STCW Code Table A-II/3

Specification of minimum standard of competence for officers in charge of

a navigational watch and for masters on ships of less than 500 gross tonnage engaged on

near-coastal voyages

Ref: https://www.edumaritime.net/stcw-code

Source: http://www.imo.org

Function:

Column 1

Navigation at the operational level

Column 2

Column 3

Column 4

Competence

Knowledge, understanding

and proficiency

Methods for

demonstrating

Criteria for

evaluating competence

competence

Plan and conduct a Navigation

coastal passage and

determine position Ability to determine the

Examination and

assessment of evidence nautical charts and

obtained from one or publications is relevant,

Information obtained from

ship’s position by the use of: more of the following: interpreted correctly and

properly applied

Note: Training and

assessment in the use

of ECDIS is not

required for those

who serve exclusively

on ships not fitted

with ECDIS. These

limitations shall be

reflected in the

.1 landmarks

.1 approved in-service

experience

The primary method of fixing

.2 aids to navigation,

the ship’s position is the most

.2 approved training

ship experience

including lighthouses,

appropriate to the prevailing

beacons and buoys

circumstances and conditions

.3 dead reckoning, taking .3 approved simulator The position is determined

endorsement issued to

the seafarer

concerned

into account winds,

tides, currents and

estimated speed

training, where

appropriate

within the limits of acceptable

instrument/system errors

.4 approved laboratory The reliability of the

equipment training information obtained from the

primary method of position

using: chart catalogues, fixing is checked at

charts, nautical

appropriate intervals

publications, radio

navigational warnings, Calculations and

sextant, azimuth mirror, measurements of navigational

electronic navigation

information are accurate

Thorough knowledge of and equipment,

ability to use nautical charts echo-sounding

Charts and publications

selected are the largest scale

equipment, compass

and publications, such as

sailing directions, tide tables,

notices to mariners, radio

navigational warnings and

on board suitable for the area

of navigation and charts are

corrected in accordance with

the latest information

ships’ routeing information

available

Reporting in accordance

with General Principles for

Ship Reporting Systems and

with VTS procedures

Note: This item is only

required for certification as

master

- 2 -

Table A-II/3

Column 1

Column 2

Column 3

Column 4

Competence

Knowledge, understanding

and proficiency

Methods for

demonstrating

Criteria for

evaluating competence

competence

Plan and conduct a Voyage planning and

coastal passage and navigation for all conditions

determine position by acceptable methods of

(continued)

plotting coastal tracks,

taking into account, e.g.:

.1 restricted waters

.2 meteorological

conditions

.3 ice

.4 restricted visibility

.5 traffic separation

schemes

.6 vessel traffic service

(VTS) areas

.7 areas of extensive tidal

effects

Note: This item is only

required for certification as

master

Thorough knowledge of and Examination and

ability to use ECDIS assessment of evidence

obtained from one or

more of the following:

.1 approved training

ship experience

.2 approved ECDIS

simulator training

Table A-II/3

- 3 -

Column 1

Column 2

Column 3

Column 4

Competence

Knowledge, understanding

and proficiency

Methods for

demonstrating

Criteria for

evaluating competence

competence

Plan and conduct a Navigational aids and

coastal passage and equipment

determine position

Assessment of evidence Performance checks and tests

obtained from approved of navigation systems comply

radar simulator

with manufacturer’s

(continued)

Ability to operate safely and

determine the ship’s position

by use of all navigational

aids and equipment

recommendations, good

navigational practice and

IMO resolutions on

performance standards for

navigational equipment

commonly fitted on board

the ships concerned

Interpretation and analysis of

information obtained from

radar is in accordance with

accepted navigational practice

and takes account of the

limits and accuracy levels of

radar

Compasses

Knowledge of the errors and

corrections of magnetic

compasses

Errors in magnetic compasses

are determined and applied

correctly to courses and

bearings

Ability to determine errors

of the compass, using

terrestrial means, and to

allow for such errors

Automatic pilot

Knowledge of automatic

pilot systems and

procedures; change-over

from manual to automatic

control and vice versa;

adjustment of controls for

Selection of the mode of

steering is the most suitable

for prevailing weather, sea

and traffic conditions and

intended manoeuvres

optimum performance

Meteorology

Ability to use and interpret

information obtained from

shipborne meteorological

Measurements and

observations of weather

conditions are accurate and

instruments

appropriate to the passage

Knowledge of the

characteristics of the various

weather systems, reporting

procedures and recording

systems

Ability to apply the

meteorological information

available

Meteorological information is

evaluated and applied to

maintain the safe passage of

the vessel

- 4 -

Table A-II/3

Column 1

Column 2

Column 3

Column 4

Competence

Knowledge, understanding

and proficiency

Methods for

demonstrating

Criteria for

evaluating competence

competence

Maintain a safe

Watchkeeping

Examination and

The conduct, handover and

navigational watch

assessment of evidence relief of the watch conforms

obtained from one or with accepted principles and

more of the following: procedures

Thorough knowledge of

content, application and

intent of the International

Regulations for Preventing

Collisions at Sea, 1972, as

amended

.1 approved in-service A proper look-out is

experience

maintained at all times and in

conformity with accepted

principles and procedures

.2 approved training

ship experience

Knowledge of content of the

Principles to be observed in

Lights, shapes and sound

keeping a navigational watch .3 approved simulator signals conform with the

training, where

appropriate

requirements contained in the

International Regulations for

Preventing Collisions at

Use of routeing in

accordance with the General

Provisions on Ships’

.4 approved laboratory Sea, 1972, as amended and

Routeing

equipment training are correctly recognized

Use of reporting in

accordance with the General

Principles for Ship

Reporting Systems and with

VTS procedures

The frequency and extent of

monitoring of traffic, the ship

and the environment conform

with accepted principles and

procedures

Action to avoid close

encounters and collision with

other vessels is in accordance

with the International

Regulations for Preventing

Collisions at Sea, 1972, as

amended

Decisions to adjust course

and/or speed are both timely

and in accordance with

accepted navigation

procedures

A proper record is maintained

of movements and activities

relating to the navigation of

the ship

Responsibility for safe

navigation is clearly defined

at all times, including periods

when the master is on the

bridge and when under

pilotage

Table A-II/3

- 5 -

Column 1

Column 2

Column 3

Column 4

Competence

Knowledge, understanding

and proficiency

Methods for

demonstrating

Criteria for

evaluating competence

competence

Respond to

emergencies

Emergency procedures,

including:

Examination and

assessment of evidence emergency is promptly

The type and scale of the

obtained from one or

more of the following:

identified

.1 precautions for the

protection and safety of

Initial actions and, if

passengers in emergency .1 approved in-service appropriate, manoeuvring are

situations

experience

in accordance with

contingency plans and are

appropriate to the urgency of

the situation and the nature of

.2 initial assessment of

damage and damage

.2 approved training

ship experience

control

the emergency

.3 approved simulator

training, where

appropriate

.3 action to be taken

following a collision

.4 action to be taken

following a grounding

.4 practical instruction

In addition, the following

material should be included

for certification as master:

.1 emergency steering

.2 arrangements for towing

and for being taken in

tow

.3 rescuing persons from

the sea

.4 assisting a vessel in

distress

.5 appreciation of the

action to be taken when

emergencies arise in

port

Respond to a

distress signal at

sea

Search and rescue

Examination and

The distress or emergency

assessment of evidence signal is immediately

obtained from practical recognized

instruction or approved

Knowledge of the contents

of the International

Aeronautical and Maritime simulator training,

Contingency plans and

instructions in standing orders

are implemented and

complied with

Search and Rescue

(IAMSAR) Manual

where appropriate

- 6 -

Table A-II/3

Column 1

Column 2

Column 3

Column 4

Competence

Knowledge, understanding

and proficiency

Methods for

demonstrating

Criteria for

evaluating competence

competence

Manoeuvre the ship Ship manoeuvring and

Examination and

Safe operating limits of ship

and operate small

ship power plants

handling

assessment of evidence propulsion, steering and

obtained from one or power systems are not

Knowledge of factors

affecting safe manoeuvring

and handling

more of the following: exceeded in normal

manoeuvres

.1 approved in-service

experience

Adjustments made to the

ship’s course and speed

maintain safety of navigation

The operation of small ship

power plants and auxiliaries .2 approved training

ship experience

Proper procedures for

Plant, auxiliary machinery

anchoring and mooring

.3 approved simulator and equipment is operated in

training, where

appropriate

accordance with technical

specifications and within safe

operating limits at all times

Table A-II/3

Function:

Column 1

- 7 -

Cargo handling and stowage at the operational level

Column 2

Column 3

Column 4

Competence Knowledge, understanding

and proficiency

Methods for

demonstrating

Criteria for

evaluating competence

competence

Monitor the

loading,

stowage,

securing and

unloading of

cargoes and

their care

during the

voyage

Cargo handling, stowage and Examination and

Cargo operations are carried

out in accordance with the

cargo plan or other documents

and established safety

rules/regulations, equipment

operating instructions and

shipboard stowage limitations

securing

assessment of evidence

obtained from one or

Knowledge of safe handling, more of the following:

stowage and securing of

cargoes, including dangerous, .1 approved in-service

hazardous and harmful

cargoes, and their effect on

the safety of life and of the

ship

experience

.2 approved training ship The handling of dangerous,

experience

hazardous and harmful cargoes

complies with international

regulations and recognized

standards and codes of safe

Use of the International

Maritime Dangerous Goods

.3 approved simulator

training, where

(IMDG) Code

appropriate

practice

Function:

Column 1

Controlling the operation of the ship and care for persons on board at the

operational level

Column 2

Column 3

Column 4

Competence Knowledge, understanding

and proficiency

Methods for

demonstrating

Criteria for

evaluating competence

competence

Ensure

compliance

Prevention of pollution of the Examination and

Procedures for monitoring

shipboard operations and

marine environment and

assessment of evidence

with pollution- anti-pollution procedures

obtained from one or more ensuring compliance with

prevention

requirements

of the following:

MARPOL requirements are

fully observed

Knowledge of the

precautions to be taken to

prevent pollution of the

.1 approved in-service

experience

marine environment

.2 approved training ship

experience

Anti-pollution procedures

and all associated equipment

- 8 -

Table A-II/3

Column 1

Column 2

Column 3

Column 4

Competence Knowledge, understanding

and proficiency

Methods for

demonstrating

Criteria for

evaluating competence

competence

Maintain

Ship stability

Examination and

The stability conditions

seaworthiness

of the ship

assessment of evidence

obtained from one or more stability criteria under all

comply with the IMO intact

Working knowledge and

application of stability, trim of the following:

and stress tables, diagrams

conditions of loading

and stress-calculating

equipment

.1 approved in-service

experience

Actions to ensure and

maintain the watertight

integrity of the ship are in

Understanding of

.2 approved training ship accordance with accepted

fundamental actions to be

taken in the event of partial

loss of intact buoyancy

experience

practice

.3 approved simulator

training, where

Understanding of the

fundamentals of watertight

integrity

appropriate

.4 approved laboratory

equipment training

Ship construction

General knowledge of the

principal structural members

of a ship and the proper

names for the various parts

Prevent,

Fire prevention and

fire-fighting appliances

Assessment of evidence

obtained from approved

fire-fighting training and

The type and scale of the

problem is promptly identified

and initial actions conform

with the emergency procedure

and contingency plans for the

ship

control and

fight fires on

board

Ability to organize fire drills experience as set out in

section A-VI/3

Knowledge of classes and

chemistry of fire

Evacuation, emergency

Knowledge of fire-fighting

systems

shutdown and isolation

procedures are appropriate to

the nature of the emergency

and are implemented promptly

Understanding of action to be

taken in the event of fire,

including fires involving oil

systems

The order of priority, and the

levels and time-scales of

making reports and informing

personnel on board, are

relevant to the nature of the

emergency and reflect the

urgency of the problem

Table A-II/3

- 9 -

Column 1

Column 2

Column 3

Column 4

Competence Knowledge, understanding

and proficiency

Methods for

demonstrating

Criteria for

evaluating competence

competence

Operate

life-saving

appliances

Life-saving

Assessment of evidence

obtained from approved

Actions in responding to

abandon ship and survival

Ability to organize abandon training and experience as situations are appropriate to the

ship drills and knowledge of set out in section A-VI/2, prevailing circumstances and

the operation of survival craft paragraphs 1 to 4

and rescue boats, their

launching appliances and

conditions and comply with

accepted safety practices and

standards

arrangements, and their

equipment, including radio

life-saving appliances,

satellite EPIRBs, SARTs,

immersion suits and thermal

protective aids

Apply medical Medical aid

Assessment of evidence

obtained from approved

training as set out in

The identification of probable

cause, nature and extent of

injuries or conditions is prompt

and treatment minimizes

first aid on

board ship

Practical application of

medical guides and advice by section A-VI/4,

radio, including the ability to paragraphs 1 to 3

take effective action based on

such knowledge in the case

immediate threat to life

of accidents or illnesses that

are likely to occur on board

ship

Monitor

compliance

Basic working knowledge of Assessment of evidence

the relevant IMO conventions obtained from

Legislative requirements

relating to safety of life at sea,

with legislative concerning safety of life at

examination or approved security and protection of the

requirements

sea, security and protection

training

marine environment are

of the marine environment

correctly identified

Contribute to Knowledge of personal

Assessment of evidence

obtained from approved

Appropriate safety and

protective equipment is

the safety of

survival techniques

personnel and

ship

training and experiences correctly used

Knowledge of fire prevention

and ability to fight and

extinguish fires

as set out in

section A-VI/1,

paragraph 2

Procedures and safe working

practices designed to safeguard

personnel and the ship are

observed at all times

Knowledge of elementary

first aid

Procedures designed to

safeguard the environment are

observed at all times

Knowledge of personal safety

and social responsibilities

Initial and follow-up actions on

becoming aware of an

emergency conform with

established emergency

response procedures

\