Proposal for a COUNCIL DIRECTIVE on the minimum level of training for maritime occupations
Date: 1993-05-26
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: crew, maritime shipping, prevention of pollution, recognition of diplomas, transport safety, vocational training

COVIVIISSION  OF  THE  EUROPEAN  COMVttJNITIES 

C0MC93) 217  final 

Brussels, 26 May 1993 

Proposal  for a 

COUNCIL  PIRECTIVE 

on  the minimum  level of training for 

maritime  occupations 

(presented  by the Commission) 

-  2 

EXPLANATORY  MEMORANDUM 

I . 

INTRODUCTION 

1.  In  its programme  of measures  to  improve operating  conditions  for 

Community  shipping,  the Commission  stressed  the  importance  of  training 

for  seafarers  and  the mutual  recognition  of  seafarers' certificates.1 

In  its conclusions  the extraordinary  meeting  of  the  (Environment  and 

Transport) Council  on  25  January  underlined  the  importance  of  the  human 

element  in the safe operation  of  ships  and  the need  for  minimum 

standards  for  the  training  of  the crews of Community  ships.2  These  two 

factors  are dealt  with  in more  detail  in the Communication  on  a  Common 

Policy  on  Safe Seas adopted  by  the Commission  in  February.3 

2.  In December  1988  the Council  adopted  a Directive  on  a general  system  for 

the  recognition of  higher-education  diplomas  awarded  on  completion  of 

professional  education  and  training  of  at  least  three  years' duration. 

This  applies  to all  regulated  professions  for  which  higher  education of 

at  least  three  years' duration  is required  and  which  are  not  covered  by 

a specific  Directive.4  This  Directive  covers masters  and  officers. 

1 

A  future  for  the Community  shipping  industry:  measures  to  improve  the 

operating  conditions  of  Community  shipping  (C0M(89)266  final, points 91 

to 96;  OJ  C 263 of  16 October  1989). 

2 

Extraordinary  meeting  of  the  (Environment  and  Transport) Council  in 

Brussels  on  25 January.  Doc. 4009/93  (Press 8 ). 

3 

4 

A Common  Policy  on  Safe  Seas  (C0M(93) 66 of  24 February  1993). 

Council  Directive 89/48/EEC  of  21  December  1988  (OJ  L  19 of 

24 January  1989). 

-  3 -

In June  1992  the Council  adopted  a second  Directive  extending  recognition  to 

diploma  and  certificate  holders  not  covered  by  the Council  Directive  of 

21  December  1988 and  to non-diploma  holders with  professional  experience. 

This Directive  also  applies  to  the maritime  transport  sector1  covering 

occupations not  governed  by  the  first  Directive. 

However, mutual  recognition of  diplomas under  these general  systems  will  not 

guarantee  a minimum  appropriate  level  of  training  for  all  seafarers  serving 

on  vessels  flying  the  flag  of  a Member  State.  Yet  this  is vital  for 

safeguarding  human  life and  property  at  sea and  for  the protection  of  the 

marine  environment. 

I I.  TRAINING  OF  SEAFARERS 

3.  Since  shipping  is essentially  an  international  activity,  aspects 

concerning  safety  at  sea, working  conditions  and  seafarer  training  are 

largely  governed  by  the  regulations  of  international  organizations such 

as  the  International  Maritime  Organization  (IMO) and  the  International 

Labour  Organization  (ILO).  A whole  body of  international  law on 

training  for  different  categories of  seafarer  and  the  issuing of 

competency  certificates  for  such  seafarers  exists.  This  includes: 

(a)  International  Convention  on  Standards of Training,  Certification  and 

Watchkeeping  for  Seafarers  (STCW),  IMO 1978; 

(b)  ILO Officers' Competency  Certificates  Convention,  1936  (No 53); 

1 

Council  Directive  92/51/EEC of  18 June  1992 on  a second  general  system 

for  the  recognition  of  professional  education  and  training  to  supplement 

Dir-ective 89/48/EEC  (OJ  L 209 of  24 July  1992). 

-  4 -

(c)  ILO Certification of  Able  Seamen  Convention,  1946  (No 74); 

(d)  ILO Certification of  Ship's Cooks Convention,  1946  (No 69); 

(e)  ILO Recommendation  137 concerning  Vocational  Training  of  Seafarers, 

1970; 

(f)  ILO Health  Protection  and Medical  Care  (Seafarers) Convention  1987 

(No 164); 

(g) Document  for  guidance,  1985:  An  International  Maritime Training  Guide, 

ILO/IMO. 

With  regard  to the STCW  Convention,  the Council  adopted  in December  1978 

a Résolution^1)  inviting  Member  States  to ratify  the Convention. 

It should  be noted  that, even  though  these Conventions have  been 

ratified  by  the Member  States,  they  are not  always  applied  in the  same 

way  in practice, and  that  such  international  conventions may  be 

un iIateraI I y denounced. 

4.  The extraordinary  meeting  of  the  Environment  and  Transport  Council  on 

25 January  which  discussed  shipping  safety  and  the prevention  of  marine 

pollution underlined  the need  for  international  rules of  relevance  to 

shipping  safety  to be strictly  applied  in the Community.  It would  like 

to adopt  minimum  vocational  training  requirements  at Community  level  and 

called on  the Commission  to propose,  inter  alia,  specific  measures  to 

improve  vocational  training  of  seafarers  since  human  error  was  still  the 

main  factor  in accidents  at  sea.  The Council  also  called  for  seafarers 

serving  on  vessels  carrying  passengers or  hazardous or  polluting  cargoes 

to have  an appropriate knowledge of  languages  in order  to be  able  to 

take effective  action  in the event  of  an  accident. 

(1) O.J. N*  33 of  8.2.1979 

- 5 

GROUNDS  FOR  A COUNCIL  DIRECTIVE 

5.  In  its Communication  on  a Common  Policy  for  Safe  Seas which  has  been 

sent  to the Council, Parliament  and  the Economic  and  Social  Committee, 

the Commission  starkly  concludes  that  some 60% of  accidents  at  sea  are 

due  to human  error  although  the  lack of  proper  communication  on  board 

ships, often  owing  to  language  problems,  is another  major  cause of 

accidents. 

6.  No solution  to these  problems  has yet  been  found  by  either  the 

international  organizations or, at  national  level,  the Member  States. 

Because  of  the multinational  mix  of  crews serving  on  vessels  operating 

in Community  waters  it  is even more  essential  that  vocational  training 

and  linguistic  proficiency  requirements  be  introduced. 

Such  requirements  must  apply  equally  to seafarers  from  the Community  as 

to  those  from  non-Community  countries.  If shipping  safety  is to be 

improved,  all  crews  serving  on  vessels operating  in Community  waters 

must  satisfy  the professional  competence  standards  laid  down  under 

international  law and,  in particular,  the  IMO's STCW  Convention. 

7.  In the Commission's  view,  the  IMO has not  tackled  the  crucial  aspect  of 

effective  policing  of  international  regulations on  seafarer  training. 

Tr~ 

-  6 

The  1978 STCW Convention, which  has so  far  been  ratified  by  93 

countries, does not  provide  for  any ways of  enforcing  compliance  by  the 

Contracting  Parties with  the minimum  requirements  on  seafarer  training. 

Given  the scale of  the problem  it  is only  at  Community  level  that  an 

effective  response  can be  provided. 

In effect  such  an action  is justified  to the extent  that  by using  the 

instrument  of  the Community  directive one  could  guarantee  by means of 

the Community  law the uniform  application  of  the matter  in a more 

efficient  way. 

Furthermore,  the extraordinary  meeting  of  the Council  on  25  January 

requested  the Commission  to speedily  table proposals on  seafarer 

training  to help  improve  shipping  safety  and  prevent  marine  pollution  in 

the  Community. 

ANALYSIS  OF  THE MEASURES  PROPOSED 

8.  The Commission  proposes  for  the Community  a system  of minimum  training 

standards, based on  international  rules defined  in the  IMO's Convention 

on  Standards of  Training,  Certification  and Watchkeeping  for  Seafarers, 

and  including  language  tuition,  for  seamen  serving  on  passenger  ships or 

ships carrying  hazardous or  polluting  cargos.  The  proposed  Directive 

defines  the minimum  level  of  training  for masters, officers,  ratings  and 

Iifeboatmen. 

From  1995 all  Member  States will  be  required  to  issue a  vocational 

competence  certificate  to seafarers under  the  terms of  the  proposed 

Directive which  is based  on  the  IMO's STCW  Convention. 

- 7 -

9.  Since  shipping  is essentially  an  international  activity  the  problem 

posed  by  the nationality  mix  of  ships' crews  needs  to be addressed  by 

this Di rect ive. 

The  Commission  considers  steps must  be  taken  to ensure  that  the  level  of 

training  of  crews made  up of  non-Community  nationals serving  on  ships 

operating  in the Community  is commensurate  with  international  vocational 

training  standards.  In  its view,  agreements  should  be concluded  between 

the Community  and  the non-Community  countries concerned  to ensure 

appropriate  training  is given  to non-Community  seafarers;  this will 

create  a  level  playing  field  for  all  crews working  in the  Community. 

10.  In the  case of  vessels  flying  non-Community  flags crewed  by nationals of 

non-Community  countries  which  have  not  concluded  any  agreement  with  the 

Community,  the Commission  suggests  that  they  should  be  inspected  as a 

matter  of  priority,  in Community  ports  to check  that  the  level  of 

training  and  competence  of  their  crews matches  international  standards. 

Appropriate  measures  will  be  taken  by Member  States.  If  it  is found 

that  a crew's  level  of  training  is below  standard,  the vessel  on  which 

it  is serving  may  be  detained. 

III.  CONCLUSIONS 

The  purpose  of  the proposed  Directive  is to: 

(a) ensure  appropriate  training  is given  to masters, officers,  ratings  and 

persons  designated  to be  responsible  for  survival  craft  (Iifeboatmen) 

serving  on  vessels  registered  in the Community  in the  interests of 

safety  of  navigation  and  protection  of  the  environment; 

- 8 -

(b) promote  appropriate  linguistic  proficiency  among  crews  of  passenger 

vessels  or  vessels  carrying  hazardous  or  polluting  cargoes; 

(c) take  steps  to ensure  that  non-Community  crews working  in  the  Community 

also  have  the  appropriate  qualification  required  under  international 

law. 

The  proposed  Directive  lays down minimum  training  standards  for  maritime 

occupations  according  to category  of  vessel;  these  are  based  on  the 

requirements  defined  in the  IMO's  1978  International  Convention  on 

Standards  of  Training,  Certification  and  Watchkeeping  for  Seafarers 

which  has  been  adopted  and  ratified  by  all  Member  States  with  merchant 

f leets. 

Its vocational  training  standards  are  no  higher  than  those  of  the  IMO 

except  with  regard  to  linguistic  proficiency  in the  case  of  crews 

serving  on  passenger  vessels  or  vessels  carrying  hazardous  or  polluting 

cargoes, on  which  no  international  regulations  have  yet  been  adopted. 

i) 

- 9 -

Proposal  for a Council Directive on the minimum  level 

of training for maritime occupations 

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, 

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, 

and  in particular Article 84(2) thereof, 

Having regard to the proposal  from the Commission,1 

Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament,2 

Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee,3 

Whereas the standards for the award of vocational competency certificates to 

seafarers vary from one Member State to another;  whereas such a diversity 

of national  laws in the area of training covered by this Directive does not 

ensure the consistent  level of training required  in the  interests of 

shipping safety; 

Whereas Council Directives 89/48/EEC4 and 92/51/EEC5 on the general 

systems for the recognition of professional education and training apply to 

maritime occupations covered by this Directive;  whereas they will help 

promote compliance with the obligations laid down  in the Treaty abolishing 

obstacles to the free movement of persons and services between Member 

States; 

1 

2 

3 

4  OJ No L 19, 24.1.1989. 

5  OJ NO L 209, 24.7.1992 

-  10  -

Whereas  the mutual  recognition of  diplomas  and  certificates provided  for 

under  the general  systems  does  not,  however,  always  ensure  a  standardized 

level  of  training  for  all  seafarers  serving  on  board  vessels  flying  the  flag 

of  a Member  State  and/or  Euros;  whereas  this  is, however,  vital  from  the 

viewpoint  of  shipping  safety; 

Whereas  it  is therefore  essential  to define  a minimum  level  of  training  for 

seafarers  in the  Community; 

Whereas,  in view of  the  particular  nature  of  the  transport  of  hazardous  or 

polluting  cargoes  or  passengers  by  sea  and  the  hazards  involved  in such 

operations,  the  conditions  under  which  such  operations  are effected  should 

be  improved  in order  to safeguard  human  life and  protect  the  marine 

environment;  whereas  persons  serving  on  board  such  ships  should  be  required 

to have  an  adequate  knowledge  of  languages; 

Whereas  action  at  Community  level  is required  to attain  this objective  since 

individual  measures  undertaken  or  planned  by Member  States  do not  provide  a 

satisfactory  solution; 

Whereas  account  should  be  taken  of  the  existing  body  of  international  law on 

maritime  training  and  qualifications,  and  in particular  the  1978 

International  Convention  on  Standards  of  Training,  Certification  and 
Watchkeeping  for  Seafarers  (STCW);1 

Whereas  measures  should  be  taken  to ensure  that  seafarers  from  third 

countries  have  a  level  of  competence  commensurate  with  that  required  by 

international  conventions  in this  area, 

1 

1978  International  Conference  on  Training  and  Certification  of 

Seafarers,  IMO, London  1978. 

HAS ADOPTED  THIS  DIRECTIVE: 

-  11  -

Article 1 

For  the  purpose  of  this  Directive: 

(a)  'master' means  the  person  in command  of  a ship; 

(b)  'officer' means  the member  of  a ship's  complement  other  than  the  master 

appointed  to  this  post  in accordance  with  national  laws or  regulations 

or, where  they  do  not  exist,  in accordance  with  collective  agreement  or 

pract ice-, 

(c)  "deck  officer" means  a qualified  officer  in the  deck  department; 

(d)  "chief  mate" means  the  deck  officer  next  in rank  to  the master  and  upon 

whom  the command  of  the  ship will  fall  in the  event  of  the  incapacity  of 

the master ; 

(e)  "engineer  officer" means  a qualified  officer  in the engine  department; 

(f)  "chief  engineer  officer" means  a senior  engineer  officer,  responsible 

for  the mechanical  propulsion  of  the  ship; 

(g)  "second  engineer  officer" means  the engineer  officer  next  in rank  to  the 

chief  engineer  officer  upon  whom  the  responsibility  for  the  mechanical 

propulsion  of  the  ship  will  fall  in the event  of  the  incapacity  of  the 

chief  engineer  officer; 

(h)  "assistant  engineer  officer" means  a person  under  training  to become  an 

engineer  officer  and  designated  as  such  by  national  law or  regulations. 

-  12 -

(i) "radio officer"  means  a person  holding  a  first  class or  second  class 

radiotelegraph  operator's  certificate  or  a radiocommunication  operator's 

general  certificate  for  the maritime mobile  service  issued  under  the 

provisions  of  the  Radio  Regulations, who  is employed  in the 

radiotelegraph  station  of  a ship which  is required  to have  such  a 

station  by  the  International  Convention  for  the  Safety  of  Life  at Sea-, 

(j) "radiotelephone  officer" means  a person  holding  an  appropriate 

certificate  issued  under  the provisions  of  the  Radio  Regulations; 

(k) "rating"  and  person  designated  to be  responsible  for  a survival  craft 

('Iifeboatman') means  any  member  of  a ship's  complement  other  than  the 

master  or  officers; 

(I)  "sea-going  ship" means  any  ship other  than  ships  which  navigate 

exclusively  in  inland  waters  or  in waters within, or  closely  adjacent 

to,  areas where  port  regulations  apply; 

(m) "hazardous  cargo" means  the goods  defined  in the  International  Maritime 

Dangerous  Goods  Code  (IMDG),  in Chapter  19 of  the  IGS Code  and 

Chapter  17 of  the  IBC Code; 

(n) "polluting  cargoes" means: 

hydrocarbons  as defined  in Annex  1 to  the MARPOL  Convention; 

noxious  liquid  substances  as defined  in Annex  II  to  the  MARPOL 

Convent ion; 

harmful  substances  as defined  in Annex  I I I to  the  MARPOL 

Convent ion; 

(o) "seafarers" means  any  persons  serving  on  board  a sea-going  ship. 

-  13 -

Art icle 2 

This  Directive  shall  apply  to seafarers  serving  on  board  ships  registered  in 

a Member  State  of  the Community  and/or  the Community  Euros  register  with  the 

except ion of : 

warships, naval  auxiliaries or other  ships owned  or  operated  by  a Member 

State  and  engaged  only  on government  non-commercial  service; 

all  fishing  vessels; 

pleasure  yachts not  engaged  in trade. 

Article 3 

Member  States  shall  take  the measures  necessary  to ensure  that  masters, 

officers,  ratings  and  persons  designated  to be  responsible  for  survival 

craft  (Iifeboatmen) who  intend  to serve on  a ship  flying  a Member  State's 

flag  and/or  a EUROS  flag  hold  a vocational  competence  certificate  awarded or 

recognized  by  the authority or  body  designated  for  this purpose  by  each 

Member  State  showing  that  they  have  successfully  completed  training  relevant 

to  the occupation  they wish  to exercise  on board  the vessel. 

-  14 -

Article  4 

Vocational  competence  certificate means  any  valid  document, whatever  its 

title,  issued  by or  under  the authority  of  the competent  authority  of  a 

Member  State or  recognized  by  the authority, authorizing  the  holder  to serve 

as stated  in this document  or  as authorized  by national  regulations,  where 

this document  certifies a minimum  level  of  training  for each  occupation 

pursuant  to  the provisions of  this Directive. 

Art icle 5 

1.  The  training  which  the masters, officers, ratings  and  Iifeboatmen 

require  in order  to obtain  a vocational 

competence  certificate  shall  be given  in the  form of one or  more 

theoretical  courses, and  service  at  sea, accompanied  by  practical 

exercises,  and  approved  by  the competent  authority  or  the  body 

designated  by each Member  State. 

2.  This  training must  cover  the minimum  requirements  defined  in the  IMO 

1978  International  Convention  on  Standards of  Training,  Certification 

and Watchkeeping  of  Seafarers  (STCW) The minimum  requirements  are  those 

described  in the Annexes  to this Directive,  in particular  : 

for masters  and  chief  mates of  ships of  200 gross  register  tons or  more, 

the  requirements  laid down  in Annex  I, Regulations  11/1  II/2,  II/5,  II/7 

and  II/8; 

for officers  in charge of  a navigational  watch  and masters of  ships of 

less  than  200 gross  register  tons, the  requirements  laid  down  in 

Annex  I, Regulations  11/1,  II/3,  II/5,  ll/7and  II/8; 

-  15  -

for  officers  in charge  of  a navigational  watch  on  ships  of  200  gross 

register  tons or  more,  the  requirements  laid  down  in Annex  I, 

Regulations  11/1  II/4,  II/5,  ll/7and  II/8; 

for  chief  engineer  officers  and  second  engineer  officers  of  ships 

powered  by  main  propulsion  machinery  of  3 000  kW  propulsion  power  or 

more,  the  requirements  laid  down  in Annex  II, Régulât ions  I I 1/1,  I I I/2 

and  M l /5  ; 

for  chief  engineer  officers  and  second  engineer  officers of  ships 

powered  by  main  propulsion  machinery  between  750  kW  and  3 000  kW 

propulsion  power,  the  requirements  laid  down  in Annex  II, 

Regulations  ill/1,  M l /3  and  M l / 5; 

for  engineer  officers  in charge  of  a watch  in a conventionally  manned 

engine  room  or  designated  duty  engineer  officers  in a  periodically 

unmanned  engine  room,  the  requirements  laid  down  in Annex  M, 

Regulations  M l / 1,  M l /4  and  M l / 5; 

for  radio  officers,  the  requirements  laid  down  in Annex  III,  Regulations 

IV/1  and  IV/2; 

for  radiotelephone  operators,  the  requirements  laid  down  in Annex  IV, 

Regulation  IV/3; 

for  masters, officers  and  ratings  of  oil  tankers,  chemical  tankers  and 

liquified  gas  tankers,  the  requirements  laid  down  in Annex  V, 

Regulations  V/1,  V/2 and V/3; 

for  ratings  forming  part  of  a navigational  watch,  the  requirements  laid 

down  in Annex  II, Regulation  II/6; 

-  16 -

for  ratings  forming  part  of  an engine  room watch,  the  requirements  laid 

down  in Annex  III, Regulation  M l / 6; 

for  persons  designated  to be  responsible  for  survival  craft 

(Iifeboatmen),  the  requirements  laid down  in Annex  VI, Regulation  VI/1. 

2.  Member  States shall  ensure  that  the provisions of  Council  Directive 

92/29/EEC of  31 March  1992 on  the minimum  safety  and  health  requirements  for 
improved  medical  treatment  on  board  vessels,1  and  in particular  Article  5 

thereof, are applied  as part  of  the  training  provided  for  in paragraph  1. 

3.  Paragraph  1 shall  apply  without  prejudice  to more  favourable  Community 

provisions on  safety  and  health  at work,  in particular  Council  Directive 
89/391/EEC of  12 June  1989 and  its  implementing  Directives.2 

4.  To obtain  a vocational  competence  certificate, candidates must  pass  an 

examination  approved  by  the competent  authority  of  a Member  State, which 

shall  ensure  that  all  examiners are  independent. 

Article  6 

1.  Member  States designate  the authority  or  the body  which  can give  the 

training  referred  to  in Article  5. 

2.  Member  States  designate  the authority  or  the body  which  grant  the 

certificates  and  attest  the success  to  the examination mentioned  in 

Article  5. 

1 

2 

OJ  No L  113, 30.4.1992, p.19. 

OJ  N*  L  183,  29.6.1989 

(3) 

-  17 -

Art icle 7 

1.  Member States shall ensure that, on board passenger ships or ships 

operating scheduled passenger and vehicle services starting and/or finishing 

a voyage  in a Member State port, the master, officers, ratings and 

Iifeboatmen are able to communicate with each other.  All members of the 

crew nominated  to assist passengers  in emergency situation, shall be able to 

communicate  in the  language(s) appropriate to the majority of passengers 

carried on a particular route. 

2.  Member States shall ensure that, on board oiI tankers, liquified gas 

tankers and chemical  tankers, the master, officers and ratings receive 

appropriate training so that all members of the ship's crew can communicate 

in a common language. 

Article 8 

Member States may grant a vocational competence certificate to masters, 

officers, ratings and  lifeboatmen who apply therefor  for the first time 

within six months preceding the date on which this Directive  is implemented, 

without having followed the course and having sat the examination provided 

for  in Article 5, on condition that they provide proof that they have been 

serving on ships for at  least twelve months during the five years preceding 

the date of entry  into force of this Directive. 

Art icle 9 

1.  Seafarers who are not nationals of a Member State and do not possess the 

vocational competence certificate provided for  in Article 3 may be allowed 

to serve on ships flying a Member State's flag provided a mutually 

satisfactory agreement has been concluded between the Community and the 

third counties of which the seafarers concerned are nationals.  A mutually 

satisfactory agreement means an agreement which guarantees the parties 

concerned observance and genuine and full  implementation of the provisions 

of the IMO's STCW Convention  incorporated  in this Directive. 

- 18 -

2.  Member  States  shall  take  the measures  necessary  to ensure  that  ships 

flying  a  third  country  flag  with  crews  from  one  or  more  third  countries 

which  have  ratified  the Convention  and  they  have  not  concluded  an  agreement 

with  the  Community,  are  inspected,  as  a matter  of  priority,  by  the  competent 

authority  of  the  port  state  to ensure  that  the  level  of  vocational  training 

and  competence  of  their  crews meets  the  standards  laid  down  in  the  IMO's 

STCW  Convent ion. 

3.  Member  States  shall  take  appropriate  steps,  including  the  detention  of  a 

ship,  if  the  port  authorities  discover  in the  course  of  an  inspection  that 

crews  are  unable  to provide  proof  of  professional  proficiency  for  the  duties 

assigned  to  them  on  board  the  ship. 

Art icle  10 

1.  Member  States  shall  bring  into  force  the  laws, regulations  and 

administrative  provisions  necessary  to comply  with  this  Directive  no  later 

than  1 January  1995. 

2.  When  Member  States  adopt  these  provisions,  they  shall  contain  a 

reference  to  this  Directive  or  shall  be  accompanied  by  such  reference  at  the 

time of  their  official  publication.  The  relevant  procedure  shall  be  adopted 

by Member  States. 

3.  Member  States  communicate  to  the  Commission  the  texts  of  the  provisions 

they  adopt  in the  field  governed  by  this  Directive. 

Article  11 

This  Directive  is addressed  to  the Member  States. 

Done  at  Brussels, 

For  the  Council 

The  President 

A N N E X ES 

19 

A N N EX 

I 

MASTER  -  DÉCKDEPARTMENT 

R e g u l a t i on 

I I /1 

Basic Principles to be Observed in Keeping 
a Navigational Watch 

Member  S t a t es 

/ 

1. 
shalldirect the attention of shipowners, ship operators, masters and 
watchkeeping  personnel  to  the following  principles which shall  be observed  to 
ensure that a safe navigational watch is maintained at all times. 

2. 
The  master  of  every  ship  is  bound  to  ensure  that  watchkeeping 
arrangements are adequate for maintaining a safe navigational watch. Under the 
master's general direction, the officers of the watch are responsible for navigatin'g 
the  ship  safely  during  their  periods  of  duty  when  they  will  be  particularly 
concerned with avoiding collision and stranding. 

The  basic  principles,  including  but  not  limited  to  the  following,  shall  be 

3. 
taken into account on all ships. 

4.  Watch arrangements 

(a)  The  composition  of  the  watch  shall  at  all  times  be  adequate  and 
appropriate  to the prevailing circumstances  and conditions  and shall  take into 
account the need for maintaining a proper look-out. 
(b)  When  deciding  the  composition  of  the  watch  on  the  bridge  which  may 
include appropriate deck ratings, the following  factors, inter alia, shall be taken 
into account: 

(i)  at no time shall the bridge be left unattended; 
(ii)  weather  conditions,  visibility  and  whether  there  is  daylight  or 

darkness; 

(iii)  proximity of navigational  hazards which may make it necessary  for 
the officer in charge of the watch to carry out additional navigational 
duties; 

(iv)  use and operational condition  of navigational  aids such as radar or 
electronic  position-indicating  devices  and  any  other  equipment 
affecting  the safe navigation of the ship; 

(v)  whether the ship is fitted with automatic steering; 
(vi)  any unusual demands on the navigational watch that may arise as a 

result of special operational circumstances. 

20 

5. 

Fitness for duty 

The watch system shall be such that the efficiency  of watchkeeping  officers 
and watchkeeping ratings is not impaired by fatigue. Duties shall be so organized 
that  <he  first  watch  at  the  commencement  of  a  voyage  and  the  subsequent 
relieving watches are sufficiently  rested and otherwise fit for duty. 

6.  Navigation 

(a)  The intended voyage shall be planned in advance taking into consideration 
all pertinent information  and any course laid down shall be checked before the 
voyage commences. 
(b)  During the watch the course steered, position and speed shall be checked at 
sufficiently frequent intervals, using any available navigational aids necessary, to 
ensure that the ship follows the planned course. 
(c)  The  officer  of  the  watch  shall  have  full  knowledge  of  the  location  and 
operation of all safety and navigational equipment on board the ship and shall be 
aware and take account of the operating limitations of such equipment. 

(d)  The  officer  in  charge  of  a  navigational  watch  shall  not  be  assigned  or 
undertake any duties which would interfere with the safe navigation of the ship. 

7.  Navigational equipment 

(a)  The officer of the watch shall make the most effective use of all navigational 
equipment at his disposal. 
(b)  When using radar, the officer  of the watch shall bear in mind the necessity 
to comply  at all times with the provisions  on the use of radar contained  in the 
applicable regulations for preventing collisions at sea. 
(c) 
engines and sound signalling apparatus. 

In cases of need the officer  of the watch shall not hesitate to use the helm, 

8.  Navigational duties and responsibilities 

(a)  The officer in charge of the watch shall: 

(i).  keep his watch on the bridge which hie shall in no circumstances leave 

until properly relieved; 

(ii)  continue to be responsible for the safe navigation of the ship, despite 
the presence of the master on the bridge, until the master informs him 
specifically  that  he  has  assumed  that  responsibility  and  this  is 
mutually understood; 

(iii)  notify the master when in any doubt as to what action to take in the 

interest of safety; 

(iv)  not  hand  over the watch  to  the relieving  officer  if  he has  reason  to 
believe  that  the  latter  is  obviously  not  capable  of  carrying  out  his 
duties effectively, in which case he shall notify the master accordingly. 
(b)  On taking over the watch the relieving officer shall satisfy himself as to the 
ship's estimated or true position and confirm its intended track, course and speed 
and shall note any dangers to navigation expected to be encountered during his 
watch. 

21 

(c)  A proper  record  shall  be kept  of  the  movements  and  activities  during  the 
watch  relating to the navigation  of the ship. 

9. 

Look-out 

In  addition  to  maintaining  a  proper  look-out  for  the  purpose  of  fully 
appraising the situation  and  the risk of collision, stranding and  other dangers to 
navigation,  the  duties  of  the  look-out  shall  include  the  detection  of  ships  or 
aircraft  in  distress,  shipwrecked  persons,  wrecks  and  debris.  In  maintaining  a 
look-out  the following shall be observed: 

(a) 

(b) 

the  look-out  must  be  able  to  give  full  attention  to  the  keeping  of  a 
proper  look-out  and no other duties shall be undertaken  or assigned 
which could interfere  with that  task; 
the  duties  of  the  look-out  and  helmsman  are  separate  and  the 
helmsman  shall not  be considered  to  be the look-out  while steering, 
except  in  small  ships  where  an  unobstructed  all-round  view  is 
provided  at the steering position and  there is no impairment  of night 
vision or other impediment  to the keeping of a proper look-out.  The 
officer  in  charge  of  the  watch  may  be  the  sole  look-out  in  daylight 
provided  that on each such  occasion: 

(i) 

(ii) 

the  situation  has  been  carefully  assessed  and  it  has  been 
established  without doubt  that it is safe to do so; 
full account has been taken of all relevant factors including, but 
not limited to: 
-  state of weather 
-  visibility 
- 
-  proximity of danger  to navigation 
- 

the  attention  necessary  when  navigating  in  or  near  traffic 
separation  schemes; 

traffic  density 

(iii)  assistance  is  immediately" available  to  be  summoned  to  the 

bridge when any change in the situation so requires. 

10.  Navigation  with pilot embarked 

Despite the duties and obligations of a pilot, his presence on board does not 
relieve  the  master  or  officer  in  charge  of  the  watch  from  their  duties  and 
obligations  for  the  safety  of  the  ship. The  master  and  the  pilot  shall  exchange 
information  regarding  navigation  procedures,  local  conditions  and  the  ship's 
characteristics. The master and officer  of the watch shall co-operate closely with 
the pilot and maintain an accurate check of the ship's position and  movement. 

11.  Protection of the marine environment 

The master  and officer  in charge of the watch shall be aware of the serious 
effects of operational or accidental pollution of the marine environment and shall 
take  all  possible  precautions  to.prevent  such  pollution,  particularly  within  the 
framework  of relevant  international and  port  regulations. 

22 

Regulation  II/2 

Mandatory  Minimum  Requirements for  Certification 
of Masters  and Chief Mates  of Ships of 
200 Gross Register  Tons or More 

Master and chief mate of ships of 1 600 gross register tons or more 

Every master and chief mate of a sea-going ship of 1 600 gross register tons 

1. 
or more shall hold an appropriate  certificate. 

2. 

Every candidate  for certification  shall: 
(a) 

satisfy 
regarding eyesight and  hearing; 

the  Administration  as  to  medical  fitness,  particularly 

(b)  meet  the  requirements  for  certification  as  an  officer  in  charge  of  a 
navigational  watch  on  ships  of  200 gross  register  tons  or  more  and 
have approved  sea-going service in that capacity: 

1 

• (i) 

(ii) 

for  certification  as  chief  mate,  not  less  than  18  months; 
however, this period may be reduced to not less than  12 months 
if  the  Administration  requires  special  training  which  it 
considers  to  be  equivalent  to  at  least  six  months'  service  as 
officer  in charge of a navigational  watch; 
for  certification  as  master,  not  less  than  36 months;  however, 
this period may be reduced to not less than 24 months if not less 
than  12 months  of  such  sea-going  service  has  been  served  as 
chief  mate,  or  if  the  Administration  requires  special  training 
which it considers to be equivalent  to such service; 

(c) 

have  passed  appropriate  examination  to  the  satisfaction  of  the 
Administration.  Such examination  shall include the material  set  out 
in  the  Appendix  to  this  Regulation,  except  that  the  Administration 
may  vary  these  examination  requirements  for  masters, and  chief 
mates  of ships of limited  size engaged  on  near-coastal  voyages, as it 
considers  necessary,  bearing  in  mind  the  effect  on  the  safety  of  all 
ships whicji may be operating in the same waters. 

Master and chief mate of ships of between 200 and 1 600 gross register  tons 

Every master  and chief mate of a sea-going ship of between 200 and  1  600 

3. 
gross register  tons shall hold an appropriate  certificate. 

4. 

Every candidate  for certification  shall: 

the  Administration  as  to  medical  fitness,  particularly 

(a) 

(b) 

satisfy 
regarding eyesight and  hearing; 
(i) 

(ii) 

for  certification  as  chief  mate,  meet  the  requirements  of  an 
officer  in charge  of a navigational  watch on ships of 200 gross 
register tons or more; 
for  certification  as master,  meet  the requirements  of  an  officer 
in charge of a navigational watch on ships of 200 gross register 
tons  or  more  and  have  approved  sea-going  service  in  that 
capacity  of not  less than  36 months; however,  this period  may 

23 

(4) 

be reduced  to not less than 24 months if not less than  12 months 
of such sea-going service has been served as chief mate, or if the 
Administration  requires  special  training  which  it considers  to 
be equivalent  to such service; 

(c) 

have  passed  appropriate  examination  to  the  satisfaction  of  the 
Administration.  Such examination  shall include the material set  out 
in  the  Appendix,  except  that  the  Administration  may  vary  these 
examination  requirements  for  masters  and  chief  mates  of  ships 
engaged  on  near-coastal  voyages,  as  it  considers  appropriate,  to 
exclude  such  material  as  is  not  applicable  to  the  waters  or  ships 
concerned,  bearing in mind the effect  on the safety  of all ships which 
may be operating  in the same waters. 

General 

The  level  of  knowledge  required  under  the  difFerent  headings  of  the 
5. 
Appendix  may  be varied-according  to  whether  the certificate  is being  issued  at 
master or chief mate level, and according to whether the certificate  or  certificates 
is applicable  to ships of  1  600 gross register  tons or more, or to ships of between 
200 and  1 600 gross register tons. 

APPENDIX TO REGULATION  II/2 

Minimum  knowledge required  for certification  of 
masters and chief mates of ships of 200 gross 
register tons or more 

The  syllabus  given  below  is compiled  for  examination  of  candidates  for 
1. 
certification  as master or chief mate of ships of 200 gross register tons or more. It 
is intended  to expand  and  extend  in depth  the subjects contained  in  Regulation 
II/4  -  "Mandatory  Minimum  Requirements  for  Certification  of  Officers  in 
Charge of a Navigational Watch on Ships of 200 Gross Register Tons or More". 
Bearing  in  mind  that  a  master  has  ultimate  responsibility  for  the  safety  of  the 
ship, its passengers, crew and cargo, and that a chief mate shall be in a position  to 
assume  that  responsibility  at  any  time,  examination  in  these  subjects  shall  be 
designed to test their ability to assimilate all available information  that affects  the 
safety  of the ship. 

Navigation and position determination 

2. 
(a)  Voyage planning and navigation for  all conditions: 

(i)  by acceptable methods of plotting ocean tracks; 
(ii)  within  restricted  waters; 
(iii) 
(iv) 
(v) 
(vi) 

in ice; 
in restricted  visibility; 
in traffic  separation schemes; 
in areas of extensive tidal  effects. 

(b)  Position  determination: 

(i)  by celestial  observations,  including  the  use of sun,  stars,  moon  and 

planets; 

24 

(ii)  by terrestrial observations, including  the ability  to use bearings  from 
landmarks  and  aids  to  navigation  such  as lighthouses,  beacons  and 
buoys  in  conjunction  with  appropriate  charts,  notices  to  mariners 
and other publications to assess the accuracy of the resulting position 
fix; 

(iii)  using all modern ship electronic navigational  aids to the  satisfaction 
of  the  Administration,  with  specific  knowledge  of  their  operating 
principles, 
limitations,  sources  of  error,  detection  of  misre 
presentation  of  information  and  methods  of  correction  to  obtain 
accurate position fixing. 

3.  Watchkeeping 

(a)  Demonstrate thorough knowledge of content, application and intent of the 
International  Regulations  for  Preventing  Collisions  at  Sea,  including  those 
Annexes concerned  with safe  navigation. 
(b)  Demonstrate  knowledge  of  Regulation  11/1  -  "Basic  Principles  to  be 
Observed  in Keeping a Navigational  Watch". 

4. 

Radar equipment 

Demonstrate  in conjunction  with  the  use of radar  simulator  or,  when  not 
available,  manoeuvring  board,  knowledge  of  the  fundamentals  of  radar  and 
ability in the operation  and use of radar, and in the interpretation  and analysis of 
information  obtained  from  this equipment,  including: 

(a) 
(b) 
(c) 

(d) 
(e) 
(f) 
(g) 

factors  affecting  performance  and  accuracy; 
setting up and  maintaining displays; 
detection  of  misrepresentation  of  information,  false  echoes,  sea 
return, etc; 
range and  bearing; 
identification  of critical echoes; 
course and speed of other ships; 
time  and  distance  of  closest  approach  of  crossing,  meeting  or 
overtaking ships; 

(h)  detecting course and speed changes of other ships; 
(i) 
(j) 

effect  of changes in own ship's course or speed or  both; 
application  of  the  International  Regulations  for  Preventing  Col 
lisions at Sea. 

5. 

Compasses -  magnetic and gyro 

Ability  to  determine  and  correct  the  errors  of  the  magnetic  and  gyro 

compasses and knowledge of the means for correcting such errors. 

6.  Meteorology  and oceanography 

(a)  Demonstrate the ability to understand and interpret a synoptic chart and to 
forecast  area weather, taking into account  local weather conditions. 

25 

(b)  Knowledge  of  the  characteristics  of  various  weather  systems,  including 
tropical  revolving  storms  and  avoidance  of  storm  centres  and  the  dangerous 
quadrants. 
(c)  Knowledge  of ocean current  systems. 
(d)  Ability  to  use  all  appropriate  navigational  publications  on  tides  and 
currents, including those in the English  language. 
(e)  Ability  to calculate  tidal conditions. 

7. 

Ship manoeuvring and handling 

Manoeuvring  and  handling  of  a  ship  in  all  conditions,  including  the 

following: 

(a)  manoeuvres  when  approaching  pilot  vessels  or  stations  with  due 

regard  to weather,  tide, headreach  and stopping distances; 

(b)  handling a ship in rivers, estuaries, etc., having regard to the effects of 
current,  wind and  restricted  water on the response to the helm; 
(c)  manoeuvring  in  shallow  water,  including  the  reduction  in  keel 

clearance due to the effect  of squat1, rolling and  pitching; 
interaction  between  passing ships and  between own ship and  nearby 
banks (canal  effect); 
berthing  and  unberthing  under  various  conditions  of  wind  and  tide 
with and  without  tugs; 

choice  of  anchorage;  anchoring  with  one  or  two  anchors  in  limited 
anchorages and  factors  involved  in determining the length of anchor 
cable to be used; 

(d) 

(e) 

(0 

(g)  dragging; clearing fouled  anchors; 
(h)  dry-docking, both  with and  without  damage; 
(i)  management  and  handling  of  ships  in  heavy  weather,  including 
assisting  a  ship  or  aircraft  in  distress,  towing  operations,  means  of 
keeping an unmanageable ship out of a sea trough, lessening drift  and 
use of oil; 
precautions  in  manoeuvring  for  launching  boats  or  liferafts  in  bad 
weather; 

0) 

(k)  methods of taking on board  survivors from  lifeboats  or  liferafts; 
(1) 

ability  to  determine  the  manoeuvring  and  engine  characteristics  of 
major  types of ships with special  reference  to stopping distances and 
turning circles at various draughts and speeds; 
the  importance  of  navigating  at  reduced  speed  to  avoid  damage 
caused  by own ship's bow or stern wave; 

(m) 

(n)  practical measures to be taken when navigating in ice or conditions of 

ice accumulation  on  board; 
the use of,  and  manoeuvring  in, traffic  separation  schemes. 

(o) 

Squat: 

the decrease  in clearance  beneath  a ship which  occurs when  the ship moves through  the 
water and is caused both by bodily sinkage and by change of trim. The effect  is accentuated 
in shallow water and is reduced with a reduction in ship's speed. 

8. 

Ship stability1,  construction and damage control 

(a)  Understanding  fundamental  principles  of  ship  construction  and  the 
theories  and  factors  affecting  trim  and  stability  and  measures  necessary  to 
preserve safe trim and  stability. 
(b)  Knowledge  of  the  effect  on  trim  and  stability  of  a  ship  in  the  event  of 
damage to and consequent  flooding  of a compartment  and counter  measures  to 
be taken. 
(c)  Demonstrate  use  of  stability,  trim  and  stress  tables,  diagrams  and  stress 
calculating equipment, including knowledge of loading cargoes and  ballasting in 
order to keep hull stresses within acceptable limits. 
(d)  General  knowledge  of  the  principal  structural  members  ofa  ship  and  the 
proper  names of the various parts. 

(e)  Knowledge of IMCO recommendations concerning ship stability. 

9. 

Ship po wer plan ts 

(a)  Operating principles of marine power  plants. 
(b)  Ships' auxiliary  machinery. 
(c)  General knowledge  of marine engineering terms. 

10.  Cargo handling and stowage 

(a)  The stowage and securing of cargoes on board ships, including cargo gear. 
(b)  Loading  and  discharging  operations,  with  special  regard  to  loading  and 
discharging of heavy weights. 
(c) 
International  regulations and  recommendations  relating to the carriage of 
cargoes,  in  particular  the  International  Maritime  Dangerous  Goods  Code 
(IMDG). 
(d)  Carriage of dangerous  goods; precautions  to be taken during  loading  and 
discharging operations and  the care of dangerous goods during a voyage. 
(e)  Working knowledge of contents and application  of current relevant  tanker 
safety guides. 
(0  Working  knowledge  of  commonly  used  cargo  piping  and  pumping 
arrangements. 
(g)  Terms and  definitions  used  to  describe properties  of common  oil cargoes, 
such as crude oil, middle distillates,  naphtha. 
(h)  Pollution regulations; ballasting, tank cleaning and gas freeing  operations. 

(i) 

Load-on-top  procedures. 

11.  Fire prevention and fire-fighting  appliances 

(a)  Organization  of fire drills. 
(b)  Classes and chemistry  of fire. 
2  Masters and chief mates serving on small ships shall  be fully  acquainted  with the basic stability 

requirements of such ships. 

27 

(c)  Fire-fighting  systems. 
(d)  Attendance at an approved fire-fighting course. 
(e)  Knowledge  of regulations concerning fire-fighting equipment. 

12.  Emergency procedures 

(a)  Precautions when beaching a ship. 
(b)  Action to be taken  prior  to, and after,  grounding. 
(c)  Floating a grounded ship, with and without  assistance. 
(d)  Action  to be taken  following  a collision. 
(e)  Temporary  plugging of leaks. 

(0  Measures  for  the  protection  and  safety  of  passengers  and  crew  in 

emergencies. 

(g)  Limiting damage and salving the ship following a fire or explosion. 
(h)  Abandoning ship. 

(i) 

Emergency  steering,  rigging  and  use  of jury  steering  and  the  means  of 
rigging a jury  rudder,  where  practicable. 

Rescuing persons from  a ship in distress or from  a wreck. 

(j) 
(k)  Man-overboard  procedures. 

13.  Medical care 

A  thorough  knowledge  of  the  use  of  the  contents  of  the  following 

publications: 
(a) 

International  Medical  Guide  for  Ships  or  equivalent  national 
publications; 

(b)  Medical section of the International  Code of Signals; 
(c)  Medical  First Aid Guide For  Use in Accidents Involving  Dangerous 

Goods. 

14.  Maritime law 

(a)  A knowledge  of  international  maritime  law as embodied  in  international 
the  specific  obligations  and 
agreements  and  conventions  as  they  affect 
responsibilities  of  the  master,  particularly  those  concerning  safety  and  the 
protection  of  the  marine  environment.  Regard  shall  be  paid  especially  to  the 
following  subjects: 

(i)  certificates  and  other  documents  required  to  be  carried  on  board 
ships  by  international  conventions,  how  they  may  be obtained  and 
the period of their legal validity; 

(ii)  responsibilities  under  the relevant  requirements  of the  International 

Convention  on Load  Lines; 

(iii)  responsibilities  under  the relevant  requirements  of the  International 

Convention  for the Safety  of Life at Sea; 

28 

(iv)  responsibilities under international conventions for the prevention of 

pollution  from  ships; 

(v)  maritime  declarations  of  health;  the  requirements  of  the  In 

ternational  Health  Regulations; 

(vi)  responsibilities  under  the  Convention  on  the  International  Re 

gulations for  Preventing Collisions at Sea; 

(vii)  responsibilities  under  other  international  instruments  affecting  the 

safety  of the ship, passengers, crew and cargo. 

(b)  The  extent  of  knowledge  of  national  maritime  legislation  is  left  to  the 
discretion  of  the  Administration  but  shall  include  national  arrangements  for 
implementing international agreements and conventions. 

15.  Personnel management  and training responsibilities 

A knowledge of personnel management, organization  and training  aboard 

ships. 

16.  Communications 

(a)  Ability  to  transmit  and  receive  messages  by  morse  light  and  to  use  the 
International  Code  of  Signals;  where  the  Administration  has  examined 
candidates in these subjects at the lower levels of certification,  they may have the 
option of not re-examining in these subjects for certification  as master. 
(b)  Knowledge  of  procedures  used  in  radiotelephone  communications  and 
ability  to  use  radiotelephones,  in  particular  with  respect  to  distress,  urgency, 
safety  and navigational messages. 
(c)  A  knowledge  of  the  procedures  for  emergency  distress  signals  by 
radiotelegraphy  as prescribed  in the Radio  Regulations. 

17.  Life-saving 

A thorough  knowledge  of life-saving  appliance  regulations  (International 
Convention  for  the  Safety  of  Life  at  Sea), organization  of  abandon  ship  drills, 
lifeboats, liferafts  and other life-saving  equipment. 

18.  Search and rescue 

A  thorough  knowledge  of  the  IMCO  Merchant  Ship  Search  and  Rescue 

Manual (MERSAR). 

19.  Methods for  demonstration  of proficiency 

(a)  Navigation 

Demonstrate the use of sextant, pelorus, azimuth mirror and ability to plot 

position, course, bearings. 
(b) 

light  simulator; 

International  Regulations for  Preventing Collisions at Sea 
(i)  use of small models displaying proper signals or lights, or  navigation 

29 

(ii)  manoeuvring  board  or  radar  simulator. 

(c)  Radar 

radar  simulator;  or 

(i) 
(ii)  manoeuvring  boards. 
Fire-fighting 
Attendance at an approved fire-fighting course. 

(d) 

(e)  Communications 

(0 

Visual and  vocal practical  test. 
Life-saving 
Launching  and  handling  of  lifeboats  and  other  life-saving  appliances, 

including the donning of  life-jackets. 

Regulation  II/3 

Mandatory  Minimum  Requirements for  Certification of Officers 
in Charge of a Navigational  Watch and of Masters of 
Ships of Less than 200 Gross Register Tons 

1. 

Ships not engaged on near-coastal voyages 

(a)  Every master serving on a sea-going ship of less than 200 gross register tons 
not  engaged  on  near-coastal  voyages  shall  hold  a certificate  recognized  by  the 
Administration  for  service  as  master  of  ships  of  between  200  and  1  600  gross 
register tons. 

(b)  Every officer  in charge of a navigational  watch serving on a sea-going ship 
of  less  than  200  gross  register  tons  not  engaged  on  near-coastal  voyages  shall 
hold an appropriate certificate  for ships of 200 gross register tons or more. 

2. 

Ships engaged on near-coastal  voyages 

(a)  Master 

(i)  Every master serving in a sea-going ship of less than 200 gross register 
tons  engaged  on  near-coastal  voyages  shall  hold  an  appropriate 
certificate. 

(1) 
(2) 

(ii)  Every candidate  for certification  shall: 
be not  less than  20 years of age; 
have approved  sea-going service of not  less than  12 months  as 
officer  in charge of a navigational  watch; 
satisfy  the  Administration  that  he  possesses  adequate  know 
ledge  appropriate  to  his  duties  on  the  ships  concerned  which 
shall  include  the  subjects  contained  in  the  Appendix  to  this 
Regulation. 
(b)  OJficer in charge of a navigational watch 

(3) 

(i)  Every officer  in charge of a navigational watch on a sea-going ship of 
less  than  200  gross  register  tons  engaged  on  near-coastal  voyages 

30 

shall hold  an appropriate  certificate, 

(1) 
(2) 

(ii)  Every candidate  for certification  shall: 
be not  less than  18 years of age; 
satisfy  the  Administration  as  to  medical  fitness,  particularly 
regarding eyesight  and  hearing; 
satisfy  the Administration  that he has: 
-  successfully  undergone  special  training,  including  an  ade 
quate  period  of appropriate sea-going service as required  by 
the Administration;  or 

(3) 

-  completed  approved  sea-going  service  in  the  deck  depart 

ment of not  less than  three years; 

(4) 

satisfy  the  Administration  that  he  possesses  adequate  know 
ledge  appropriate  to  his  duties  on  the  ships concerned,  which 
shall include the subjects contained  in the Appendix. 

3. 

Training 

Training to achieve the necessary knowledge and practical experience shall 
be  based  on  Regulation  11/1 -  "Basic  Principles  to  be  Observed  in  Keeping  a 
Navigational  Watch"  and  relevant  international  regulations  and  recom 
mendations. 

4. 

Exemptions 

The Administration,  if it considers  that  a ship's size and  the conditions of 
its voyage  are  such  as  to  render  the  application  of  the  full  requirements  of  this 
Regulation  and  its Appendix  unreassable  or  impracticable,  may  to  that  extent 
exempt the master and the officer  in charge of a navigational watch on such a ship 
or class of ships from  some of the requirements, bearing in mind the safety  of all 
ships which may be operating  in the same waters. 

APPENDIX TO  REGULATION  11/3 

Minimum knowledge required  for certification  of officers  in 
charge of a navigational  watch and  of masters of ships of less 
than 200 gross register  tons 

(a)  Knowledge of the  following: 

(i)  coastal  navigation  and,  to  the  extent  required,  celestial 

navigation; 

(ii)  International  Regulations  for  Preventing Collisions at Sea; 
(iii)  International  Maritime  Dangerous  Goods Code  (IMDG); 

(iv)  magnetic compass; 
(v)  radiotelephony  and visual signalling; 
(vi) fire prevention  and fire-fighting appliances; 
(vii)  life-saving; 

31 

(viii)  emergency  procedures; 

(ix)  ship manoeuvring; 
(x)  ship stability; 
(xi)  meteorology; 
(xii)  small ship power  plants; 
(xiii)  first  aid; 
(xiv)  search and  rescue; 

(xv)  prevention  of pollution of the marine  environment. 

(b) 

In  addition  to  the  requirements  of  sub-paragraph  (a),  sufficient 
knowledge  to  operate  safely  all  navigational  aids  and  equipment 
fitted aboard  the ships concerned. 

(c)  The level of knowledge to be required  in the subjects specified  in sub 
paragraphs (a) and (b) shall be sufficient  for the officer  of the watch to 
carry out his duties  safely. 

2. 
Every master serving on a sea-going ship of less than 200 gross register tons 
shall,  in  addition  to  the  requirements  of  paragraph  1  above,  satisfy  the 
Administration  that he possesses the knowledge to carry out all the duties of such 
a master  safely. 

Regulation  II/4 

Mandatory  Minimum  Requirements for  Certification 
of Officers in Charge of a Navigational Watch 
on Ships of 200 Gross Register Tons 
or More 

Every officer  in charge of a navigational watch serving on a sea-going ship 

1. 
of 200 gross register tons or more shall hold an appropriate  certificate. 

2. 

(c) 

the  Administration  as  to  medical  fitness,  particularly 

Every candidate  for certification  shall: 
be not less than  18 years of age; 
(a) 
satisfy 
(b) 
regarding eyesight and  hearing; 
have  approved  sea-going  service  in the deck  department  of  not  less 
than  three  years  which  shall  include  at  least  six  months  of  bridge 
watchkeeping  duties  under  the  supervision  of  a  qualified  officer; 
however, an Administration may allow the substitution of a period of 
special  training  for  not  more  than  two  years  of  this  approved  sea: 
going  service,  provided  the  Administration  is  satisfied  that  such 
training  is  at  least  equivalent  in  value  to  the  period  of  sea-going 
service it replaces; 
satisfy  the  Administration  by  passing  an  appropriate  examination 
that  he  possesses  adequate  theoretical  and  practical  knowledge 
appropriate to his duties. 

(d) 

32 

3. 

Certificates  for service without  restriction 

For  issue  of  certificates  for  service  without  restriction  as  to  area  of 
operation,  the examination  shall test the adequacy  of the candidate's  theoretical 
and  practical  knowledge  in  the  subjects  shown  in  the  Appendix  to  this 
Regulation. 

4. 

Restricted  certificates 

For  issue of  restricted  certificates  for  service on  near-coastal  voyages,  the 
Administration  may  omit  the  following  subjects  from  those  shown  in  the 
Appendix,  bearing  in  mind  the  effect  on  the  safety  of  all  ships  which  may  be 
operating in the same waters: 

(a) 
(b) 

celestial  navigation; 
electronic  systems  of  position  fixing  and  navigation  for  waters  not 
covered  by such systems. 

5. 

Level of knowledge 

(a)  The  level  of  knowledge  to  be  required  in  the  subjects  shown  in  the 
Appendix  shall  be  sufficient  for  the  officer  of  the  watch  to  carry  out  his 
watchkeeping  duties  safely.  In  determining  the  appropriate  level  of  knowledge 
the Administration  shall take into account the remarks under each subject  in the 
Appendix. 
(b)  Training  to  achieve  the  necessary  theoretical  knowledge  and  practical 
experience shall  be based  on Regulation  11/1 -  "Basic Principles to be Observed 
in  Keeping  a Navigational  Watch"  and  relevant  international  regulations  and 
recommendations. 

APPENDIX TO REGULATION  II/4 

Minimum  knowledge  required  for certification  of 
officers  in charge of a navigational watch on 
ships of 200 gross register  tons or more 

1. 

Celestial navigation 

Ability to use celestial bodies to determine the ship's position and compass 

errors. 

2. 

Terrestrial and coastal navigation 

(a)  Ability to determine the ship's position  by the use  of: 

landmarks; 

(i) 
(ii)  aids to navigation, including lighthouses, beacons and  buoys; 
(iii)  dead reckoning, taking into account winds, tides, currents and  speed 

by propeller  revolutions per minute and by log. 

33 

(b)  Thorough  knowledge  of  and  ability  to  use  navigational  charts  and 
publications,  such  as  sailing  directions,  tide  tables,  notices  to  mariners,  radio 
navigational warnings and ships' routeing  information. 

3. 

Radar navigation 

Knowledge  of the fundamentals  of  radar and  ability in the operation  and 
use of radar  and  ability  to interpret  and  analyse information  obtained  by use of 
radar including the  following: 

(a) 
(b) 
(c) 

(d) 
(e) 
(0 
(g) 

factors  affecting  performance  and  accuracy; 
setting up and  maintaining displays; 
detection  of  misrepresentation  of  information,  false  echoes,  sea 
return, etc.; 
range and  bearing; 
identification  of critical echoes; 
course and speed of other ships; 
time  and  distance  of  closest  approach  of  crossing,  meeting  or 
overtaking ships; 

(h)  detecting course and  speed changes of other ships; 
(i) 
(j) 

effect  of changes in own ship's course or speed or  both; 
application  of  the  International  Regulations  for  Preventing  Col 
lisions at Sea. 

4.  Watchkeeping 

(a)  Demonstrate thorough knowledge of content, application and intent of the 
International  Regulations  for  Preventing  Collisions  at  Sea,  including  those 
Annexes concerned  with safe  navigation. 
(b)  Demonstrate  knowledge  of content  of Regulation  11/1 -  "Basic  Principles 
to be Observed  in Keeping a Navigational  Watch". 

5. 

Electronic systems  of position fixing and navigation 

Ability to determine the ship's position by the use of electronic navigational 

aids to the satisfaction  of the  Administration. 

6. 

Radio direction-finders and echo-sounders 

Ability to operate the equipment  and apply  the information  correctly. 

7.  Meteorology 

Knowledge of shipborne meteorological instruments and their application. 
Knowledge  of  the  characteristics  of  various  weather  systems,  reporting 
procedures  and  recording  systems  and  "the ability  to  apply  the  meteorological 
information  available. 

34 

8. 

Compasses -  magnetic and gyro 

Knowledge  of  the  principles  of  magnetic  and  gyro-compasses  including 
errors and corrections. With regard  to gyro-compasses, an  understanding  of the 
systems under  the control  of  the master  gyro and  a knowledge  of the  operation 
and care of the main types of gyro-compasses. 

9. 

Automatic pilot 

Knowledge of automatic pilot systems and  procedures. 

10.  Radio telephony and visual signalling 

(a)  Ability to transmit  and  receive messages by morse light. 
(b)  Ability to use the International  Code of Signals. 
(c)  Knowledge  of  procedures  used  in  radiotelephone  communications  and 
ability  to  use  radiotelephones,  in  particular  with  respect  to  distress,  urgency, 
safety and  navigational messages. 

11.  Fire prevention and fire-fighting appliances 

(a)  Ability to organize fire drills. 

(b)  Knowledge of classes and chemistry of fire. 
(c)  Knowledge of fire-fighting systems. 
(d)  Attendance at an approved fire-fighting course. 

12.  Life-saving 

Ability  to organize abandon  ship drills and  knowledge of the operation  of 
lifeboats,  liferafts,  buoyant  apparatus  and  similar  life-saving  appliances  along 
with  their  equipment,  including  portable  radio  apparatus  and  emergency 
position-indicating  radio  beacons  (EPIRBs).  Knowledge  of  survival  at  sea 
techniques. 

13.  Emergency procedures 

Knowledge  of the items  listed  in  the appropriate  Appendix  of  the  current 

edition of the 1LO/1M  O "Document  for  Guidance". 

14.  Ship manoeuvring and handling 

Knowledge  of: 
(a) 

the effects  of  various  deadweights,  draughts,  trim,  speed  and  under 
keel clearance on turning circles and stopping distances; 
(b) 
effects  of wind and current  on ship handling; 
(c)  manoeuvres for  the rescue of  man-overboard; 

(d) 
(e) 

squat, shallow water and similar  effects; 
proper procedures for anchoring and  mooring. 

35 

15.  Ship stability 

(a)  Working  knowledge  and  application  of  stability,  trim  and  stress  tables, 
diagrams and stress calculating  equipment. 
(b)  Understanding  of  fundamental  actions  to  be taken  in  the event  of  partial 
loss of intact  buoyancy. 

16.  English language 

Adequate  knowledge  of  the  English  language  enabling  the  officer  to  use 
charts  and  other  nautical  publications,  to  understand  meteorological  infor 
mation  and  messages  concerning  ship's  safety  and  operation  and  to  express 
himself clearly in his communications  with other  ships or coast stations. Ability 
to understand  and use the IM  0  Standard  Marine Navigational  Vocabulary. 

17.  Ship construction 

General  knowledge  of  the  principal  structural  members  of a ship and  the 

proper  names of the various parts. 

18.  Cargo han dling and s to wage 

Knowledge of safe handling and stowage of cargoes and  the effect  of these 

factors  on  the safety  of the ship. 

19.  Medical aid 

Practical application  of medical  guides and  advice by radio, including  the 
ability to take effective action based on such knowledge in the case of accidents or 
illnesses that are likely to occur on board ship. 

20.  Search and rescue 

Knowledge  of  the  IM  O  Merchant  Ship  Search  and  Rescue  Manual 

(MERSAR). 

21.  Prevention of pollution of the marine environment 

Knowledge  of  the  precautions  to  be observed  to  prevent  pollution  of  the 

marine  environment. 

Regulation H/5 

• Mandatory Minimum Requirements to Ensure the Continued 
Proficiency and Updating of Knowledge for  Masters 

nnfl  Piorlr 

DfiRrPre 

Every master  and  every deck  officer  holding  a certificate  who is serving  at 
1. 
sea or intends to return to sea after  a period ashore shall, in order to continue  to 
qualify  for  sea-going service, be required  at  regular  intervals not  exceeding five 
years to satisfy  the Administration  as to: 

36 

(a)  medical fitness, particularly  regarding eyesight and  hearing; and 
(b)  professional  competence: 

(i)  by  approved  sea-going  service  as  master  or  deck  officer  of  at 

least one year during the preceding five years; or 

(ii)  by  virtue  of having  performed  functions  relating  to  the  duties 
appropriate to the grade of certificate held which are considered 
to  be  at  least  equivalent  to  the  sea-going  service  required  in 
paragraph  l(b)(i); or 

(iii)  by one of the  following: 

-  passing an approved  test; or 
-  successfully  completing an approved course or courses; or 
-  having  completed  approved  sea-going  service  as  a  deck 
officer  for  a  period  of  not  less  than  three  months  in  a 
supernumerary  capacity  immediately  prior  to taking  up  the 
rank to which he is entitled  by virtue of his certificate. 

2. 
The Administration  shall, in consultation  with those concerned,  formulate 
or  promote  the  formulation  of  a  structure  of  refresher  and  updating  courses, 
either voluntary or mandatory, as appropriate, for masters and deck officers  who 
are  serving  at  sea,  especially  for  re-entrants  to  sea-going  service.  The 
Administration  shall  ensure  that  arrangements  are  made  to enable  all  persons 
concerned  to attend  such courses  as appropriate  to their experience and  duties. 
Such  courses  shall  be  approved  by  the  Administration  and  include  changes  in 
marine technology and  relevant international  regulations and  recommendations 
concerning the safety of life at sea and the protection of the marine  environment. 

Every  master  and  deck  officer  shall,  for  continuing  sea-going  service  on 
3. 
board  ships  for  which  special  training  requirements  have  been  internationally 
agreed upon, successfully  complete an approved  relevant  training. 

The  Administration  shall  ensure  that  the  texts  of  recent  changes  in 
4. 
international regulations concerning the safety of life at sea and the protection of 
the marine environment  are made available to ships under its jurisdiction. 

Regulation  II/6 

Mandatory  Minimum  Requirements for  Ratings 
Forming Part of a Navigational  Watch 

The  minimum  requirements  for  a  rating  forming  part  of  a  navigational 
I. 
watch  on  a  sea-going  ship  of  200  gross  register  tons  or  more  are  set  out  in 
paragraph 2. These requirements are not those for certification  of able seamen*, 
nor, except for ships of limited size, are they minimum  requirements  for  a rating 
who is to be the sole rating of a navigational watch. Administrations may require 
additional training and qualifications  for a rating who is to be the sole rating of a 
navigational  watch. 

Reference  is  made  to  ILO  Certification  of  Able  Seamen  Convention,  1946 or  any  successive 
convention. 

37 

Every  rating  forming  part  of  a navigational  watch  on  a sea-going  ship of 

2. 
200 gross register  tons or more shall: 

(a) 
(b) 

(c) 

be not  less than  16 years of age; 
satisfy 
regarding eyesight and  hearing; 
satisfy  the Administration  that  he has: 

the  Administration  as  to  medical  fitness,  particularly 

(i)  completed  approved  sea-going  service, including  not  less  than 
six  months'  sea  experience  associated,  in  particular,  with 
navigational watchkeeping duties; or 

(ii)  successfully  undergone  special  training,  either  pre-sea  or 
aboard  ship, including an adequate period  of sea-going service 
as required  by the Administration  which shall  be not  less than 
two months; 

(d)  have experience or training which  includes: 

(i)  basic  principles  of  fire-fighting,  first  aid,  personal  survival 

techniques, health hazards and  personal  safety; 

(ii)  ability  to  understand  orders  and  make  himself  understood  by 

the officer  of the watch  in matters relevant  to his duties; 

(iii)  ability  to  steer  and  comply  with  helm  orders,  together  with 
sufficient  knowledge  of  magnetic  and  gyro  compasses  for 
performance  of these duties; 

(iv)  ability  to  keep  a  proper  look-out  by  sight  and  hearing  and 
report the approximate bearing of a sound signal, light or other 
object  in degrees or points; 

(v)  familiarity  with  the change-over  from  automatic  pilot  to  hand 

steering and  vice-versa; 

(vi)  knowledge  of  the  use  of  appropriate  internal  communication 

and alarm systems; 

(vii)  knowledge of pyrotechnic distress signals; 
(viii)  knowledge of his emergency duties; 

(ix)  knowledge  of  shipboard  terms  and  definitions  appropriate  to 

his duties. 

3. 
The experience, service or training required  by paragraphs 2(c) and (d) may 
be  acquired  through  performance  of  duties  associated  with  navigational 
watchkeeping, but only if such duties are carried out under the direct  supervision 
of the master, officer  in charge of the navigational watch or a qualified  rating. 

4.  Administrations  shall  ensure  that  an  authorized  document  is  issued  to 
every seafarer  who by experience or  training is qualified  in accordance with  this 
Regulation  to serve as a rating forming  part of a navigational watch, or that  his 
existing document  is duly endorsed. 

38 

Regulation 11/7 

Basic Principles to be Observed 
in Keeping a  Watch in Port 

1.  On any ship safely moored or safely at anchor under normal  circumstances 
in  port,  the  master  shall  arrange  for  an  appropriate  and  effective  watch  to  be 
maintained  for the purpose of safety. 

2. 
In  organizing  the  watches  note  shall  be  taken  of  the  provisions  of  the 
"Recommendation  on Principles and Operational Guidance for Deck Officers in 
Charge  of  a  Watch  in  Port"  and  the  "Recommendation  on  Principles  and 
Operational Guidance for Engineer Officers  in Charge of an  Engineering Watch 
in Port" adopted  by the International  Conference  on Training and  Certification 
of Seafarers,  1978. 

Regulation  II/8 

Mandatory Minimum  Requirements for  a  Watch in Port on Ships 
Carrying Hazardous Cargo 

1. 
The master of every ship carrying cargo in bulk that is hazardous -  whether 
it is, or may be, explosive,  flammable,  toxic, health-threatening  or  environment 
polluting- shall ensure  that a safe deck  watch  and  a safe engineering watch  are 
maintained  by  the  ready  availability  on  board  of  a  duly  qualified  officer  or 
officers,  and  ratings where appropriate,  even  when  the ship is safely  moored  or 
safely at anchor in port. 

2. 
The  master  of  every  ship carrying  hazardous  cargo  other  than  in  bulk  -
whether  it  is,  or  may  be,  explosive,  flammable,  toxic,  health-threatening  or 
environment  polluting  -  shall  in  organizing  safe  watchkeeping  arrangements 
take full account  of the nature, quantity,  packing and stowage of the  hazardous 
cargo and of any special conditions on board, afloat  and ashore. 

3. 
In  organizing  the  watches  full  account  shall  be  taken  of  the  "Recom 
mendation on Principles and Operational  Guidance for  Deck Officers  in Charge 
of a Watch  in  Port"  and  the "Recommendation  on  Principles and  Operational 
Guidance  for.Engineer  Officers  in  Charge  of  an  Engineering  Watch  in  Port" 
adopted  by  the  International  Conference  on  Training  and  Certification  of 
Seafarers,  1978. 

39 

A N N EX 

II 

ENGINE  DEPARTMENT 

R e g u l a t i on 

I I I /1 

Basic Principles to be Observed in 
Keeping an Engineering  Watch 

Member  S t a t es 
1. 
shall  direct  the  attention  of  shipowners,  ship  operators,  masters, 
shall  di 
chief engineer  officers  and  watchkeeping  personnel  to  the  following  principles 
which shall be observed  to ensure that a safe engineering watch is maintained at 
all times. 

2. 
The  term  "watch"  is  used  in  this  Regulation  to  mean  either  a group  of 
personnel  composing  the  watch  or  a  period  of  responsibility  for  an  engineer 
officer during which his physical presence in the machinery space may or may not 
be required. 

The  basic  principles,  including  but  not  limited  to  the  following,  shall  be 

3. 
taken into account on all ships. 

4.  General 

(a)  The chief engineer officer  of every ship is bound, in consultation  with the 
master,  to ensure  that  watchkeeping  arrangements are adequate  to maintain a 
safe  watch.  When  deciding  the  composition  of  the  watch,  which  may  include 
appropriate engine room ratings, the following criteria, inter alia, shall be taken 
into account: 

(i)  type of ship; 
(ii)  type and condition of the machinery; 
(iii)  special  modes  of operation  dictated  by conditions  such  as weather, 
ice,  contaminated  water,  shallow  water,  emergency  conditions, 
damage containment or pollution abatement; 

(iv)  qualifications  and experience of the watch; 
(v)  safety of life, ship, cargo and port, and protection of the environment; 
(vi)  observance of international, national and local regulations; 
(vii)  maintaining the normal operations of the ship. 

(b)  Under  the  direction  of  the  chief  engineer  officer,  the  engineer  officer  in 
charge of the watch shall be responsible for the inspection, operation and testing," 
as  required,  of  all  machinery  and  equipment  under  his  responsibility.  The 
engineer officer  in charge of a watch is the chief engineer officer's  representative 
and  his  primary  responsibility,  at  all  times,  shall  be  the  safe  and  efficient 
operation and up-keep of machinery affecting  the safety of the ship. 
(c)  The chief engineer officer shall, in consultation with the master, determine 

40 

in  advance  the  needs  of  the  intended  voyage,  taking  into  consideration  the 
requirements  for  fuel,  water, lubricants, chemicals, expendable and other spare 
parts, tools, supplies and any other requirements. 

5.  Operation 

(a)  The engineer officer in charge of the watch shall ensure that the established 
watchkeeping arrangements are maintained.  Under his general direction engine 
room ratings, if forming  part of the watch, shall be required to assist  in the safe 
and efficient operation of the propulsion machinery and the auxiliary equipment. 

(b)  At  the commencement  of  the engineering  watch,  the current  operational 
parameters and condition  of all machinery shall be verified. Any machinery not 
functioning  properly, expected to malfunction  or requiring special service, shall 
be noted along with any action already taken. Plans shall be made for any further 
action if required. 
(c)  The  engineer  officer  in  charge  of  the  watch  shall  ensure  that  the  main 
propulsion  plant  and  auxiliary  systems  are  kept  under  constant  surveillance, 
inspections  are  made  of  the  machinery  and  steering  gear  spaces  at  suitable 
intervals and appropriate action is taken to remedy any malfunction discovered. 

(d)  When  the  machinery  spaces  are  in  the  manned  condition,  the  engineer 
officer in charge of the watch shall at all times be readily capable of operating the 
propulsion  equipment  in  response  to  needs  for changes  in direction  or speed. 
When  the  machinery  spaces  are  in  the  periodic  unmanned  condition,  the 
designated  duty  engineer  officer  in  charge  of  the  watch  shall  be  immediately 
available and on call to attend the machinery spaces. 

(e)  All bridge orders shall be promptly executed. Changes in direction or speed 
of the main propulsion  unit shall  be recorded, except where an  Administration 
determines  that  the  size  or  characteristics  of  a  particular  ship  make  such 
recording impracticable. The engineer officer  in charge of the watch shall ensure 
that the main propulsion unit controls, when in the manual mode of operation, 
are continuously attended under standby or manoeuvring conditions. 
(0  The  engineer  officer  in  charge  of  the  watch  shall  not  be  assigned  or 
undertake any duties which would  interfere with his supervisory duty in respect 
of the main  propulsion  system and  its ancillary equipment  and  he shall  ensure 
that  the  main  propulsion  system  and  auxiliary  equipment  are  kept  under 
constant surveillance until he is properly relieved. 
(g)  Due  attention  shall  be  paid  to  the  maintenance  and  support  of  all 
machinery,  including  mechanical,  electrical,  hydraulic  and  pneumatic  systems, 
their  control  apparatus  and  associated  safety  equipment,  all  accommodation 
service systems equipment and the recording of stores and spare gear usage. 
(h)  The chief engineer officer shall ensure that the engineer officer  in charge of 
the watch  is informed  of all preventive  maintenance, damage control,  or repair 
operations  to be performed  during the watch. The engineer officer  in charge of 
the watch shall be responsible for the isolation, by-passing and adjustment of all 
machinery under his responsibility  that  is to be worked on, and shall  record all 
work carried out. 

(i)  Before  going  off  duty,  the  engineer  officer  in  charge  of  the  watch  shall 
ensure  that all events  related  to the main  and auxiliary  machinery  are suitably 
recorded. 

41 

(j)  To  avoid  any  danger  to  the  safety  of  the ship  and  its crew,  the  engineer 
officer  in charge of the watch shall notify  the bridge immediately  in the event of 
fire,  impending  actions in machinery  spaces  that may cause  reduction  in ship's 
speed, imminent steering failure, stoppage of the ship's propulsion system or any 
alteration  in  the  generation  of  electric  power,  or similar  threat  to  safety.  This 
notification,  where possible, shall  be accomplished  before changes  are made in 
order to afford  the bridge the maximum available time to take whatever actions 
are possible to avoid a potential marine casualty. 
(k)  When the engine room is put in a standby condition, the engineer officer in 
charge of the watch shall ensure that all machinery and equipment which may be 
used  during  manoeuvring  is  in  a  state  of  immediate  readiness  and  that  an 
adequate reserve of power is available for steering gear and other requirements. 

6.  Watch requirements 

(a)  Every member of the watch shall be familiar with his assigned watchkeep 
ing duties. In addition, every member shall have with respect to that ship: 

(i)  knowledge  of  the  use  of  appropriate  internal  communication 

systems; 

(ii)  knowledge of escape routes from machinery spaces; 
(iii)  knowledge  of  engine  room  alarm  systems  and  the  ability  to 
distinguish  between the various alarms with special  reference  to the 
C02 alarm; 

(iv)  knowledge of the positions and use of the fire-fighting equipment in 

the machinery spaces. 

(b)  The composition  of an underway watch shall, at all times, be adequate to 
ensure the safe operation of all machinery affecting  the operation of the ship, in 
either  automated  or  manual  mode  arid  be  appropriate  to  the  prevailing 
circumstances and conditions. To achieve this, the following,  inter alia, shall be 
taken into acount: 

(i)  adequate  supervision,  at  all  times,  of  machinery  affecting  the  safe 

operation of the ship; 

(ii)  condition  and  reliability  of  any  remotely  operated  propulsion  and 
steering  equipment  and  their  controls,  control  location  and  the 
procedures involved in placing them in a manual mode of operation 
in the event of break-down or emergency; 
location  and  operation  of fixed fire detection, fire extinction  or  fire 
containment devices and apparatus; 

(iii) 

(iv)  use and  operational  condition  of  auxiliary, standby  and emergency 
equipment  affecting  the  safe  navigation,  mooring  or  docking 
operations of the ship; 

(v)  steps  and  procedures  necessary  to  maintain  the  condition  of 
machinery  installations  in  order  to  ensure  their  efficient  operation 
during all modes of ship operation; 

(vi)  any other demands on the watch which may arise as a result of special 

operating circumstances. 

(c)  At an unsheltered anchorage the chief engineer officer shall consult with the 
master whether or not to maintain an underway watch. 

42 

7. 

Fitness for duty 

The  watch  system  shall  be  such  that  the  efficiency  of  the  watch  is  not 
impaired by fatigue. Duties shall be so organized by the chief engineer officer that 
the first watch  at the commencement  of a voyage  and  the subsequent  relieving 
watches are sufficiently  rested and otherwise fit for duty. 

8. 

Protection of the marine environment 

All engineer officers  and engine room ratings shall be aware of the serious 
effects of operational or accidental pollution of the marine environment and shall 
take all  possible  precautions  to  prevent  such  pollution,  particularly  within  the 
framework  of relevant international and port regulations. 

Regulation III/2 

Mandatory Minimum Requirements for  Certification of Chief 
Engineer Ojficers and Second Engineer Officers of Ships 
Powered by Main Propulsion Machinery of 
3 000 k W Propulsion Power or More 

1. 
Every chief engineer officer and second engineer officer of a sea-going ship 
powered by main propulsion machinery of 3 000 kW propulsion power or more 
shall hold an appropriate certificate. 

2. 

Every candidate for certification shall: 
(a) 

satisfy  the  Administration  as  to  medical fitness, including  eyesight 
and hearing; 

(b)  meet the requirements for certification as an engineer officer in charge 

of a watch; and 

(i) 

(ii) 

for certification as second engineer officer, have not less than 12 
months' approved sea-going service as assistant engineer officer 
or engineer officer; 
for certification  as chief engineer officer,  have not less than 36 
months' approved  sea-going  service  of which  not  less than  12 
months  shall  be served  as an engineer  officer  in  a position  of 
responsibility while qualified to serve as second engineer officer; 

(c)  have attended an approved practical fire-fighting course; 
(d)  have  passed  appropriate  examination  to  the  satisfaction  of  the 
Administration.  Such examination shall include the material set out 
in the Appendix  to this  Regulation, except  that  the  Administration 
may vary  these examination  requirements  for  officers  of ships with, 
limited propulsion power that are engaged on near-coastal voyages, 
as it considers necessary, bearing in mind the effect on the safety of all 
ships which may be operating in the same waters. 

3. 
Training  to  achieve  the  necessary  theoretical  knowledge  and  practical 
experience  shall  take  into  account  relevant  international  regulations  and 
recommendations. 

.43 

4. 
The  level  of  knowledge  required  under  the  dillerent  paragraphs  of  the 
Appendix  may  be varied  according  to whether  the certificate  is being  issued at 
chief engineer officer  or second engineer officer level. 

APPENDIX TO REGULATION  III/2 

Minimum knowledge required for certification  of chief 
engineer officers and second engineer officers of 
ships powered by main propulsion machinery of 
3 000 kW propulsion power or more 

1.  The  syllabus  given  below  is compiled  for  examination  of  candidates  for 
certification  as chief engineer officer  or second engineer officer  of ships powered 
by main propulsion machinery of 3 000 kW propulsion power or more. Bearing 
in  mind  that  a  second  engineer  officer  shall  be  in  a  position  to  assume  the 
responsibilities  of  a  chief  engineer  officer  at  any  time,  examination  in  these 
subjects shall be designed to test the candidate's ability to assimilate all available 
information  that affects  the safe operation of the ship's machinery. 

2.  With  respect  to  paragraph  4(a)  below,  the  Administration  may  omit 
knowledge  requirements  for  types  of  propulsion  machinery  other  than  those 
machinery installations for which the certificate  to be awarded shall  be valid. A 
certificate  awarded  on  such  a  basis  shall  not  be  valid  for  any  category  of 
machinery installation which has been omitted until the engineer officer proves to 
be competent  in these items to the satisfaction  of the Administration.  Any such 
limitation shall be stated in the certificate. 

Every  candidate  shall'possess  theoretical  knowledge  in  the  following 

3. 
subjects: 
(a) 
(b)  mechanics and hydromechanics; 

thermodynamics and heat transmission; 

(c) 

operational principles of ships' power installations (diesel, steam and 
gas turbine) and refrigeration; 

technology of materials; 
chemistry and physics of fire and extinguishing agents; 

(d)  physical and chemical properties of fuels and lubricants; 
(e) 
(0 
(g)  marine electrotechnology, electronics and electrical equipment; 
(h) 
(i) 

fundamentals of automation, instrumentation and control systems; 
naval architecture and ship construction, including damage control. 

Every candidate shall possess adequate practical knowledge in at least the 

4. 
following subjects: 

(a) 

operation and maintenance  of: 
(i)  marine diesel engines; 
(ii)  marine steam propulsion plant; 

44 

(iii)  marine gas turbines; 

(b)  operation  and  maintenance  of  auxiliary  machinery,  including 
pumping and piping systems, auxiliary boiler plant and steering gear 
systems; 
operation,  testing  and  maintenance  of  electrical  and  control 
equipment; 

(c) 

(d)  operation  and  maintenance  of cargo  handling equipment  and  deck 

machinery; 

(e)  detection of machinery malfunction,  location of faults and action to 

prevent damage; 
organization of safe maintenance and repair procedures; 

(f) 
(g)  methods of,  and aids for, fire prevention, detection and extinction; 
(h)  methods and aids to prevent pollution of the environment  by ships; 
regulations  to  be  observed  to  prevent  pollution  of  the  marine 
(i) 
environment; 
effects of marine pollution on the environment; 

(j) 
(k)  first  aid  related  to  injuries  which  might  be expected  in  machinery 

spaces and use of first aid equipment; 
functions and use of life-saving appliances; 

(1) 
(m)  methods of damage control; 
safe working practices. 
(n) 

Every candidate shall  possess a knowledge  of international  maritime law 
5. 
embodied in international agreements and conventions as they affect  the specific 
obligations  and  responsibilities  of  the  engine  department,  particularly  those 
concerning safety  and the protection  of the marine environment. The extent of 
knowledge  of  national  maritime  legislation  is  left  to  the  discretion  of  the 
Administration  but  shall  include  national  arrangements  for  implementing 
international agreements and conventions. 

Every  candidate  shall  possess  a  knowledge  of  personnel  management, 

6. 
organization and training aboard ships. 

Regulation III/3 

Mandatory Minimum Requirements for  Certification of Chief 
Engineer Officers and Second Engineer Officers of Ships 
Powered by Main Propulsion Machinery between 750 kW 
and 3 000 k W Propulsion Power 

1. 
Every chief engineer officer and second engineer officer of a sea-going ship 
powered by main propulsion machinery of between 750 and 3 000 kW propulsion 
power shall hold an appropriate certificate. 

2. 

Every candidate for certification shall: 
(a) 

satisfy  the  Administration  as  to  medical fitness, including  eyesight 
and hearing; 

45 

(b)  meet the requirements for certification  as an engineer officer  in charge 

of a watch; and 
(i) 

(ii) 

for certification  as second engineer officer,  have not less than 12 
months' approved sea-going service as assistant.engineer  officer 
or engineer  officer; 
for  certification  as chief engineer  officer,  have  not  less than  24 
months'  approved  sea-going  service  of  which  not  less than  12 
months  shall  be  served  while  qualified  to  serve  as  second 
engineer  officer; 

(c) 
(d) 

have attended  an approved  practical fire-fighting course; 
have  passed  appropriate  examination  to  the  satisfaction  of  the 
Administration.  Such examination  shall include the material  set  out 
in  the  Appendix  to  this  Regulation,  except  that  the  Administration 
may vary the requirements for examination  and sea-going service for 
officers of ships engaged on near-coastal voyages, bearing in mind the 
types of automatic  and  remotely  operated  controls  with  which  such 
ships are fitted and  the etfect  on  the safety  of all ships which  may  be 
operating in the same waters. 

3. 
Training  to  achieve  the  necessary  theoretical  knowledge  and  practical 
experience  shall  take  into  account  relevant  international  regulations  and 
recommendations. 

4. 
The  level  of  knowledge  required  under  the  different  paragraphs  of  the 
Appendix  may  be varied  according  to  whether  the certificate  is being  issued  at 
chief engineer officer  or second engineer officer  level. 

Every engineer officer  who is qualified  to serve as second engineer officer  of 
5. 
ships powered  by main propulsion  machinery  of 3 000 kW propulsion  power  or 
more, may  serve  as chief engineer  officer  of ships  powered  by main  propulsion 
machinery of less than 3 000 kW propulsion power provided that not less than 12 
months' approved sea-going service shall have been served as an engineer  officer 
in a position  of  responsibility. 

APPENDIX TO REGULATION  III/3 

Minimum  knowledge required  for certification  of chief 
engineer officers  and second engineer officers  of ships 
powered  by main propulsion  machinery of between 750 kW 
and 3 000 kW propulsion  power 

1. 
The  syllabus  given  below  is compiled  for  examination  of  candidates  for 
certification  as chief engineer officer  or second engineer officer  of ships  powered 
by  main  propulsion  machinery  of  between  750  kW  and  3 000  kW  propulsion 
power.  Bearing  in  mind  that  a  second  engineer  officer  shall  be  in  a  position  to 
assume the responsibilities of the chief engineer officer  at any time, examination 
in these subjects shall be designed  to test the candidate's  ability  to assimilate all 
available information  that affects  the safe operation  of the ship's  machinery. 

2.  With  respect  to  paragraphs  3(d) and  4(a)  below,  the Administration  may 
omit  knowledge  requirements  for  types  of  propulsion  machinery  other  than 

46 

those  machinery  installations  for  which  the  certificate  to  be  awarded  shall  be 
valid. A certificate awarded on such a basis shall not be valid for any category of 
machinery installation which has been omitted until the engineer officer proves to 
be competent  in these items to the satisfaction  of the Administration.  Any such 
limitation shall be stated in the certificate. 

Every candidate shall possess sufficient  elementary  theoretical  knowledge 

3. 
to understand the basic principles involved in the following subjects: 

combustion processes; 

(a) 
(b)  heat transmission; 
(c)  mechanics and hydromechanics; 

(d) 

(i)  marine diesel engines; 
(ii)  marine steam propulsion plant; 
(iii)  marine gas turbines; 
steering gear systems; 
properties of fuels and lubricants; 

(e) 
(0 
(g)  properties of materials; 
(h)  fire-extinguishing  agents; 

(i)  marine electrical equipment; 
(j) 
(k) 
(1) 

automation, instrumentation and control systems; 
ship construction, including damage control; 
auxiliary systems. 

Every candidate shall possess adequate practical knowledge, in at least the 

4. 
following subjects: 

(a) 

operation and maintenance  of: 
(i)  marine diesel engines; 
(ii)  marine steam propulsion plant; 
(iii)  marine gas turbines; 

(b)  operation  and maintenance  of auxiliary machinery systems, includ 

ing steering gear systems; 
operation,  testing  and  maintenance  of  electrical  and  control 
equipment; 

(c) 

(d)  operation  and maintenance  of cargo  handling  equipment  and deck 

machinery; 

(e)  detection of machinery malfunction, location of faults and action to 

prevent damage; 
organization of safe maintenance and repair procedures; 

(0 
(g)  methods of,  and aids for, fire prevention, detection and extinction; 
(h) 

regulations  to  be  observed  regarding  pollution  of  the  marine 
environment and methods and aids to prevent such pollution; 

47 

(i) 

first  aid  related  to  injuries  which  might  be expected  in  machinery 
spaces and use of first aid equipment; 
functions and use of life-saving appliances; 

(j) 
(k)  methods  of  damage  control  with  specific  reference  to  action  to  be 
taken in the event of flooding of sea water into the engine room; 

(1) 

safe working practices. 

5. 
Every candidate shall possess a knowledge of international maritime law as 
embodied in international agreements and conventions as they affect  the specific 
obligations  and  responsibilities  of  the  engine  department,  particularly  those 
concerning safety  and  the protection  of the marine environment. The extent of 
knowledge  of  national  maritime  legislation  is  left  to  the  discretion  of  the 
Administration  but  shall  include  national  arrangements  for  implementing 
international agreements and conventions. 

Every  candidate  shall  possess  a  knowledge  of  personnel  management, 

6. 
organization and training aboard ships. 

Regulation III/4 

Mandatory Minimum  Requirements for  Certification of 
Engineer Officers in Charge of a  Watch in a 
Traditionally Manned Engine Room or 
Designated Duty Engineer Officers in a 
Periodically Unmanned Engine Room 

1. 
Every engineer officer in charge of a watch in a traditionally manned engine 
room or the designated duty engineer officer  in a periodically unmanned engine 
room  on  a sea-going  ship  powered  by  main  propulsion  machinery  of  750 kW 
propulsion power or more shall hold an appropriate certificate. 

2. 

Every candidate for certification  shall: 
(a)  be not less than  18 years of age; 
(b) 

satisfy  the  Administration  as  to  medical fitness, including  eyesight 
and hearing; 

(c)  have  not  less  than  a  total  of  three  years  approved  education  or 

training, relevant to the duties of a marine engineer; 

(d)  have completed  an adequate  period  of sea-going service  which may 
have  been  included  within  the  period  of  three  years  stated  in  sub-, 
paragraph (c); 

(e) 

satisfy  the Administration  that  he has  the  theoretical  and  practical 
knowledge  of  the operation  and  maintenance  of  marine  machinery 
appropriate to the duties of an engineer officer; 
have attended an approved practical fire-fighting course; 

(0 
(g)  have knowledge of safe working practices. 

48 

The Administration may vary the requirement of sub-paragraphs (c) and (d) for 
engineer  officers  of  ships  powered  by  main  propulsion  machinery  of  less  than 
3 000  kW propulsion  power engaged  on  near-coastal  voyages,  bearing  in mind 
the effect  on the safety of all ships which may be operating in the same waters. 

3. 
Every candidate shall have knowledge of the operation and maintenance of 
main  and  auxiliary  machinery,  which  shall  include  knowledge  of  relevant 
regulatory  requirements  and  also  knowledge  of  at  least  the  following  specific 
items: 

(a)  Watchkeeping routines 

(i)  duties associated with taking over and accepting a watch; 
(ii)  routine duties undertaken during a watch; 
(iii)  maintenance  of  the  machinery  space  log  book  and  the 

significance  of readings taken; 

(iv)  duties associated with handing over a watch. 

(b)  Main and auxiliary machinery 

(i)  assisting in the preparation of main machinery and preparation 

of auxiliary machinery for operation; 

(ii)  operation of steam boilers, including combustion system; 
(iii)  methods  of  checking  water  level  in  steam  boilers  and  action 

(iv) 

necessary if water level is abnormal; 
location  of  common  faults  of  machinery  and  plant  in  engine 
and boiler rooms and action necessary to prevent damage. 

(c)  Pumping systems 

(i)  routine pumping operations; 
(ii)  operation of bilge, ballast and cargo pumping systems. 

(d)  Generating plant 

Preparing,  starting,  coupling  and  changing  over  alternators  or 
generators. 

(e)  Safety and emergency procedures 

(i)  safety  precautions  to  be  observed  during  a  watch  and 
immediate actions to be taken in the event of a fire or accident, 
with particular reference to oil systems; 

(ii)  safe  isolation  of  electrical  and  other  types  of  plant  and 
equipment required before personnel are permitted to work on 
such plant and equipment. 

(0  Anti-pollution procedures 

The  precautions  to  be  observed  to  prevent  pollution  of  the 
environment by oil, cargo residue, sewage, smoke or other pollutants. 
The  use  of  pollution  prevention  equipment,  including  oily  water 
separators, sludge tank systems and sewage disposal plant. 

49 

(g)  First aid 

Basic  first  aid  related  to  injuries  which  might  be  expected  in 
machinery spaces. 

4.  Where  steam  boilers  do  not  form  part  of  a  ship's  machinery,  the 
Administration may omit the knowledge requirements of paragraphs 3(b)(ii) and 
(iii). A certificate awarded on such a basis shall not be valid for service on ships in 
which  steam  boilers  form  part  of  a ship's  machinery  until  the  engineer  officer 
proves  to  be  competent  in  the  omitted  items  to  the  satisfaction  of  the 
Administration. Any such limitations shall be stated in the certificate. 

5. 
The training to achieve the necessary  theoretical  knowledge and practical 
experience  shall  take  into  account  relevant  international  regulations  and 
recommendations. 

Regulation III/5 

Mandatory Minimum Requirements to Ensure the 
Continued Proficiency and Updating of 
Knowledge for  Engineer Officers 

1. 
Every engineer officer  holding a certificate who is serving at sea or intends 
to return to sea after a period ashore shall, in order to continue to qualify for sea 
going  service  in  the  rank  appropriate  to  his certificate,  be  required  at  regular 
intervals not exceeding five years to satisfy the Administration as to: 
(a)  medical fitness, including eyesight and hearing; and 
(b)  professional competence: 

(i)  by approved  service as an engineer officer  of at  least  one year 

during the preceding five years; or 

(ii)  by virtue of  having  performed  functions  relating  to  the duties 
appropriate to the grade of certificate held which is considered 
to  be  at  least  equivalent  to  the  sea-going  service  required  in 
paragraph  l(b)(i); or 

(iii)  by one of the following: 

-  passing an approved test; or 
-  successfully completing an approved course or courses; or 
-  having completed approved sea-going service as an engineer 
officer  for  a  period  of  not  less  than  three  months  in  a 
supernumerary  capacity,  or  in  a  lower  rank  than  that  for 
which he holds the certificate, immediately prior to taking up 
the rank to which he is entitled by virtue of his certificate. 

2. 
The  course  or courses  referred  to  in  paragraph  l(b)(iii)  shall  include,  in 
particular,  changes  in  the  relevant  international  regulations  and  recom 
mendations concerning the safety  of life at sea and the protection of the marine 
environment. 

50 

3. 
The  Administration  shall  ensure  that  the  texts  of  recent  changes  in 
international regulations concerning the safety of life at sea and the protection of 
the marine environment are made available to ships under its jurisdiction. 

Regulation IÏI/6 

Mandatory Minimum Requirements for  Ratings Forming Part of 
an Engine Room Watch 

1.  The minimum requirements for a rating if forming part of an engine room 
watch shall be as set out in paragraph 2. These requirements are not for: 

(a) 

a rating nominated as the assistant to the engineer officer in charge of 
the watch*; 

(b)  a rating who is under training; 
(c) 

a rating whose duties while on watch are of an unskilled nature. 

2. 

Every rating forming part of an engine room watch shall: 

(a)  be not less than  16 years of age; 
(b) 

(c) 

(d) 

satisfy  the  Administration  as  to  medical fitness, including  eyesight 
and hearing; 
satisfy  the Administration  as to: 

(i)  experience  or  training  regarding fire-fighting, basic first aid, 
personal  survival  techniques,  health  hazards  and  personal 
safety; 

(ii)  ability  to understand  orders, and make himself understood  in 

matters relevant to his duties; 
satisfy  the Administration  that he has: 

(i)  shore experience relevant to his sea-going duties supplemented 
by an adequate  period  of sea-going  service  as required  by the 
Administration; or 

(ii)  undergone  special  training  either  pre-sea  or  on  board  ship, 
including  an adequate  period  of sea-going  service  as required 
by the Administration; or 

(iii)  approved sea-going service of at least six months. 

3. 

Every such rating shall have knowledge of: 
(a) 

engine room watchkeeping procedures and the ability to carry out a 
watch routine appropriate to his duties; 
safe working practices as related to engine room operations;. 
terms  used  in  machinery  spaces  and  names  of  machinery  and 
equipment relative to his duties; 

(b) 
(c) 

Reference is made to Resolution 9 -"Recommendation on Minimum Requirements for a Rating 
nominated  as  the  Assistant  to  the  Engineer  Officer  in Charge  of  the  Watch" adopted  by the 
International Conference on Training and Certification of Seafarers, 1978. 

51 

(d)  basic environmental  protection procedures. 

4. 
Every rating required  to keep a boiler watch shall have knowledge  of the 
safe operation of boilers, and shall have the ability to maintain the correct water 
levels and steam pressures. 

5. 
Every rating forming part of an engine room watch shall  be familiar with 
his watchkeeping  duties in the machinery spaces  on the ship on  which  he is to 
serve. In particular, with respect to that ship the rating shall have: 

(a)  knowledge  of  the  use  of  appropriate  internal  communication 

systems; 

(b)  knowledge of escape routes from machinery spaces; 
(c)  knowledge  of engine  room alarm systems and ability  to  distinguish 
between the various alarms with special reference  to fire extinguish 
ing gas alarms; 
familiarity with the location and use of fire-fighting equipment in the 
machinery spaces. 

(d) 

6.  A  seafarer  may  be  considered  by  the  Administration  to  have  met  the 
requirements  of  this  Regulation  if  he  has  served  in a  relevant  capacity  in  the 
engine department for a period of not less than one year within the last five years 
preceding the entry into force of the Convention for that Administration. 

5Z 

A N N EX 

I II 

Reputation  IV/1 

Mandatory  Minimum  Requirements for 
Certification of Radio Officers 

1. 
Every radio officer  in charge of,  or performing,  radio duties in a ship shall 
hold  an  appropriate  certificate  or  certificates  issued  or  recognized  by  the 
Administration  under  the  provisions  of  the  Radio  Regulations,  and  have 
adequate qualifying service. 

2. 

In addition, a radio officer shall: 
(a)  be not less than  18 years of age; 
(b) 

satisfy  the  Administration  as  to  medical  fitness,  particularly 
regarding eyesight, hearing and speech; 

(c)  meet the requirements of the Appendix to this Regulation. 

Every candidate for a certificate shall be required to pass an examination or 

3. 
examinations to the satisfaction  of the Administration concerned. 

4. 
The level of knowledge  required  for certification  shall  be sufficient  for the 
radio officer to carry out his radio duties safely and efficiently.  In determining the 
appropriate  level  of  knowledge  and  the  training  necessary  to  achieve  that 
knowledge and practical ability,  the Administration shall  take into account the 
requirements  of  the  Radio  Regulations  and  the  Appendix  to  this  Regulation. 
Administrations shall also take into account the relevant resolutions adopted by 
the  International  Conference  on Training and Certification  of Seafarers,  1978, 
and relevant IM  O recommendations. 

53 

APPENDIX TO REGULATION 1V/1 

Minimum additional knowledge and training 
requirements for radio officers 

In addition  to satisfying  the  requirements  for  the  issue  of  a certificate  in 
compliance with the Radio Regulations, radio officers shall have knowledge and 
training, including practical training, in the following: 

(a) 

the provision of radio services in emergencies, including: 
(i)  abandon ship; 

(ii)  fire  aboard ship; 

(b) 

(iii)  partial or full breakdown of the radio station; 
the  operation  of  lifeboats,  liferafts,  buoyant  apparatus  and  their 
equipment, with special reference to portable and fixed lifeboat  radio 
apparatus and emergency position-indicating  radio beacons; 
survival at sea; 

(c) 
(d)  first  aid; 
(e)  fire  prevention and fire-fighting with particular reference to the radio 

installation; 
preventive measures for the safety of ship and personnel in connexion 
with  hazards  related  to  radio  equipment,  including  electrical, 
radiation, chemical and mechanical hazards; 
the  use  of  the  IM  O  Merchant  Ship  Search  and  Rescue  Manual 
(MERSAR) with particular reference to radiocommunications; 
ship position-reporting systems and procedures; 
the use of the International Code of Signals and the IM  O Standard 
Marine Navigational  Vocabulary; 
radio medical systems and procedures. 

(0 

(g) 

(h) 
(i) 

(j) 

Regulation IV/2 

Mandatory Minimum Requirements to Ensure the 
Continued Proficiency and Updating of 
Knowledge for  Radio Officers 

1. 
Every radio officer  holding a certificate  or certificates  issued or recognized 
by the Administration shall, in order to continue to qualify  for sea-going service, 
be required to satisfy  the Administration as to the following: 

(a)  medical fitness, particularly  regarding eyesight,  hearing and speech, 

at regular intervals not exceeding five years; and 

(b)  professional  competence: 

54 

(ii) 

(i)  by  approved  radiocommunications  service  as  a  radio  officer 
with  no single interruption  of service exceeding five years; 
following  such  interruption,  by  passing  an  approved  test  or 
successfully  completing an approved  training course or courses 
at sea or ashore, which shall include elements  that  are of direct 
relevance  to  the  safety  of  life  at  sea  and  modern  radiocom 
munication  equipment  and  may  also  include  radionavigation 

.  equipment. 

2.  When  new  modes,  equipment  or  practices  are  being  introduced  aboard 
ships entitled  to fly its flag, the Administration  may require radio officers  to pass 
an  approved  test  or  successfully  complete  an  appropriate  training  course  or 
courses, at sea or ashore, with particular  reference  to safety  duties. 

3. 
Every  radio  officer  shall,  to  continue  to  qualify  for  sea-going  service  on 
board  particular types of ships for which special training requirements have been 
internationally agreed upon, successfully  complete approved  relevant training or 
examinations  which  shall  take  into  account  relevant  international  regulations 
and  recommendations. 

4. 
The  Administration  shall  ensure  that  the  texts  of  recent  changes  in 
international  regulations  relating  to  radiocommunications  and  relevant  to  the 
safety  of life at sea, are available to ships under its jurisdiction. 

5.  Administrations  are encouraged,  in consultation  with  those concerned,  to 
formulate  or  promote  the  formulation  of a structure  of  refresher  and  updating 
courses,  either  voluntary  or  mandatory,  as  appropriate,  at  sea  or  ashore,  for 
radio  officers  who  are serving  at  sea  and  especially  for  re-entrants  to  sea-going 
service. The course or courses shall  include elements that  are of direct  relevance 
to  radio  duties and  include changes  in marine  radiocommunication  technology 
and  relevant  international  regulations  and  recommendations*  concerning  the 
safety  of life at sea. 

Regulation IV/3 

Mandatory  Minimum  Requirements for  Certification 
of Radiotelephone Operators 

1. 
Every radiotelephone  operator  in charge of,  or performing,  radio duties in 
a ship shall hold  an appropriate certificate  or certificates  issued or recognized by 
the Administration  under the provisions of the Radio  Regulations. 

2. 
In  addition,  such  radiotelephone  operator  of  a  ship  which  is  required  to 
have a radiotelephone  station  by the International  Convention  for  the Safety  of 
Life at Sea, shall: 

(a) 
(b) 

be not  less than  18 years of age; 
satisfy 
regarding eyesight, hearing and speech; 

the  Administration  as  to  medical  fitness,'  particularly 

(c)  meet  the requirements of the Appendix  to this  Regulation. 

Including  any  IM  O  recommendations  concerning  the  development  of  the  maritime  distress 
system. 

55 

Every candidate for a certificate shall be required  to pass an examination  or 

3. 
examinations  to the satisfaction  of the Administration  concerned. 

The  level of  knowledge  required  for certification  shall  be sufficient  for  the 
4. 
radiotelephone  operator  to  carry  out  his  radio  duties  safely  and  efficiently.  In 
determining  the  appropriate  level  of  knowledge  and  the  training  necessary  to 
achieve that  knowledge and  practical  ability,  the Administration  shall  take  into 
account  the  requirements  of  the  Radio  Regulations  and  the  Appendix  to  this 
Regulation. Administrations shall also take into account the relevant  resolutions 
adopted  by  the  International  Conference  on  Training  and  Certification  of 
Seafarers,  1978, and  relevant  IM  O  recommendations. 

APPENDIX TO  REGULATION  IV/3 

Minimum  additional  knowledge and  training  requirements 
for  radiotelephone  operators 

In  addition  to  satisfying  the  requirements  for  the  issue  of  a  certificate  in 
compliance  with  the  Radio  Regulations,  radiotelephone  operators  shall  have 
knowledge and  training, including  practical  training, in the  following: 

(a) 

the provision  of radio services in emergencies, including: 

(b) 

(i)  abandon  ship; 
(ii)  fire  aboard  ship; 
(iii)  partial or full  breakdown  of the radio  station; 
the  operation  of  lifeboats,  liferafts,  buoyant  apparatus  and  their 
equipment, with special reference  to portable and fixed lifeboat  radio 
apparatus and emergency  position-indicating  radio  beacons; 
survival at sea; 

(c) 
(d)  first  aid; 
(e)  fire  prevention and fire-fighting with particular  reference  to the radio 

installation; 
preventive measures for the safety of ship and personnel in connexion 
with  hazards  related 
to  radio  equipment,  including  electrical, 
radiation, chemical and  mechanical  hazards; 
the  use  of  the  IM  O  Merchant  Ship  Search  and  Rescue  Manual 
(MERSAR) with  particular  reference  to  radiocommunications; 
ship position-reporting  systems and  procedures; 
the use of the International  Code of Signals and  the IM  O Standard 
Marine Navigational  Vocabulary; 
radio medical systems and  procedures. 

(f) 

(g) 

(h) 
(i) 

(j) 

S6 

A N N EX 

SPECIAL  REQUIREMENTS  FOR  TANKERS 

R e f u t a t i on  V/1 

Mandatory  Minimum  Requirements for  the Training and Qualifications 
of  Masters,  Officers and Ratings of Oil Tankers 

1.  Officers  and  ratings  who  are  to  have  specific  duties,  and  responsibilities 
related  to  those  duties,  in  connexion  with  cargo  and  cargo  equipment  on  oil 
tankers  and  who  have  not  served  on  board  an  oil  tanker  as  part  of  the  regular 
complement,  before  carrying  out  such  duties  shall  have  completed  an 
appropriate  shore-based fire-fighting course; and 

(a) 

(b) 

an  appropriate  period  of  supervised  shipboard  service  in  order  to 
acquire adequate  knowledge of safe operational  practices; or 
an  approved  oil  tanker  familiarization  course  which  includes  basic 
safety  and  pollution  prevention  precautions and  procedures,  layouts 
of different  types of oil tankers, types of cargo, their hazards and  their 
handling  equipment,  general  operational  sequence  and  oil  tanker 
terminology. 

2.  Masters, chief engineer officers, chief mates, second engineer officers  and, if 
other  than  the  foregoing,  any  person  with  the  immediate  responsibility  for 
loading, discharging  and  care  in transit  or  handling  of cargo, in  addition  to the 
provisions of paragraph  1, shall have: 

(a) 
(b) 

relevant experience appropriate  to their duties on oil tankers; and 
completed  a  specialized  training  programme  appropriate  to  their 
duties,  including  oil  tanker  safety, fire safety  measures  and  systems, 
pollution  prevention  and  control,  operational  practice  and  obli 
gations  under applicable laws and  regulations. 

Regulation  V/2 

Mandatory  Minimum  Requirements for  the Training 
and Qualifications of Masters.  Officers and 
Ratings of Chemical Tankers 

1.  Officers  and  ratings  who  are  to  have  specific  duties,  and  responsibilities 
related  to  those  duties,  in  connexion  with  cargo  and  cargo  equipment  on 
chemical tankers and  who have not served on board a chemical  tanker as part of 
the regular complement,  before carrying out such duties shall have completed an 
appropriate shore-based fire-fighting course; and. 

57 

(a) 

(b) 

an  appropriate  period  of  supervised  shipboard  service  in  order  to 
acquire adequate  knowledge of safe operational  practices; or 
an  approved  chemical  tanker  familiarization  course  which  includes 
basic  safety  and  pollution  prevention  precautions  and  procedures, 
layouts  of  dillerent  types  of  chemical  tankers,  types  of  cargo,  their 
hazards and  their handling equipment,  general operational  sequence 
and chemical tanker  terminology. 

2.  Masters, chief engineer officers, chief mates, second engineer officers and, if 
other  than  the  foregoing,  any  person  with  the  immediate  responsibility  for 
loading, discharging  and  care in  transit  or  handling  of cargo,  in addition  to  the 
provisions of paragraph  1, shall have: 

(a) 

(b) 

relevant  experience  appropriate  to  their  duties on chemical  tankers; 
and 
completed  a  specialized  training  programme  appropriate  to  their 
duties  including  chemical  tanker  safety,  fire  safety  measures  and 
systems,  pollution  prevention  and  control,  operational  practice  and 
obligations under applicable  laws and  regulations. 

Regulation  V/3 

Mandatory  Minimum  Requirements for  the Training and 
Qualifications of Masters,  Officers and Ratings 
of Liquefied Gas Tankers 

1.  Officers  and  ratings  who  are  to  have  specific  duties,  and  responsibilities 
related to those duties, in connexion with cargo and cargo equipment on  liquefied 
gas tankers and who have not served on board a liquefied gas tanker as part of the 
regular  complement,  before  carrying  out  such  duties  shall  have  completed  an 
appropriate  shore-based fire-fighting course; and 

(a) 

(b) 

an  appropriate  period  of  supervised  shipboard  service  in  order  to 
acquire adequate  knowledge of safe operational  practices; or 
an  approved  liquefied  gas  tanker  familiarization  course  which 
includes  basic  safety  and  pollution  prevention  precautions  and 
procedures, layouts of different  types of liquefied gas tankers, types of 
cargo,  their  hazards  and  their  handling  equipment,  general  oper 
ational sequence and  liquefied  gas tanker  terminology. 

2.  Masters, chief engineer officers, chief mates, second engineer officers  and, if 
other  than  the  foregoing,  any  person  with  the  immediate  responsibility  for 
loading, discharging  and  care in transit  or handling  of cargo, in addition  to  the 
provisions of paragraph  1, shall have: 

(a) 

relevant  experience  appropriate  to  their  duties  on  liquefied  gas 
tankers; and 

58 

(b) 

completed  a  specialized  training  programme  appropriate  to  their 
duties  including  liquefied  gas tanker  safety, fire safety  measures and 
systems,  pollution  prevention  and  control,  operational  practice  and 
obligations  under applicable  laws and  regulations. 

59 

A N N EX 

VI 

PROFICIENCY 

IN  SURVIVAL  CRAFT 

R e g u l a t i on  V I /1 

Mandatory  Minimum  Requirements for  the Issue of 
Certificates of Proficiency in Survival Craft 

Every seafarer  to be issued with a certificate  of proficiency  in survival  craft 

shall: 

(a) 
(b) 
(c) 

(d) 

(e) 

be not  less than  174 years of age; 
satisfy  the Administration  as to medical fitness; 
have approved  sea-going service of  not  less than  12 months  or  have 
attended  an  approved  training  course  and  have approved  sea-going 
service of not  less than  nine months; 
the  Administration  by  examination  or  by  continuous 
satisfy 
assessment  during  an  approved  training  course  that  he  possesses 
knowledge of the contents of the Appendix  to this  Regulation; 

demonstrate to the satisfaction  of the Administration  by examination 
or by continuous assessment during an approved  training course that 
he possesses the ability  to: 

(i)  don  a  life-jacket  correctly;  safely jump  from  a  height  into  the 
water;  board  a  survival  craft  from  the  water  while  wearing a 
life-jacket; 

(ii)  right an inverted  liferaft  while wearing a  life-jacket; 
(iii)  interpret  the  markings  on  survival  craft  with  respect  to  the 

number of persons they are permitted  to carry; 

(iv)  make  the  correct  commands  required  for  launching  and 
boarding  the survival craft,  clearing  the ship and  handling and 
disembarking  from  the survival  craft; 

(v)  prepare and launch survival craft  safely into the water and clear 

the ship's side quickly; 

(vi)  deal with injured  persons both during and  after  abandonment; 
(vii)  row and  steer, erect  a mast, set  the sails, manage  a  boat  under 

sail and steer a boat  by compass; 

(viii)  use signalling equipment,  including  pyrotechnics; 
(ix)  use portable  radio equipment  for  survival  craft. 

APPENDIX TO REGULATION  Vl/I 

Minimum  knowledge  required  for  the issue of  certificates 
of proficiency  in survival  craft 

Types  of  emergency  situations  which  may  occur,  such  as  collisions,  fire, 

1. 
foundering. 

60 

2. 

Principles of survival  including: 
value of training and drills; 
(a) 
need  to be ready  for any  emergency; 
(b) 
actions  to be taken  when called to survival craft  stations; 
(c) 
actions  to be taken  when required  to abandon  ship; 
(d) 
actions to be taken  when  in the water; 
(e) 
actions to be taken when aboard  a survival  craft; 
(0 

(g)  main dangers  to survivors. 

3. 
Special duties assigned to each crew member as indicated  in the muster list, 
including the difierences  between the signals calling all crew to survival craft  and 
to fire stations. 

4. 

Types of life-saving  appliances  normally carried  on board ships. 

Construction  and  outfit  of  survival  craft  and  individual  items  of  their 

5. 
equipment. 

6. 

Particular characteristics  and  facilities  of survival  craft. 

7.  Various  types of devices used  for  launching survival  craft. 

8.  Methods of launching survival craft  into a rough sea. 

9.  Action  to be taken  after  leaving the ship. 

10.  Handling survival craft  in rough  weather. 

11.  Use of painter, sea anchor  and all other  equipment. 

12.  Apportionment  of food  and  water in survival  craft. 

13.  Methods of helicopter rescue. 

14.  Use of the first  aid kit and  resuscitation  techniques. 

15.  Radio  devices  carried  in  survival  craft,  including  emergency  position-
indicating radio  beacons. 

16.  Effects  of  hypothermia  and  its  prevention;  use  of  protective  covers  and 
protective  garments. 

17.  Methods  of  starting  and  operating  a  survival  craft  engine  and  its 
accessories together  with the use of fire extinguisher  provided. 

18.  Use of emergency  boats and  motor  lifeboats  for  marshalling  liferafts  and 
rescue of survivors and  persons in the sea. 

19.  Beaching a survival  craft. 

61 

ISSN 0254-1475 

COM (93) 217 final 

DOCUMENTS 

EN 

07 04 

Catalogue number : CB-CO-93-244-EN-C 

ISBN 92-77-55845-8 

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