Demystifying STCW-F: Essential Certification for Fishing Vessel Personnel

May 29, 2025

The maritime world is governed by a complex web of regulations designed to ensure safety and protect the environment. Among these, the STCW Convention plays a pivotal role. But you might have also heard of STCW-F. What exactly is it, and how does it differ from the broader STCW? Let’s dive in.

Understanding the Basics: What is STCW?

STCW stands for the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers. It’s an international convention that sets the minimum standards for the training, certification, and watchkeeping duties of seafarers worldwide. The primary goals of the STCW Convention are to enhance safety at sea and protect the marine environment.

Introducing STCW-F: A Specialized Convention

Now, let’s focus on STCW-F (often written as STCW-F). This refers to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel. This specialized convention was adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 1995 and officially came into force on September 29, 2012.

What’s the Key Difference?

The distinction is quite straightforward:

  • STCW (Parent Convention): Applies generally to all types of commercial vessels.
  • STCW-F: Is specifically aimed at personnel working on fishing vessels.

Why is STCW-F Necessary?

The fishing industry possesses unique characteristics and inherent risks that differ significantly from other commercial shipping operations. Therefore, specialized training and certification standards are crucial for fishing vessel crews to:

  • Enhance the safety of life at sea for fishing vessel personnel.
  • Protect the marine environment, considering the unique nature of fishing operations.
  • Establish minimum certification and training requirements for fishing vessel crews, particularly for vessels 24 meters in length and over.
  • Harmonize qualifications by introducing minimum training levels for everyone working on fishing vessels subject to the convention.

What Does STCW-F Regulate?

The STCW-F Convention covers various aspects, including:

  • Mandatory provisions for the certification of skippers, officers, engineer officers, and radio operators on fishing vessels.
  • Essential provisions on basic safety training applicable to all fishing vessel personnel.
  • Provisions concerning watchkeeping.

In a Nutshell

In essence, an STCW-F certification is proof that a fishing vessel crew member has met the internationally recognized minimum standards of training and competency to work on a fishing vessel. The ultimate aim is to bolster safety and environmental protection within the fishing sector.