For us seafarers, it is widely known that there is a huge complexity regarding the legislation on training and maritime specialty courses necessary to be able to apply to jobs in the maritime industry. Each one of the diverse training courses can provide specific and mandatory atributions for seafarers. Depending on the kind of vessel in which the seafarer will be performing their skills, there can be a wide array of types of vessels, ranging from tanker, cargo or bunker vessels, to industrial fishing boats or salvage operation vessels.
International Regulations
Within the International Regulations set by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), strict stipulations were given through the Convention held in London in July 7th, 1978 in regards of the standard training and watch keeping code (STCW Code) to be applied in the education of the seafaring people, followed by added Resolutions of the 1995 Conference.
To an european level, the European Parliament Directive 2008/106/CE of November 19th 2008, specifies all regulations relative to the minimal and standard training of seafarers.
Spanish Regulations on Seafaring Training
At a national level, in our country, such Convention and Directive are gathered in the Orden FOM/2296/2002 of September 4th, in which all training programs and certifications for Able Seamen and Engine Sailors of the Spanish Merchant Navy, and Harbour Pilots, as well as the specialty training courses certificates that can credit for proficency of the seafaring personnel.
Due to constant modification and upgrading of the previously mentioned specifications, there is an added difficulty when it comes to fully understanding how to proceed as a trainee. That’s why we’d like to comment in this post a minimal explanation on one of the most recent modifications that could affect your training when it comes to refresh a specialty course.
As per the matter, this convention demands that the seafarer can prove that he has been trained and has been executing the competence rules required to be in charge of the corresponding tasks according to their enrolment on board the vessel. This will be proven every five years, in which the usual process of course refreshment in certified centres, like Pronautic Training Centre, can certify that the seafarer is eligible for future on board positions.
Following last modifications, gathered in February 2nd 2017 Resolution of DGMM (Spanish Merchant Navy), in which the procedure of revalidation of maritime specialty cerfificates of the Convention, on rules regarding training, certification, and watchkeeping for seafarers (STCW); there has been an addition of two new ways to refresh these certificates: Reduced Competence Maintenance Course (MCR in it’s Spanish acronym) & Complete Competence Maintenance (MCC).
STCW Certificate Refreshment Chart
In this chapter, we present to you a chart with data of the above mentioned resolution. In it, you can check on expiry dates and modes for obtaining a refresher certificate on all maritime specialty courses.
You can check your certificate status in the following way: El funcionamiento y comprensión de la misma es de la siguiente manera:
- In the first column, find the Rule of the STCW that regulates such training course
- In the second column, you will find the name of the sufficiency certificate.
- In the third column you will read wether this certificate expires or not.
- In the fourth column, there is an explanation on how to refresh or renew that expired certificate.
As you can see on the chart, there are several certificates that will expires and can be renewed by a basic “refresher”, or also by demonstrating a minimal boarding period of three months in the last five years.
On the other hand, there are other courses that can be only renewed by performing an MCR, or Reduced Competence Maintenance Course, with the requirement of proof of a boarding period of mínimum three months in the past five years, or by performing an MCC, or Complete Competence Maintenance Course, if there is no proof of boarding periods within the past five years.
It’s important to add that at our centre, we can provide you of both modalities of this refresher course, to renew the following certificates that have a five year valid period:
- Standard Safety Training
- Survival Crafts and Non Rapid Rescue Boats
- Rapid Rescue Boats
- Advanced Firefighting Course
More information on reduced competence refresher courses (MCR)
More information on the complete competence refresher courses (MCC)
It’s important to mention that, the boarding period mentioned in chart 1, should be one that can validate the competence áreas or chores relating to that course. For instance, when it comes to the Rapid (fast) Rescue Boats certificate, the boarding period that could revalidate this certificate will only be valid if the vessel was fitted with these kind of rescue boats. In addition, it will have to be a merchant ship, or fishing vessel of at least 24 metres LOA. On the contrary, it will be mandatory to finish the Complete Competence Maintenance Course.
In case you have any doubts left regarding this subject, please do not hesitate to contact us, we will pleased to assist you.