1. Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)
In 1914, the first version of SOLAS was accepted as a response of the sinking of the RMS Titanic. It prescribed numbers of lifeboats and other emergency equipment along with safety procedures, including continuous radio watches. The 1914 treaty never entered into force due to the outbreak of World War I. New versions were adopted in 1929, 1948, 1960, 1974, 1988, 2011, 2015 and 2016.
SOLAS Regulation XI-1/7 took effect on October 1st, 2016. This regulation requires the carriage of an appropriate atmosphere testing instrument or instruments for enclosed space entry. These portable testing devices are not part of somebody’s personal protective safety equipment (PPE), but a part of the vessels equipment. They will be used to test enclosed spaces from the outside to make sure that they are safe to enter and will cover, as a minimum, the following gases: oxygen, flammable gases or vapours, carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulphide. Suitable means should be provided to calibrate them.
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2. International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL)
The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) is the main international convention covering prevention of pollution of the marine environment by ships from operational or accidental causes.
The MARPOL Convention was adopted on 2 November 1973 at IMO. The Protocol of 1978 was adopted in response to a spate of tanker accidents in 1976-1977. As the 1973 MARPOL Convention had not yet entered into force, the 1978 MARPOL Protocol absorbed the parent Convention. The combined instrument entered into force on 2 October 1983. In 1997, a Protocol was adopted to amend the Convention and a new Annex VI was added which entered into force on 19 May 2005. MARPOL has been updated by amendments through the years.
The Convention includes regulations aimed at preventing and minimizing pollution from ships - both accidental pollution and that from routine operations - and currently includes six technical Annexes. Special Areas with strict controls on operational discharges are included in most Annexes.
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3. STCW
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What is STCW and who needs it?
STCW stands for Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping. It is a worldwide convention that ensures a lateral standard of training is achieved across all countries in the world. So for instance, if you're a Captain from Europe or America, you will have to undergo similar training in accordance with the STCW convention.
Who is STCW for?
Anyone wishing to work on commercial vessels that are over 24 metres long will have to obtain STCW qualifications/courses before they seek employment. The type of courses/qualifications you'll need will greatly depend on the position you're applying for and the post you'll be assigned to once you're on-board.
At the very minimum, you will need to obtain STCW Basic Safety Courses in order to apply to work on a ship. These courses can usually be completed within a week - during one block booking - at a designated STCW training centre.
The four basic STCW courses are as follows:
Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities – This is a classroom-based course that focuses on teaching the essentials of basic safety.
BASIC Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting – This firefighting course covers both practical and theoretical situations that are taught by professional firefighters.
Personal Survival Techniques – A theory and practical course, you will be taught how to abandon ship using life rafts and also how to don life jackets correctly.
Elementary First Aid – A theory and practical course, during this session you will be taught vital basic 1st aid and life savings skills.
Proficiency in Security Awareness - This course is not normally part of basic STCW week; however it is a required course that you must complete prior going to sea. Normally, if you book onto the 4 mandatory courses listed above, your course supplier will include this one for free. It's a half day course that can easily be slotted into your training week, and is designed to explain how security systems work on board.
4. Maritime Labour Convention, 2006
Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), according to the ILO or International Labour Organisation, provides a broad perspective to the seafarer’s rights and fortification at work. The maritime regulation will finally enter into force on August 20th, 2013. Nearly 1.2 million seafarers will be affected by the terms and conditions of this human rights act, which will lay down a set of regulations for protection at work, living conditions, employment, health, social security and similar related issues.
On the basis of Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), the Seafarer’s Employment Contracts will be implemented and mandated against nullifying the present employment contracts. MLC will be similar to the other statutory certifications such as ISM and ISPS onboard ships and the certificate will have 5 years of validity with interim, initial and intermediate surveys. It is imperative for all seafarers to understand the importance of Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006.
Under MLC, 2006, the ship owners are required to submit a DMLC or Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance to their respective flag states which form a party to the convention. The flag states will accordingly issue the MLC Certificate to the fleet flying their flag following, surveys, inspections, paperwork and approvals. The certificate would be then required to be posted at a conspicuous position onboard.
Contents of MLC,2006
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