The 

2010 Manila Amendments to the Seafarers’ Training, Certification and Watchkeeping
(STCW) Code

3 August 2010

PART A

Mandatory standards regarding provisions of the annex to the STCW Convention

CHAPTER II

Standards regarding the master and deck department

Section A­II/1

Mandatory minimum requirements for certification of officers in charge of a navigational
watch on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more

Applicable from 2012­01­01, see IMO­Vega Note

Standard of competence

1   Every candidate for certification shall:

.1   be required to demonstrate the competence to undertake, at the operational level, the
tasks, duties and responsibilities listed in column 1 of table A­II/1;

.2   at least hold the appropriate certificate for performing VHF radiocommunications in
accordance with the requirements of the Radio Regulations; and

.3   if designated to have primary responsibility for radiocommunications during distress
incidents, hold the appropriate certificate issued or recognized under the provisions of
the Radio Regulations.

2   The minimum knowledge, understanding and proficiency required for certification is listed in
column 2 of table A­II/1.

3   The level of knowledge of the subjects listed in column 2 of table A­II/1 shall be sufficient for
officers of the watch to carry out their watchkeeping duties. * 
__________
* The relevant IMO Model Course(s) may be of assistance in the preparation of courses.

4  Training and experience to achieve the necessary level of theoretical knowledge,
understanding and proficiency shall be based on section A­VIII/2, part 4­1 ­ Principles to be observed
in keeping a navigational watch – and shall also take into account the relevant requirements of this
part and the guidance given in part B of this Code.

5   Every candidate for certification shall be required to provide evidence of having achieved the
required standard of competence in accordance with the methods for demonstrating competence and
the criteria for evaluating competence tabulated in columns 3 and 4 of table A­II/1.

Onboard training

6   Every candidate for certification as officer in charge of a navigational watch of ships of 500
gross tonnage or more whose seagoing service, in accordance with paragraph 2.2 of regulation II/1,
forms part of a training programme approved as meeting the requirements of this section shall follow
an approved programme of onboard training which:

 .1   ensures that, during the required period of seagoing service, the candidate receives
systematic practical training and experience in the tasks, duties and responsibilities of
an officer in charge of a navigational watch, taking into account the guidance given in
section B­II/1 of this Code;
 .2       is closely supervised and monitored by qualified officers aboard the ships in which the
approved seagoing service is performed; and

.3       is adequately documented in a training record book or similar document. * 
__________
*       The relevant IMO Model Course(s) and a similar document produced by the International
Shipping Federation may be of assistance in the preparation of training record books.

Near­coastal voyages

7     The following subjects may be omitted from those listed in column 2 of table A­II/1 for issue of
restricted certificates for service on near­coastal voyages, bearing in mind the safety of all ships
which may be operating in the same waters:

.1       celestial navigation; and

.2       those electronic systems of position fixing and navigation that do not cover the waters
for which the certificate is to be valid.

Table A­II/1 
Specification of minimum standard of competence for officers in charge of a  
navigational watch on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more

Function:       Navigation at the operational level

Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4

Competence Knowledge, understanding Methods for Criteria for

and proficiency demonstrating evaluating
competence competence

Plan and conduct a Celestial navigation Examination and The information

passage and assessment of obtained from nautical
Ability to use celestial bodies
determine position evidence obtained charts and publications
to determine the ship’s
from one or more is relevant, interpreted
position
of the following: correctly and properly
Terrestrial and coastal applied. All potential
.1  approved
navigation navigational hazards are
in‑service accurately identified
Ability to determine the ship’s experience
position by use of: The primary method of
.2  approved fixing the ship’s position
.1  landmarks training ship is the most appropriate
.2  aids to navigation, experience to the prevailing
including lighthouses, .3  approved circumstances and
beacons and buoys simulator conditions
.3  dead reckoning, taking training, where The position is
into account winds, tides, appropriate determined within the
currents and estimated .4  approved limits of acceptable
speed  laboratory instrument/system
equipment errors
training The reliability of the
using chart information obtained
catalogues, charts, from the primary
nautical method of position
publications, radio fixing is checked at
navigational appropriate intervals
warnings, sextant, Calculations and
azimuth mirror, measurements of
electronic navigational information
navigation are accurate
equipment,
echo‑sounding
 equipment,
compass

Thorough knowledge of and The charts selected are
ability to use nautical charts, the largest scale
and publications, such as suitable for the area of
sailing directions, tide tables, navigation and charts
notices to mariners, radio and publications are
navigational warnings and corrected in accordance
ships’ routeing information with the latest
information available

Electronic systems of position
fixing and navigation

Ability to determine the ship’s Performance checks and
position by use of electronic tests to navigation
navigational aids  systems comply with
manufacturer’s
recommendations and
good navigational
practice

Plan and conduct a Echo­sounders
passage and
Ability to operate the
determine position
equipment and apply the
(continued) information correctly
Compass – magnetic and gyro
Knowledge of the principles of
magnetic and gyro‑compasses

Ability to determine errors of Errors in magnetic and
the magnetic and gyro‑compasses are
gyro‑compasses, using determined and
celestial and terrestrial correctly applied to
means, and to allow for such courses and bearings
errors

Steering control system

Knowledge of steering control The selection of the
systems, operational mode of steering is the
procedures and change­over most suitable for the
from manual to automatic prevailing weather, sea
control and vice versa. and traffic conditions
Adjustment of controls for and intended
optimum performance  manoeuvres

Meteorology

Ability to use and interpret Measurements and
information obtained from observations of weather
shipborne meteorological conditions are accurate
instruments and appropriate to the
passage
Knowledge of the
characteristics of the various
weather systems, reporting
procedures and recording
systems 

Ability to apply the Meteorological
 meteorological information information is correctly
available interpreted and applied

Maintain a safe Watchkeeping Examination and The conduct, handover

navigational watch assessment of and relief of the watch
Thorough knowledge of the
evidence obtained conforms with accepted
content, application and intent
from one or more principles and
of the International
of the following: procedures
Regulations for Preventing
Collisions at Sea, 1972, as .1  approved A proper look­out is
amended in‑service maintained at all times
experience; and in such a way as to
Thorough knowledge of the
conform to accepted
Principles to be observed in .2 approved principles and
keeping a navigational watch training ship procedures
The use of routeing in experience
Lights, shapes and
accordance with the General .3  approved sound signals conform
Provisions on Ships’ Routeing simulator with the requirements
The use of information from training, where contained in the
navigational equipment for appropriate International
maintaining a safe .4 approved Regulations for
navigational watch laboratory Preventing Collisions at
equipment Sea, 1972, as amended,
Knowledge of blind pilotage
training and are correctly
techniques
recognized
The use of reporting in
The frequency and
accordance with the General
extent of monitoring of
Principles for Ship Reporting
traffic, the ship and the
Systems and with VTS
environment conform
procedures
with accepted principles
and procedures
A proper record is
maintained of the
movements and
activities relating to the
navigation of the ship
Responsibility for the
safety of navigation is
clearly defined at all
times, including periods
when the master is on
the bridge and while
under pilotage

Maintain a safe Bridge resource management Assessment of Resources are allocated

navigational watch evidence obtained and assigned as needed
Knowledge of bridge resource
from one or more in correct priority to
(continued) management principles,
of the following: perform necessary
including:
tasks
.1  approved
.1  allocation, assignment,
training Communication is
and prioritization of
clearly and
resources .2  approved
unambiguously given
.2  effective communication in‑service and received
experience
.3  assertiveness and Questionable decisions
leadership .3   approved and/or actions result in
simulator appropriate challenge
.4 obtaining and maintaining training and response
situational awareness
Effective leadership
.5 consideration of team
behaviours are
experience
identified
Team member(s) share
 accurate understanding
of current and predicted
vessel state, navigation
path, and external
environment

Use of radar and ARPA Radar navigation Assessment of Information obtained

to maintain safety of evidence obtained from radar and ARPA is
Knowledge of the
navigation from approved correctly interpreted
fundamentals of radar and
radar simulator and and analysed, taking
Note: Training and automatic radar plotting aids
ARPA simulator into account the
assessment in the use (ARPA)
plus in­service limitations of the
of ARPA is not
Ability to operate and to experience equipment and
required for those who
interpret and analyse prevailing
serve exclusively on
information obtained from circumstances and
ships not fitted with
radar, including the following: conditions
ARPA. This limitation
shall be reflected in Performance, including:
the endorsement
.1  factors affecting
issued to the seafarer
performance and accuracy
concerned
.2  setting up and maintaining
displays
.3  detection of
misrepresentation of
information, false echoes,
sea return, etc., racons
and SARTs

Use of radar and ARPA Use, including:   Action taken to avoid a

to maintain safety of close encounter or
.1  range and bearing; course
navigation collision with other
and speed of other ships;
vessels is in accordance
(continued) time and distance of
with the International
closest approach of
Note: Training and Regulations for
crossing, meeting
assessment in the use Preventing Collisions at
overtaking ships
of ARPA is not Sea, 1972, as amended
required for those who .2  identification of critical
Decisions to amend
serve exclusively on echoes; detecting course
course and/or speed are
ships not fitted with and speed changes of
both timely and in
ARPA. This limitation other ships; effect of
accordance with
shall be reflected in changes in own ship’s
accepted navigation
the endorsement course or speed or both
practice
issued to the seafarer
.3  application of the
concerned  Adjustments made to
International Regulations
the ship’s course and
for Preventing Collisions
speed maintain safety
at Sea, 1972, as amended
of navigation
.4  plotting techniques and
Communication is clear,
relative­ and true­motion
concise and
concepts
acknowledged at all
.5 parallel indexing  times in a seamanlike
manner
Manoeuvring signals are
made at the appropriate
time and are in
accordance with the
International
Regulations
for Preventing Collisions
at Sea, 1972, as
amended
Use of radar and ARPA Principal types of ARPA, their    
to maintain safety of display characteristics,
navigation performance standards and
the dangers of over­reliance
(continued)
on ARPA
Note: Training and
Ability to operate and to
assessment in the use
interpret and analyse
of ARPA is not
information obtained from
required for those who
ARPA, including:
serve exclusively on
ships not fitted with .1  system performance and
ARPA. This limitation accuracy, tracking
shall be reflected in capabilities and
the endorsement limitations, and processing
issued to the seafarer delays
concerned
.2  use of operational
warnings and system tests
.3  methods of target
acquisition and their
limitations
.4  true and relative vectors,
graphic representation of
target information and
danger areas
.5  deriving and analysing
information, critical
echoes, exclusion areas
and trial manoeuvres

Use of ECDIS to Navigation using ECDIS Examination and Monitors information on

maintain the safety of assessment of ECDIS in a manner that
Knowledge of the capability
navigation evidence obtained contributes to safe
and limitations of ECDIS
from one or more navigation
Note: Training and operations, including:
of the following:
assessment in the use Information obtained
.1  a thorough understanding
of ECDIS is not .1  approved from ECDIS (including
of Electronic Navigational
required for those who training ship radar overlay and/or
Chart (ENC) data, data
serve exclusively on experience radar tracking functions,
accuracy, presentation
ships not fitted with when fitted) is correctly
rules, display options and .2   approved
ECDIS interpreted and
other chart data formats ECDIS
analysed, taking into
These limitations shall simulator
.2  the dangers of account the limitations
be reflected in the training
of the equipment, all
endorsements issued      over­reliance
connected sensors
to the seafarer
.3  familiarity with the (including radar and AIS
concerned
functions of ECDIS where interfaced), and
required by performance prevailing
standards in force circumstances and
conditions
Proficiency in operation,
interpretation, and analysis of  
information obtained from
 
ECDIS, including:
Safety of navigation is
.1  use of functions that are
maintained through
integrated with other
adjustments made to
navigation systems in
the ship’s course and
various installations,
speed through ECDIS­
including proper
functioning and controlled track‑keeping
adjustment to desired functions
settings (when fitted)
.2  safe monitoring and Communication is clear,
adjustment of information,
 including own position, concise and
sea area display, mode acknowledged at all
and orientation, chart data times in a seamanlike
displayed, route manner
monitoring, user­created
 
information layers,
contacts (when interfaced
with AIS and/or radar
tracking) and radar
overlay functions (when
interfaced)
.3  confirmation of vessel
position by alternative
means
.4  efficient use of settings to
ensure conformance to
operational procedures,
including alarm
parameters for
anti‑grounding, proximity
to contacts and special
areas, completeness of
chart data and chart
update status, and backup
arrangements
.5  adjustment of settings and
values to suit the present
conditions

Use of ECDIS to .6  situational awareness    
maintain the safety of while using ECDIS
navigation (continued) including safe water and
proximity of hazards, set
and drift, chart data and
scale selection, suitability
of route, contact detection
and management, and
integrity of sensors

Respond to Emergency procedures Examination and The type and scale of

emergencies assessment of the emergency is
Precautions for the protection
evidence obtained promptly identified
and safety of passengers in
from one or more
emergency situations Initial actions and, if
of the following:
appropriate,
Initial action to be taken
.1  approved manoeuvring of the ship
following a collision or a
in‑service are in accordance with
grounding; initial damage
experience contingency plans and
assessment and control
are appropriate to the
Appreciation of the .2  approved urgency of the situation
procedures to be followed for training ship and nature of the
rescuing persons from the experience emergency
sea, assisting a ship in .3  approved
distress, responding to simulator
emergencies which arise in training, where
port  appropriate
.4  practical
training

Respond to a distress Search and rescue Examination and The distress or

signal at sea assessment of emergency signal is
Knowledge of the contents of
evidence obtained immediately recognized
 the International Aeronautical from practical
Contingency plans and
and Maritime Search and instruction or
instructions in standing
Rescue (IAMSAR) Manual  approved simulator
orders are implemented
training, where
and complied with
appropriate

Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4

Competence Knowledge, Methods for Criteria for

understanding and demonstrating evaluating competence
proficiency competence

Use the IMO English language Examination and English language nautical

Standard assessment of publications and messages
Adequate knowledge of
Marine evidence obtained relevant to the safety of
the English language to
Communication from practical the ship are correctly
enable the officer to use
Phrases and instruction interpreted or drafted
charts and other nautical
use English in
publications, to Communications are clear
written and
understand and understood
oral form
meteorological
information and
messages concerning
ship’s safety and
operation, to
communicate with other
ships, coast stations and
VTS centres and to
perform the officer’s
duties also with a
multilingual crew,
including the ability to
use and understand the
IMO Standard Marine
Communication Phrases
(IMO SMCP) 

Transmit and Visual signalling Assessment of Communications within

receive evidence obtained the operator’s area of
Ability to use the
information by from practical responsibility are
International Code of
visual instruction and/or consistently successful
Signals
signalling simulation
Ability to transmit and
receive, by Morse light,
distress signal SOS as
specified in Annex IV of
the International
Regulations
for Preventing Collisions
at Sea, 1972, as
amended, and
appendix 1 of the
International Code of
Signals, and visual
signalling of single­letter
signals as also specified
in the International Code
of Signals 

Manoeuvre the Ship manoeuvring and Examination and Safe operating limits of

ship handling assessment of ship propulsion, steering
 Knowledge of: evidence obtained and power systems are
from one or more of not exceeded in normal
.1  the effects of
the following: manoeuvres
deadweight, draught,
trim, speed and .1  approved Adjustments made to the
under‑keel clearance in‑service ship’s course and speed to
on turning circles and experience maintain safety of
stopping distances navigation
.2  approved training
.2  the effects of wind ship experience
and current on ship
.3  approved
handling
simulator
.3  manoeuvres and training, where
procedures for the appropriate
rescue of person
.4  approved training
overboard
on a manned
.4  squat, shallow‑water scale ship model,
and similar effects where
appropriate
.5  proper procedures
for anchoring and
mooring 

Function:   Cargo handling and stowage at the operational level

Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4

Competence Knowledge, Methods for Criteria for

understanding and demonstrating evaluating competence
proficiency competence

Monitor the Cargo handling, stowage Examination and Cargo operations are

loading, and securing assessment of carried out in accordance
stowage, evidence obtained with the cargo plan or
Knowledge of the effect
securing, care from one or more of other documents and
of cargo, including heavy
during the the following: established safety
lifts, on the
voyage and the rules/regulations,
seaworthiness and .1  approved
unloading of equipment operating
stability of the ship in‑service
cargoes instructions and
Knowledge of safe experience shipboard stowage
handling, stowage and .2  approved training limitations
securing of cargoes, ship experience The handling of
including dangerous,
.3  approved dangerous, hazardous
hazardous and harmful
simulator training, and harmful cargoes
cargoes, and their effect
where appropriate complies with
on the safety of life and
international regulations
of the ship
and recognized standards
Ability to establish and and codes of safe
maintain effective practice
communications during
Communications are
loading and unloading
clear, understood and
consistently successful

Inspect and Knowledge  * and ability Examination and The inspections are

report defects to explain where to look assessment of carried out in accordance
and damage to for damage and defects evidence obtained with laid‑down
cargo spaces, most commonly from one or more of procedures, and defects
hatch covers encountered due to: the following: and damage are detected
and ballast and properly reported
.1  loading and unloading .1  approved
tanks
operations in‑service Where no defects or
 .2  corrosion experience damage are detected, the
evidence from testing and
.3  severe weather .2  approved training
examination clearly
conditions ship experience
indicates adequate
Ability to state which .3  approved competence in adhering
parts of the ship shall be simulator training, to procedures and ability
inspected each time in where appropriate to distinguish between
order to cover all parts normal and defective or
within a given period of damaged parts of the
time ship
Identify those elements
of the ship structure
which are critical to the
safety of the ship

Inspect and State the causes of    
report defects corrosion in cargo
and damage to spaces and ballast tanks
cargo spaces, and how corrosion can
hatch covers be identified and
and ballast prevented
tanks
Knowledge of procedures
(continued) on how the inspections
shall be carried out
Ability to explain how to
ensure reliable detection
of defects and damages
Understanding of the
purpose of the
“enhanced survey
programme”

__________
*      It should be understood that deck officers need not be qualified in the survey of ships.

Function:       Controlling the operation of the ship and care for persons on board at the
operational level

Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4

Competence Knowledge, Methods for Criteria for

understanding and demonstrating evaluating
proficiency competence competence

Ensure Prevention of pollution of Examination and Procedures for

compliance the marine environment assessment of monitoring shipboard
with pollution‑ and anti‑pollution evidence obtained operations and
prevention procedures from one or more of ensuring compliance
requirements the following: with MARPOL
Knowledge of the requirements are fully
precautions to be taken to .1  approved
observed 
prevent pollution of the in‑service
marine environment experience Actions to ensure that
a positive
Anti­pollution procedures .2  approved environmental
and all associated training ship reputation is
equipment experience maintained
Importance of proactive .3  approved
measures to protect the training
marine environment
Maintain Ship stability Examination and The stability conditions
seaworthiness assessment of comply with the IMO
Working knowledge and
of the ship evidence obtained intact stability criteria
application of stability, trim
from one or more of under all conditions of
and stress tables, diagrams
the following: loading
and stress‑calculating
equipment .1  approved Actions to ensure and
in‑service maintain the watertight
Understanding of integrity of the ship
experience
fundamental actions to be are in accordance with
taken in the event of .2  approved accepted practice
partial loss of intact training ship
buoyancy experience
Understanding of the .3  approved
fundamentals of watertight simulator
integrity training, where
appropriate
Ship construction
.4  approved
General knowledge of the
laboratory
principal structural
equipment
members of a ship and the
training
proper names for the
various parts

Prevent, Fire prevention and Assessment of The type and scale of

control and fire‑fighting appliances evidence obtained the problem is
fight fires on from approved promptly identified and
board Ability to organize fire fire‑fighting training initial actions conform
drills with the emergency
  and experience as
Knowledge of classes and set out in section procedure and
chemistry of fire contingency plans for
A‑VI/3
the ship
Knowledge of fire‑fighting
Evacuation, emergency
systems shutdown and isolation
  procedures are
appropriate to the
Knowledge of action to be nature of the
taken in the event of fire, emergency and are
including fires involving oil implemented promptly
systems
The order of priority
  and the levels and
time‑scales of making
reports and informing
personnel on board are
relevant to the nature
of the emergency and
reflect the urgency of
the problem

Operate Life­saving Assessment of Actions in responding

life‑saving evidence obtained to abandon ship and
Ability to organize abandon
appliances from approved survival situations are
ship drills and knowledge
training and appropriate to the
of the operation of survival
experience as set prevailing
craft and rescue boats,
out in section A­ circumstances and
their launching appliances
VI/2, paragraphs 1 conditions and comply
and arrangements, and
to 4 with accepted safety
their equipment, including
practices and
radio life‑saving appliances, standards
satellite EPIRBs, SARTs,
immersion suits and
thermal protective aids

Apply medical Medical aid Assessment of The identification of

first aid on Practical application of evidence obtained probable cause, nature
board ship medical guides and advice from approved and extent of injuries
by radio, including the training as set out in or conditions is prompt
ability to take effective section A‑VI/4, and treatment
action based on such paragraphs 1 to 3 minimizes immediate
knowledge in the case of threat to life
accidents or illnesses that
are likely to occur on board
ship

Monitor Basic working knowledge of Assessment of Legislative

compliance the relevant IMO evidence obtained requirements relating
with legislative conventions concerning from examination or to safety of life at sea,
requirements safety of life at sea, approved training security and protection
security and protection of of the marine
the marine environment environment are
correctly identified

Application of Working knowledge of Assessment of The crew are allocated

leadership and shipboard personnel evidence obtained duties and informed of
teamworking management and training from one or more of expected standards of
skills the following: work and behaviour in
A knowledge of related
.1  approved a manner appropriate
  international maritime
training to the individuals
conventions and
  .2  approved concerned
recommendations, and
  national legislation in‑service Training objectives and
experience
activities are based on
  Ability to apply task and .3  practical
demonstration assessment of current
workload management,
  competence and
including:   capabilities and
.1  planning and operational
co‑ordination requirements

.2  personnel assignment Operations are
demonstrated to be in
.3  time and resource accordance with
constraints applicable rules
.4 prioritization  
 

  Knowledge and ability to   Operations are planned
apply effective resource and resources are
management: allocated as needed in
correct priority to
.1 allocation, assignment,
perform necessary
and prioritization of
tasks
resources
Communication is
.2 effective communication
clearly and
onboard and ashore
unambiguously given
.3 decisions reflect and received
consideration of team
Effective leadership
experiences
behaviours are
.4 assertiveness and demonstrated
leadership, including
Necessary team
motivation
member(s) share
.5 obtaining and accurate understanding
maintaining situational of current and
awareness predicted vessel status
and operational status
and external
environment
Decisions are most
 effective for the
situation

Application of Knowledge and ability to
leadership and apply decision­making
teamworking techniques:
skills
.1  situation and risk
(continued)
assessment
.2  identify and consider
generated options
.3  selecting course of
action
.4  evaluation of outcome
effectiveness

Contribute to Knowledge of personal Assessment of Appropriate safety and

the safety of survival techniques evidence obtained protective equipment
personnel and from approved is correctly used
Knowledge of fire
ship training and
prevention and ability to Procedures and safe
experience as set
fight and extinguish fires working practices
out in section
designed to safeguard
Knowledge of elementary A‑VI/1, paragraph 2 personnel and the ship
first aid
are observed at all
Knowledge of personal times
safety and social
Procedures designed to
responsibilities
safeguard the
environment are
observed at all times
Initial and follow­up
action on becoming
aware of an
emergency conforms
with established
emergency response
procedures

IMO­Vega Guide

The STCW Code comprises two parts:
Part A ­ Mandatory standards regarding provisions of the Annex to the 1978 STCW Convention, as
amended, and
Part B ­ Recommended guidance regarding provisions of the 1978 STCW Convention, as amended.
Each section of the STCW Code refers to each regulation annexed to the Convention.

IMO­Vega Note

The 2010 amendments to the STCW Code, as adopted by Resolution 2 to the Final Act of the Manila
Conference, will enter into force 2012­01­01. See corresponding section applicable to 2012­01­01.
*  *  *
The STCW Code Part A is made mandatory in the STCW Convention Reg. I/1 paragraph 2.