Maritime Foundation

The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978 sets minimum qualification standards for Officers and Crew on seagoing merchant ships and large yachts. STCW was adopted in 1978 by conference at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London, and entered into force in 1984. The Convention underwent substantial changes in 1995 and 2010.

The Convention prescribes minimum standards relating to training, certification and watchkeeping for seafarers which every maritime country is expected to meet and impart as prescribed by the STCW Code.