A survey by Clyde Marine Training shows that just under half of Merchant Navy personnel are still unaware of what STCW Refresher Training means and what they have to do to be compliant a full five years since the Manila Amendments were first introduced.
The survey carried out during June and July 2015 found that 46 percent of those questioned were either unaware or unsure what refresher courses meant for them and what they needed to do to remain qualified. A further 37 percent were unaware of the date when refresher courses will become mandatory.
The Manila Amendments to the STCW Convention mean, "If you are serving on board ship and are qualified in any of the following you must as of the January 1, 2017 have documentary evidence of either completing the training course or updating training within the last five years"
The courses in question are; Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting; Advanced Fire Fighting; Personal Survival Techniques; Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (other than Fast Rescue Boats); and Proficiency in Fast Rescue Boats.
In addition seafarers revalidating their MCA CoC will have to submit certificates to show that either the courses listed above have been completed within the past five years or that updating (also known as 'refresher') training has been undertaken.
Speaking about the findings Clyde Marine Training Managing Director, Colin McMurray, announced the creation of a dedicated helpdesk to assist and inform all seafarers of their obligations. “We knew there was still a lot of confusion regarding refresher training, the timescales involved and the courses and skills affected. With less than 18 months to go until compliance is compulsory it’s clear the level of confusion is higher than we thought. The concern is people will leave taking refresher courses to the last minute and may find they run out of time to complete them all. So we’ve created a dedicated helpdesk to assist and inform seafarers of their obligations and just what qualifications they need to update. People can reach this helpdesk by phone or email and speak with a qualified trainer with previous Merchant Navy experience who can advise on their individual requirements.”