1 The Sub-Committee on Standards of Training and Watchkeeping, at its thirty-third session (21 to 25 January 2002), reviewed progress with the implementation of the 1995 amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, as amended, in light of the imminent end, on 1 February 2002, of the transitional provisions laid down in STCW regulation I/15.

　

2 The Sub-Committee recalled the key radical changes introduced by the 1995 amendments to the STCW Convention, including the provisions for endorsement attesting to the recognition of another Party's certificates (regulation I/10) and the responsibilities of companies (regulation I/14) which resulted in certain delays in the Convention's full implementation.

　

3 The Sub-Committee noted with satisfaction the number of STCW Parties thus far found to be giving 'full and complete effect' to the relevant provisions of the STCW Convention as given in MSC/Circ.1018.

　

4 The Sub-Committee also noted that a large number of certificates needed to be issued by certificate-issuing Parties confirming that their seafarers complied with the provisions of the 1995 amendments to the STCW Convention and further noted that the provisions of regulation I/10 require Administrations to issue endorsements to masters, officers and radio personnel for service on their ships.

　

5 The Sub-Committee was particularly concerned about, and regretted the fact that, so close to the end of the transitional period, seafarers were reportedly unable to obtain STCW 95 certificates and/or the necessary endorsements required by regulation I/10.

　

6 The Sub-Committee also noted that a considerable number of endorsements are required to be issued by Administrations and undertakings to be agreed between Parties to allow for recognition of certificates under regulation I/10.

　

7 The Sub-Committee therefore urged all concerned, including certificate-issuing Parties and Administrations, to do their utmost to ensure that seafarers are issued with the appropriate certificates and necessary endorsements by expediting the proposed undertakings and providing the information required for issuing the necessary endorsements.

　

8 The Sub-Committee recognized that all seafarers on board ships may not yet hold their STCW 95 certificates or flag State endorsements and urges port State control authorities to take the above factors into consideration when taking action under the control procedures in article X and regulation I/4 of the STCW Convention. The Sub-Committee agreed that, in cases where a seafarer's documentation complies with the requirements in force immediately before 1 February 2002, but is not in accordance with the requirements of STCW 95, port State control officers, until 31 July 2002, are recommended to issue only a warning to companies and to notify the seafarers and Administrations concerned accordingly.

　

9 The Sub-Committee also recommended that Administrations should inform recognized

organizations issuing ISM Code certification under SOLAS 74 that, until 31 July 2002, if a seafarer's documentation is not in accordance with STCW 95, it would be sufficient to inform the Administration when assessing compliance with the provisions of the ISM Code.

　

10 Member Governments are invited to be guided accordingly and to bring the contents of this circular to the attention of all concerned, especially port State control officers and recognized organizations.