STCW Compliance Board to Strengthen Maritime Training Governance

New board to enhance oversight, improve accountability, and align India’s training ecosystem with global standards

Maritime News, Mumbai, India : In a significant step toward tightening governance over maritime training and certification, the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has released a draft amendment to the Merchant Shipping (STCW) Rules, 2014, proposing the establishment of a dedicated STCW Compliance Board.

The move is aimed at enhancing India’s adherence to the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) Convention—a global framework administered by the International Maritime Organization (IMO)—as India seeks to strengthen its role as a leading supplier of skilled seafarers to the world fleet.

Purpose of the STCW Compliance Board

The proposed STCW Compliance Board will function as a strategic advisory and consultative body to the Director General of Shipping. Its role will include:

• Evaluating compliance of maritime training institutes with STCW standards.
• Providing expert recommendations on training quality, assessment protocols, and audits.
• Advising on emerging gaps in STCW compliance and suggesting corrective action.
• Supporting the DGS in ensuring continuous improvement in the maritime education and certification system.

Board Composition (As per Draft Rule 75)

The Board will be chaired by the Director General of Shipping, with key members including:

• Additional Director General
• Chief Surveyor (Engineering)
• Nautical Advisor to the Government of India
• Deputy Director General of Shipping
• Assistant Director General – STCW
• Head of e-Governance Cell

The DGS may also nominate subject matter experts or stakeholders as special invitees, allowing for industry representation in technical deliberations.

Implications for the Industry

For Maritime Training Institutes

• Increased scrutiny of training quality, faculty, infrastructure, and assessments.
• Potential standardization of best practices across all MTIs.
• Structured feedback and advisory mechanism from a central body.

For Shipowners and Crewing Agencies

• Enhanced credibility and competence of Indian-certified seafarers.
• Confidence in recruitment from DGS-approved training pipelines.
• Reduction in compliance risks and flag state issues during inspections.

For Regulatory Stakeholders

• A formal body to track audit outcomes, non-conformities, and action plans.
• Stronger defence against STCW-related detentions and deficiencies at global ports.

Invitation for Public Comments

The Directorate has invited suggestions and objections from industry stakeholders, maritime academies, and associations.
🗓️ Deadline for comments: May 7, 2025
📩 Submissions can be emailed to: stcwboard@dgshipping.gov.in
📄 Draft Rule is available on www.dgshipping.gov.in

Why This Move Is Timely

India is home to over 150 maritime training institutes and contributes nearly 10% of the global seafaring workforce. The STCW Compliance Board is expected to:

• Provide oversight beyond administrative audits.
• Support future-proofing of India’s maritime education sector.
• Reassure global regulators, port state authorities, and shipowners of India’s training integrity.

“This is a long-awaited structural reform. It will bring transparency and sustained focus to compliance, especially when training volumes are rising and digital learning is evolving,” said a former principal of a leading maritime academy.

Next Steps for Maritime Institutions

• Review the draft Rule in detail.
• Prepare formal feedback (policy, procedural, or structural).
• Propose recommendations for representation or stakeholder consultation framework.

When it comes to the STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping) Convention, while it is the cornerstone of global maritime education and training, there are several gaps or challenges — both globally and specific to India’s implementation — that need to be addressed.

Here’s a structured summary of what’s missing or needs strengthening in STCW today, especially in the context of India’s reforms like the proposed STCW Compliance Board:

What’s Missing or Weak in Present STCW (Globally and in India)

1. Limited Oversight After Initial Approval of Training Institutes

• Problem: Once a Maritime Training Institute (MTI) is approved, there is insufficient ongoing monitoring of:
  • Actual faculty competence
  • Course delivery quality
  • Assessment rigour
  • Use of simulators or outdated content
• Solution Needed: A live compliance matrix, spot audits, and digital course tracking integrated into platforms like the proposed IGMSP.

2. Mismatch Between Training & Industry Needs

• Problem: Many STCW courses are theoretical and do not address the real-world needs of modern vessels (e.g., LNG carriers, autonomous ships, hybrid propulsion).
• Solution Needed: Curriculum upgrade, industry-led course review boards, inclusion of decarbonization, AI, cyber security, and ship-specific modules.

3. Digitalisation & E-Learning Governance

• Problem: STCW does not yet have a well-defined, globally accepted framework for digital training delivery.
• Online courses are often inconsistent in quality or lack proper assessment integrity.
• Solution Needed: A regulated e-learning policy, proctored assessments, and recognition of blended learning models.

4. Inadequate Tracking of Certification Fraud / Fake Seafarer Documents

• Problem: Despite systems like INDoS and SID, some gaps exist in the real-time verification of Certificates of Competency (CoC) and sea time.
• Solution Needed: Blockchain-backed certificate tracking, biometric verification, integration with international databases.

5. Non-uniform Implementation Across Flag States

• Problem: Different countries interpret and enforce STCW differently.
• Indian seafarers sometimes face flag-state bias or port state control issues, especially if Indian MTIs are seen as inconsistent.
• Solution Needed: Stronger bilateral recognition protocols, global auditing partnerships, and transparency in training metrics.

6. Mental Health and Human Element Training

• Problem: While fatigue is vaguely addressed, mental health, psychological safety, and cultural sensitivity are barely covered in STCW courses.
• Solution Needed: Inclusion of IMO/ILO mental wellness modules, counselling integration in pre-sea and re-validation courses.

7. No Mandate on Environmental Awareness & Green Skills

• Problem: With IMO’s decarbonisation agenda accelerating, STCW hasn’t yet mandated training on:
  • Carbon accounting
  • Green fuels (e.g., methanol, ammonia)
  • EEXI/CII compliance
• Solution Needed: Update model courses to reflect climate compliance literacy.

8. Gender Sensitization & DEI Training Is Absent

• Problem: STCW does not currently require any modules on gender equality, inclusion, or safety protocols for female seafarers.
• Solution Needed: Compulsory training on DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) and workplace respect onboard.

Why the Proposed STCW Compliance Board Matters

The STCW Compliance Board, as proposed by DGS India, could:

• Actively audit ongoing compliance in MTIs and onboard training records.
• Offer feedback loops to reform curriculum based on employer and cadet feedback.
• Collaborate with industry and international bodies to bridge these gaps in STCW structure, content, and enforcement.