IMSML Web Article 12/2026: MSC.560(108) - Amendments to PART A of the Seafarers’ Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Code

This resolution amendments to the Annex of the STCW Code, in particular Chapter VI. It contains standards regarding emergency, occupational safety, security, medical care and survival functions. The main focus of the training provisions was to focus on prevention and response to bullying as well as harassment in the maritime sector, in particular sexual assault and sexual harassment. The amendments entered into force on 1 January 2026.

What are the Mandatory Minimum Requirements for Safety Familiarization, Basic Training and Instruction for All Seafarers under Section A-VI/1?

The section introduces Table A-VI/1-4. It provides for newly introduced minimum standards of competence in personal safety and social responsibilities.

There are seven (7) key competencies introduced  via Column 1:

[1] Compliance with emergency procedures;

[2] Taking precautions to prevent pollution of the marine environment;

[3] Observing safe working practices;

[4] Contributing to effective communications on board the ship;

[5] Contributing to effective human relationships on board the ship;

[6] Contributing to the prevention of and response to violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault;

[7] Understanding and taking necessary actions to control fatigue.

The key compentencies are supplemented by three additional columns:

[1] Column 2 - Knowledge, understanding and proficiency;

[3] Column 3 - Methods for demonstrating competence;

[3] Column 4 - Criteria for evaluating competence.

Competency Area [1]

What is the requisite Knowledge, understanding and proficiency?

There are 7 requirement for this part in Column 2:

[1] Types of emergency which may occur, such as collision, fire, foundering;

[2] Knowledge of shipboard contingency plans for response to emergencies;

[3] Emergency signals and specific duties allocated to crew members in the muster list; muster stations; correct use of personal safety equipment;

[4] Action to take on discovering potential emergency, including fire, collision, foundering and ingress of water into the ship;

[5] Action to take on hearing emergency alarm signals;

[6] Value of training and drills;

[7] Knowledge of escape routes and internal communication and alarm systems

What are the Methods for demonstrating competence?

Assessment of evidence obtained from approved instruction or during attendance at an approved course.

What are the Criteria for evaluating competence?

[1] Initial action on becoming aware of an emergency conforms to established emergency response procedures;

[2] Information given on raising alarm is prompt, accurate, complete and clear.

Competency Area [2]

What is the requisite Knowledge, understanding and proficiency?

[1] Basic knowledge of the impact of shipping on the marine environment and the effects of operational or accidental pollution on it;

[2] Basic environmental protection procedures;

[3] Basic knowledge of complexity and diversity of the marine environment.

What are the Methods for demonstrating competence?

Assessment of evidence obtained from approved instruction or during attendance at an approved course.

What are the Criteria for evaluating competence?

Organizational procedures designed to safeguard the marine environment are observed at all times

Competency Area [3]

What is the requisite Knowledge, understanding and proficiency?

[1] Importance of adhering to safe working practices at all times;

[2] Safety and protective devices available to protect against potential hazards aboard ship;

[3] Precautions to be taken prior to entering enclosed spaces;

[4] Familiarization with international measures concerning accident prevention and occupational health.

What are the Methods for demonstrating competence?

Assessment of evidence obtained from approved instruction or during attendance at an approved course.

What are the Criteria for evaluating competence?

Safe working practices are observed and appropriate safety and protective equipment is correctly used at all times.

Competency Area [4]

What is the requisite Knowledge, understanding and proficiency?

[1] Understand the principles and barriers to, effective communication between individuals and teams within the ship;

[2] Ability to establish and maintain effective communications.

What are the Methods for demonstrating competence?

Assessment of evidence obtained from approved instruction or during attendance at an approved course.

What are the Criteria for evaluating competence?

Communications are clear and effective at all times.

Competency Area [5]

What is the requisite Knowledge, understanding and proficiency?

[1] Importance of maintaining good humans and working relationships aboard a ship.

[2] Basic team working principles and practice, including conflict resolution;

[3] Social responsibilities; employment conditions; individual rights and obligations; dangers of drug and alcohol abuse.

What are the Methods for demonstrating competence?

Assessment of evidence obtained from approved instruction or during attendance at an approved course.

What are the Criteria for evaluating competence?

Expected standards of work and behaviours are observed at all times.

Competency Area [6]

What is the requisite Knowledge, understanding and proficiency?

Prevention of violence and harassment:

[1] Basic knowledge and understanding of violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying

and sexual assault, and the continuum of harm;

[2] Basic knowledge and understanding of the consequences of violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault on victims, perpetrators, bystanders and stakeholders, and its effects on safety, health and well-being;

[3] Understand that, among others, abuse of power relations, discrimination, stress, isolation, fatigue, drugs or alcohol may contribute to violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault.

Responding to violence and harassment:

[1] Ability to identify violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault;

[2] Basic knowledge of the action to take to intervene in and report violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault;

[3] Understand the basic principles of trauma-informed response and how to provide appropriate support to a victim, bystanders and self.

What are the Methods for demonstrating competence?

Assessment of evidence obtained from approved instruction or during attendance at an approved course.

What are the Criteria for evaluating competence?

[1] Acceptable practices and procedures designed for the prevention of violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault are observed at all times;

[2] Able to identify violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault, and the continuum of harm and its effects;

[3] Acceptable practices and procedures designed for the intervention in and reporting of violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault are observed at all times.

Competency Area [7]

What is the requisite Knowledge, understanding and proficiency?

[1] Importance of obtaining the necessary rest;

[2] Effects of sleep, schedules and the circadian rhythm on fatigue;

[3] Effects of physical stressors on seafarers;

[4] Effects of environmental stressors in and outside the ship and their impact on seafarers;

[5] Effects of schedule changes on seafarer fatigue.

What are the Methods for demonstrating competence?

Assessment of evidence obtained from approved instruction or during attendance at an approved course.

What are the Criteria for evaluating competence?

Fatigue management practices are observed and appropriate action are used at all time.

Thank you for reading IMSML Web Article 12/2026

Stay tuned for the next IMSML Web Article 13/2026: MEPC 392(82) - Amendments to the Annex of the Protocol of 1997 to Amend the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1972, as Modified by the Protocol of 1978 Relating Thereto.

Signing-off for today,

Dr Irwin Ooi Ui Joo, LL.B(Hons.)(Glamorgan); LL.M (Cardiff); Ph.D (Cardiff); CMILT

Professor of Maritime and Transport Law

Faculty of Law

Universiti Teknologi MARA Shah Alam

Selangor, Malaysia

Tuesday,  24 March 2026

Note that I am the corresponding author for the IMSML Website Articles. My official email address is: uijoo310@uitm.edu.my