Before revision: The qualification standards for licensed mariners on seagoing merchant ships are universally set by the STCW Convention adopted and promulgated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), but the member states of the IMO differ in the details of the implementation, including the national government agency or department responsible for licensing and the local names of ranks and qualifications.
After revision: The qualification standards for licensed mariners are universally set by the STCW Convention adopted and promulgated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), but the member states of the IMO differ in the details of the implementation, including the national government agency or department responsible for licensing and the local names of ranks and qualifications.