RS continues active work on the Comprehensive Review of the STCW

The primary focus was the ongoing Comprehensive Review of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW Convention) and the STCW Code.

The Sub-Committee completed the first phase of work centered around identifying regulatory gaps and key areas for the upcoming revision stage, encompassing:

• the clarification of terminology and definitions;
• the inclusion of new shipboard technologies and equipment in the scope of training;
• the clarification of training procedures, including simulator training, and allowing for innovative training methods;
• documentation management, including certification and verification mechanisms, etc.

The following session, to be held in early 2026, will initiate the substantive development of amendments to the Convention and the STCW Code, with the goal of finalizing and adopting amendments in 2031 - 2032.

The Sub-Committee also completed a planned revision and validation of five updated IMO model training courses to be used as a baseline for States when developing their own training programs.

Other outcomes include the approval of draft Generic interim guidelines on training for seafarers on ships using alternative fuels and new technologies. The specific guidelines to be developed will address the unique characteristics of certain alternative fuels and the risks linked to their use in seafarer training.

Detailed meeting results and further information on the approved documents can be found in an updated format under the section "International Activity" - "Results of sessions of the IMO bodies" on the official RS website.

Additional information:

Founded in 1913, Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RS) is a world-renowned classification society that operates within all spheres of the maritime industry with the goal of improving the operational and environmental safety of marine transportation. RS reviews technical documentation, surveys ships and offshore facilities under construction and in service, certifies vessels and companies for compliance with international conventions, recognizes and certifies industrial products and manufacturers, certifies quality management systems for compliance with international and national standards.

Today, RS is actively implementing the concept "More than class" by expanding its scope of services in the field of engineering and consulting, the development of technical documentation for vessels in service, marine warranty surveys and certification. In addition, RS surveys all container types, including tank containers and offshore containers, confirms compliance of packaging for dangerous goods, as well as renders services on the declaration and certification of dangerous goods and bulk cargoes.