
Does IMO approve individual training courses?
No. IMO develops the international framework but does not approve individual training institutes or individual courses. Approval and certification arrangements are handled by national maritime Administrations.
What is a Company Security Officer?
A Company Security Officer is a shore-based security role under the ISPS framework with responsibilities connected to company and ship security arrangements.
What is a Port Facility Security Officer?
A Port Facility Security Officer is responsible for functions connected to the development, implementation and maintenance of port-facility security arrangements under the ISPS framework.
Which STCW & IMO course should I choose?
Choose STCW 2010 & New Amendments for broader Convention awareness, Ship Safety Officer for onboard occupational-safety knowledge, Company Security Officer for company-level security responsibilities or Port Facility Security Officer for port-facility security functions.
Training Enquiry
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✓ Guidance on STCW, safety and security training
✓ Information about online study and enrollment
✓ Help distinguishing professional development from statutory certification
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STCW 2010 & New Amendments
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