Internationaal Verdrag betreffende de normen inzake opleiding, diplomering en wachtdienst van personeel van vissersvaartuigen, 1995

1. The Parties undertake to give effect to the provisions of the Convention and the annex thereto, which shall constitute an integral part of the Convention. Every reference to the Convention constitutes at the same time a reference to the annex thereto.
2. The Parties undertake to promulgate all laws, decrees, orders and regulations and to take all other steps which may be necessary to give the Convention full and complete effect, so as to ensure that, from the point of view of safety of life and property at sea and the protection of the marine environment, seagoing fishing vessel personnel are qualified and fit for their duties.

For the purpose of the Convention, unless expressly provided otherwise:
.1 Party means a State for which the Convention has entered into force.
.2 Administration means the Government of the Party whose flag the vessel is entitled to fly.
.3 Certificate means a valid document, by whatever name it may be known, issued or recognized in accordance with the provisions of the Convention, authorizing the holder to serve as stated in this document or as authorized by national regulations.
.4 Certificated means properly holding a certificate.
.5 Organization means the International Maritime Organization.
.6 Secretary-General means the Secretary-General of the Organization.
.7 Fishing vessel or vessel means any vessel used commercially for catching fish or other living resources of the sea.
.8 Seagoing fishing vessel means a fishing vessel other than those which navigate exclusively in inland waters or in waters within, or closely adjacent to, sheltered waters or areas where port regulations apply.

The Convention shall apply to personnel serving on board seagoing fishing vessels entitled to fly the flag of a Party.

Each Party shall communicate to the Secretary-General the following information:
.1 a report on the measures it has taken to give full and complete effect to the provisions of the Convention, including a specimen of certificates issued in compliance with the Convention; and
.2 other information which may be specified or provided for in regulation I/5.

1. All prior treaties, conventions and arrangements relating to standards of training, certification and watchkeeping for fishing vessel personnel in force between the Parties, shall continue to have full and complete effect during the terms thereof as regards:
.1 fishing vessel personnel to whom this Convention does not apply; and
.2 fishing vessel personnel to whom this Convention applies, in respect of matters for which it has not expressly provided.
2. To the extent, however, that such treaties, conventions or arrangements conflict with the provisions of the Convention, the Parties shall review their commitments under such treaties, conventions and arrangements with a view to ensuring that there is no conflict between these commitments and their obligations under the Convention.
3. All matters which are not expressly provided for in the Convention remain subject to the legislation of Parties.

Fishing vessel personnel shall be certificated in accordance with the provisions of the annex to this Convention.

1. Each Party shall establish processes and procedures for the impartial investigation of any reported incompetency, act or omission, that may pose a direct threat to safety of life or property at sea or to the marine environment, by the holders of certificates or endorsements issued by that Party in connection with their performance of duties related to their certificates and for the withdrawal, suspension and cancellation of such certificates for such cause and for the prevention of fraud.
2. Each Party shall prescribe penalties or disciplinary measures for cases in which the provisions of its national legislation giving effect to this Convention are not complied with in respect of vessels entitled to fly its flag or of fishing vessel personnel duly certificated by that Party.
3. In particular, such penalties or disciplinary measures shall be prescribed and enforced in cases in which:
.1 an owner, owner's agent or skipper has engaged a person not holding a certificate as required by this Convention;
.2 a skipper has allowed any function or service in any capacity required by these regulations to be performed by a person holding an appropriate certificate to be performed by a person not holding an appropriate certificate or dispensation; or
.3 a person has obtained by fraud or forged documents an engagement to perform any function or serve in any capacity required by these regulations to be performed or filled by a person holding a certificate or dispensation.
4. A Party within whose jurisdiction there is based an owner or owner's agent or any person who is believed on clear grounds to have been responsible for, or to have knowledge of, any apparent non-compliance with the Convention specified in paragraph 3, shall extend all co-operation possible to any Party which advises it of its intention to initiate proceedings under its jurisdiction.

1. Fishing vessels, while in the port of another Party, are subject to control by officers duly authorized by that Party to verify that all persons serving on board who are required to be certificated by this Convention are so certificated or hold an appropriate dispensation.
2. In the event of failure to correct any deficiency referred to in paragraph 3 of regulation I/4 in so far as it poses a danger to persons, property or the environment, the Party carrying out the control shall take steps to ensure that the vessel will not sail unless and until these requirements are met to the extent that the danger has been removed. The facts concerning the action taken shall be reported promptly to the Secretary-General and to the Administration.
3. When exercising control:
.1 all possible efforts shall be made to avoid a vessel being unduly detained or delayed. If a vessel is unduly detained or delayed, it shall be entitled to compensation for any loss or damage resulting therefrom; and
.2 the discretion allowed in the case of the personnel of foreign fishing vessels shall not be less than that afforded to the personnel of vessels flying the flag of the port State.
4. This article shall be applied as may be necessary to ensure that no more favourable treatment is given to a vessel entitled to fly the flag of a non-Party than is given to a vessel entitled to fly the flag of a Party.

1. Parties to the Convention shall promote, in consultation with and with the assistance of the Organization, support for those States which request technical assistance for the:
.1 training of administrative and technical personnel;
.2 establishment of institutions for training of fishing vessel personnel;
.3 supply of equipment and facilities for training institutions;
.4 development of adequate training programmes, including practical training on seagoing fishing vessels; and
.5 facilitation of other measures and arrangements to enhance the qualifications of fishing vessel personnel, preferably on a national, sub-regional or regional basis, to further the aims and purposes of the Convention, taking into account the special needs of developing countries in this regard.
2. On its part, the Organization shall pursue the aforesaid efforts, as appropriate, in consultation or association with other international organizations, particularly the International Labour Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

1. The Convention may be amended by either of the procedures specified in this article.
2. Amendments after consideration within the Organization:
.1 Any amendment proposed by a Party shall be submitted to the Secretary-General, who shall then circulate it to all Members of the Organization, to all the Parties and to the Directors-General of the International Labour Office and of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations respectively, at least six months prior to its consideration.
.2 Any amendment proposed and circulated as above shall be referred to the Maritime Safety Committee of the Organization for consideration.
.3 Parties whether or not Members of the Organization shall be entitled to participate in the proceedings of the Maritime Safety Committee for the consideration and adoption of amendments.
.4 Amendments shall be adopted by a two-thirds majority of the Parties present and voting in the Maritime Safety Committee, expanded as provided for in paragraph 2.3 (hereinafter referred to as “the expanded Maritime Safety Committee”), on condition that at least one-third of the Parties shall be present at the time of voting.
.5 Amendments adopted in accordance with paragraph 2.4 shall be communicated by the Secretary-General to all the Parties.
.6 An amendment to an article shall be deemed to have been accepted on the date on which it is accepted by two thirds of the Parties.
.7 An amendment to the annex or to an appendix to the annex shall be deemed to have been accepted: .7.1 at the end of two years from the date of adoption; or
.7.2 at the end of a different period, which shall not be less than one year, if so determined at the time of its adoption by a two-thirds majority of the Parties present and voting in the expanded Maritime Safety Committee. If, within the specified period, more than one third of the Parties notify the Secretary General that they object to the amendment, it shall be deemed not to have been accepted.
.7.1 at the end of two years from the date of adoption; or
.7.2 at the end of a different period, which shall not be less than one year, if so determined at the time of its adoption by a two-thirds majority of the Parties present and voting in the expanded Maritime Safety Committee.
.8 An amendment to an article shall enter into force, with respect to those Parties which have accepted it, six months after the date on which it is deemed to have been accepted, and with respect to each Party which accepts it after that date, six months after the date of that Party's acceptance.
.9 An amendment to the annex and to an appendix to the annex shall enter into force with respect to all Parties, except those which have objected to the amendment under paragraph 2.7 and which have not withdrawn such objections, six months after the date on which it is deemed to have been accepted. However, before the date set for entry into force any Party may give notice to the Secretary-General that it exempts itself from giving effect to that amendment for a period not longer than one year from the date of its entry into force, or for such longer period as may be determined by a two-thirds majority of the Parties present and voting in the expanded Maritime Safety Committee at the time of the adoption of the amendment.
3. Amendment by a Conference:
.1 Upon the request of a Party concurred with by at least one third of the Parties, the Organization shall convene, in association or consultation with the Directors-General of the International Labour Office and of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations respectively, a Conference of the Parties to consider amendments to the present Convention.
.2 Every amendment adopted by such a Conference by a two-thirds majority of the Parties present and voting shall be communicated by the Secretary-General to all the Parties for acceptance.
.3 Unless the Conference decides otherwise, the amendment shall be deemed to have been accepted and shall enter into force in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraphs 2.6 and 2.8 or 2.7 and 2.9 respectively, provided that references in those paragraphs to the expanded Maritime Safety Committee shall be taken to mean references to the Conference.
4. Any declaration of acceptance of, or objection to, an amendment or any notice given under paragraph 2.9 shall be submitted in writing to the Secretary-General, who shall inform all Parties of any such submission and the date of its receipt.
5. The Secretary-General shall inform all the Parties of any amendments which enter into force, together with the date on which each such amendment enters into force.

1. The Convention shall remain open for signature at the Headquarters of the Organization from 1 January 1996 until 30 September 1996 and shall thereafter remain open for accession. States may become Parties to the Convention by:
.1 signature without reservation as to ratification, acceptance or approval; or
.2 signature subject to ratification, acceptance or approval, followed by ratification, acceptance or approval; or
.3 accession.
2. Ratification, acceptance, approval or accession shall be effected by the deposit of an instrument to that effect with the Secretary-General.

1. The Convention shall enter into force 12 months after the date on which not less than 15 States have either signed it without reservation as to ratification, acceptance, or approval, or have deposited the requisite instruments of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession in accordance with article 11.
2. For States which have deposited an instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession in respect of the Convention after the requirements for entry into force thereof have been met but prior to the date of entry into force, the ratification, acceptance, approval or accession shall take effect on the date of entry into force of the Convention or three months after the date of deposit of the instrument, whichever is the later date.
3. For States which have deposited an instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession after the date on which the Convention entered into force, the Convention shall become effective three months after the date of deposit of the instrument.
4. After the date on which an amendment to the Convention is deemed to have been accepted under article 10, any instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession deposited shall apply to the Convention as amended.

1. The Convention may be denounced by any Party at any time after the expiry of five years from the date on which the Convention enters into force for that Party.
2. Denunciation shall be effected by notification in writing to the Secretary-General.
3. A denunciation shall take effect 12 months after receipt of the denunciation by the Secretary-General or after the expiry of any longer period which may be indicated in the notification.

1. The Convention shall be deposited with the Secretary-General of the Organization (hereinafter referred to as “the depositary”).
2. The depositary shall:
.1 inform the Governments of all States which have signed the Convention or acceded thereto of: .1.1 each new signature or deposit of an instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession, together with the date thereof;
.1.2 the date of entry into force of the Convention;
.1.3 the deposit of any instrument of denunciation of the Convention, together with the date on which it was received and the date on which the denunciation takes effect; and
.1.1 each new signature or deposit of an instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession, together with the date thereof;
.1.2 the date of entry into force of the Convention;
.1.3 the deposit of any instrument of denunciation of the Convention, together with the date on which it was received and the date on which the denunciation takes effect; and
.2 transmit certified true copies of the Convention to the Governments of all States which have signed the present Convention or acceded thereto.
3. As soon as the Convention enters into force a certified true copy thereof shall be transmitted by the depositary to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, for registration and publication in accordance with Article 102 of the Charter of the United Nations.

The Convention is established in a single original in the Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish languages, each text being equally authentic.

1. For the purpose of this annex, the following definitions apply:
.1 Regulations means regulations contained in the annex to the Convention;
.2 Approved means approved by the Party in accordance with these regulations;
.3 Skipper means the person having command of a fishing vessel;
.4 Officer means a member of the crew, other than the skipper, designated as such by national law or regulations or, in the absence of such designation, by collective agreement or custom;
.5 Officer in charge of a navigational watch means an officer qualified in accordance with the provisions of regulation II/2 or II/4 of this Convention;
.6 Engineer officer means an officer qualified in accordance with the provisions of regulation II/5-1-1, II/5-1-2 or II/5-2 of this Convention;
.7 Chief engineer officer means the senior engineer officer responsible for the mechanical propulsion and operation and maintenance of mechanical and electrical installations of the vessel;
.8 Second engineer officer means the engineer officer next in rank to the chief engineer officer and upon whom the responsibility for the mechanical propulsion and the operation and maintenance of the mechanical and electrical installations of the vessel will fall in the event of the incapacity of the chief engineer officer;
.9 Radio operator means a person holding an appropriate certificate issued or recognized by an Administration under the provisions of the Radio Regulations;
.10 Radio Regulations means the Radio Regulations complementing the Constitution and Convention of the International Telecommunication Union which is in force at any given time;
.11 1978 STCW Convention means the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978;
.12 1993 Torremolinos Protocol means the Torremolinos Protocol of 1993 relating to the Torremolinos International Convention for the Safety of Fishing Vessels, 1977;
.13 2012 Cape Town Agreement means the Cape Town Agreement of 2012 on the Implementation of the Provisions of the 1993 Torremolinos Protocol relating to the Torremolinos International Convention for the Safety of Fishing Vessels, 1977;
.14 Month means a calendar month or 30 days made up of periods of less than one month;
.15 Seagoing service means service on board a vessel relevant to the issue or revalidation of a certificate or other qualification;
.16 Propulsion power means the total maximum continuous rated output power, in kilowatts, of all the vessel's main propulsion machinery which appears on the vessel's certificate of registry or other official document;
.17 Limited waters means those waters in the vicinity of a Party as defined by its Administration within which a degree of safety is considered to exist which enables the standards of qualification and certification for all fishing vessel personnel to be set at a lower level than for service outside the defined limits. In determining the extent of limited waters, the Administration shall take into consideration the guidelines developed by the Organization;
.18 Unlimited waters mean waters beyond limited waters;
.19 Length (L) shall be taken as 96% of the total length on a waterline at 85% of the least moulded depth measured from the keel line, or as the length from the foreside of the stem to the axis of the rudder stock on that waterline, if that be greater. In vessels designed with rake of keel the waterline on which this length is measured shall be parallel to the designed waterline;
.20 Moulded depth is the vertical distance measured from the keel line to the top of the working deck beam at side;
.21 STCW-F Code means the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel Code, as adopted by resolution MSC.562(108), as may be amended by the Organization;
.22 Owner means the owner of the fishing vessel or any other organization or person, such as the manager, agent, operator, company, authorized representative or bareboat charterer, who has assumed the responsibility for the operation of the vessel from the owner and who, on assuming such responsibility, has agreed to take over the duties and responsibilities imposed on fishing vessel owners in accordance with the Convention, regardless of whether any other organization or person fulfils certain of the duties or responsibilities on behalf of the fishing vessel owner;
.23 Fishing vessel personnel means every person employed or engaged in any capacity or carrying out an occupation on board any fishing vessel, including persons working on board who are paid on the basis of a share of the catch but excluding pilots, naval personnel, other persons in the permanent service of a government, shore-based persons carrying out work aboard a fishing vessel and fisheries observers;
.24 Function means a group of tasks, duties and responsibilities, as specified in the STCW-F Code, necessary for fishing vessel operation, safety of life at sea or protection of the marine environment;
.25 Fishing training vessel means a dedicated training vessel, designed for catching and storing fish, which provides a training opportunity for demonstration and assessment of the competences required by the provisions of chapter II of this annex;
.26 GMDSS radio operator means a person who is qualified in accordance with the provisions of regulation II/6 of the Convention;
.27 Certificate of competency means a certificate issued and endorsed for skippers, officers and GMDSS radio operators in accordance with the provisions of chapter II of this annex and entitling the lawful holder thereof to serve in the capacity and perform the functions involved at the level of responsibility specified therein; and
.28 Certificate of proficiency means a certificate, other than a certificate of competency issued to fishing vessel personnel, stating that the relevant requirements of training, competencies or seagoing service in the Convention have been met.
2. These regulations are supplemented by the mandatory provisions contained in part A of the STCW-F Code and:
.1 any reference to a requirement in a regulation also constitutes a reference to the corresponding section of part A of the STCW-F Code;
.2 in applying these regulations, the related guidance and explanatory material contained in part B of the STCW-F Code should be taken into account to the greatest degree possible in order to achieve a more uniform implementation of the Convention provisions on a global basis;
.3 amendments to part A of the STCW-F Code shall be adopted, brought into force and take effect in accordance with the provisions of Article 10 of the Convention concerning the amendment procedure applicable to the annex; and
.4 part B of the STCW-F Code shall be amended by the Maritime Safety Committee in accordance with its rules of procedure.

1. The Convention shall not prevent a Party from retaining or adopting other educational and training arrangements, including those involving seagoing service and shipboard organization especially adapted to technical developments and to special types of vessels, provided that the level of seagoing service, knowledge and efficiency as regards navigational and technical handling of vessels ensures a degree of safety at sea and has a preventive effect as regards pollution at least equivalent to the requirements of the Convention.
2. Details of such arrangements shall be included in the report under Article 4.

1. The performance standards and other provisions set forth in section A-I/11 and such other requirements as are prescribed in part A of the STCW-F Code for any certificate concerned shall be complied with in respect of:
.1 all simulator-based training;
.2 any assessment of competency required by part A of the STCW-F Code which is carried out by means of a simulator; and
.3 any demonstration, by means of a simulator, of continued proficiency required by part A of the STCW-F Code.

1. Each Party shall establish standards of medical fitness for fishing vessel personnel and procedures for the issue of a medical certificate in accordance with the provisions of this regulation and of section A-I/12 of the STCW-F Code.
2. Each Party shall ensure that those responsible for assessing the medical fitness of fishing vessel personnel are medical practitioners recognized by the Party for the purpose of fishing vessel personnel medical examinations, in accordance with the provisions of section A-I/12 of the STCW-F Code.
3. Every crew member holding a certificate issued under the provisions of the Convention who is serving at sea shall also hold a valid medical certificate issued in accordance with the provisions of this regulation and of section A-I/12 of the STCW-F Code.
4. Every candidate for certification shall:
.1 be not less than 16 years of age; or
.2 be not less than 15 years of age provided that the candidate is authorized by the competent authority in accordance with national laws and practice;
.3 provide satisfactory proof of his or her identity; and
.4 meet the applicable medical fitness standards established by the Party.
5. Medical certificates shall remain valid for a maximum period of two years unless the crew member is under the age of 18, in which case the maximum period of validity shall be one year.
6. If the period of validity of a medical certificate expires in the course of a voyage, then the medical certificate shall continue in force until the next port of call where a medical practitioner recognized by the Party is available, provided that the period shall not exceed three months.
7. In urgent cases the Administration may permit a crew member to work without a valid medical certificate until the next port of call where a medical practitioner recognized by the Party is available, provided that:
.1 the period of permission does not exceed three months; and
.2 the crew member concerned is in possession of an expired medical certificate of recent date.

1. The Administration of a Party, if it considers it unreasonable or impracticable to apply the full requirements of regulations II/3, II/4 and II/5-1-1, II/5-1-2 or II/5-2 and the requirement of the use of the English language to personnel serving on board a fishing vessel of less than 45 metres in length operating exclusively from its ports and fishing within its limited waters, may determine which of these regulations should not apply, wholly or in part, to such personnel, without derogation from the principles of safety in the Convention. In such a case, the Administration concerned shall report to the Secretary-General on the details of the measures it has taken with respect to the training and certification of such personnel.
2. For the purpose of this Convention, the Administration may decide to use the following gross tonnage in place of length (L) as the basis for measurement for all chapters:
.1 a gross tonnage of 300 shall be considered equivalent to a length (L) of 24 metres; and
.2 a gross tonnage of 950 shall be considered equivalent to a length (L) of 45 metres.

1. Certificates of competency for fishing vessel personnel shall only be issued by the Administration if the requirements for service, age, medical fitness, training, qualification and examinations are met in accordance with these regulations.
2. A certificate of competency issued by a Party in compliance with paragraph 1 shall be endorsed by that Party attesting the issue of that certificate in the form as prescribed in format 1 or 2 of section A-I/3 of the STCW-F Code.
3. Certificates and endorsements shall be issued in the official language or languages of the issuing country. If the language used is not English, the text shall include a translation into that language.
4. In respect of radio operators, Parties may:
.1 include the additional knowledge required by regulation II/6 in the examination for the issue of a certificate complying with the Radio Regulations; or
.2 issue a separate certificate indicating that the holder has the additional knowledge required by regulation II/6.
5. The Administration which has recognized a certificate issued by or under the authority of another Party in compliance with regulation I/7 shall issue an endorsement attesting the recognition of that certificate in the form prescribed in format 3 of section A-I/3 of the STCW-F Code.
6. The endorsement shall expire as soon as the certificate endorsed expires or is withdrawn, suspended or cancelled by the Party which issued it and, in any case, not more than five years after the date of issue.
7. Appropriate certificates of competency issued under the provisions of the 1978 STCW Convention for the holder to serve as a chief engineer officer, an engineer officer or GMDSS radio operator shall be deemed to be a corresponding certificate for the purposes of paragraph 1 with regard to fishing vessels.
8. Medical certificates issued in accordance with the provisions of regulation I/9 of the 1978 STCW Convention shall be accepted as valid for the personnel of fishing vessels.
9. Subject to the variations permitted under formats 1, 2 and 3 of section A-I/3 of the STCW-F Code, Administrations may use a format different from the format given in the section provided that such format contains, as a minimum, the required information and that the particulars are inserted in Roman characters and Arabic figures.

1. Control exercised by a duly authorized officer under Article 8 shall be limited to the following:
.1 verification that all fishing vessel personnel serving on board who are required to be certificated by this Convention are so certificated or hold the required dispensation. Such certificates shall be accepted unless there are clear grounds for believing that a certificate has been fraudulently obtained or that the holder of a certificate is not the person to whom that certificate was originally issued; and
.2 assessment of the ability of the fishing vessel personnel to maintain watchkeeping standards as required by the Convention if there are clear grounds for believing that such standards are not being maintained, because the following have occurred: .1 the vessel has been involved in a collision, grounding or stranding; or
.2 there has been a discharge of substances from the vessel when under way, at anchor or at berth which is illegal under international conventions; or
.3 the vessel has been manoeuvred in an erratic or unsafe manner, whereby routeing measures adopted by the Organization, or safe navigation practices and procedures, have not been followed; or
.4 the vessel is otherwise being operated in such a manner as to pose a danger to persons, property or the environment.
.1 the vessel has been involved in a collision, grounding or stranding; or
.2 there has been a discharge of substances from the vessel when under way, at anchor or at berth which is illegal under international conventions; or
.3 the vessel has been manoeuvred in an erratic or unsafe manner, whereby routeing measures adopted by the Organization, or safe navigation practices and procedures, have not been followed; or
.4 the vessel is otherwise being operated in such a manner as to pose a danger to persons, property or the environment.
2. In the event that deficiencies are found under paragraph 1, the officer carrying out the control shall forthwith inform, in writing, the skipper of the vessel and the Administration, so that appropriate action may be taken. Such notification shall specify the details of the deficiencies found and the grounds on which the Party determines that these deficiencies pose a danger to persons, property or the environment.
3. Deficiencies which may be deemed to pose a danger to persons, property or the environment include the following:
.1 failure of persons, required to hold a certificate, to have an appropriate certificate or dispensation;
.2 failure of navigational or engineering watch arrangements to conform to the requirements specified for the vessel by the Administration;
.3 absence in a watch of a person qualified to operate equipment essential to safe navigation, safety radio communications or the prevention of pollution; or
.4 inability to provide rested persons for the first watch at the commencement of a voyage, and for subsequent relieving watches.

1. The Secretary-General shall, on request, provide Parties with any information communicated under Article 4.
2. A Party which fails to communicate information required by Article 4 within 24 months after the date of entry into force of the Convention for a Party shall not be entitled to claim the privileges of this Convention until such time as the information has been received by the Secretary-General.

1. Each Party undertakes to establish and maintain a means of ensuring that programmes incorporating such instruction and practical training as is necessary to achieve the competency standards are regularly monitored to ensure their effectiveness.
2. Each Party undertakes, to the extent practicable, to maintain a register or registers of all certificates and endorsements specified in regulations I/3 and II/1 to II/6 which are issued, have expired, or have been revalidated, reported lost, suspended or cancelled, and of dispensations issued, and provide information on the status of such certificates, endorsements and dispensations when so requested by another Party.

1. Each Administration shall ensure, in order to recognize, by endorsement in accordance with regulation I/3, a certificate issued by or under the authority of another Party, that the requirements for standards of competence, as well as the issue and endorsement of certificates by that Party, are fully complied with.
2. Certificates issued by or under the authority of a non-Party shall not be recognized.
3. Notwithstanding the requirement of paragraph 1 of this regulation and paragraph 5 of regulation I/3, an Administration may, if circumstances require, allow a person to serve for a period not exceeding three months on board a vessel entitled to fly its flag while holding an appropriate and valid certificate issued by another Party without it being endorsed as required by paragraph 5 of regulation I/3 provided that documented proof is made available that application for an endorsement has been submitted to the Administration.

1. A certificate of competency or of service in a capacity for which this Convention requires a certificate and which before entry into force of the Convention for a Party is issued in accordance with the laws of that Party or the Radio Regulations shall be recognized as valid for service after entry into force of the Convention for that Party.
2. After the entry into force of the Convention for a Party, it may continue to issue certificates of competency in accordance with its previous practices for a period not exceeding five years. Such certificates shall be recognized as valid for the purpose of the Convention. During this transitional period, such certificates shall be issued only to persons who had commenced their sea service before entry into force of the Convention for that Party within the specific vessel department to which those certificates relate. The Party shall ensure that all other candidates for certification shall be examined and certificated in accordance with the Convention.
3. A Party may, within two years after entry into force of the Convention for that Party, issue a certificate of service to fishing vessel personnel who hold neither an appropriate certificate under the Convention nor a certificate of competency issued under its laws before entry into force of the Convention for that Party but who have:
.1 served in the capacity for which they seek a certificate of service for not less than three years at sea within the last seven years preceding entry into force of the Convention for that Party;
.2 produced evidence that they have performed that service satisfactorily; and
.3 satisfied the Party as to medical fitness, including eyesight and hearing, taking into account their age at the time of application.
For the purpose of the Convention, a certificate of service issued under this paragraph shall be regarded as the equivalent of a certificate issued under the Convention.

1. In circumstances of exceptional necessity, an Administration, if in its opinion this will not cause danger to persons, property or the environment, may issue a dispensation permitting a person to serve in a specified fishing vessel for a specified period not exceeding six months in a capacity, other than that of the radio operator, except as provided by the relevant Radio Regulations, for which the person does not hold the appropriate certificate, provided that the person to whom the dispensation is issued shall be adequately qualified to fill the vacant post in a safe manner, to the satisfaction of the Administration.
2. Any dispensation granted for a post shall be granted only to a person properly certificated to fill the post immediately below it. Where certification of the post below is not required by the Convention, a dispensation may be issued to a person whose competence and experience are, in the opinion of the Administration, clearly equivalent to the requirements for the post to be filled, provided that, if such a person holds no appropriate certificate, the person shall be required to pass a test accepted by the Administration as demonstrating that such a dispensation may safely be issued. In addition, the Administration shall ensure that the post in question is filled by the holder of an appropriate certificate as soon as possible.
3. Each Party shall, as soon as possible after 1 January each year, send a report to the Secretary-General giving information of the total number of dispensations in respect of each capacity for which a certificate is required, including nil returns.

1. Every skipper on a fishing vessel of 24 metres in length and over operating in unlimited waters shall hold a certificate of competency.
2. Every candidate for certification shall:
.1 meet the requirements for certification as an officer in charge of a navigational watch on fishing vessels of 24 metres in length and over operating in unlimited waters, and have approved seagoing service of not less than 12 months as an officer in charge of a navigational watch or skipper on fishing vessels of not less than 12 metres in length. However, the Party may allow the substitution of a period not exceeding six months of approved seagoing service as an officer in charge of a navigational watch on seagoing ships covered by the 1978 STCW Convention; and
.2 meet the standard of competence specified in section A-II/1 of the STCW-F Code.
3. A candidate who holds a valid certificate of competency issued in accordance with the provisions of the 1978 STCW Convention need not be reassessed in those standards of competence listed in section A-II/1 of the STCW-F Code that were required at a higher or equivalent level for the issuance of the corresponding 1978 STCW Convention certificate.

1. Every officer in charge of a navigational watch on a fishing vessel of 24 metres in length and over operating in unlimited waters shall hold a certificate of competency.
2. Every candidate for certification shall:
.1 be not less than 18 years of age;
.2 have approved seagoing service of not less than: .1 12 months on fishing vessels or fishing training vessels of not less than 12 metres in length as part of an approved training programme which includes onboard training that meets the requirements of section A-II/2 of the STCW-F Code and is documented in an approved training record book; or
.2 two years in the deck department on fishing vessels of not less than 12 metres in length. However, the Administration may allow the substitution of the seagoing service by a period of special training not exceeding one year, provided that the period of the special training programme shall be at least equivalent in value to the period of the required seagoing service it substitutes or by a period of approved seagoing service evidenced by an approved record book covered by the 1978 STCW Convention;
.1 12 months on fishing vessels or fishing training vessels of not less than 12 metres in length as part of an approved training programme which includes onboard training that meets the requirements of section A-II/2 of the STCW-F Code and is documented in an approved training record book; or
.2 two years in the deck department on fishing vessels of not less than 12 metres in length. However, the Administration may allow the substitution of the seagoing service by a period of special training not exceeding one year, provided that the period of the special training programme shall be at least equivalent in value to the period of the required seagoing service it substitutes or by a period of approved seagoing service evidenced by an approved record book covered by the 1978 STCW Convention;
.3 meet the standard of competence specified in section A-II/2 of the STCW-F Code; and
.4 meet the applicable requirements of regulation II/6, as appropriate for performing designated radio duties in accordance with the Radio Regulations.
3. A candidate who holds a valid certificate of competency issued in accordance with the provisions of the 1978 STCW Convention need not be reassessed in those standards of competence listed in section A-II/2 of the STCW-F Code that were required at a higher or equivalent level for the issuance of the corresponding 1978 STCW Convention certificate.

1. Every skipper on a fishing vessel of 24 metres in length and over operating in limited waters shall, unless they hold certificates issued in compliance with regulation II/1, hold a certificate of competency issued in compliance with at least the provisions of this regulation.
2. Every candidate for certification shall:
.1 meet the requirements for certification as an officer in charge of a navigational watch on fishing vessels of 24 metres in length and over operating in limited or unlimited waters, and have approved seagoing service of not less than 12 months as an officer in charge of a navigational watch or skipper on fishing vessels of not less than 12 metres in length. However, a Party may allow the substitution of a period not exceeding six months of approved seagoing service as an officer in charge of a navigational watch on seagoing ships covered by the 1978 STCW Convention; and
.2 meet the standard of competence specified in section A-II/3 of the STCW-F Code.
3. The Party, bearing in mind the effect on the safety of all vessels and structures which may be operating in the same limited waters, should consider the limited waters it has defined in accordance with the definition given in regulation I/1 and determine any additional material that should be included in the standard of competence.
4. A candidate who holds a valid certificate of competency issued in accordance with the provisions of the 1978 STCW Convention need not be reassessed in those standards of competence listed in section A-II/3 of the STCW-F Code that were required at a higher or equivalent level for the issuance of the corresponding 1978 STCW Convention certificate.

1. Every officer in charge of a navigational watch on a fishing vessel of 24 metres in length and over operating in limited waters shall either hold a certificate issued in compliance with regulation II/2 or hold a certificate of competency issued in compliance with at least the provisions of this regulation.
2. Every candidate for certification shall:
.1 be not less than 18 years of age;
.2 have approved seagoing service of not less than: .1 12 months on fishing vessels or fishing training vessels of not less than 12 metres in length as part of an approved training programme which includes onboard training that meets the requirements of section A-II/4 of the STCW-F Code and is documented in an approved training record book; or
.2 two years in the deck department on fishing vessels of not less than 12 metres in length. However, the Administration may allow the substitution of the seagoing service by a period of special training not exceeding one year, provided that the period of the special training programme shall be at least equivalent in value to the period of the required seagoing service it substitutes or by a period of approved seagoing service evidenced by an approved record book covered by the 1978 STCW Convention;
.1 12 months on fishing vessels or fishing training vessels of not less than 12 metres in length as part of an approved training programme which includes onboard training that meets the requirements of section A-II/4 of the STCW-F Code and is documented in an approved training record book; or
.2 two years in the deck department on fishing vessels of not less than 12 metres in length. However, the Administration may allow the substitution of the seagoing service by a period of special training not exceeding one year, provided that the period of the special training programme shall be at least equivalent in value to the period of the required seagoing service it substitutes or by a period of approved seagoing service evidenced by an approved record book covered by the 1978 STCW Convention;
.3 meet the standard of competence specified in section A-II/4 of the STCW-F Code; and
.4 meet the appropriate requirements for performing designated radio duties in accordance with the Radio Regulations.
3. A candidate who holds a valid certificate of competency issued in accordance with the provisions of the 1978 STCW Convention need not be reassessed in those standards of competence listed in section A-II/4 of the STCW-F Code, which were required at a higher or equivalent level for the issuance of the corresponding 1978 STCW Convention certificate.

1. Every chief engineer officer and second engineer officer on a seagoing fishing vessel powered by main propulsion machinery of 3,000 kW propulsion power or more shall hold a certificate of competency.
2. Every candidate for certification shall:
.1 meet the requirements for certification as an officer in charge of an engineering watch on fishing vessels powered by main propulsion machinery of 750 kW propulsion power or more and have approved seagoing service in that capacity: .1 for certification as second engineer officer, have not less than 12 months as qualified engineer officer; and
.2 for certification as chief engineer officer, have 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 seagoing service has been served as second engineer officer; and
.1 for certification as second engineer officer, have not less than 12 months as qualified engineer officer; and
.2 for certification as chief engineer officer, have 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 seagoing service has been served as second engineer officer; and
.2 have completed approved education and training and meet the standard of competence specified in section A-II/5-1-1 of the STCW-F Code.

1. Every chief engineer officer and second engineer officer on a seagoing fishing vessel powered by main propulsion machinery of between 750 kW and 3,000 kW propulsion power shall hold a certificate of competency.
2. Every candidate for certification shall:
.1 meet the requirements for certification as an officer in charge of an engineering watch on fishing vessels powered by main propulsion machinery of 750 kW propulsion power or more and: .1 for certification as second engineer officer, have not less than 12 months of approved seagoing service as assistant engineer officer or engineer officer; and
.2 for certification as chief engineer officer, have not less than 24 months of approved seagoing service of which not less than 12 months shall be served while qualified to serve as second engineer officer; and
.1 for certification as second engineer officer, have not less than 12 months of approved seagoing service as assistant engineer officer or engineer officer; and
.2 for certification as chief engineer officer, have not less than 24 months of approved seagoing service of which not less than 12 months shall be served while qualified to serve as second engineer officer; and
.2 have completed approved education and training and meet the standard of competence specified in section A-II/5-1-2 of the STCW-F Code.
3. Every engineer officer who is qualified to serve as second engineer officer on fishing vessels powered by main propulsion machinery of 3,000 kW propulsion or more, may serve as chief engineer officer on fishing vessels powered by main propulsion machinery of less than 3,000 kW propulsion power, provided the certificate is so endorsed.

1. Every officer in charge of an engineering watch in a manned engine-room or designated duty engineer officer in a periodically unmanned engine-room serving on a seagoing fishing vessel powered by main propulsion machinery of 750 kW propulsion power or more shall hold a certificate of competency.
2. Every candidate for certification shall:
.1 be not less than 18 years of age;
.2 have completed 12 months of combined workshop skills training and approved seagoing service of which not less than six months must be served on board fishing vessels or fishing training vessels as part of an approved training programme which includes onboard training that meets the requirements of section A-II/5-2 of the STCW-F Code and is documented in an approved training record book; or
.3 have completed 12 months of combined workshop skills training and approved seagoing service of which not less than six months must be served on ships or training ships being operated in accordance with the 1978 STCW Convention as part of an approved training programme which includes onboard training that meets the requirements of section A-II/5-2 of the STCW-F Code and is documented in an approved training record book; or
.4 have approved seagoing service of not less than 12 months in the engine- room. However, the Administration may allow, as deemed necessary, the substitution of up to six months of the seagoing service by a period of special training such as workshop skills training, provided that the special training programme is equivalent in value to the period of the required seagoing service it substitutes; and
.5 meet the standard of competence specified in section A-II/5-2 of the STCW-F Code.
3. The Party may vary the requirements for standard of competence and seagoing service for officers of fishing vessels engaged in voyages in limited waters bearing in mind the power of the propulsion machinery and the effect on the safety of all fishing vessels which may be operating in the same waters.
4. Training to achieve the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical experience shall take into account relevant international regulations and recommendations.

Mandatory provisions relating to radio watchkeeping are set forth in the Radio Regulations and in the 2012 Cape Town Agreement. Provisions for radio maintenance are set forth in the 2012 Cape Town Agreement. The referred provisions are mandatory in the Radio Regulations and will be mandatory in the 2012 Cape Town Agreement when it enters into force.
1. Except as provided in paragraph 2, the provisions of this regulation shall apply to radio operators on fishing vessels operating within the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) as prescribed by the international conventions.
2. Radio operators on fishing vessels that are not required to comply with the provisions of the GMDSS are not required to meet the provisions of this regulation, but are nevertheless required to comply with the Radio Regulations. The Administration shall ensure that the appropriate certificates as prescribed by the Radio Regulations are issued or recognized in respect of such radio operators.
1. Every person in charge of or performing radiocommunication duties on a fishing vessel operating within the GMDSS shall hold an appropriate certificate related to the GMDSS, issued or recognized by the Administration under the provisions of the Radio Regulations.
2. In addition, every candidate for certification of competency under this regulation for service on a fishing vessel required by the 1993 Torremolinos Protocol or the 2012 Cape Town Agreement, when in force, to have a radio installation, shall: .1 be not less than 18 years of age; and
.2 have completed approved education and training and meet the standard of competence specified in section A-II/6 of the STCW-F Code.
.1 be not less than 18 years of age; and
.2 have completed approved education and training and meet the standard of competence specified in section A-II/6 of the STCW-F Code.
3. For endorsement of all types of certificates issued under the provisions of the Radio Regulations as meeting the requirements of the Convention, the required knowledge, understanding and proficiency is given in section A-II/6 of the STCW-F Code. In determining the appropriate level of knowledge and training the Party shall also take into account the relevant recommendations in section B-II/6 of the STCW-F Code.

1. Every skipper and officer holding a certificate issued or recognized under this chapter of the Convention who is serving at sea or intends to return to sea after a period ashore shall, in order to continue to qualify for seagoing service, be required, at intervals not exceeding five years, to:
.1 meet the standards of medical fitness prescribed in regulation I/12; and
.2 establish continued professional competence in accordance with section A-II/7 of the STCW-F Code.
2. Each Party shall compare the standards of competence which it required of candidates for certificates issued before 1 January 2031 with those specified for the appropriate certificate in part A of the STCW-F Code, and shall determine the need for requiring the holders of such certificates to undergo appropriate refresher and updating training or assessment.
3. The Party shall, in consultation with those concerned, formulate or promote the formulation of a structure of refresher and updating courses as provided for in section A-II/7 of the STCW-F Code.
4. For the purpose of updating the knowledge of skippers and officers, each Administration shall ensure that the texts of recent changes in national and international regulations concerning the safety of life at sea, and the protection of the marine environment are made available to fishing vessels entitled to fly its flag.

1. Every GMDSS radio operator holding a certificate issued or recognized under this chapter of the Convention who is serving at sea or intends to return to sea after a period ashore shall, in order to continue to qualify for seagoing service, be required, at intervals not exceeding five years, to:
.1 meet the standards of medical fitness prescribed in regulation I/12; and
.2 establish continued professional competence in accordance with section A-II/8 of the STCW-F Code.
2. Each Party shall compare the standards of competence which it required of candidates for certificates issued before 1 January 2031 with those specified for the appropriate certificate in part A of the STCW-F Code, and shall determine the need for requiring the holders of such certificates to undergo appropriate refresher and updating training or assessment.
3. The Party shall, in consultation with those concerned, formulate or promote the formulation of a structure of refresher and updating courses as provided for in section A-II/8 of the STCW-F Code.
4. For the purpose of updating the knowledge of GMDSS radio operators, each Administration shall ensure that the texts of recent changes in national and international regulations concerning radiocommunications and relevant to the safety of life at sea are made available to fishing vessels entitled to fly its flag.

1. Personeel van vissersvaartuigen moeten, alvorens hun taken aan boord worden opgedragen
.1 een door de administratie goedgekeurde basisopleiding krijgen en bekend worden met de materie op het gebied van veiligheid aan boord; en
.2 voldoen aan de passende normen van vaarbevoegdheid in overeenstemming met, sectie A-III/1 van de STCW-F-code.
2. Indien basisopleiding niet is opgenomen in de kwalificaties voor het af te geven bewijs, wordt een bekwaamheidsbewijs afgegeven waaruit blijkt dat de houder met succes de basisopleiding heef voltooid.
3. Kandidaten die reeds in het bezit zijn van een geldig bekwaamheidsbewijs afgegeven in overeenstemming met de bepalingen van het STCW-verdrag van 1978, hoeven niet opnieuw beoordeeld te worden in de in tabellen A-III/1-1, A-III/1-2, A-III/1-3 en A-III/1-4 van de STCW-F-code vermelde normen van bekwaamheid die vereist waren op een hoger of gelijkwaardig niveau voor de afgifte van het dienovereenkomstige bewijs op grond van het STCW-verdrag van 1978.

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

1. Administrations shall direct the attention of owners and operators of fishing vessels, skippers, chief engineer officers and all watchkeeping personnel to the requirements, principles and guidance set out in the STCW-F Code which shall be observed to ensure that a safe watch is maintained at all times.
2. The skipper of every fishing vessel shall ensure that watchkeeping arrangements are adequate for maintaining a safe watch or watches, taking into account the prevailing circumstances and conditions and that, under the skipper’s general direction:
.1 officers in charge of the navigational watch are responsible for navigating the fishing vessel safely during their periods of duty, when they shall be physically present on the navigating bridge or in a directly associated location such as the chartroom or bridge control room at all times;
.2 radio operators are responsible for maintaining a continuous radio watch on appropriate frequencies during their periods of duty;
.3 officers in charge of an engineering watch, as defined in the STCW-F Code, under the direction of the chief engineer officer, shall be immediately available and on call to attend the machinery spaces and, when required, shall be physically present in the machinery space during their periods of responsibility; and
.4 an appropriate and effective watch or watches are maintained for the purpose of safety at all times.
3. The basic watchkeeping principles, including but not limited to those set out in the STCW-F Code, shall be taken into account on all fishing vessels. However, a Party may exclude very small fishing vessels operating in limited waters from fully observing the basic principles.

1. Fishing vessel personnel shall, before being assigned to any shipboard duties:
.1 receive basic training approved by the Administration and onboard safety familiarization; and
.2 meet the appropriate standard of competence,
in accordance with section A-III/1 of the STCW-F Code.
2. Where basic training is not included in the qualification for the certificate to be issued, a certificate of proficiency shall be issued, indicating that the holder has successfully completed the course in basic training.
3. A candidate who holds a valid certificate of proficiency issued in accordance with the provisions of the 1978 STCW Convention need not be reassessed in those standards of competence listed in tables A-III/1-1, A-III/1-2, A-III/1-3 and A-III/1-4 of the STCW-F Code that were required at a higher or equivalent level for the issuance of the corresponding 1978 STCW Convention certificate.