• Engineers advised to complete upgrades, steam crossover
          American Maritime Officers members wishing to upgrade from second assistant engineer to first assistant engineer are advised to begin the upgrading process as soon as possible. Likewise, engineers interested in completing steam crossover training should do so as soon as possible.

  • U.S. Coast Guard implements new policy for issuance of Merchant Mariner Documents
          In the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the Coast Guard has looked for new ways to improve port, waterway and maritime security. The Marine Safety program recognized early on that there were problems inherent in the mariner credentialing system that could result in licensing fraud, exploitation by persons ineligible to hold credentials and increased risk of marine safety incidents if unqualified persons obtained a Merchant Mariner Document (MMD).

  • U.S. Coast Guard to require certification for designated drug-testing officers aboard vessels by Jan. 31, 2003
          Effective Jan. 31, 2003, the U.S. Coast Guard will require that the officers onboard each vessel responsible for collecting urine specimens for drug testing be trained and certified by a qualified Department of Transportation instructor.

  • U.S. Coast Guard begins enforcement of STCW '95
          The U.S. Coast Guard July 19 announced that enforcement of the 1995 Convention on Standards for Training, Certification and Watch Keeping (STCW '95) would commence Aug. 1, 2002, in U.S. territorial waters.

  • RTM STAR Center offers only STCW '95 compliant deck upgrade program for chief mate's and master's license
          The RTM Simulation, Training, Assessment & Research Center in Dania Beach, Fla., in July will finish prototyping the nation's only upgrade program for a chief mate's or master's license that meets the requirements set forth by the International Maritime Organization and the U.S. Coast Guard under STCW '95.

  • New guidelines for optional non-resident training
          The training centers operated for American Maritime Officers members have adopted new guidelines for optional non-resident training.

  • World's first diesel electric simulator at STAR Center
          American Maritime Officers members can now train on the world's first full mission diesel electric engine room simulator (DE III), which was recently installed at the Raymond T. McKay Simulation, Training, Assessment & Research Center in Dania Beach, Fla.

  • New STCW '95 requirements for deck upgrade to chief mate or master level
          The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the requirements to upgrade to an ocean going chief mate's or master's deck license under STCW '95 for service on vessels over 3000GT in accordance with USCG and STCW regulations after 1 February 2002. The USCG has circulated a draft policy letter entitled, "Applicants for Ocean or Near Coastal Master and Chief Mates Licenses for Service on Vessels 3000 Gross Tons (GT) or More with Qualifying Service or Training Beginning on or After 1 August 1998 And All Applicants Beginning 1 February 2002. The following is a breakdown of the information contained in this draft policy letter.

  • Caution advised in use of relaxed Basic Safety Training assessment on applications for STCW certificates
          RTM STAR Center received the following correspondence from the Coast Guard National Maritime Center, further clarifying the application of the International Maritime Organization's decision to relax the Basic Safety Training requirement under STCW '95. A bulletin was issued prior to the Feb. 1, 2002, deadline for STCW '95 compliance, which in part stated: "a mariner who has met the requirements of initial competency in BST and who is actively serving on seagoing ships will be considered as having demonstrated continuing competence in BST provided he or she completes at least one year of sea service within the past five years"

  • IMO asks port state control agencies to observe six-month grace period for STCW '95 compliance
          IMO has issued advice to port state control officers that, for a period of six months after the 1 February 2002 implementation deadline for the revised Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW 95), ships whose officers do not hold STCW 95 certificates or flag state endorsements need not be detained.

  • U.S. Coast Guard will heed IMO request, delay penalties for STCW non-compliance until August 1
          The United States will follow a recommendation from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) that prevents U.S. and foreign ships visiting U.S. ports from being detained for lack of certification of merchant mariner training standards which go into effect on Feb. 1.

  • Requirements Changed For Basic Safety Training Under STCW
          This policy letter provides information about recent interpretations of the STCW that were published in reference (a). As a result of these interpretations by the Maritime Safety Committee of the International Maritime Organization, the application of the requirement for renewal of basic safety training has been changed.

  • One-Year Deferment Of STCW '95 In U.S. Domestic Near Coastal Trades Will Not Apply To Most Members--Union Urges Membership To Complete STCW '95 Certification By February 1, 2002
          American Maritime Officers continues to strongly advise all members working aboard seagoing vessels who have not already completed the courses required to receive an STCW '95 certificate to continue with their STCW '95 training as if the Coast Guard deferment had not been issued.

  • Coast Guard Bulletin Outlines Plan To Defer STCW '95 Until February 2003 In U.S. Domestic Near Coastal Trades
          This bulletin describes a new interim policy that applies to U.S. mariners serving on vessels in near coastal domestic trades on vessels of 200 or more gross registered tons. Beginning February 1, 2002, the Coast Guard will defer enforcement of the requirement for these mariners to hold an STCW '95 certificate until February 1, 2003, to more effectively manage the demand for immediate issuance of STCW credentials. Even though many STCW '78 certificates are endorsed to expire on February 1, 2002, the Coast Guard will defer action on those certificates held by mariners employed in near coastal domestic trades.

  • AMO Members Urged To Complete Training For STCW '95
          AMO members are reminded to arrange for required training under the International Maritime Organization's Standards for Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, or STCW '95.

  • Coast Guard Clarifies Training Requirements For Firefighting
          The following was circulated by the U.S. Coast Guard in March. It concerns requirements of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended (STCW) for continuing competency in firefighting (emphasis added).

  • New Capability For AMO Members To Meet STCW '95 Requirements At Paul Hall Center
          RTM STAR Center is pleased to announce an arrangement that will allow AMO members to take required STCW '95 courses at the Seafarers' Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education at Piney Point, MD. This arrangement is an extension of the STAR Center non-resident training program (NRT).

  • Requirements Changed For Gas Turbine Engineers
          The below guidance and information are provided for engine officers who plan to sail aboard gas turbine Propulsion vessels after Feb. 1, 2002.

  • Some Courses Can Be Considered For Sea-Service Equivalence
          Many maritime training institutions offer training courses that provide sea-service credit that may be used to meet the requirements for issuance of a license or qualification. This was permitted under the former schemes for the licensing of officers and certification of seamen. However, the STCW does not allow such substitution.
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