Manila Amendments to STCW Convention

E

CONFERENCE OF PARTIES TO THE

INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION ON

STANDARDS OF TRAINING,

CERTIFICATION AND WATCHKEEPING

FOR SEAFARERS, 1978

Agenda item 10

STCW/CONF.2/32

1 July 2010

Original: ENGLISH

ADOPTION OF THE FINAL ACT AND ANY INSTRUMENTS, RESOLUTIONS AND

RECOMMENDATIONS RESULTING FROM THE WORK OF THE CONFERENCE

Final Act of the Conference of Parties to the

International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping

for Seafarers (STCW), 1978

Text adopted by the Conference

1 Pursuant to the request of Parties to the International Convention on Standards

of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, (hereafter referred to as

the 1978 STCW Convention) at the eighty-fourth session of the Maritime Safety Committee of

the International Maritime Organization and subsequent decisions by the Council of the

Organization at its one hundredth session and the Assembly of the Organization at its

twenty-sixth session, and in accordance with article XII(1)(b) of the 1978 STCW Convention,

a Conference of Parties to the 1978 STCW Convention was convened, in consultation with the

Director-General of the International Labour Office, to consider amendments to the annex to

the 1978 STCW Convention and the Seafarers’ Training, Certification and Watchkeeping

(STCW) Code.

2 The Conference was held at the Philippine International Convention Centre in Manila,

the Philippines, from 21 to 25 June 2010.

3 Representatives of 85 States Parties to the 1978 STCW Convention participated in the

Conference, namely the representatives of:

CHINA ANGOLA

CONGO ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA

COOK ISLANDS ARGENTINA

CÔTE D’IVOIRE AUSTRALIA

CROATIA AZERBAIJAN

CYPRUS BAHAMAS

DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE’S BANGLADESH

BELGIUM REPUBLIC OF KOREA

DENMARK BELIZE

ESTONIA BRAZIL

FIJI BRUNEI DARUSSALAM

FINLAND CANADA

FRANCE CHILE

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STCW/CONF.2/32 - 2 -

PHILIPPINES GEORGIA

POLAND GERMANY

PORTUGAL GHANA

QATAR GREECE

REPUBLIC OF KOREA INDIA

ROMANIA INDONESIA

RUSSIAN FEDERATION IRAN (ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF)

SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS IRAQ

SAUDI ARABIA IRELAND

SINGAPORE ISRAEL

SLOVENIA ITALY

SOUTH AFRICA JAMAICA

SPAIN JAPAN

SRI LANKA KENYA

SWEDEN LATVIA

SWITZERLAND LEBANON

SYRIAN ARAB REPUBLIC LIBERIA

THAILAND LIBYAN ARAB JAMAHIRIYA

TUNISIA LITHUANIA

TURKEY LUXEMBOURG

TUVALU MALAYSIA

UKRAINE MALTA

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES MARSHALL ISLANDS

UNITED KINGDOM OF MEXICO

GREAT BRITAIN AND MOROCCO

NORTHERN IRELAND MOZAMBIQUE

UNITED REPUBLIC OF MYANMAR

TANZANIA NETHERLANDS

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA NIGERIA

VANUATU NORWAY

VIET NAM PANAMA

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

4 The following State sent observers to the Conference:

SURINAME

5 The following Associate Members of the Organization sent observers to the Conference:

FAROES

HONG KONG, CHINA

MACAO, CHINA

6 The following organization of the United Nations system sent observers to the

Conference:

INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANIZATION (ILO)

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STCW/CONF.2/32

The following intergovernmental organizations sent observers to the Conference:

EUROPEAN COMMISSION (EC)

LEAGUE OF ARAB STATES

8

The following non-governmental organizations sent observers to the Conference:

INTERNATIONAL CHAMBER OF SHIPPING (ICS)

INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING FEDERATION (ISF)

INTERNATIONAL TRANSPORT WORKERS’ FEDERATION

(ITF)

BIMCO

OIL COMPANIES INTERNATIONAL MARINE FORUM (OCIMF)

INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF DRILLING CONTRACTORS (IADC)

INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF SHIPMASTERS’ ASSOCIATIONS (IFSMA)

INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT TANKER OWNERS

(INTERTANKO)

CRUISE LINES INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION (CLIA)

INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF DRY CARGO SHIPOWNERS

(INTERCARGO)

INTERNATIONAL MARITIME LECTURERS ASSOCIATION (IMLA)

THE INSTITUTE OF MARINE ENGINEERING, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

(IMarEST)

INTERNATIONAL SHIP MANAGERS’ ASSOCIATION (InterManager)

INTERFERRY

INTERNATIONAL MARITIME HEALTH ASSOCIATION (IMHA)

INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MARITIME UNIVERSITIES (IAMU)

GLOBAL MARITIME EDUCATION AND TRAINING ASSOCIATION (GlobalMET)

THE NAUTICAL INSTITUTE (NI)

9 The Conference was opened by Mr. E.E. Mitropoulos, Secretary-General of the

International Maritime Organization.

10 H.E. Mr. Noli de Castro, Vice President of the Republic of the Philippines, delivered a

welcome address at the opening session of the Conference.

11 A message from Mr. Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations, was read

out at the opening session of the Conference.

12 The Conference elected Mr. Neil Frank R. Ferrer, of the Philippines, President of the

Conference.

13 The Vice-Presidents elected by the Conference were:

H.E. Mr. Dwight C.R. Gardiner (Antigua and Barbuda)

Mr. Koffi Bertin Tano (Côte d’Ivoire)

Mr. Rajeev Gupta (India)

Rear Admiral Giancarlo Olimbo (Italy)

Mr. Abdel Hafiz El Kaissi (Lebanon)

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STCW/CONF.2/32 - 4 -

14 The Secretariat of the Conference consisted of the following officers:

Secretary-General: Mr. E.E. Mitropoulos

Secretary-General of the Organization

Executive Secretary: Mr. K. Sekimizu

Director, Maritime Safety Division

Deputy Executive Mr. H. Hesse

Secretary: Senior Deputy Director, Maritime Safety Division

Assistant Deputy Executive Mr. A. Mahapatra

Secretary: Head, Maritime Training and Human Element Section,

Maritime Safety Division

15 The Conference established the following Committees and elected respective officers:

Committee of the Whole

Chairman:

First Vice-Chairman:

Second Vice-Chairman:

Drafting Committee

Chairman:

First Vice-Chairman:

Second Vice-Chairman:

Rear Admiral P. Brady (Jamaica)

Mr. S. Hassing (Netherlands)

Mr. Zheng Heping (China)

Ms. M. Medina (United States)

Mr. B. Groves (Australia)

Capt. M.A. Shahba (Islamic Republic of Iran)

Credentials Committee

16

Chairman: Mr. L. Chichinadze (Georgia)

The Drafting Committee was composed of representatives of the following States:

ARGENTINA

AUSTRALIA

CHINA

FRANCE

IRAN (ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF)

RUSSIAN FEDERATION

SPAIN

UNITED STATES

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The Credentials Committee was composed of representatives of the following States:

GEORGIA

IRELAND

NIGERIA

PANAMA

THAILAND

18 The Conference used as the basis of its work the draft texts of amendments to the annex

to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for

Seafarers, 1978 and the Seafarers’ Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Code

prepared by the Sub-Committee on Standards of Training and Watchkeeping (STW), at its

forty-first session, and endorsed by the Maritime Safety Committee, at its eighty-seventh session,

of the Organization.

19 The Conference also considered proposals and comments submitted to the Conference by

Parties to the 1978 STCW Convention and international organizations.

20 As a result of its deliberations, the Conference adopted:

- amendments to the annex to the International Convention on Standards of

Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, together with

resolution 1 on adoption of the amendments to the annex to the Convention, which

constitute attachment 1 to this Final Act; and

- amendments to the Seafarers’ Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW)

Code, together with resolution 2 on adoption of the amendments to the Code,

which constitute attachment 2 to this Final Act.

21 The Conference also adopted the following resolutions set forth in attachment 3 to this

Final Act:

Resolution 3: Expression of appreciation to the host Government;

Resolution 4: Transitional provisions and early implementation;

Resolution 5: Verification of certificates of competency and endorsements;

Resolution 6: Standards of training and certification and ships’ manning levels;

Resolution 7: Promotion of technical knowledge, skills and professionalism of

seafarers;

Resolution 8: Development of guidelines to implement international standards of

medical fitness for seafarers;

Resolution 9: Revision of existing model courses published by the International

Maritime Organization and development of new model courses;

Resolution 10: Promotion of technical co-operation;

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STCW/CONF.2/32

Resolution 11:

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Measures to ensure the competency of masters and officers of ships

operating in polar waters;

Resolution 12: Attracting new entrants to, and retaining seafarers in, the maritime

profession;

Resolution 13: Accommodation for trainees;

Resolution 14: Promotion of the participation of women in the maritime industry;

Resolution 15: Future amendments and review of the STCW Convention and Code;

Resolution 16: Contribution of the International Labour Organization;

Resolution 17: Role of the World Maritime University, the IMO International

Maritime Law Institute and the International Maritime Safety, Security

and Environment Academy (IMSSEA) in promoting enhanced

maritime standards;

Resolution 18: Year of the Seafarer; and

Resolution 19: Day of the Seafarer.

22 This Final Act is established in a single original text in the Arabic, Chinese, English,

French, Russian and Spanish languages and is deposited with the Secretary-General of the

International Maritime Organization.

23 The Secretary-General shall send:

(a) certified copies of this Final Act, with its attachments, to the Governments of the

States invited to be represented at the Conference; and

(b) certified copies of the authentic texts of the amendments to the 1978 STCW

Convention and the STCW Code, as referred to in paragraph 20 above, to all

Parties to the 1978 STCW Convention, in conformity with article XII(1)(b)(ii)

thereof.

DONE AT MANILA this twenty-fifth day of June, two thousand and ten.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned have affixed their signatures to this Final Act.

* * *

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Attachment 3 to the Final Act of the Conference

Resolution 3

Expression of appreciation to the host Government

THE 2010 MANILA CONFERENCE,

NOTING with appreciation the kind invitation of the Government of the Philippines to the

International Maritime Organization to hold the International Conference to adopt amendments

to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for

Seafarers, 1978 and the Seafarers Training, Certification and Watchkeeping Code,

ACKNOWLEDGING the generous financial and in-kind contribution and excellent

arrangements made by the Government of the Philippines for the Conference, as well as the

hospitality, courtesies and other amenities bestowed on the Participants to the Conference,

1. EXPRESSES its profound gratitude and thanks to the Government and the People of

the Philippines for their valuable contribution to the success of the Conference;

2. DECIDES, in grateful recognition of this contribution, to designate the amendments

adopted by the Conference as:

“THE MANILA AMENDMENTS TO THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION

ON STANDARDS OF TRAINING, CERTIFICATION AND WATCHKEEPING

FOR SEAFARERS, 1978”

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STCW/CONF.2/32

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Resolution 4

Transitional provisions and early implementation

THE 2010 MANILA CONFERENCE,

HAVING ADOPTED the Manila amendments to the International Convention on Standards of

Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978 and to the Seafarers’ Training,

Certification and Watchkeeping Code, as amended (STCW Convention and Code),

HAVING AGREED to include regulation I/15 on Transitional provisions, which allows for an

interval of five years, or until the time of the next revalidation of certificate(s) of competency

after the amendments have entered into force, whichever is later, before Parties will be required

to issue, recognize and endorse certificates in accordance with the amendments adopted by the

Conference,

RECOGNIZING that, in order to achieve full compliance by 1 January 2017, it is necessary for

Parties to promptly begin taking appropriate measures to implement the STCW Convention and

Code in their national training, certification and administration systems,

BEING CONCERNED that difficulties, which may arise in connection with the implementation

of the requirements of the STCW Convention and Code, could undermine the objective of

introducing the highest practicable standards of competence at the earliest possible time,

1. URGES each Party to keep the Maritime Safety Committee of the International Maritime

Organization informed of progress made in respect of the transitional provisions of

regulation I/15 under its national system to implement the requirements of the amendments to the

STCW Convention and Code, adopted by the Conference, as well as any difficulties encountered

in this regard;

2. FURTHER URGES each Party to take appropriate steps for early implementation of the

amendments to the STCW Convention and Code adopted by the Conference;

3. INVITES the Maritime Safety Committee of the International Maritime Organization, in

order to promote the introduction of the highest practicable standards of competence as soon as

possible, to monitor progress toward implementation of the STCW Convention and Code by all

Parties, with the aim of encouraging an orderly transition and anticipating complications, which

could otherwise undermine full and effective implementation.

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Resolution 5

Verification of certificates

of competency and endorsements

STCW/CONF.2/32

THE 2010 MANILA CONFERENCE,

HAVING ADOPTED the Manila amendments to the International Convention on Standards of

Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, and to the Seafarers’ Training,

Certification and Watchkeeping Code, as amended,

RECOGNIZING the importance of adequate education and training for, and experience acquired

by, all seafarers,

RECOGNIZING ALSO the need for all ships to be manned and operated by properly trained and

certified seafarers,

RECOGNIZING FURTHER that the verification of certificates of competency and endorsements

issued to seafarers is essential also from the point of view of preventing unlawful practices

associated with the issuance of such certificates as well as to supporting port State control

activities,

RECOMMENDS that Administrations take appropriate steps to:

.1 establish electronic databases to assist in verifying the authenticity and validity of

certificates of competency and endorsements they issue; and

.2 respond appropriately and in a timely manner to any request from other

Administrations for verification of the authenticity and validity of certificates of

competency and endorsements.

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Resolution 6

Standards of training and certification

and ships’ manning levels

THE 2010 MANILA CONFERENCE,

HAVING ADOPTED the Manila amendments to the International Convention on Standards of

Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, and to the Seafarers’ Training,

Certification and Watchkeeping Code, as amended (STCW Convention and Code),

RECOGNIZING the importance of adequate education and training for, and experience acquired

by, all seafarers,

RECOGNIZING ALSO the need for all ships to be manned and operated by properly trained and

certified seafarers,

NOTING that the STCW Convention and Code establish standards of training, certification and

watchkeeping for seafarers,

1. REAFFIRMS that the STCW Convention and Code are instruments concerned with

standards of training and certification and do not determine ships’ manning levels;

2. REAFFIRMS ALSO that any decision relating to ships’ manning levels is the

responsibility of the Administrations and shipowners concerned taking into account the

principles of safe manning

*

adopted by the International Maritime Organization.

*

Refers to resolution A.890(21), as amended on Principles of safe manning, adopted by the Assembly of the

International Maritime Organization on 25 November 1999.

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Resolution 7

Promotion of technical knowledge, skills

and professionalism of seafarers

STCW/CONF.2/32

THE 2010 MANILA CONFERENCE,

HAVING ADOPTED the Manila amendments to the International Convention on Standards of

Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978 and to the Seafarers’ Training,

Certification and Watchkeeping Code, as amended (STCW Convention and Code),

NOTING with concern the reported and anticipated shortage of qualified officers to effectively

man and operate ships engaged in international trade,

APPRECIATING that the overall effectiveness of selection, training and certification processes

can only be evaluated through the skills, abilities and competence exhibited by seafarers during

the course of their service on board ship,

RECOMMENDS that Administrations make arrangements to ensure that shipping companies:

.1 establish criteria and processes for the selection of seafarers exhibiting the highest

practicable standards of technical knowledge, skills and professionalism;

.2 monitor the standards exhibited by ships’ personnel in the performance of their

duties;

.3 encourage all officers serving on their ships to participate actively in the training

of junior personnel;

.4 monitor carefully and review frequently the progress made by junior personnel in

the acquisition of knowledge and skills during their service on board ship;

.5 provide refresher and updating training at suitable intervals, as may be required;

and

.6 take all appropriate measures to instil pride in the maritime profession and

encourage the creation of a safety culture and environmental conscience among all

those who serve on their ships.

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Resolution 8

Development of guidelines to implement international standards

of medical fitness for seafarers

THE 2010 MANILA CONFERENCE,

HAVING ADOPTED the Manila amendments to the International Convention on Standards of

Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978 and to the Seafarers’ Training,

Certification and Watchkeeping Code, as amended (STCW Convention and Code),

RECOGNIZING the importance of the overall medical fitness of masters and ships’ crews to the

safety of life and property at sea and the protection of the marine environment,

TAKING COGNIZANCE OF the international standards of medical fitness for seafarers

included in the STCW Convention and Code and the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006,

INVITES the International Maritime Organization, in co-operation with the International Labour

Organization and the World Health Organization, to develop guidelines to implement the

aforementioned standards.

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Resolution 9

Revision of existing model courses published by the

International Maritime Organization and

development of new model courses

STCW/CONF.2/32

THE 2010 MANILA CONFERENCE,

HAVING ADOPTED the Manila amendments to the International Convention on Standards of

Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978 and to the Seafarers’ Training,

Certification and Watchkeeping Code, as amended (STCW Convention and Code),

RECOGNIZING the significant contribution made to seafarers’ training and certification through

model courses, validated and published by the International Maritime Organization (IMO),

providing core curricula based on the minimum requirements of the STCW Convention and Code,

APPRECIATING that the aforementioned model courses have assisted many training institutions

to improve the quality of the training they provide and have been used to improve procedures for

assessing competency,

DESIRING to achieve greater uniformity in the application of the training and assessment

provisions of the STCW Convention and Code,

INVITES:

.1 IMO to take steps to revise and update existing model courses and develop new

model courses, which provide guidance on the implementation of the training and

assessment provisions of the STCW Convention and Code; and

.2 Governments and international organizations to provide funding for, and otherwise

assist in, the revision, updating of existing model courses and development of new

model courses.

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Resolution 10

Promotion of technical co-operation

THE 2010 MANILA CONFERENCE,

HAVING ADOPTED the Manila amendments to the International Convention on Standards of

Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978 and to the Seafarers’ Training,

Certification and Watchkeeping Code, as amended (STCW Convention and Code),

RECALLING IMO Assembly resolution A.998(25) on Need for capacity building for the

development and implementation of new, and amendments to existing instruments,

RECOGNIZING the importance of adequate education and training for, and experience acquired

by, all seafarers,

RECOGNIZING FURTHER that, in some cases, there may be limited facilities for providing

specialized training programmes and obtaining the required experience, particularly in

developing countries,

BELIEVING that the promotion of technical co-operation will assist countries lacking adequate

expertise or facilities in providing proper training and experience to implement the

STCW Convention and Code,

1. STRONGLY URGES Parties to provide, or arrange to provide, in co-operation with the

International Maritime Organization (IMO), assistance to those States, which have difficulty in

meeting the revised requirements of the STCW Convention and Code and which request such

assistance;

2. INVITES IMO to intensify its endeavours to provide States with the assistance they may

require and to make adequate provision for that purpose within its technical co-operation

programme.

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Resolution 11

Measures to ensure the competency of masters and officers of ships

operating in polar waters

THE 2010 MANILA CONFERENCE,

HAVING ADOPTED the Manila amendments to the International Convention on Standards of

Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, and to the Seafarers’ Training,

Certification and Watchkeeping Code, as amended (STCW Convention and Code),

NOTING that, as a result of the increase in maritime traffic in polar waters, several accidents

have occurred there in recent years,

NOTING FURTHER the remoteness and the singular hydrographic, oceanographic,

meteorological and glaciological characteristics of polar waters, to the extent that search and

rescue, care and evacuation of persons and addressing the consequences of pollution entail

considerable operational and logistical problems,

RECOGNIZING that the operation of ships sailing in polar waters calls for specific education,

training, experience and related qualifications for masters and officers on board such ships,

RECOGNIZING ALSO the efforts made by governments to train masters and officers through

courses dedicated to this particular class of navigation,

RECOGNIZING FURTHER both the Guidelines for ships operating in polar waters

1

and the

need for mandatory training requirements when the Polar Code under development by the

International Maritime Organization is adopted,

RECOMMENDS that governments adopt measures conducive to ensuring that masters and

officers of ships, which operate in polar waters, have appropriate training and experience, so that

they are able to:

.1 plan voyages to polar waters, taking into account glaciological, hydrographic,

oceanographic and meteorological factors;

.2 navigate safely in polar waters, in particular in restricted ice-covered areas under

adverse conditions of wind and visibility; and

.3 supervise and ensure compliance with the requirements deriving from

intergovernmental agreements and with those relating to safety of life at sea and

protection of the marine environment.

1

Refer to resolution A.1024(26) – Guidelines for ships operating in polar waters, adopted by the Assembly of the

International Maritime Organization on 2 December 2009.

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Resolution 12

Attracting new entrants to, and retaining seafarers in, the maritime profession

THE 2010 MANILA CONFERENCE,

HAVING ADOPTED the Manila amendments to the International Convention on Standards of

Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, and to the Seafarers’ Training,

Certification and Watchkeeping Code, as amended (STCW Convention and Code),

BEING AWARE that more than 90% of world trade is carried by sea and that the shipping

industry operates safely, securely, efficiently and in an environmentally-sound manner,

RECOGNIZING the vital service seafarers provide to shipping, an industry that contributes

significantly to global and sustainable development and prosperity,

RECOGNIZING ALSO the need for today’s increasingly sophisticated ships to be entrusted to

seafarers who are competent in all respects to operate them in a safe, secure, efficient and

environmentally-sound manner,

RECOGNIZING FURTHER that any discriminative legislation adopted and practices enacted

have the potential to discourage young people from joining the profession and serving seafarers

from remaining in it,

NOTING with concern the reported and anticipated shortage of qualified officers to effectively

man and operate ships,

NOTING ALSO with appreciation the “Go to Sea!” campaign launched, in November 2008, by

the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, in co-operation with the

International Labour Organization, BIMCO, International Chamber of Shipping, International

Shipping Federation, INTERCARGO, INTERTANKO and the International Transport Workers’

Federation,

APPRECIATING the overall efforts of the shipping industry to promote among young persons a

career at sea,

RECOMMENDS that Administrations, shipping companies, shipowner, ship manager and

seafarer organizations and any other entities concerned do their utmost to promote among young

persons a career at sea and to retain existing seafarers within the industry by:

.1 engendering a more favourable public perception, in particular among young

people, of the maritime industry;

.2 promoting a greater awareness and knowledge among young people of the

opportunities offered by a career at sea;

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.3

.4

.5

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improving the quality of life at sea by bringing it more closely in line with the

career alternatives available ashore and by enhancing the facilities provided on

board ships, including accessing the Internet;

encouraging all officers serving on their ships to participate actively in the training

and mentoring of junior personnel during their service on board ship;

encouraging the provision of adequate accommodation for trainees on new

buildings; and

taking all appropriate measures to instil pride in the maritime profession and

encourage the creation of a safety culture and environmental conscience among all

those who serve on their ships.

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Resolution 13

Accommodation for trainees

THE 2010 MANILA CONFERENCE,

HAVING ADOPTED the Manila amendments to the International Convention on Standards of

Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978 and to the Seafarers’ Training,

Certification and Watchkeeping Code, as amended (STCW Convention and Code),

NOTING with concern the reported and anticipated shortage of qualified officers to effectively

man and operate ships engaged in international trade,

RECOGNIZING the need for today’s increasingly sophisticated ships to be entrusted to seafarers

who are competent in all respects to operate them in a safe, secure, efficient and

environmentally-sound manner,

RECOGNIZING ALSO that minimum mandatory seagoing service forms part of the

requirements prescribed in the STCW Convention and Code for operational level and support

level certification,

RECOGNIZING FURTHER that the lack of adequate accommodation for trainees on board

ships constitutes a significant impediment to properly training them and subsequently retaining

them at sea, thus adding to the aforementioned shortage,

URGES shipowners, ship managers and shipping companies to provide suitable accommodation

for trainees on board their ships both existing and new.

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Resolution 14

Promotion of the participation of women

in the maritime industry

STCW/CONF.2/32

THE 2010 MANILA CONFERENCE,

HAVING ADOPTED the Manila amendments to the International Convention on Standards of

Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978 and to the Seafarers’ Training,

Certification and Watchkeeping Code, as amended,

NOTING the Long- and Medium-Term Plans for the Integration of Women in the Maritime

Sector developed by the International Maritime Organization,

NOTING ALSO the resolution concerning the promotion of opportunities for women seafarers

adopted by the International Labour Conference of the International Labour Organization

on 22 February 2006,

EXPRESSING SUPPORT for the latter’s aims to promote the training of women in the maritime

sector,

CONSIDERING HIGHLY DESIRABLE that both men and women have equal access

opportunities to maritime training and to employment on board ship,

1. INVITES Governments:

.1 to give special consideration to securing equal access by men and women in all

sectors of the maritime industry; and

.2 to highlight the role of women in the seafaring profession and to promote their

greater participation in maritime training and at all levels in the maritime industry;

2. FURTHER INVITES Governments and the industry:

.1 to endeavour considering ways to identify and overcome, at international level,

the existing constraints, such as the lack of facilities for women on board training

vessels, so that women can participate fully and without hindrance in seafaring

activities in order to facilitate effectively the achievement of Millennium

Development Goals (MDG) 3 (Promote gender equality and empower women);

.2 to support the provision of on-the-job-training opportunities so that women may

acquire the appropriate level of practical experience required to enhance

professional maritime skills.

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Resolution 15

Future amendments and review of the STCW Convention and Code

THE 2010 MANILA CONFERENCE,

HAVING ADOPTED the Manila amendments to the International Convention on Standards of

Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978 and to the Seafarers’ Training,

Certification and Watchkeeping Code, as amended (STCW Convention and Code),

NOTING that rapidly evolving technology and training methodologies require a consistent

approach towards reviewing, amending and updating the STCW Convention and Code,

NOTING FURTHER, however, that frequent amendments to the STCW Convention and Code

may be problematic to Maritime Administrations, shipowners, maritime training and education

institutions and/or seafarers and should, therefore, be avoided,

1. RECOMMENDS that significant and extensive amendments to the STCW Convention

and Code should, as far as possible, be developed and adopted on a five-yearly cycle basis;

2. RECOMMENDS FURTHER that a comprehensive review of the STCW Convention and

Code should, as far as possible, be carried out every ten years to address any inconsistencies

identified in the interim; and to ensure that they are up to date with emerging technologies.

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Resolution 16

Contribution of the International Labour Organization

THE 2010 MANILA CONFERENCE,

HAVING ADOPTED the Manila amendments to the International Convention on Standards of

Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978 and to the Seafarers’ Training,

Certification and Watchkeeping Code, as amended (STCW Convention and Code),

RECOGNIZING the role, competence and expertise of the International Labour Organization

(ILO) on matters relating to the occupational safety and health of seafarers,

RECOGNIZING ALSO the significant benefit to the achievement of the objective of the

International Maritime Organization and the shipping industry from the Maritime Labour

Convention, 2006 (MLC 2006), once in force and implemented,

1. EXPRESSES its appreciation for the contribution made by ILO during the development

of the aforementioned amendments to the STCW Convention and Code;

2. STRONGLY RECOMMENDS to Governments, which have not yet done so, to promptly

ratify the MLC 2006 to enable its expeditious entry into force and, thereafter, to ensure its wide

and effective implementation.

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Resolution 17

Role of the World Maritime University, the IMO International Maritime Law Institute and

the International Maritime Safety, Security and Environment Academy

(IMSSEA) in

promoting enhanced maritime standards

THE 2010 MANILA CONFERENCE,

HAVING ADOPTED the Manila amendments to the International Convention on Standards of

Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978 and to the Seafarers’ Training,

Certification and Watchkeeping Code, as amended (STCW Convention and Code),

BEING AWARE of the difficulties of countries, in particular developing countries, in achieving

the standards of training and assessment required by the STCW Convention and Code,

RECOGNIZING the significant contribution made by graduates of the World Maritime

University (WMU) and the IMO International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI) and the

International Maritime Safety, Security and Environment Academy (IMSSEA) to the global and

uniform implementation of standards incorporated in maritime safety and pollution

prevention-related instruments adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO),

including the STCW Convention and Code,

RECOGNIZING ALSO the need to maintain the required level of competence of personnel in

the international maritime field in order to achieve the objectives of the Organization for safer,

secure and efficient shipping in an environmentally sound manner worldwide,

RECOGNIZING FURTHER the leading role played by WMU, IMLI and IMSSEA in maritime

education, training and research and the transfer of knowledge through their activities,

RECOGNIZING FURTHER the desirability of common and coordinated approaches in maritime

education and training programmes of academic organizations and institutions in line with those

of WMU, IMLI and IMSSEA for global implementation of the enhanced standards of the STCW

Convention and Code,

APPRECIATING the generous contribution of various entities and donors (in particular, the

Governments of China, Italy, Malta, Sweden and the Nippon Foundation of Japan), which have,

over many years, been providing financial support and fellowships to candidates from developing

countries enrolled in courses at WMU, IMLI and IMSSEA,

1. URGES IMO to continue promoting the role of WMU, IMLI and IMSSEA in maritime

education, training and research in the context of the global implementation of IMO instruments,

including the enhanced standards of the STCW Convention and Code;

2. RECOMMENDS STRONGLY that Governments, international organizations and

shipping industry maintain and further develop their support to WMU, IMLI and IMSSEA to

enable them both to continue to make available highly qualified maritime lecturers,

administrators and lawyers; and to continue to provide maritime education, training and research

to the benefit of maritime industry, especially candidates from developing countries;

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3. COMMENDS the staff (both academic and administrative) of WMU, IMLI and IMSSEA

for their dedication and commitment to their duties and their contribution to the attainment of the

objectives of the institutions.

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Resolution 18

Year of the Seafarer

THE 2010 MANILA CONFERENCE,

HAVING ADOPTED the Manila amendments to the International Convention on Standards of

Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978 and to the Seafarers’ Training,

Certification and Watchkeeping Code, as amended,

BEING AWARE of the decision of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to name 2010

as the “Year of the Seafarer”,

BEING EQUALLY AWARE of the contribution seafarers from all over the world make to

international seaborne trade, the world economy and civil society as a whole,

RECOGNIZING FULLY the enormous risks seafarers shoulder in the execution of their daily

tasks and duties in an often hostile environment,

MINDFUL of the deprivations to which seafarers are subject through spending long periods of

their professional life at sea away from their families and friends,

BEING CONCERNED at reported instances in which seafarers were unfairly treated when their

ships were involved in accidents; were abandoned in foreign ports; were refused shore leave for

security purposes; and were subjected to serious risks while their ships were sailing through

piracy-infested areas and to potentially harmful treatment while in the hands of pirates,

DESIRING to join in the celebrations of IMO and the maritime community to pay due tribute to

seafarers for the contribution referred to above,

1. EXPRESSES DEEP APPRECIATION to IMO for its timely and appropriate decision to

dedicate the current year to the Seafarer;

2. EXPRESSES ALSO DEEP APPRECIATION AND GRATITUDE to seafarers from all

over the world for their unique contribution to international seaborne trade, the world economy

and civil society as a whole;

3. EQUALLY EXPRESSES DEEP APPRECIATION to maritime pilots, VTS operators,

seafarer welfare organizations and all others who contribute to assisting ships and seafarers to

enter, stay at, or leave ports and offshore terminals and to navigate through hazardous waters

safely and with due care for the marine environment;

4. URGES Governments, shipping organizations and companies and all other parties

concerned to take appropriate action to recognize the contribution of seafarers as highlighted

above, including by working together, under the auspices of IMO and the International Labour

Organization (ILO), to promote seafaring as a career choice for young persons and encourage

those already in the profession to continue serving the industry;

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5. URGES ALSO Governments, shipping organizations and companies and all other parties

concerned, working together under the auspices of IMO and ILO, to take appropriate action to

promote and implement, as widely and effectively as possible:

.1 the IMO/ILO Guidelines on the fair treatment of seafarers in the event of a

maritime accident;

.2 the IMO/ILO Guidelines on provision of financial security in case of abandonment

of seafarers; and

.3 the IMO/ILO Guidelines on shipowners’ responsibilities in respect of contractual

claims for personal injury to, or death of, seafarers.

6. URGES FURTHER Governments and the shipping industry to take appropriate action to

implement:

.1 the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code;

.2 the Guidelines adopted and promulgated by IMO to prevent and suppress acts of

piracy and robbery against ships; and

.3 the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of

Maritime Navigation, 1988 (1988 SUA Convention) and the Protocol for the

Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Fixed Platforms Located on

the Continental Shelf, 1988 (1988 SUA Protocol), as amended

by the 2005 Protocol to the 1988 SUA Convention and the 2005 Protocol

to the 1988 SUA Protocol,

in a manner that, while ensuring that maximum protection is afforded to seafarers, does not

subject them to any unfair treatment and unnecessary inconvenience;

7. URGES ALSO Governments to ratify, accept, approve or accede to, and thereafter

effectively implement, the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006;

8. INVITES IMO, ILO and industry organizations to intensify their efforts to deliver the

Year of the Seafarer Action Plan to the full and in the best interests of the seafarers.

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Resolution 19

Day of the Seafarer

THE 2010 MANILA CONFERENCE,

HAVING ADOPTED the Manila amendments to the International Convention on Standards of

Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978 and to the Seafarers’

Training, Certification and Watchkeeping Code, as amended,

RECOGNIZING FULLY the unique contribution seafarers from all over the world make to

international seaborne trade, the world economy and civil society as a whole,

RECOGNIZING EQUALLY the considerable risks seafarers shoulder in the execution of their

daily tasks and duties in an often hostile environment,

MINDFUL of the deprivations to which seafarers are subject through spending long periods of

their professional life at sea away from their families and friends,

DEEPLY APPRECIATIVE that, in recognition of the above, the International Maritime

Organization has named 2010 as the “Year of the Seafarer” in order for it and the maritime

community as a whole to pay due tribute to seafarers in recognition of the above,

DESIRING to ensure the continued expression of this deep appreciation and gratitude to

seafarers from all over the world for the reasons explained above on an annual basis,

RECOGNIZING that the adoption of the aforementioned amendments to the STCW Convention

and Code on this, the 25th June 2010, makes this a very significant day for the maritime

community and those who serve it on board ships,

1. RESOLVES to nominate the 25th June of each year hereafter as the “Day of the

Seafarer”;

2. ENCOURAGES Governments, shipping organizations, companies, shipowners and all

other parties concerned to duly and appropriately promote the Day of the Seafarer and take action

to celebrate it meaningfully;

3. INVITES the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization to bring this

resolution to the attention of the IMO Assembly for endorsement and for any other appropriate

action it may deem necessary to promote the letter and spirit of the Day.

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