Mariners Digest
STCW comprehensive review: where it stands, the timeline, and what is already in force
IMO is rewriting the STCW Convention and Code, the rules behind every seafarer’s certificate. Phase 1 found more than 400 gaps; phase 2, the drafting, started at HTW 12 in February 2026. IMO’s timeline has the revised treaty going to the Maritime Safety Committee for approval in 2029 or 2030. Until then the current rules apply, with one change already in force: violence and harassment training in basic training since 1 January 2026.
Timeline of the review
| When | Step |
|---|---|
| April 2022 | MSC 105 sets the guiding principles for the review |
| 2024 | Two-phase method endorsed: phase 1 reviews the provisions and finds the gaps; phase 2 revises them |
| October 2024 | First intersessional working group (ISWG-STCW 1) identifies more than 400 gaps |
| February 2025 | HTW 11 completes phase 1; target completion of the review brought forward to 2029–2030 |
| June 2025 | MSC 110 addresses the gaps in chapter II (master and deck) and chapter III (engine) |
| 23–27 Feb 2026 | HTW 12 starts phase 2 (revision); ISWG-STCW 2 meets the following week |
| To be decided | Phase 2 completed by the HTW Sub-Committee |
| 2029 or 2030 | MSC considers the revised treaty for approval |
| To be decided | Adoption of the revised STCW Convention and Code, then entry into force |
Sources: IMO, “Comprehensive review of the STCW Convention and Code – FAQ” and the Secretary-General’s closing remarks at HTW 12; read on 13 November 2026.
Why IMO is reviewing STCW and what it covers
- The reason: digitalization, automation and new technologies are changing how ships are run and what seafarers need to know; IMO also cites diversity, gender equality and more women at sea. The question is whether the Convention “remains fit for purpose” (IMO).
- Topics named so far: advanced training technologies, cybersecurity, ballast water management, violence and harassment, mental health, psychological safety, and gender and cultural diversity (IMO).
- Where the drafting is: HTW 12 made progress on draft amendments to chapters II and III, passed to the intersessional group; IMO’s timeline lists chapters IV and VI and the rest of chapter I as the next to revise (IMO).
- How it reaches seafarers: IMO says the impact will come progressively, as seafarers gain the competencies through revised training once the new rules are adopted.
Sources: IMO, STCW review FAQ and HTW 12 closing remarks; read on 13 November 2026.
Already in force: violence and harassment in basic training
- What: amendments to Part A of the STCW Code, adopted by resolution MSC.560(108), add mandatory minimum requirements on preventing and responding to violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault.
- Where: table A-VI/1-4, the minimum standard of competence in personal safety and social responsibilities (PSSR), part of seafarers’ basic training.
- From: 1 January 2026.
- Model course: HTW 12 validated a model course on the new standards of competence on violence and harassment.
- Labour side: the ILO has approved related changes on shipboard violence and harassment in the Maritime Labour Convention, expected in force on 23 December 2027; see MLC 2006 amendments of 2025.
Sources: IMO, “Raft of shipping rules in force from 1 January 2026” (9 January 2026) and HTW 12 closing remarks; read on 13 November 2026. Ask your flag State or training centre how it applies to certificates already issued.
Training for alternative fuels
| Guidelines | Status |
|---|---|
| Generic interim guidelines, alternative fuels and new technologies | Issued as STCW.7/Circ.25 (IMO, 30 Sep 2025) |
| Methyl/ethyl alcohols (methanol, ethanol) as fuel | Finalized at HTW 12; approved by MSC 111 (May 2026) |
| Ammonia as fuel | Finalized at HTW 12; approved by MSC 111 (May 2026) |
| Hydrogen, LPG, battery-powered ships, fuel cells | In development under the HTW workplan |
Sources: IMO, “IMO steps up efforts to train seafarers on alternative fuels and new technologies” (30 September 2025), HTW 12 closing remarks and MSC 111 meeting summary; read on 13 November 2026. These are interim guidelines; IMO expects them to become the basis for mandatory training in the revised STCW Code.
Also from MSC 111 (May 2026)
- Certificates and the Gulf: the Committee approved guidance with temporary, practical measures for managing the certificates of seafarers affected by the situation in the region, while keeping STCW safety and environmental standards (IMO).
- White list checks: it confirmed that 13 Parties, India and the United Kingdom among them, continue to give full and complete effect to the Convention after their periodic reports under regulation I/8 (IMO).
Source: IMO, MSC 111 meeting summary; read on 13 November 2026.
Questions
What is the STCW comprehensive review?
An IMO review of the whole STCW Convention and Code, the international rules on seafarer training, certification and watchkeeping. IMO says it looks at whether the Convention remains fit for purpose given digitalization, automation, new technologies and social changes such as more women at sea. It runs in two phases: first finding the gaps, then drafting the amendments.
When will the revised STCW Convention come into force?
No date has been set. IMO's timeline has the Maritime Safety Committee considering the revised treaty for approval in 2029 or 2030, with the adoption date still to be decided. Entry into force would follow adoption.
Does the review change my certificate now?
No change from the review has been adopted yet, so the current STCW requirements still apply. IMO says the impact of the review will come progressively, as seafarers gain the competencies through revised training once the new rules are adopted.
What changed in STCW on 1 January 2026?
Amendments adopted by resolution MSC.560(108) entered into force. They add mandatory minimum requirements on preventing and responding to violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault, to table A-VI/1-4 of the STCW Code (personal safety and social responsibilities), part of basic training.
Is there STCW training for ammonia and methanol fuel?
There are interim guidelines, not yet mandatory rules. IMO issued generic interim guidelines (STCW.7/Circ.25) in 2025. HTW 12 finalized interim training guidelines for ships using methyl/ethyl alcohols and ammonia as fuel, and MSC 111 approved them in May 2026. IMO expects such guidelines to become the basis for mandatory training in the revised STCW Code.
What happened at HTW 12?
IMO's Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping met from 23 to 27 February 2026. It started phase 2 (revision) of the review, made progress on draft amendments to chapters II (deck) and III (engine), finalized the two alternative-fuel training guidelines and validated three model courses, one of them on violence and harassment.
Mariners Digest is made by CryoSim. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by IMO. This page summarises IMO’s published documents in CryoSim’s own words and is not legal advice; the STCW Convention and Code and your flag State’s rules always take precedence. Published 2026-11-13, updated 2026-11-13. See also MLC 2006 amendments of 2025, IMO MEPC 85: what to watch, CII rating in 2026 and Mariners Digest.
