The IMO Sub-Committee on HUman Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW) has in its meeting of 17-21 February issued new guidelines on the required Security Certificates for Seafarers.

The HTW committee recognized that several Member States are facing difficulties in implementing the requirements for Security training and familiarization under STCW 2010. As a result many Seafarers on board are without the required training. The deadline for implementation was January 1st 2014.

The guidance recommendat that, until 1 July 2015, relevant training under section 13 (Training, drills and exercises on ship security) of the ISPS code should be accepted as being equivalent to that required under the STCW Convention and Code.

The Suc-Cpmmittee approved an STCW circular on advise for port state control oficers, recognized security organization on action to be taken in case where Seafarers do not carry certification required in accordance with  the STCW Convention and Code.

For full text of the Guidance Click Here.