STCW Convention | International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for SeafarersSAINMHÍNIÚ prescribes minimum standards relating to training, certification and watchkeeping for seafarers which countries are obliged to meet or exceed. TAGAIRT International Maritime Organisation, http://www.imo.org/About/Conventions/ListOfConventions/Pages/International-Convention-on-Standards-of-Training,-Certification-and-Watchkeeping-for-Seafarers-(STCW).aspx [06.11.2012]
NÓTA Previous to 1978 the standards of training, certification and watchkeeping of officers and ratings were established by individual governments, usually without reference to practices in other countries. As a result standards and procedures varied widely, even though shipping is the most international of all industries. By December 2000, the STCW Convention had 135 Parties, representing 97.53 percent of world shipping tonnage.