Guide for obtaining STCW78, as amended endorsement (Marine Engineer/Marine Engine Driver)

Introduction
After a series of shipping incidents throughout the world in the 1970s and 80s, investigation showed that most were attributable to human error. A significant number were traceable to inadequacies in the training and assessment of masters, officers and crew.

To help address the issue of crew training and competence, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) developed the “International Convention on Standards of Training Certification and Watch-keeping for Seafarers, 1978” (STCW78, as amended), which laid down minimum standards of training and certification for seafarers. Australia implemented STCW78, as amended in 1984 when it came into force. This Convention is designed to cover all maritime qualifications issued by a country; However for many years prior to this, the various State marine authorities in Australia had been issuing qualifications for use in their waters based on differing standards and criteria. The Uniform Shipping Laws Code (USL Code) was developed to achieve uniformity and portability of qualifications between states and compliance with STCW78, where applicable.

The USL Code provides a common standard, allowing holders of certificates of competency issued by the State Marine Authorities to use their qualification anywhere in Australian coastal waters, within any limitations stated on the certificate.

The latest version of the STCW Convention ('STCW78, as amended) requires certificates covered by the Convention be endorsed as complying with the Convention. AMSA, as the flag state authority, has the responsibility for this in Australia. State issued certificates that do not carry the AMSA STCW endorsement may not be accepted for use overseas.