Answer
Ans: MSC 107 ---- 31 May to 9 June 2023
1.STCW Convention Reg I/2 (Certificates and Endorsements) and corresponding section in STCW code--- regarding Electronic certificates for seafarers. The amendments pertain to the requirements to be complied for use of electronic form of certificates issued under the convention. The Committee adopted Resolution MSC.540(107) amending regulations I/1 and I/2 of the STCW Convention to incorporate a new definition for "original form of any certificate required by the Convention" to recognize that seafarers’ certificates may be issued in paper or electronic form, and to broadly support the trend of digitalization in marine operations. In relation to these STC W Convention amendments, the Committee also adopted Resolution MSC.541(107) amending section A-I/2 of the STCW Code, to clarify the application of existing terms and terminologies found within the Code to certificates and endorsements produced in electronic form. The amendments clarify that terms such as “front, “back” and “overleaf” will not be applicable to electronic certificates. Similarly, an official seal as well as a photograph and signature of the seafarer are not necessary for certificates and endorsements in electronic form. (EIF 1 Jan 2025).
Also approved guidelines on the use of electronic certificates of seafarers MSC.1/Circ.1665. to clarify the responsibilities of parties involved in cases of recognition of certificates. Administrations issuing electronic
certificates or endorsements should also provide for the verification of such credentials for all parties involved. It is further specified that verification of the authenticity of an electronic certificate should be undertaken via an Internet connection that should be available on the ship. The seafarer should hold the minimum required data on board, which should be defined by the Administration and would be necessary to initiate a verification procedure. Verification may be obtained through an application, approved stored data, approved unique tracking number, approved seafarer identification number, Quick Response (QR) code, any combination of the above items, or whatever is deemed suitable for this purpose and approved by the Administration.
2.MASS wrt STCW -- The MSC noted, in particular, the common position of the Working Group for M@SS on training, certification and competency requirements, namely that: 1. When there are seafarers on a M@SS, STC W applies to them. 2. However, when remote operators and masters at ROC are not on board a ship, STCW does not apply to those persons, and the M@SS Code will be required to address all training, certification and competency requirements with the STCW requirements should be considered as a basis. 3. There are certain principles (e.g. regarding watchkeeping) in STCW, when considering autonomy and remote operation, that should be addressed in the M@SS Code, irrespective of the application of STCW,
3.Revised 1995 STCW-F convention approved. Also a non-mandatory STCW-F code approved.--- The STCW-F Convention and new Code support harmonization of qualifications by introducing a minimum level of competence for personnel working on fishing vessels to which the Convention applies. This, in turn, facilitates free mobility of fishers and recognition of certificates between countries that have ratified and implemented the S TCW-F Convention.
4.STCW training provisions on bullying and harassment in the maritime sector, including sexual assault and sexual harassment (SASH) approved -----The new provisions will apply to all seafarers by means of amendments to the STCW Code, table A-VI/1-4 (Specification of minimum standard of competence in personal safety and social responsibilities). The training will require individuals to demonstrate competence in prevention of bullying and harassment, which also aligns with existing provisions on bullying and harassment in the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006, Guideline B4.3.1. These amendments to the STCW Code will be presented for subsequent adoption at MSC 108 (May 2024)
5.MSC.1/Circ.797/Rev.39 List of competent persons maintained by the Secretary-General pursuant to section A-I/7 of the Seafarers' Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Code