Tjitso Westra’s Post

The IMO Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW) have agreed on a roadmap for the comprehensive review of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) and the accompanying STCW Code. The STCW Convention establishes basic requirements on training, certification and watchkeeping for seafarers on an international level. The comprehensive review aims to adapt existing global standards to reflect new trends, developments and challenges in the maritime sector. https://bit.ly/3I16JFv Via IMO

What we need is to use technology, creativity and innovation to make enclosed spaces where humans need not visit and or only then in extenuating circumstances.

Enclosed spaces! I’m happy to notice concerted efforts across the industry to address the issue of our seafarers becoming casualties inside such spaces which exist on all kinds of ships. The 2nd Industry Workshop on Enclosed Spaces at OCIMF Headquarters is well underway with participation from industry NGOs, Administrations, Companies and more. After the 1st Workshop (held on 1st February), all participating stakeholders took away some action points. On behalf of International Chamber of Shipping, I will be presenting my views on mandatory training in relation to enclosed spaces within the 1978 STCW Convention and Code and what can be done to make these more robust. An outcome from today’s discussions will be towards reviewing the competencies and KUPs detailed within the STCW Code for all seafarers. 

Robust SMS procedures for Enclosed space entry will be the guiding document for making enclosed space entry procedures safe at all times. Regular 2 monthly drills in an enclosed space must be performed. The space to be entered must qualify as an enclosed space such as limited access for entry and exit, not normal for worker occupancy, limited access for light and ventilation, slippery surfaces and obstacles to be expected. Following the Company enclosed space entry checklist and preparation for proper entry procedures are a must. The drill debriefing supplemented with photos will ensure compliance with the below. 1. The PPE used for the task 2. The gas detection system equipment used for the task 3. The communication systems in use 4 The Rescue equipment,first aid equipment and resuscitation techniques. Often it is found the enclosed space drill is conducted as a table top drill or in spaces which do not qualify as enclosed space such as pump rooms of oil tankers (unless integrity of piping system is broken) or engine room. Such drills don’t add value. Finally a drill debriefing on areas that went well and areas of development must be focused. 2 way radio communication between rescue teams and bridge (command and control) is needed. Where more training is required, time must be devoted during work time by imparting extra training to ensure familiarity and proficiency. For complex drills (in spaces such as purifier rooms) etc there can be a briefing by squad leader followed by debriefing to ensure compliance with the drill plan. We have to make drills realistic, safer and effective learning experience. Postponing drill can be detrimental to the morale of the crew unless it’s an absolute necessity. But it has to be made up some other time.

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STCW Direct hot course from SQ Learn Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR), ONLINE, Liberia approved, Panama accepted The course is designed to prepare new recruits for life on a ship at sea where they will experience a vastly different living and working environment compared to that if they were living and working ashore. Working on a ship can be a hazardous occupation for the uninitiated. This course will give new seafarers an insight into the various elements of a ship and working procedures on board so that they adjust to the shipboard environment and are better prepared to cope with any unforeseen circumstances. To that extent, this course is planned to make their transition from ashore to a sea career as smooth as possible and provide some understanding of a seafarer’s working environment and the hazards, procedures and safe work practices they will encounter, before they actually step on board a ship. For more info click the following link https://bit.ly/3YHr7Bh

LIST OF CONVENTIONS AND CODES WITH ADOPTED AND INFORCED DATES. When I was preparing for the 2nd mate exam, it was challenging 💪 for me to remember all the adopted and enforced dates 📅, mainly because they were written across different places. To solve this issue, I compiled a list 📝, which proved immensely helpful as it allowed me to review them at a glance 🔍. This question❓ is frequently asked in oral exams , and while it's tough to remember everything, it's beneficial to at least recall the main conventions and codes 📚. Remember, with daily practice for just 10 minutes ⏲️, nothing is too difficult. CONV./ ADOPTED INFORCED CODE SOLAS 01 Nov 1974 25 May 1980 ISM 23 Nov 1995 01 July 1998 MLC 23 Feb 2006 20 Aug 2023 MARPOL 02 Nov 1973 02 Oct 1983 STCW 07 Jul 1978 28 Apr 1984 IRPCS 20 Oct 1972 15 Jul 1977 Loadline 05 Apr 1966 21 Jul 1968 BWMC 2004 08 Sep 2017 ISPS 12 Dec 2002 01 Jul 2004 CLC 29 Nov 1969 19 Jun 1975 OPA-90 30 Nov 1990 13 May 1995 FAL 09 Apr 1965 05 Mar 1967 SUA 10 Mar 1988 01 Mar 1992 Nairobi Con. 12 May 2007 14 Apr 2015 HongK Con. 15 May 2009 26 Jun 2025 Anti-fouling 05 Oct 2001 17 Sep 2008 Also in this list I have not mentioned📣 the dates for protocols and amendments, so may be I'll write about that in the coming posts 📤. Thank you 😇 Follow for more Informative posts 🙌 #marine #code #convention #merchantnavy #ship #2mfg #exam

STCW Direct hot course from SQ Learn Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR), ONLINE, Liberia approved, Panama accepted The course is designed to prepare new recruits for life on a ship at sea where they will experience a vastly different living and working environment compared to that if they were living and working ashore. Working on a ship can be a hazardous occupation for the uninitiated. This course will give new seafarers an insight into the various elements of a ship and working procedures on board so that they adjust to the shipboard environment and are better prepared to cope with any unforeseen circumstances. To that extent, this course is planned to make their transition from ashore to a sea career as smooth as possible and provide some understanding of a seafarer’s working environment and the hazards, procedures and safe work practices they will encounter, before they actually step on board a ship. Use code stcwdirect23promo during checkout to get the quoted price! For more info click the following link https://bit.ly/3YHr7Bh

🚨 Important Notice – Gulf Coast Maritime Academy Courses 🚨 The U.S. Coast Guard has discovered that between January 2018 and November 2023, several courses provided by Gulf Coast Maritime Academy (GCMA) in Tampa, FL, failed to meet the required practical training standards, specifically for live firefighting exercises. As a result, the following courses are no longer Coast Guard-approved, and certificates issued during this period are invalid: Basic Firefighting Basic Firefighting Refresher Basic Firefighting Revalidation STCW Basic Training Affected mariners who took Basic Firefighting or STCW Basic Training must retake the courses or submit a Basic Firefighting Refresher or Revalidation course by October 1, 2025, to retain their endorsements. Mariners who attended refresher or revalidation courses during this time are not required to take further action but will be notified for awareness. The NMC will contact mariners directly via email, phone, or physical mail to provide further instructions. If you attended any of these courses, keep an eye on your inbox and postal mail. ⚠️ Failure to take action by October 1, 2025, may result in the removal of endorsements related to these courses from your Merchant Mariner Credential. For more information, contact the NMC Compliance Investigations Branch at: 📞 (304) 433-3466 📧 MCFTF@uscg.mil For help navigating this process, reach out to Mariner Consulting Services: 📧 info@MMLCS.com 📞 (360) 589-9667

🚨 Important Notice – Gulf Coast Maritime Academy Courses 🚨 The U.S. Coast Guard has discovered that between January 2018 and November 2023, several courses provided by Gulf Coast Maritime Academy (GCMA) in Tampa, FL, failed to meet the required practical training standards, specifically for live firefighting exercises. As a result, the following courses are no longer Coast Guard-approved, and certificates issued during this period are invalid: Basic Firefighting Basic Firefighting Refresher Basic Firefighting Revalidation STCW Basic Training Affected mariners who took Basic Firefighting or STCW Basic Training must retake the courses or submit a Basic Firefighting Refresher or Revalidation course by October 1, 2025, to retain their endorsements. Mariners who attended refresher or revalidation courses during this time are not required to take further action but will be notified for awareness. The NMC will contact mariners directly via email, phone, or physical mail to provide further instructions. If you attended any of these courses, keep an eye on your inbox and postal mail. ⚠️ Failure to take action by October 1, 2025, may result in the removal of endorsements related to these courses from your Merchant Mariner Credential. For more information, contact the NMC Compliance Investigations Branch at: 📞 (304) 433-3466 📧 MCFTF@uscg.mil For help navigating this process, reach out to Mariner Consulting Services: 📧 info@MMLCS.com 📞 (360) 589-9667