International Journal

on Marine Navigation

and Safety of Sea Transportation

Volume 4

Number 1

March 2010

109

1 INTRODUCTION

Due to the continuous technological development as

well as new required qualifications and skills for

maintenance of electrical/electronic systems, equip-

ment and installations, there is a significant increase

in application for properly qualified electric officers.

At the moment, such people are being employed es-

pecially on cruise vessels, large ferries and all kinds

of special purpose vessels, though their qualifica-

tions and competence have not been standardised on

the international level [4] It is worth to note the rap-

id progress in marine electrical and electronic tech-

nology, including among others, main electrical pro-

pulsion and high voltage systems. The latter

solutions are generally accepted in cruise ships con-

struction, it means in the shipbuilding branch which

is developed very quickly. This trend may be illus-

trated by the data published in Cruise Industry News

Quarterly [5], dealing with building of 49 new pas-

senger ships for a bill of 25,8 billion US dollars in

the years 2008-2012. Those contracts are not only a

technological challenge, but first of all, a new im-

pact to develop the electro-technical officers labour

market. No doubt that they should be, a highly quali-

fied staff, appropriately prepared to undertake the

tasks, duties and responsibilities corresponding to

up-to-date technological challenges. In this context it

is worthy to mention an opinion expressed in the pa-

per titled “Are engineers getting the electrical train-

ing they need?” [4], where it was described frequent-

ly met in practice situation: “None of the senior en-

gineers onboard had theoretical or practical

education in 6,6 kV generation, distribution, and

trouble shooting [4]. To avoid those situations and

their dangerous and cost consequences, a new ap-

proach concerning the necessity to establish and put

into force the qualification standards for electro-

technical officers seems to be obvious [1]. Facts and

statistics show that such qualified people are indis-

pensable to work on large vessels. Over 2200 of

them have been trained in Poland. It is significant

that majority of them work under other than Polish

flag. Hence, in the event of accident there is a ques-

tion of a legal responsibility of such qualified peo-

ple, whose professional qualifications were achieved

in Poland and are recognised on Polish territory on-

ly. Therefore there is a need for an international

qualification standard for electro-technical officers.

It is proposed that the certificate of competency for

electro-technical officers shall be placed in Chapter

III “Engine Department” of the STCW Convention,

under new Regulations III/6, III/7 and new sections

A-III/6, A-III/7 and B-III/6, B-III/7 of the STCW

Code. Paper presents qualification and competency

standards for Electro-Technical Officers (ETO) and

Senior Electro-Technical Officers (SETO) devel-

oped by Bulgaria, France, Islamic Republic of Iran,

Novelties in the Development of the

Qualification Standards for Electro-Technical

Officers under STCW Convention

Requirements

J. Wyszkowski, J. Mindykowski & R. Wawruch

Gdynia Maritime University, Gdynia, Poland

ABSTRACT: Paper presents prepared by Bulgaria, France, Islamic Republic of Iran, IFSMA, ITF, Malaysia,

Poland, Ukraine and the United Kingdom proposal of amendments [1] to the STCW Convention and its Code

part A and B [2] establishing international qualification standard for electro-technical officers. It is proposed

that the certificates of competency for electro-technical officer and senior electro-technical officers shall be

placed in Chapter III “Engine Department” of the STCW Convention, under new Regulations III/6, III/7 and

new sections A-III/6, A-III/7 and B-III/6, B-III/7 of the STCW Code. This amended concept it is a logical

continuation and further development of the paper [3] which concerned the same issue and was presented at

the MarCon 2008 proceedings.

110

IFSMA, ITF, Malaysia, Poland, Ukraine and the

United Kingdom during ad hoc intersessional meet-

ing of the STW working group relating to the com-

prehensive review of the STCW Convention and

Code in order to present during nearest 40

session

of the IMO Sub-Committee on Standards of Train-

ing and Watchkeeping – STW.

2 PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE STCW

CONVENTION

Co-authors suggest to insert in the STCW Conven-

tion [1]:

1. In Regulation I/1 paragraph 31, the following

new definition (STW 40/7/4): Electro-technical

officer means an officer qualified in accordance

with the provisions of chapter III of the conven-

tion;

2. In Regulation I/1 paragraph 32, the following

new definition (STW 40/7/4): Senior electro-

technical officer means an officer qualified for

the operation, maintenance and repairs of electri-

cal, electronic, computer systems and equipment,

including electrical propulsion;

3. The following new Regulation III/6 – “Mandato-

ry minimum requirements for certification of

electro-technical officer” (STW 40/7/6):

1 Every electro-technical officer serving on a

sea-going ship powered by main propulsion ma-

chinery of 750 kW propulsion power or more,

shall hold an appropriate certificate.

2 Every candidate for certification shall:

.1 be not less than 18 years of age;

.2 have completed not less than 12 months

combined workshop skills training and sea-

going service of which not less than 6

months will be sea going service as part of an

approved training which meets the require-

ments of section A-III/6 of the STCW Code

and is documented in an approved training

record book, or otherwise not less than 36

months combined workshop skills training

and seagoing service of which not less than

30 months will be sea going service in engine

department; and

.3 have completed approved education and

training and meet the standards of compe-

tence specified in section A-III/6 of the

STCW Code.

3 Every Party shall compare the standards of

competence which it required of electro-

technical officers for certificates issued before

[date] with those specified for the certificate in

section A-III/6 of the STCW Code, and shall de-

termine the need for requiring those personnel to

update their qualifications.

4 Seafarers may be considered by the Admin-

istration to have met the requirements of this

regulation if they have served in relevant capaci-

ty on board seagoing ship powered by main pro-

pulsion machinery of 750 kW propulsion power

or more for a period of not less than 12 months

within the last 60 months and meet the compe-

tence specified in section A-III/6 of the STCW

Code.

4. The following new Regulation III/6 – “Mandato-

ry minimum requirements for certification of

senior electro-technical officer” (STW 40/7/6):

1 Every senior electro-technical officer serving

on a seagoing ship powered by main propulsion

machinery of more than 750 kW propulsion

power shall hold an appropriate certificate.

2 Every candidate for certification shall:

.1 meet the requirements for certification as

electro-technical officer and shall have not

less than 12 months approved seagoing ser-

vice as electro-technical officer whilst hold-

ing electro-technical officer certificate;

.2 have completed approved education and

training and meet the standard of competence

specified in section A-III/7 of the STCW

code.

3 Every Party shall compare the standards of

competence which it required of senior electro-

technical officers for certificates issued before

[date] with those specified for the certificate in

section A-III/7 of the STCW Code, and shall de-

termine the need for requiring those personnel to

update their qualifications.

Seafarers may be considered by the Administra-

tion to have met the requirements of this regula-

tion if they have served in relevant capacity on

board seagoing ship powered by main propulsion

machinery of 750 kW propulsion power or more

for a period of not less than 12 months within the

last 60 months and meet the competence speci-

fied in section A-III/7 of the STCW Code.

3 SUGGESTED AMENDMENTS TO THE

CODES

A new sections A-III/6 “Mandatory minimum re-

quirements for certification of electro-technical of-

ficer“ and B-III/6 “Guidance regarding – the train-

ing and certification for electro-technical officers”

shall be inserted after sections A-III/5 and B-III/5.

111

The new section A-III/6 shall contain following re-

quirements for on-board training and standard of

competence for ETO [1]:

Training

1 The education and training required by paragraph

2.3 of regulation III/6 shall include training in elec-

tronic and electrical workshop skills relevant to the

duties of electro-technical officer.

Onboard training

2 Every candidate for certification as electro-

technical officer shall follow an approved program

of onboard training which:

.1 ensures that during required period of seago-

ing service the candidate receives systematic

practical training and experience in the tasks, du-

ties and responsibilities of an electro-technical

officer;

.2 is closely supervised and monitored by quali-

fied and certificated officers aboard the ships in

which the approved seagoing service is per-

formed; and

.3 is adequately documented in training record

book.

Standard of competence

3 Every candidate for certification as electro-

technical officer shall be required to demonstrate

ability to undertake the tasks, duties and responsibil-

ities listed in column 1 of table A-III/6.

4 The minimum knowledge, understanding and pro-

ficiency required for certification is listed in column

2 of table A-III/6 and it shall take into account the

guidance given in part B of this Code.

5 Every candidate for certification shall be required

to provide evidence of having achieved the required

standard of competence tabulated in columns 3 and

4 of table A-III/6.

In new Section B-III/6 shall be inserted the fol-

lowing recommendations:

In addition to the requirements stated in table A-

III/6 of this Code, Parties are encouraged to take into

account resolution A.702(17) concerning radio

maintenance guidelines for the global maritime dis-

tress and safety system within their training pro-

grammes.

A new section A-III/7 “Mandatory minimum re-

quirements for certification of senior electro-

technical officer“ shall be inserted after sections A-

III/6. The new section A-III/7 shall contain follow-

ing requirements for on-board training and standard

of competence for SETO:

Standard of competence

1 Every candidate for certification as senior electro-

technical officer of seagoing ships powered by main

propulsion machinery of more than 750 kW shall be

required to demonstrate ability to undertake the

tasks, duties and responsibilities listed in column 1

of table A-III/7.

2 The minimum knowledge, understanding and pro-

ficiency required for certification is listed in column

2 of table A-III/7. This incorporates, expands and

extends in depth the subjects listed in column 2 of

the table A-III/6 for electro-technical officer.

3 Training and experience to achieve the necessary

level of theoretical knowledge, understanding and

proficiency shall take into account the relevant re-

quirements of this part.

1 4 Every candidate for certification shall be re-

quired to provide evidence of having achieved the

required standard of competence in accordance with

the methods for demonstrating competence and the

criteria for evaluating competence tabulated in col-

umns 3 and 4 of table A-III/7.

4 MINIMUM STANDARD OF COMPETENCY

FOR ETO AND SETO

Table A-III/6 presents the specification of mini-

mum standards of competence for electro-technical

officers.

Table A-III/7 presents the specification of mini-

mum standards of competence for senior electro-

technical officers.

112

Table A-III/6. Specification of minimum standards of competency for ETO [1]

Function: electrical, electronic and control engineering at operational level

Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4

Competence

Knowledge, understanding

and proficiency

Methods for demonstrating

competence

Criteria for evaluating

competence

Monitor the

operation of

electrical, elec-

tronic and

control systems

Basic understanding of the opera-

tion of mechanical engineering

systems including :

.1 Prime movers including main

propulsion plant

.2 Engine room auxiliary machin-

eries

.3 Steering systems

.4 Cargo handling systems

.5 Deck machineries

.6 Hotel systems

Basic knowledge of heat

transmission, mechanics and hy-

dromechanics

Knowledge of:

Electro-technology and electrical

machines theory

Fundamentals of electronics and

power electronics

Electrical power distribution

boards and electrical equipment

Fundamentals of automation,

automatic control systems and

technology

Instrumentation, alarm and moni-

toring systems

Electrical drives

Technology of electrical materi-

als

Electro-hydraulic and electro-

pneumatic control systems

Appreciation of the hazards and

precautions required for the oper-

ation of power systems above

1000 Volts

Examination and assessment of

evidence obtained from one or

more of the following:

.1 approved in-service experience

.2 approved training ship experi-

ence

.3 approved simulator training,

where appropriate

.4 approved laboratory equipment

training

Operation of equipment and sys-

tem is in accordance with operat-

ing manuals

Performance levels are in accord-

ance with technical specifications

Monitor the

operation of

Automatic control

systems of propul-

sion and auxiliary

machinery

Preparation of control systems of

propulsion and auxiliary machin-

ery for operation

Examination and assessment of

evidence obtained from one or

more of the following:

.1 approved in-service experience

.2 approved training ship experi-

ence

.3 approved simulator training,

where appropriate

.4 approved laboratory equipment

training

Surveillance of main propulsion

plant and auxiliary systems is suf-

ficient to maintain safe operation

condition

Operate generators Coupling, load sharing and

changing over generators

Examination and assessment of

evidence obtained from one or

more of the following:

.1 approved in-service experience

.2 approved training ship experi-

ence

.3 approved simulator training,

Operations are planned and car-

ried out in accordance with estab-

lished rules and procedures to en-

sure safety of operations

113

where appropriate

.4 approved laboratory equipment

training

Operate computers

and computer

networks on ships

Understanding of:

.1 main features of data pro-

cessing

.2 construction and use of com-

puter networks on ships

.3 bridge based, engine room

based and commercial computer

use

Examination and assessment of

evidence obtained from one or

more of the following:

.1 approved in-service experience

.2 approved training ship experi-

ence

.3 approved simulator training,

where appropriate

.4 approved laboratory equipment

training

Computer networks and comput-

ers are correctly checked and

handled

Use hand tools,

electrical and

electronic meas-

urement

equipment for

fault finding,

maintenance

and repair

operations

Safety requirements for working

on shipboard electrical systems.

Knowledge of the causes of elec-

tric shock and precautions to be

observed to prevent shock.

Construction and operational

characteristics of shipboard AC

and DC systems and equipment

Construction and operation of

electrical test and measuring

equipment

Application of safe working prac-

tices

Assessment of evidence obtained

from one or more of the follow-

ing:

.1 approved workshop skills

training

.2 approved practical experience

and tests

Implementation of safety proce-

dures is satisfactory

Recognizes and reports electrical

hazards and unsafe equipment

Selection and use of test equip-

ment is appropriate and interpre-

tation of results is accurate

Selection of procedures for the

conduct of repair and mainte-

nance is in accordance with man-

uals and good practice

Commissioning and performance

testing of equipment and systems

brought back to service after re-

pair is in accordance with manu-

als and good practice

Use English in

written and oral

form

Adequate knowledge of the Eng-

lish language to enable the officer

to use engineering publications

and to perform the officer’s du-

ties

Examination and assessment of

evidence obtained from practical

instructions

English language publications

relevant to the officer’s duties are

correctly interpreted

Communications are clear and

understood

Function: Maintenance and repair at operational level

Maintain and

repair automation

and control sys-

tems of main

propulsion and

auxiliary machin-

ery

Appropriate electrical and me-

chanical knowledge and skills

Safety and emergency procedures

Safe isolation of equipment and

associated systems required be-

fore personnel are permitted to

work on such plant or equipment

Practical knowledge for the test,

maintenance, fault finding and

repair

Test, detect faults and maintain

and restore electrical and elec-

tronic control equipment to oper-

ating condition

Knowledge of the principles and

maintenance procedures of navi-

gation equipment, internal and

external communication system.

Theoretical knowledge:

Electrical and electronic systems

operating in flammable areas

Practical knowledge:

Carrying out safe maintenance

Examination and assessment of

evidence obtained from one or

more of the following:

.1 approved in-service experience

.2 approved training ship experi-

ence

.3 approved simulator training,

where appropriate

.4 approved laboratory equipment

training

The effect of malfunctions on

associated plant and systems is

accurately identified, ship’s tech-

nical drawings are correctly in-

terpreted, measuring and calibrat-

ing instruments

are correctly used and actions

taken are justified

Isolation, dismantling and reas-

sembly of plant and equipment is

in accordance with manufacturers

safety guidelines and shipboard

instructions and legislative and

safety specifications.

Action taken leads to the restora-

tion of automation and control

systems by the method most suit-

able and appropriate to the pre-

vailing circumstances and condi-

tions

114

and repair procedures

Detection of machinery malfunc-

tion, location of faults and action

to prevent damage

Maintain and

repair bridge

navigation equip-

ment and ship

communication

systems

The effect of malfunctions on

associated plant and systems is

accurately identified, ship’s tech-

nical drawings are correctly in-

terpreted, measuring and calibrat-

ing instruments are correctly used

and actions taken are justified

Isolation, dismantling and reas-

sembly of plant and equipment is

in accordance with manufacturers

safety guidelines and shipboard

instructions, legislative and safety

specifications.

Action taken leads to the restora-

tion of bridge navigation equip-

ment and ship communication

systems by the method most suit-

able and appropriate to the pre-

vailing circumstances and condi-

tions

Maintain and

repair electrical,

electronic and

control systems

of deck machinery

and cargo handling

equipment

The effect of malfunctions on

associated plant and systems is

accurately identified, ship’s tech-

nical drawings are correctly in-

terpreted, measuring and calibrat-

ing instruments are correctly used

and actions taken are justified

Isolation, dismantling and reas-

sembly of plant and equipment is

in accordance with manufacturers

safety guidelines and shipboard

instructions, legislative and safety

specifications.

Action taken leads to the restora-

tion of deck machinery and cargo

handling equipment by the meth-

od most suitable and appropriate

to the prevailing circumstances

and conditions

Maintain and

repair control and

safety systems of

hotel equipment

The effect of malfunctions on

associated plant and systems is

accurately identified, ship’s tech-

nical drawings are correctly in-

terpreted, measuring and calibrat-

ing instruments are correctly used

and actions taken are justified

Isolation, dismantling and reas-

sembly of plant and equipment is

in accordance with manufacturers

safety guidelines and shipboard

instructions, legislative and safety

specifications.

Action taken leads to the restora-

tion of control and safety systems

of hotel equipment by the method

115

most suitable and appropriate to

the prevailing circumstances and

conditions

Function: Controlling the operation of the ship and care for persons on board at operational level

Organize and

manager subordi-

nate crew

A knowledge of personnel

management, organization and

training on board ships

A knowledge of international

maritime conventions and

recommendations, and related

national legislation

Examination and assessment of

evidence obtained from approved

in service training and experience

The crew are allocated duties and

informed of expected standards

of work and behaviour in a man-

ner appropriate to the individuals

concerned

Training objectives and activities

are based on an assessment of

current competence and capabili-

ties and operational requirements

Ensure compliance

with pollution pre-

vention require-

ments

Prevention of pollution of the ma-

rine environment

Knowledge of the precautions to

be taken to prevent pollution of

the marine environment

Anti-pollution procedures and all

associated equipment

Examination and assessment of

evidence obtained from one or

more of the following:

.1 approved in-service experience

.2 approved training ship experi-

ence

Procedures for monitoring ship-

board operations and ensuring

compliance with MARPOL re-

quirements are fully observed

Prevent, control

and fight fire on

board

Fire prevention and fire-fighting

appliances

Knowledge of fire prevention

Ability to organize fire drills

Knowledge of fire-fighting sys-

tems

Action to be taken in the event of

fire, including fires involving oil

systems

Assessment of evidence obtained

from approved fire-fighting train-

ing and experience as set out in

section A-VI/3

The type and scale of the problem

is promptly identified and initial

actions conform with the emer-

gency procedure and contingency

plans for the ship

Evacuation, emergency shutdown

and isolation procedures are ap-

propriate to the nature of the

emergency and are implemented

promptly

The order of priority, and the lev-

els and time-scales of making re-

ports and informing personnel on

board, are relevant to the nature

of the emergency and reflect the

urgency of the problem

Operate life-saving

appliance

Ability to organize abandon ship

drills and knowledge of the oper-

ation of survival craft and rescue

boats, their launching appliances

and arrangements, and their

equipment, including radio life-

saving appliances, satellite

EPIRBs, SARTs, immersion suits

and thermal protective aids.

Knowledge of survival at sea

techniques

Assessment of evidence obtained

from approved training and

experience as set out in section

A-VI/2, paragraphs 1 to 4

Actions in responding to abandon

ship and survival situations are

appropriate to the prevailing cir-

cumstances and conditions and

comply with accepted safety

practices and standards

Apply medical

first aid on board

ship

Practical application of medical

guides and advice by radio, in-

cluding the ability to take effec-

tive action based on such

knowledge in the case of acci-

dents or illnesses that are likely to

occur on board ship

Assessment of evidence obtained

from approved training as set out

in section A-VI/4, paragraphs 1

to 3

Identification of probable cause,

nature and extent of injuries or

conditions is prompt and treat-

ment minimizes immediate threat

to life

Table A-III/7. Specification of minimum standards of competency for SETO [1]

Function: electrical, electronic and control engineering at operational level

116

Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4

Competence Knowledge, understanding

and proficiency

Methods for demonstrating

competence

Criteria for evaluating

competence

Monitor and

evaluate electrical

power generation

and consumption

Expanded theoretical knowledge

Electro-technology and electrical

machines theory

Electronics and power electronics

Electrical power distribution

boards and electrical equipment

Automation, control systems and

instrumentation

Practical knowledge

Operation and maintenance of:

.1 Electrical generation and

distribution systems

.2 Electrical propulsion plant

.3 Auxiliary machinery, including

pumping, auxiliary boiler plant

and steering-gear control systems

.4 Integrated control systems

.5 Electrically operated cargo-

handling equipment and deck

machinery

Examination and assessment of

evidence obtained from one or

more of the following:

.1 approved in-service experience

.2 approved training ship experi-

ence

.3 approved simulator training,

where appropriate

The methods of measuring the

load capacity of the generators

and motors are in accordance

with technical specifications

Performance levels are in accord-

ance with technical specifications

Maintain safety of

equipment, sys-

tems and services

Safety of equipment, systems and

services is in accordance with

manufacturers safety guidelines

and shipboard instructions, legis-

lative and safety specifications.

Diagnose faults,

maintain and

restore electrical

power, electronic

and control

equipment to

operating condi-

tion

Understand and diagnose the

underlaying cause of malfunc-

tions in electrical power, elec-

tronic and control systems and

equipment

Examination and assessment of

evidence obtained from one or

more of the following:

.1 approved in-service experience

.2 approved training ship experi-

ence

.3 approved simulator training,

where appropriate

.4 approved laboratory equipment

training

Maintenance activities are cor-

rectly planned in accordance with

technical, legislative, safety and

procedural specifications

The effect of malfunctions on

associated plant and systems is

accurately identified, ship’s tech-

nical drawings are correctly in-

terpreted, measuring and calibrat-

ing instruments are correctly used

and actions taken are justified

Diagnose faults,

maintain and

restore navigation

and communica-

tion equipment to

operating condi-

tion

Understand and diagnose the

underlaying cause of malfunc-

tions in navigation and communi-

cation systems and equipment

Examination and assessment of

evidence obtained from one or

more of the following:

.1 approved in-service experience

.2 approved training ship experi-

ence

.3 approved simulator training,

where appropriate

The methods of comparing actual

operating conditions are in ac-

cordance with recommended

practices and procedures

Actions and decisions are in

accordance with recommended

operating specifications and

limitations

Operate, maintain

and manage power

systems in excess

of 1000 Volts

Theoretical knowledge:

High voltage technology

Safety precautions and proce-

dures

Electrical propulsion of the ships,

electrical motors and control sys-

tems

Practical knowledge:

Safe operation and maintenance

of high voltage systems including

knowledge of the special tech-

nical type of high voltage systems

and the danger resulting from op-

erational voltage of more than

1000 V

Examination and assessment of

evidence obtained from one or

more of the following:

.1 approved in-service experience

.2 approved training ship experi-

ence

.3 approved simulator training,

where appropriate

.4 approved laboratory equipment

training

Operations are planned and car-

ried out in accordance with estab-

lished rules and procedures to en-

sure safety of operations

117

Function: controlling the operation of the ship and care for persons on board at the management level

Plan and schedule

operations

Knowledge of:

.1 computer-based management

systems of periodical mainte-

nance and repairs

.2 preparations for dry docking

and shipyard repairs and mainte-

nance

3. class requirements

Examination and assessment of

evidence obtained from one or

more of the following:

.1 approved in-service experience

.2 approved training ship

experience

.3 approved simulator training,

where appropriate

The planning and preparation of

operations is suited to the design

parameters of the power installa-

tion and to the requirements of

the voyage

Monitor and

control compliance

with legislative

requirements and

measures relating

to electrical and

electronic equip-

ment and systems

to ensure safety of

life at sea and

protection of the

marine environ-

ment

Knowledge of relevant interna-

tional maritime law embodied in

international agreements and

conventions

Regard shall be paid especially to

the following subjects:

.1 certificates and other docu-

ments required to be carried on

board ships by international con-

ventions, how they may be ob-

tained and the period of their le-

gal validity

.2 responsibilities under the rele-

vant requirements of the Interna-

tional Convention for the Safety

of Life at Sea

.3 responsibilities under the In-

ternational Convention for the

Prevention of Pollution from

Ships

.4 maritime declarations of health

and the requirements of the Inter-

national Health Regulations

.5 responsibilities under interna-

tional instruments affecting the

safety of the ships, passengers,

crew or cargo

.6 methods and aids to prevent

pollution of the environment by

ships

.7 knowledge of national legisla-

tion for implementing interna-

tional agreements and conven-

tions

Examination and assessment of

evidence obtained from one or

more of the following:

.1 approved in-service experience

.2 approved training ship

experience

.3 approved simulator training,

where appropriate

Procedures for monitoring opera-

tions and maintenance comply

with legislative requirements

Potential non-compliance is

promptly and fully identified

Requirements for renewal and

extension of certificates ensure

continued validity of survey

items and equipment

118

5 FINAL REMARKS

Proposal of amendments to the STCW Convention

and its Code establishing international qualification

standards for electro-technical officers described in

this paper was a result of the Intersessional Working

Group meeting in September 2008, next presented

during the 40

session of the IMO STW Sub-

Committee, regarding the comprehensive review of

the STCW Convention and Code, scheduled from 02

to 06 February 2009.

In the meantime, between the Intersessional

Working Group meeting on the STW issues some

new documents related to the discussed matter ap-

peared, like STW 40/7/54 submitted by Japan, STW

40/7/56 submitted by Denmark and STW 40/7/17

submitted by Germany.

Finally, three options for further considerations

are at the table: the first one concerning two-level

electro-technical officers standards, including ETO

and SETO levels, the second option presented by the

Germany, supported by USA, consisting of two-

level electric / electronic staff understood as electro-

technical officer and able seafarer electro-

engineering, and the third option - all electric / elec-

tronic duties belong to and are realized by marine

engineers (Denmark and Japan). The further steps of

the procedure will be oriented for looking for the

best solution and compromise proposal possible to

accept by the majority of IMO member states.

REFERENCES

[1] STW 40/7/3, STW 40/7/4, STW 40/7/6 - Working docu-

ments at the 40

session of the Sub-Committee on Stand-

ards and Watchkeeping, which support the ETO and SETO

concept, IMO, London, 2009

[2] STCW 95, STCW Convention, Resolution of the STCW

Conference and STCW Code, IMO, London, 1996

[3] Wyszkowski J., Mindykowski J., Wawruch R., “Develop-

ment of the qualification standards for electrotechnical of-

ficers (ETO)” Proc. of the XI Maritime Conference, Gdy-

nia, 2008 (MarCon 2008), CD-ROM, pp.1-9

[4] “Are engineers getting the electrical training they need?”

Marine Engineering Review, March 2006, p.35-36

[5] Orderbook: New Ships and Counting, Cruise Industry

News Quarterly: Fall 2008

[6] STW 40/7/17, STW 40/7/54, STW 40/7/56 - Working doc-

uments at the 40

session of the Sub-Committee on Stand-

ards and Watchkeeping, which do not support two-levels

ETO concept, IMO, London, 2009