Preliminary communication
https://doi.org/10.7225/toms.v05.n01.007
The Importance of Maritime Law in Seafarer Training Pursuant to Amendments to the STCW Convention
Ranka Petrinović
; University of Split, Faculty of Maritime Studies, Split, Croatia
Nikola Mandić
; University of Split, Faculty of Maritime Studies, Split, Croatia
Ena Siriščević
; University of Split, Faculty of Law, Split, Croatia
Abstract
This paper explores the role of maritime law in seafarer
training pursuant to amendments to the STCW Convention of
2010. The basic intention of the STCW Convention adopted in
1978 was to harmonize national regulations, seafarer training
and training programs, as well as the conditions and manner
of seafarer certification to raise general qualification levels of
seagoing vessel crews. The STCW Convention is occasionally
amended to allow legislation to take into account and stay
abreast of the changing technical standards in shipping. The
latest amendments to the STCW Convention were adopted at the
Manila Diplomatic Conference in 2010, and entered into force and
effect on 1 January 2012. Member states are required to complete
the procedure of gradual implementation of the new provisions
by 31 December 2016, with all seafarers being required to obtain
certificates issued in accordance with the amended regulations
by 1 January 2017. Although ship navigation during sailing has
been significantly facilitated by the development of technics and
technology, seafarers are now required to be well-versed in an
increasing number of maritime law regulations and procedures
promoting the safety of life and property at sea and the protection
of the marine environment, while simultaneously ensuring
unobstructed exploitation of ships. The latest amendments to
the STCW Convention in this sense, in Model Course 7.01., impose
additional seafarer training requirements, inter alia, broadening
the scope of mandatory contents to be covered by maritime
law courses required for the obtainment of the professional title
of ship officer. The paper pays especially close attention to the
newly adopted amendments and the conformity of national
legislation proscribing seafarer training standards. However, it is
exactly in the domain of seafarer training in maritime law that
harmonization may be said to be incomplete.
Keywords
Maritime law; Seafarer training; STCW Convention; Model Course 7.01.; Ordinance on Vocations and Certificates of Competencies for Seafarers
Hrčak ID:
156251
URI
Publication date:
20.4.2016.
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