STCW

Transportation & Travel abbreviation · Maritime

STCW
Stands forInternational Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers
CategoriesTransportation & Travel

STCW stands for International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, a maritime abbreviation.

IMO convention setting minimum training and certification requirements for merchant ship officers and crew worldwide. Seafarers need STCW certificates for jobs such as officer of the watch or engineer.

Example: Yacht crew must complete STCW basic safety training before working aboard.

Usage notes

Adopted in 1978 and substantially revised in 1995 and by the Manila amendments of 2010, which addressed rest hours and alcohol limits. Basic STCW training covers sea survival, firefighting, first aid and personal safety. Many superyacht jobs require it even for entry-level crew.

More maritime abbreviations

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  • RV – Research vessel
  • SART – Search and rescue transponder
  • SOG – Speed over ground
  • SOLAS – International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea
  • SS – Steamship
  • SV – Sailing vessel
  • TCPA – Time to closest point of approach
  • TEU – Twenty-foot equivalent unit
  • ULCC – Ultra large crude carrier
  • USCGC – United States Coast Guard Cutter
  • USNS – United States Naval Ship

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