Concepts of Recognition of Seagoing Service and Certificates to Crew Members of Warships in Accordance with STCW Convention

Ivica Pavić,Ivo Raffanelli,Jakša Mišković

doi:10.7225/toms.v07.n02.010

Abstract

The paper analyzes the concepts of application of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, with amendments 2010 (STCW Convention), in the segment of recognition of seagoing service and certification for crew members of warships. Although the STCW Convention does not apply directly to warships, the Parties have the right to continue to recognize seagoing service and certificates of the crew members of their warships. There are different concepts of solutions related to this issue. The paper particularly analyzes legal framework under the STCW Convention. Concepts are compared in several NATO member states through a review and analysis of legal solutions and available training programs from these countries. Similarities and differences of the analyzed concepts are identified. Also, a general model of application in the national frameworks is developed. The authors conclude that it is possible to talk about the principle according to which seagoing service and certificates of the crew members of warships acquired during training and service on warships has been recognized with the fulfilment of the appropriate conditions prescribed by the Parties.

Highlights

The STCW Convention is the fundamental convention issued by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to regulate, among other things, issues relating to training and certification of seafarers on conventional ships (Safety of Life at Sea ships, SOLAS ships)
With the end of military career officers, non-commissioned officers, and sailors who served on naval ships should be able to re-qualify with the recognition of adequate qualification and seagoing services achieved on naval ships in order to be able to continue their career on merchant ships
The states have applied the provision of Article III of the STCW Convention and have drawn up appropriate rules governing the recognition of qualifications and seagoing services achieved on naval ships

Summary

INTRODUCTION

The STCW Convention is the fundamental convention issued by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to regulate, among other things, issues relating to training and certification of seafarers on conventional ships (Safety of Life at Sea ships, SOLAS ships). The purpose of this provision is to enable crew members of warships to exercise the right for recognition of appropriate naval certificates and seagoing service in order to have the possibility to continue the career on merchant ships Navies educate their officers primarily at naval academies. Recognizing the need of crew members of warships, after completing their naval career, to be enabled to continue their career on merchant ships, the Parties have developed mechanisms for the recognition of seagoing service and naval certificates on the basis of the provisions of the STCW Convention. Based on the analysis of the above mentioned training and education systems and concepts, a general model for the recognition of seagoing service and certificates for crew members of warships has been developed and proposed for application in national legislation of the Parties

LEGAL FRAMEWORK

EDUCATION AND TRAINING SYSTEMS FOR NAVAL OFFICERS

GENERAL MODEL OF APPLICATION IN NATIONAL FRAMEWORKS

CONCLUSION