Amendments to Part a of the Seafarers' Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Code
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Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Resolutions - Maritime Safety Committee - Resolution MSC.397(95) - Amendments to Part A of the Seafarers' Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Code - (Adopted on 11 June 2015) - Amendments to Part a of the Seafarers' Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Code

Amendments to Part a of the Seafarers' Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Code

 This document has been consolidated into STCW Code

CHAPTER V – SPECIAL TRAINING REQUIREMENTS FOR PERSONNEL ON CERTAIN TYPES OF SHIP

1 The following new section A-V/3 is added after existing section A-V/2:

  • "Section A-V/3

  • Mandatory minimum requirements for the training and qualification of masters, officers, ratings and other personnel on ships subject to the IGF Code
  • Basic training for ships subject to the IGF Code
  • 1 Every candidate for a certificate in basic training for service on ships subject to the IGF Code shall:

    • .1.1 have successfully completed the approved basic training required by regulation V/3, paragraph 5, in accordance with their capacity, duties and responsibilities as set out in table A-V/3-1; and

    • .1.2 be required to provide evidence that the required standard of competence has been achieved in accordance with the methods and the criteria for evaluating competence tabulated in columns 3 and 4 of table A-V/3-1; or

    • .2 have received appropriate training and certification according to the requirements for service on liquefied gas tankers as set out in regulation V/3, paragraph 6.

  • Advanced training for ships subject to the IGF Code

  • 2 Every candidate for a certificate in advanced training for service on ships subject to the IGF Code shall:

    • .1.1 have successfully completed the approved advanced training required by regulation V/3, paragraph 8 in accordance with their capacity, duties and responsibilities as set out in table A-V/3-2; and

    • .1.2 provide evidence that the required standard of competence has been achieved in accordance with the methods and the criteria for evaluating competence tabulated in columns 3 and 4 of table A-V/3-2; or

    • .2 have received appropriate training and certification according to the requirements for service on liquefied gas tankers as set out in regulation V/3, paragraph 9.

  • Exemptions

  • 3 The Administration may, in respect of ships of less than 500 gross tonnage, except for passenger ships, if it considers that a ship's size and the length or character of its voyage are such as to render the application of the full requirements of this section unreasonable or impracticable, exempt the seafarers on such a ship or class of ships from some of the requirements, bearing in mind the safety of people on board, the ship and property and the protection of the marine environment.

Table A-V/3-1 - Specification of Minimum Standard of Competence in Basic Training for Ships Subject to the IGF Code

Coloumn 1 Coloumn 2 Coloumn 3 Coloumn 4
Competence Knowledge, understanding and proficiency Methods for demonstrating competence Criteria for evaluating competence
Contribute to the safe operation of a ship subject to the IGF Code Design and operational characteristics of ships subject to the IGF Code

Basic knowledge of ships subject to the IGF Code, their fuel systems and fuel storage systems:

.1 fuels addressed by the IGF Code

.2 types of fuel systems subject to the IGF Code

.3 atmospheric, cryogenic or compressed storage of fuels on board ships subject to the IGF Code

.4 general arrangement of fuel storage systems on board ships subject to the IGF Code

.5 hazard zones and areas

.6 typical fire safety plan

.7 monitoring, control and safety systems aboard ships subject to the IGF Code

Basic knowledge of fuels and fuel storage systems' operations on board ships subject to the IGF Code:

.1 piping systems and valves

.2 atmospheric, compressed or cryogenic storage

.3 relief systems and protection screens

.4 basic bunkering operations and bunkering systems

.5 protection against cryogenic accidents

.6 fuel leak monitoring and detection

Basic knowledge of the physical properties of fuels on board ships subject to the IGF Code, including:

.1 properties and characteristics

.2 pressure and temperature, including vapour pressure/ temperature relationship

Knowledge and understanding of safety requirements and safety management on board ships subject to the IGF Code

Examination and assessment of evidence obtained from one or more of the following:

.1 approved in-service experience

.2 approved training ship experience

.3 approved simulator training

.4 approved training programme

Communications within the area of responsibility are clear and effective

Operations related to ships subject to the IGF Code are carried out in accordance with accepted principles and procedures to ensure safety of operations

Take precautions to prevent hazards on a ship subject to the IGF Code Basic knowledge of the hazards associated with operations on ships subject to the IGF Code, including:

.1 health hazards

.2 environmental hazards

.3 reactivity hazards

.4 corrosion hazards

.5 ignition, explosion and flammability hazards

.6 sources of ignition

.7 electrostatic hazards

.8 toxicity hazards

.9 vapour leaks and clouds

.10 extremely low temperatures

.11 pressure hazards

.12 fuel batch differences

Basic knowledge of hazard controls:

.1 emptying, inerting, drying and monitoring techniques

.2 anti-static measures

.3 ventilation

.4 segregation

.5 inhibition

.6 measures to prevent ignition, fire and explosion

.7 atmospheric control

.8 gas testing

.9 protection against cryogenic damages (LNG)

Understanding of fuel characteristics on ships subject to the IGF Code as found on a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

Examination and assessment of evidence obtained from one or more of the following:

.1 approved in-service experience

.2 approved training ship experience

.3 approved simulator training

.4 approved training programme

Correctly identifies, on a Safety Data Sheet (SDS), relevant hazards to the ship and to personnel, and takes the appropriate actions in accordance with established procedures

Identification and actions on becoming aware of a hazardous situation conform to established procedures in line with best practice

Apply occupational health and safety precautions and measures Awareness of function of gas-measuring instruments and similar equipment:

.1 gas testing

Proper use of specialized safety equipment and protective devices, including:

.1 breathing apparatus

.2 protective clothing

.3 resuscitators

.4 rescue and escape equipment

Basic knowledge of safe working practices and procedures in accordance with legislation and industry guidelines and personal shipboard safety relevant to ships subject to the IGF Code, including:

.1 precautions to be taken before entering hazardous spaces and zones

.2 precautions to be taken before and during repair and maintenance work

.3 safety measures for hot and cold work

Basic knowledge of first aid with reference to a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

Examination or assessment of evidence obtained from one or more of the following:

.1 approved in-service experience

.2 approved training ship experience

.3 approved simulator training

.4 approved training programme

Procedures and safe working practices designed to safeguard personnel and the ship are observed at all times

Appropriate safety and protective equipment is correctly used

First aid dos and don'ts

Carry out firefighting operations on a ship subject to the IGF Code Fire organization and action to be taken on ships subject to the IGF Code

Special hazards associated with fuel systems and fuel handling on ships subject to the IGF Code

Firefighting agents and methods used to control and extinguish fires in conjunction with the different fuels found on board ships subject to the IGF Code

Firefighting system operations

Practical exercises and instruction conducted under approved and truly realistic training conditions (e.g. Simulated shipboard conditions) and, whenever possible and practicable, in darkness Initial actions and follow-up actions on becoming aware of an emergency conform with established practices and procedures

Action taken on identifying muster signals is appropriate to the indicated emergency and complies with established procedures

Clothing and equipment are appropriate to the nature of the firefighting operations

The timing and sequence of individual actions are appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions

Extinguishment of fire is achieved using appropriate procedures techniques and firefighting agents

Respond to emergencies Basic knowlegde of emergency procedures, including emergency shutdown Examination and assessment of evidence obtained from one or more of the following:

.1 approved in-service experience

.2 approved training ship experience

.3 approved simulator training

.4 approved training programme

The type and impact of the emergency is promptly identified and the response actions conform to the emergency procedures and contingency plans
Take precautions to prevent pollution of the environment from the release of fuels found on ships subject to the IGF Code Basic knowledge of measures to be taken in the event of leakage/spillage/ venting of fuels from ships subject to the IGF Code, including the need to:

.1 report relevant information to the responsible persons

.2 awareness of shipboard spill/leakage/venting response procedures

.3 awareness of appropriate personal protection when responding to a spill/ leakage of fuels addressed by the IGF Code

Examination or assessment of evidence obtained from one or more of the following:

.1 approved in-service experience

.2 approved training ship experience

.3 approved simulator training

.4 approved training programme

Procedures designed to safeguard the environment are observed at all times

Table A-V/3-2 - Specification of minimum standard of competence of advanced training for ships subject to the IGF Code

Coloumn 1 Coloumn 2 Coloumn 3 Coloumn 4
Competence Knowledge, understanding and proficiency Methods for demonstrating competence Criteria for evaluating competence
Familiarity with physical and chemical properties of fuels aboard ships subject to the IGF Code Basic knowledge and understanding of simple chemistry and physics and the relevant definitions related to safe bunkering and use of fuels used on board ships subject to the IGF Code, including:

.1 the chemical structure of different fuels used on board ships subject to the IGF Code

.2 the properties and characteristics of fuels used on board ships subject to the IGF Code, including:

.2.1 simple physical laws

.2.2 states of matter

.2.3 liquid and vapour densities

.2.4 boil-off and weathering of cryogenic fuels

.2.5 compression and expansion of gases

.2.6 critical pressure and temperature of gases

.2.7 flashpoint, upper and lower flammable limits, auto-ignition temperature

.2.8 saturated vapour pressure/ reference temperature

.2.9 dewpoint and bubble point

.2.10 hydrate formation

.2.11 combustion properties: heating values

.2.12 methane number/ knocking

.2.13 pollutant characteristics of fuels addressed by the IGF Code

.3 the properties of single liquids

.4 the nature and properties of solutions

.5 thermodynamic units

.6 basic thermodynamic laws and diagrams

.7 properties of materials

.8 effect of low temperature, including brittle fracture, for liquid cryogenic fuels

Understanding the information contained in a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) about fuels addressed by the IGF Code

Examination and assessment of evidence obtained from one or more of the following:

.1 approved in-service experience

.2 approved training ship experience

.3 approved simulator training

.4 approved training programme

Effective use is made of information resources for identification of properties and characteristics of fuels addressed by the IGF Code and their impact on safety, environmental protection and ship operation
Operate controls of fuel related to propulsion plant and engineering systems and services and safety devices on ships subject to the IGF Code

Operating principles of marine power plants

Ships' auxiliary machinery

Knowledge of marine engineering terms

Examination and assessment of evidence obtained from one or more of the following:

.1 approved in-service experience

.2 approved training ship experience

.3 approved simulator training

.4 approved training programme

Plant, auxiliary machinery and equipment is operated in accordance with technical specifications and within safe operating limits at all times
Ability to safely perform and monitor all operations related to the fuels used on board ships subject to the IGF Code Design and characteristics of ships subject to the IGF Code

Knowledge of ship design, systems, and equipment found on ships subject to the IGF Code, including:

.1 fuel systems for different propulsion engines

.2 general arrangement and construction

.3 fuel storage systems on board ships subject to the IGF Code, including materials of construction and insulation

.4 fuel-handling equipment and instrumentations on board ships:

.4.1 fuel pumps and pumping arrangements

.4.2 fuel pipelines

.4.3 expansion devices

.4.4 flame screens

.4.5 temperature monitoring systems

.4.6 fuel tank level-gauging systems

.4.7 tank pressure monitoring and control systems

.5 cryogenic fuel tanks temperature and pressure maintenance

.6 fuel system atmosphere control systems (inert gas, nitrogen), including storage, generation and distribution

.7 toxic and flammable gas-detecting systems

.8 fuel Emergency Shut Down system (ESD)

Knowledge of fuel system theory and characteristics, including types of fuel system pumps and their safe operation on board ships subject to the IGF Code

.1 low pressure pumps

.2 high pressure pumps

.3 vaporizers

.4 heaters

.5 pressure build-up units

Knowledge of safe procedures and checklists for taking fuel tanks in and out of service, including:

.1 inerting

.2 cooling down

.3 initial loading

.4 pressure control

.5 heating of fuel

.6 emptying systems

Examination and assessment of evidence obtained from one or more of the following:

.1 approved in-service experience

.2 approved training ship experience

.3 approved simulator training

.4 approved training programme

Communications are clear and understood

Successful ship operations using fuels addressed by the IGF Code are carried out in a safe manner, taking into account ship designs, systems and equipment

Pumping operations are carried out in accordance with accepted principles and procedures and are relevant to the type of fuel

Operations are planned, risk is managed and carried out in accordance with accepted principles and procedures to ensure safety of operations and to avoid pollution of the marine environment

Plan and monitor safe bunkering, stowage and securing of the fuel on board ships subject to the IGF Code General knowledge of ships subject to the IGF Code

Ability to use all data available on board related to bunkering, storage and securing of fuels addressed by the IGF Code

Ability to establish clear and concise communications and between the ship and the terminal, truck or the bunker- supply ship

Knowledge of safety and emergency procedures for operation of machinery, fuel- and control systems for ships subject to the IGF Code

Proficiency in the operation of bunkering systems on board ships subject to the IGF Code including:

.1 bunkering procedures

.2 emergency procedures

.3 ship-shore/ship-ship interface

.4 prevention of rollover

Proficiency to perform fuel-system measurements and calculations, including:

.1 maximum fill quantity

.2 On Board Quantity (OBQ)

.3 Minimum Remain On Board (ROB)

.4 fuel consumption calculations

Ability to ensure the safe management of bunkering and other IGF Code fuel related operations concurrent with other onboard operations, both in port and at sea

Examination and assessment of evidence obtained from one or more of the following:

.1 approved in-service experience

.2 approved simulator training

.3 approved training programme

.4 approved laboratory equipment training or witnessing bunker operation

Fuel quality and quantity is determined taking into account the current conditions and necessary corrective safe measures are taken

Procedures for monitoring safety systems to ensure that all alarms are detected promptly and acted upon in accordance with established procedures

Operations are planned and carried out in accordance with fuel transfer manuals and procedures to ensure safety of operations and avoid spill damages and pollution of the environment

Personnel are allocated duties and informed of procedures and standards of work to be followed, in a manner appropriate to the individuals concerned and in accordance with safe working procedures

Take precautions to prevent pollution of the environment from the release of fuels from ships subject to the IGF Code Knowledge of the effects of pollution on human and environment

Knowledge of measures to be taken in the event of spillage/leakage/ venting

Examination and assessment of evidence obtained from one or more of the following:

.1 approved in-service

.2 approved training ship experience

.3 approved simulator training

.4 approved training programme

Procedures designed to safeguard the environment are observed at all times
Monitor and control compliance with legislative requirements Knowledge and understanding of relevant provisions of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), as amended and other relevant IMO instruments, industry guidelines and port regulations as commonly applied

Proficiency in the use of the IGF Code and related documents

Assessment of evidence obtained from one or more of the following:

.1 approved in-service experience

.2 approved training ship experience

.3 approved simulator training

.4 approved training

The handling of fuels on board ships subject to the IGF Code complies with relevant IMO instruments and established industrial standards and codes of safe working practices

Operations are planned and performed in conformity with approved procedures and legislative requirements

Take precautions to prevent hazards Knowledge and understanding of the hazards and control measures associated with fuel system operations on board ships subject to the IGF Code, including:

.1 flammability

.2 explosion

.3 toxicity

.4 reactivity

.5 corrosivity

.6 health hazards

.7 inert gas composition

.8 electrostatic hazards

.9 pressurized gases

.10 low temperature

Proficiency to calibrate and use monitoring and fuel detection systems, instruments and equipment on board ships subject to the IGF Code

Knowledge and understanding of dangers of non-compliance with relevant rules/regulations

Knowledge and understanding of risks assessment method analysis on board ships subject to the IGF Code

Ability to elaborate and develop risks analysis related to risks on board ships subject to the IGF Code

Ability to elaborate and develop safety plans and safety instructions for ships subject to the IGF Code

Knowledge of hot work, enclosed spaces and tank entry including permitting procedures

Examination and assessment of evidence obtained from one or more of the following:

.1 approved in-service

.2 approved training ship experience

.3 approved simulator training

.4 approved training programme

Relevant hazards to the ship and to personnel associated with operations on board ships subject to the IGF Code are correctly identified and proper control measures are taken

Use of flammable and toxic

gas-detection devices are in accordance with manuals and good practice

Apply occupational health and safety precautions and measures on board a ship subject to the IGF Code Proper use of safety equipment and protective devices, including:

.1 breathing apparatus and evacuating equipment

.2 protective clothing and equipment

.3 resuscitators

.4 rescue and escape equipment

Knowledge of safe working practices and procedures in accordance with legislation and industry guidelines and personal shipboard safety including:

.1 precautions to be taken before, during and after repair and maintenance work on fuel systems addressed in the IGF Code

.2 electrical safety (reference to IEC 600079-17)

.3 ship/shore safety checklist

Basic knowledge of first aid with reference to a Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for fuels addressed by the IGF Code

Examination and assessment of evidence obtained from one or more of the following:

.1 approved in-service experience

.2 approved training ship experience

.3 approved simulator training

.4 approved training programme

Appropriate safety and protective equipment is correctly used

Procedures designed to safeguard personnel and the ship are observed at all times

Working practices are in accordance with legislative requirements, codes of practice, permits to work and environmental concerns

First aid dos and don'ts

Knowledge of the prevention, control and firefighting and extinguishing systems on board ships subject to the IGF Code Knowledge of the methods and firefighting appliances to detect, control and extinguish fires of fuels addressed by the IGF Code Examination and assessment of evidence obtained from one or more of the following:

.1 approved in-service experience

.2 approved training ship experience

.3 approved simulator training

.4 approved training programme

The type and scale of the problem is promptly identified, and initial actions conform with the emergency procedures for fuels addressed by the IGF Code

Evacuation, emergency shutdown and isolation procedures are appropriate to the fuels addressed by the IGF Code

Parent topic: Resolution MSC.397(95) - Amendments to Part A of the Seafarers' Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Code - (Adopted on 11 June 2015)
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