STCW 2010 Manila amendments

  • Improved measures to prevent fraudulent practices associated with certificates of competency and strengthen the evaluation process (monitoring of Parties' compliance with the Convention).
  • Revised requirements on hours of work and rest and new requirements for the prevention of drug and alcohol abuse, as well as updated standards relating to medical fitness standards for seafarers.
  • New certification requirements for able seafarers.
  • New requirements relating to training in modern technology such as electronic charts and information systems (ECDIS).
  • New requirements for marine environment awareness training and training in leadership and teamwork.
  • New training and certification requirements for electro-technical officers.
  • Updating of competence requirements for personnel serving on board all types of tankers, including new requirements for personnel serving on liquefied gas tankers.
  • New requirements for security training, as well as provisions to ensure that seafarers are properly trained to cope if their ship comes under attack by pirates.
  • Introduction of modern training methodology including distance learning and web-based learning.
  • New training guidance for personnel serving on board ships operating in polar waters.
  • New training guidance for personnel operating Dynamic Positioning Systems.

PERSONAL MUSTER CARD

Personal Muster Card - contains information which are useful to crew members in an emergency situation. The following are information in the Personal Muster Card:

Crew number, etc., General Emergency Alarm signal, Fire alarn signal, Abandon ship signal, Muster (assembly) station, Emergency duties.

MUSTER LIST

Muster list must be located in places where it can be easily seen. Muster list tells you the following:


WHO YOU ARE
- Identifies all crews by name, number, rank, or a combination of both number and rank.

WHERE YOU GO - Identifies the muster stations (assembly stations) which are the designated places on the ship that personnel should go upon hearing the general emergency alarm signal.

WHAT TO DO - Either specific duties are assigned, such as preparations of boats, stairway guides etc., or crew will carry out duties as required - dependent on the nature of emergency.

ALARM SIGNALS

General Alarm - Consist of seven (7) or more short blast followed by one (1) long blast on the ship's whistle. (Instruction: Get ready)Boat Alarm - at least (7) short blast followed by one (1) long blast repeated on the ship's whistle. (Instruction: All to attend their station wearing life jacket)

Fire Alarm
- Continous blast of the whistle for a period of not less than 10 seconds followed by continous ringing of the general alarm. (Instruction: All to attend their stations bringing along their assigned fire fighting equipment)
Man Over Board Alarm - the letter "O" sounded at least four times on the ship's whistle followed by the same signal sounded on the fire bells. (Instruction: rescue boat crew to muster station immediately carrying the immersion suit)

ABANDONING SHIP
- The order to abandon ship is never given until the master judges it necessary. The ship is the safest survival craft, but if the ship's condition will put people's lives in great danger, abandoning it will be the best option.