STCW is being rebooted: over 600 gaps and new requirements for seafarers

International standards for seafarer training are set for a major overhaul. A detailed review of the STCW Convention text identified more than 600 “gaps” — from inconsistencies to outdated requirements for training and certification. In other words, the current rules no longer fully reflect the realities of today’s maritime industry. In light of this, an “STCW reset” has begun — a comprehensive review and revision of the Convention to align it with the challenges of the 21st century. The update work is expected to take several years and conclude with a new edition around 2030.

Why is STCW being reviewed now?

The last major update to STCW took place in 2010 (the Manila Amendments). Since then, the maritime sector has changed significantly. New technologies and trends have emerged that the current Convention does not cover, or existing provisions have become outdated. Global shipping is moving toward decarbonization and automation, with more processes shifting into the digital realm. At the same time, the well-being and safety of seafarers themselves are gaining importance. The aim of the STCW review is to keep it relevant for the coming decades, taking into account current and future industry changes. This means the updated standards must address protection of the marine environment, digitalization, new security threats, and improving the attractiveness of maritime careers.

The hundreds of identified gaps include both technical discrepancies and entire sections needing additions. For example, some requirements are outdated — procedures or technologies described are no longer used on modern ships. Provisions have also been found that different countries interpret differently, leading to uneven approaches to seafarer training. All these shortcomings are to be addressed during the revision. First (by 2025) an international working group analyzed the current text and compiled a list of issues. The next step is drafting specific amendments to the STCW Convention and Code — a stage expected to run roughly until 2027. After the amendments are agreed and adopted through the International Maritime Organization, States Parties will implement the new requirements in their national training systems. In short, a transition period lies ahead during which training programs for seafarers will be updated to meet the new standards.

New priorities in seafarer training

One of the key goals of the STCW revision is to add training requirements in areas not previously covered. Among the most discussed additions are cyber security, work with alternative fuels, and measures against bullying and harassment (SASH) on board. Below are details for each area:

Cyber security. Modern ships increasingly rely on computer systems and internet technologies — from navigation to engine control. This raises the risk of cyber attacks, so awareness courses in cyber security for all crew members are planned. Seafarers will be trained to recognize cyber attacks, protect onboard networks, and respond properly to cyber incidents. In this way, safe ship operation will include digital safety alongside traditional measures.
Alternative fuels. In the fight against climate change, the fleet is transitioning to low- and zero-carbon fuels — such as LNG, methanol, ammonia, hydrogen, as well as batteries and fuel cells. Each fuel has its own risks and handling specifics. The future STCW will include training standards for ships with alternative power systems. International interim guidelines are already being developed for training on specific fuels — e.g., safety rules for methanol or ammonia. Based on these, countries will create training programs: seafarers will learn how to bunker, store, and use new fuels safely, prevent accidents, and respond to emergencies (e.g., battery fires or hydrogen leaks). Experts estimate that by the 2030s, hundreds of thousands of seafarers will need retraining to work with clean energy systems.
SASH — tackling violence and harassment. The term SASH (short for Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment) entered maritime vocabulary only recently, but the underlying issues have been building for years. The focus is on psychological safety of crews and preventing bullying, sexual harassment, and discrimination on board. The new STCW edition gives this particular attention. Mandatory briefings and training are planned on prevention of and response to violence and harassment in service. The IMO has already approved initial amendments adding anti-harassment requirements to the STCW Code — specifically, training on how to prevent and respond to sexual assault and bullying at sea. These measures aim to create a more safe and comfortable working environment in the fleet, especially as the number of women seafarers grows. In addition, the STCW review discusses supporting mental health of crew members: training seafarers to recognize signs of stress or depression in time and know where to seek help. All this is part of a broader trend focused on seafarer well-being and raising the prestige of maritime professions.

What will these changes mean for seafarers?

For seafarers themselves, including those from Ukraine, the forthcoming updates mean new competence requirements. To obtain or revalidate a certificate, they will need to acquire additional knowledge and skills. For example, deck and engine officers will need basic cyber-security training; electro-technical staff may face new courses on alternative energy systems; and all command staff — training on maintaining a psychologically safe environment on board. Maritime academies and refresher courses will gradually update their programs to meet international standards. As a leading maritime nation (training tens of thousands of seafarers for the world fleet), Ukraine will also implement these changes: it is important for Ukrainian seafarers to monitor updates so their certificates remain valid and recognized worldwide.

The ongoing STCW review is a lengthy process, so no overnight changes should be expected. According to the plan, IMO working groups will draft specific amendments by 2027, after which they must be formally adopted by States Parties to the Convention. Actual entry into force may come toward the end of the decade, as countries will need time for implementation. Nevertheless, the course is already set: standards for seafarer training are moving toward renewal. Accounting for cyber risks, mastering green technologies, and caring for crew well-being will become integral to maritime education. Seafarers, in turn, will gain more up-to-date knowledge and skills, raising safety and efficiency at sea. In a world where technologies and requirements constantly change, this STCW “refresh” is intended to ensure that the seafaring profession remains safe, prestigious, and resilient in the decades ahead.

Sources: European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA), International Maritime Organization (IMO), Safety4Sea