Regulation VI/6 of the STCW Convention introduced mandatory minimum requirements for security related training and instruction for all seafarers, which have entered into force on 1/1/2014. However it was observed that many maritime Administrations were not ready to issue these new certificates of proficiency (CoP).
In order to resolve this situation, some flag States extended the deadline by means of a marine advisory notice despite the fact that STCW Convention has no provision for an extension of the deadline.
The matter was later considered during IMO-HTW Subcommittee in February 2014 where the date of 01 July 2015 was agreed.
PSC MOUs like Paris MOU had issued guidelines to PSCOs to record missing COP as deficiency (code 01223 – Security awareness training) with an Action Taken code 99 (master instructed to rectify before 01 July 2015).
As the date of 01st July 2015 is nearing, many of the seafarers sailing on board may still be without this certificate if due diligence was not observed by the company. It will be prudent to check the issue to avoid any odd situation during inspection, audit or Survey.
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