What Is the STCW Convention?
The Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Convention is the international standard that defines the minimum qualification requirements for masters, officers and watch personnel on seagoing merchant vessels. It was adopted by the IMO in 1978 and has been updated several times since — most significantly with the 2010 Manila Amendments.
The latest round of amendments, which took effect progressively from 2024 into 2025, introduces several important changes that affect virtually every maritime professional — from deckhands to captains.
Key Change #1: Medical Fitness Certificates (ENG1 / ML5)
The most widely discussed change involves medical fitness certificates. The amended STCW now requires:
- Standardised assessment criteria across flag states — reducing discrepancies between UK ENG1 and MCA ML5 standards
- Digital certificates must be accepted by port state control — paper-only certificates may be questioned from 2025
- Colour vision requirements have been clarified for OOW and bridge watchkeeping roles
- Mental health assessments are now explicitly part of fitness-to-serve criteria
Always verify that your medical examiner is approved by your flag state. Not all "ENG1 doctors" are registered for every flag.
Key Change #2: Cyber Security Awareness Training
Following the surge in maritime cyber incidents, the IMO has formally incorporated cyber security into STCW basic safety training. From January 2025, officers sitting for new or renewed certificates must demonstrate awareness of:
- Risks associated with connected navigation and engine management systems
- Phishing and social engineering attacks targeting crew
- Proper use of USB devices and personal devices on ship networks
- Incident reporting procedures for suspected cyber events
Key Change #3: Rest Hours Documentation
The new amendments tighten record-keeping requirements:
- Electronic logging is now preferred — handwritten logs will be scrutinised more heavily by PSC inspectors
- Minimum rest hours remain: 10 hours in any 24-hour period, 77 hours in any 7-day period
- Exceptions must be formally documented with flag state notification for any systematic deviation
- A new standardised format for rest hour records must be used
Key Change #4: Proficiency in Survival Craft Refresher
PSCRB certificates now require a full practical refresher course at the 5-year renewal — not just a written assessment.
What Should You Do Now?
- ✓ Check your certificate expiry dates
- ✓ Book your ENG1 renewal at least 6 weeks before expiry
- ✓ Confirm your BST/STCW training provider has updated their courses for 2025 cyber requirements
- ✓ Download your flag state's updated rest hours template
- ✓ If you hold PSCRB, check whether your next renewal requires a full practical refresher
Further Resources
The full text of the amendments is available at imo.org. For UK-flagged vessels, the MCA has published Marine Guidance Note MGN 739 (M+F) which summarises the changes. For MCA-issued certificates, the RYA and Warsash Maritime Academy have published updated guidance.