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On October 1, 1991 the US became signatory to the 1978 convention and had five years to implement the STCW. Beginning October 1, 1996 the USCG began issuing 1978 STCW forms to currently licensed officers and seaman based solely on the strength of their U.S. licenses and documents.

However, beginning February 1, 1997 all countries signatory to the 1978 convention are now required to enforce additional training requirements imposed by the 1995 amendments to the 1978 rules. The new training requirements include but are not limited to:

1. Completion of training record books assessing one’s practical skills.
2. Completion of approved courses in:

• Basic Training (BT) includes four modules: personal survival techniques, fire prevention and firefighting, elementary first aid and personal safety and social responsibilities. The STCW BT requirements are contained in Reg. VI/1 of the STCW Code. BT is required for those persons serving in a position that must be filled as part of the required crew complement or assigned a responsibility on the muster list.
• Bridge Resource Management
• Survival Craft
• Automatic RADAR Plotting Aids (ARPA)
• Global Marine Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)

As required by the 1995 amendments, all 1978 forms expired on January 31, 2002.  Therefore it is of utmost importance that both companies and individual mariners comply with the new rules so they may obtain the 1995 STCW forms required for service beyond the US boundary line.

In addition, all mariners whose sea service began on or after August 1, 1998 must fully comply with the 1995 training requirements at this time. For more information, visit the Coast Guard’s STCW website at www.uscg.mil/stcw or call Seattle’s OCMI at (206) 217-6115.

USCG-approved for 46 CFR Parts 10, 12, 15, and tables A-VI/1-1 through A-VI/1-4 of the STCW Code

(5 days) $1320 members | $1350 non-members | Class Schedule

Classes are held at NPFVOA offices, a local fire simulator and a local pool.

Personal Safety & Social Responsibility (4 hrs)

• Complying with Emergency Procedures
• Taking precautions to Prevent Pollution of the Marine Environment
• Observing Safe Working Practices
• Understanding orders and Being Understood in Relation to Shipboard Duties
• Contributing to Effective Human Relationships on Board Ship

Personal Survival Techniques (12 hours)

• Principles of Survival at Sea Preparing for Emergency Situations Lifesaving Equipment
• Evacuation Helicopter Assistance Distress Signals
• Emergency Radio Equipment

Medical Emergencies at Sea (8 hours)

• Scene Assessment Bloodborne Pathogens/Infectious Diseases
• Patient Assessment at Sea Vital signs
• Shock Life Threatening Conditions
• Toxic Environment Hypothermia
• Medevac Practical Exercises

Basic Firefighting (16 hours)

First day of class is 8 hours at NPFVOA which covers:

• Theory of Fire Fire Prevention
• Fire Detection Firefighting Equipment
• Ship Firefighting Organization Ship Firefighting Strategy and tactics
• Hands-on Field Exercises

Second day of class is 8 hours at a local fire simulator

• Field Exercises: Pump fire with dry chemical and water; car prop with carbon dioxide; trough fire with foam extinguisher.
• Burn Building Exercises: Maze with self-contained breathing apparatus; hotel search and rescue with SCBA; class A fire with all-purpose nozzle and applicator; class B fire with all-purpose nozzle and applicator.

The following is an overview of STCW requirements that apply to the commercial fishing industry. It has been approved by LCDR Tom Curley, Chief of Licensing, USCG Office of Certification and Marine Inspection (OCMI).

The Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping, 1978 (STCW) is an International Convention which sets qualifications and training standards for masters, officers, and watchkeeping personnel serving aboard seagoing merchant ships. In 1995 STCW was amended with several additional requirements, including a much higher level of training and proof of competency. (The full requirements can be found in 46 CFR Parts 10, 12, and 15.)

All commercial fishing and fish-tender vessels are exempt from STCW regardless of GRT; however, dedicated processors are not.

If you are in the process of obtaining, upgrading, or renewing a license and wish to have or are required to have an STCW-95 certificate, find out what training you are required to have before you begin attending expensive courses. The requirements are found in 46 CFR 10.205, 10.209, and manning sites 15.1101, .1103 and .1105.

Keep in mind that dedicated processors do not need STCW Basic Training (a 5-day USCG-approved course) if they prove compliance with the safety training requirements of 46 CFR Part 28 (Drill Instructor certification). Also, there are substitutions allowed for some of the requirements, and you may not be required to attend a particular course (i.e, ARPA, GMDSS, lifecraft proficiency) if your vessel does not carry such equipment.

• Commercial fishing and fish-tender vessels, although currently exempt until final ruling, are required by the FCC to carry GMDSS equipment. However, because fishing and fish-tender vessels are not subject to STCW, they need only meet the FCC licensing requirement. The current FCC licenses are issued after simply passing a test; whereas the full STCW GMDSS course is a 70-hour USCG-approved course. Do be aware, however, that any limitations or substitutions in training will be noted on your STCW certificate.

STCW Medical Care Provider

Satisfies USCG Medical First Aid training requirements of Section A-VI/4 and Table A-VI/4-1 of the STCW Code and 46 CFR 12.13-1.

$1400 members $1500 non-members | Class Schedule

Medical first aid providers conduct a primary and secondary survey of a sick or injured crewmember, immobilize the patient, and begin immediate treatment to preserve life – typically done prior to seeking radio medical advice. This SCTW advanced course teaches the knowledge and skills to perform these duties effectively. Prerequisite: Basic Training Elementary First Aid. This course is taught by George Washington University’s Maritime Medical Access Program.

Please call for hotel information.

NPFVOA is nearest to bus routes D and 31. The metro bus routes and schedules are available online at metro.kingcounty.gov.