The Academy says it’s important ship crews can prove evidence of having met the updating requirements from the STCW Manila Amendments, otherwise the vessel could fail port state inspection.
The 5-yearly updating training requirement applies to the following courses: Personal Survival Techniques, Proficiency in Survival Craft and rescue Boats (other than Fast Rescue Boats), proficiency in Fast Rescue Boats, Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting and Advanced Fire Fighting.
From 1 January 2017, seafarers revalidating their MCA CoC will have to submit certificates to show that either these courses have been completed within the past five years or that updating training have been undertaken.
In addition, port state control may require documentary evidence of having maintained the required standard of competence.
By Rachael Doyle
