The full form of STCW is Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping.

The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (or STCW), sets qualification standards for personnel on seagoing ships. These requirements have been incorporated into U.S. Regulation and Policy for certain personnel. See U.S. Regulation, Policy, and STCW FAQs for more details about applicability, qualification, transition, and underlying national endorsement requirements.

As a world class credentialing program, our staff of highly competent and devoted professionals ensures a safe, secure, economically viable and environmentally sound Marine Transportation System manned by fully qualified U.S. mariners. We accomplish this vision with leading edge technology, strengthened by continuous improvement and stakeholder partnerships.

The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, was adopted by the International Conference on Training and Certification of Seafarers on 7 July 1978.

The 1978 STCW Convention entered into force on 28 April 1984. Since then, amendments thereto have been adopted in 1991, 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2018.

The 1991 amendments, relating to the global maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS) and conduct of trials, were adopted by resolution MSC.21(59) and entered into force on 1 December 1992.

The 1994 amendments on special training requirements for personnel on tankers were adopted by resolution MSC.33(63) and entered into force on 1 January 1996.