Published on: 17 June 2021
A consultation has been launched to seek views on the proposed draft merchant shipping Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) (amendment) regulations 2021, that propose to implement the amendments to the International Convention on STCW for Seafarers, 1978 into UK law. The Convention sets the standards of competence for seafarers internationally. In accordance with its international obligations and as a party to the Convention, the UK is required to implement the amendments into UK law.
The amendments would be made by way of the proposed merchant shipping (STWC) (Amendment) Regulations 2021, replacing the merchant shipping (STWC) regulations 2015 (SI 2015 No. 782) and their associated notices.
The proposed amending regulations incorporate the latest amendments to the STCW Convention and Code, which relate to those seafarers serving on ships using gases or other low-flashpoint fuels, ships that operate in polar waters and passenger ships. The regulations also include changes identified by a Post Implementation Review of the 2015 Regulations. These amendments put into effect initiatives to modernise and enhance the UK seafarer training system. The amending regulations aim to improve the employability of UK seafarers by encapsulating advancements and changes in maritime technology to make the sector a cleaner, safer and more efficient place to work. This package of legislative changes will include 14 amended m-notices; a new merchant shipping notice that will implement the small vessel route and Certificate of Competency, and two new marine information notices providing additional guidance on the new small vessel routes, and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) short course approval process.
The consultation and all its supporting documents can be found here. Please note that the consultation closes at 10am on 9 August 2021.
A full list of consultation questions is contained in section 5 of the consultation document.
There are two options on how you can send consultation response forms, they are:
- To email the MCA (STCW@mcga.gov.uk) and copy in the British Marine Technical Team (technical@britishmarine.co.uk).
or
- Contact the British Marine technical team (technical@britishmarine.co.uk) using ‘STCW consultation’ as your email subject and requesting the team forward the response on your behalf.