Delay enforcement of STCW security certification: ICS

The 1 January deadline for compliance with the rules will see ship security officers (SSOs) required to hold certificates of proficiency as proof of training to a minimum standard in security matters. ICS has expressed its concern that administrations may not be prepared to issue the tens of thousands of certifications by the deadline, which could cause issues for ships at port state control inspections.

"We understand that the training and familiarisation required by STCW 2010 has only just recently been approved by some maritime administrations, whilst others may not yet even have these arrangements in place," explained ICS secretary general, Peter Hinchliffe. "This could present serious difficulties for companies that need to ensure that the seafarers they employ are trained and certificated as required by STCW 2010."

For the most part this is really just a technicality since most existing seafarers have already undergone necessary levels of training and instruction as required by the ISPS Code. Given that certification is entirely a government responsibility we think that a short delay in PSC enforcement can be justified."