The STCW Convention and Code, 2026 Edition is the International Maritime Organization's consolidated text of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, and the STCW Code. It sets the minimum training, certification and watchkeeping standards for seafarers worldwide.

Edition at a glance

What's inside

• The Final Act of the 2010 Manila Conference and the resolutions it adopted
• The articles of the STCW Convention
• The revised Annex: the regulations
• The STCW Code: Part A (mandatory standards) and Part B (recommended guidance)

Amendments included

• 2014: MSC.373(93) and MSC.374(93)
• 2015: MSC.396(95) and MSC.397(95)
• 2016: MSC.416(97) and MSC.417(97)
• 2021: MSC.486(103) and MSC.487(103)
• 2023: MSC.540(107) and MSC.541(107)
• 2024: MSC.560(108)

Why it matters

STCW certificates of competency and proficiency are issued against these standards. Flag States apply them, and port State control officers check certificates, manning and rest hours against them. Amendments in force from 1 January 2026 add training on preventing and responding to violence and harassment on board.

Who uses it

Training providers and maritime academies, crewing and manning managers, masters and officers, flag administrations, and anyone checking certificate requirements and rest-hour rules.