What is STCW or Standard of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers Convention?

The requirements of SOLAS Chapter V and COLREG are of little use if they are not adhered to, or if a vessel has on board incompetent crew.
In 1978, IMO adopted the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), which established internationally-recognized minimum standards for seafarers. The Convention was considerably revised in 1995, when IMO adopted a new STCW Code, to which many technical regulations of the original STCW Convention have been transferred. The revised STCW entered into force on 1 February 1997.
The Convention establishes standards for the deck department, engine department and radio department and deals with all members of the ship’s complement.
In each case the Convention prescribes minimum age levels, minimum periods of sea-going service and certification requirements.
Navigation and related subjects form an important part of the knowledge required of masters and deck officers. Minimum standards of competence for masters and chief mates include: