Marine Operations Note: 05/2016 - Manila Amendments to the STCW Convention and Code

30 September 2016

MARINE OPERATIONS NOTE 05/2016

Subject: Manila Amendments to the STCW Convention and Code

Ref: (a) Marine Advisory 08/2016

Dear Shipowners/Operators and Masters,

Purpose

This Marine Operations Note provides additional information and guidance to Shipowners, Operators and Masters concerning a revision to the Administration’s Minimum Safe Manning Document (MSMD) to accommodate the entry into force amendments to the STCW Convention.

Background

The “Manila Amendments” were adopted at a Diplomatic Conference in Manila, Philippines, on 25 June 2010, and entered into force on 1 January 2012. The amendments include updated standards of competence, particularly in light of emerging technology, and introduce new training certification requirements for seafarers as of 1 January 2017.

These Amendments provide several new STCW certifications: Able Seafarer Deck, Able Seafarer Engine, Electro Technical Officer and Electro Technical Rating to be issued in accordance with the Manila amendments to the STCW Convention and Codes. By 1 January 2017, all seafarers are required to meet the new training requirements and to have the new certificates.

The Liberian Administration is reissuing its Minimum Safe Manning Document (MSMD) to include Able Seafarer Deck STCW II/5 and Able Seafarer Engine STCW III/5 to be aligned with the STCW amendments on 1 January 2017.

Shipowners/Operators who requested a replacement MSMD to meet the new requirements within the last six months, and were provided with a Liberian MSMD allowing either the Able Seafarer Deck or Able Seaman, and Able Seafarer Engine or Oiler, will receive a new MSMC free of charge. Vessel operators who have not received a new revised MSMD will be charged a reduced fee of US$150.00 for the new document. In an effort to expedite the process, we recommend that, if not already contacted by 30 November 2016, you contact us at vesselcertificates@liscr.com for a new or replacement MSMD.

We understand there may be some Administrations that are not able to process all of the applications for these new certificates before 1 January 2017. This may affect timely issuance of the Liberian Administrations endorsements, since the endorsements are issued based on the certificates issued by the seafarer’s national Administration. If the vessel operator or the seafarer provides documentation from the seafarer’s national Administration that it is not able to issue the appropriate certificate before 1 January 2017, this Administration may authorize continued service of the Able Seaman STCW II/4 and Oiler STCW II/4 on specific vessels, until these seafarers receive their Able Seafarer Deck STCW II/5 or Able Seafarer Engine STCW III/5 certificates, or are replaced by seafarers with these certificates. The authorization will be contingent upon the seafarer having served in a relevant capacity in the deck or engineering department respectively for a period of not less than 12 months within the last 60 months prior to 1 January 2017.

If you have any questions please contact the Safety Department at safety@liscr.com or telephone +1 703 790 3434.

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