STCW Code Table A-II/1

Specification of minimum standard of competence for officers in charge of a

navigational watch on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more
Ref: https://www.edumaritime.net/stcw-code
Source: http://www.imo.org

Function: Navigation at the operational level

Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4

Competence Knowledge, understanding Methods for Criteria for
and proficiency demonstrating evaluating competence
competence
Plan and conduct a Celestial navigation Examination and The information obtained
passage and assessment of from nautical charts and
determine position Ability to use celestial evidence obtained publications is relevant,
bodies to determine the from one or more of interpreted correctly and
ship’s position the following: properly applied. All
potential navigational
Terrestrial and coastal .1 approved hazards are accurately
navigation in-service identified
experience
Ability to determine the The primary method of
ship’s position by use of: .2 approved training fixing the ship’s position is
ship experience the most appropriate to the
.1 landmarks prevailing circumstances
.3 approved and conditions
.2 aids to navigation, simulator training,
including lighthouses, where appropriate The position is determined
beacons and buoys within the limits of
.4 approved acceptable
.3 dead reckoning, taking laboratory instrument/system errors
into account winds, equipment training
tides, currents and The reliability of the
estimated speed using chart catalogues, information obtained from
charts, nautical the primary method of
publications, radio position fixing is checked at
navigational warnings, appropriate intervals
sextant, azimuth
mirror, electronic Calculations and
navigation equipment, measurements of
echo-sounding navigational information are
equipment, compass accurate
Thorough knowledge of and The charts selected are the
ability to use nautical charts, largest scale suitable for the
and publications, such as area of navigation and
sailing directions, tide charts and publications are
tables, notices to mariners, corrected in accordance
radio navigational warnings with the latest information
and ships’ routeing available
information

Electronic systems of
position fixing and
navigation

Source: IMO
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Competence Knowledge, understanding Methods for Criteria for
and proficiency demonstrating evaluating competence
competence
Ability to determine the Performance checks and
ship’s position by use of tests to navigation systems
electronic navigational aids comply with manufacturer’s
recommendations and good
navigational practice
Plan and conduct a Echo-sounders
passage and
determine position Ability to operate the
(continued) equipment and apply the
information correctly

Compass – magnetic and

gyro

Knowledge of the principles

of magnetic and
gyro-compasses
Ability to determine errors Errors in magnetic and
of the magnetic and gyro-compasses are
gyro-compasses, using determined and correctly
celestial and terrestrial applied to courses and
means, and to allow for such bearings
errors
Steering control system
Knowledge of steering The selection of the mode of
control systems, operational steering is the most suitable
procedures and change-over for the prevailing weather,
from manual to automatic sea and traffic conditions
control and vice versa. and intended manoeuvres
Adjustment of controls for
optimum performance
Meteorology
Ability to use and interpret Measurements and
information obtained from observations of weather
shipborne meteorological 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
meteorological information is correctly interpreted and
available applied

Source: IMO
Table A-II/1 -3-

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Competence Knowledge, understanding Methods for Criteria for
and proficiency demonstrating evaluating competence
competence
Maintain a safe Watchkeeping Examination and The conduct, handover and
navigational watch assessment of relief of the watch conforms
Thorough knowledge of the evidence obtained with accepted principles and
content, application and from one or more of procedures
intent of the International the following:
Regulations for Preventing A proper look-out is
Collisions at Sea, 1972, as .1 approved maintained at all times and
amended in-service in such a way as to conform
experience; to accepted principles and
Thorough knowledge of the procedures
Principles to be observed in .2 approved training
keeping a navigational ship experience Lights, shapes and sound
watch signals conform with the
.3 approved requirements contained in
The use of routeing in simulator training, the International
accordance with the General where appropriate Regulations for Preventing
Provisions on Ships’ Collisions at Sea, 1972, as
Routeing .4 approved amended, and are correctly
laboratory
The use of information from equipment training recognized
navigational equipment for The frequency and extent of
maintaining a safe monitoring of traffic, the
navigational watch ship and the environment
conform with accepted
Knowledge of blind pilotage
principles and procedures
techniques
A proper record is
The use of reporting in
maintained of the
accordance with the General
Principles for Ship movements and activities
Reporting Systems and with relating to the navigation of
VTS procedures the ship

Responsibility for the safety

of navigation is clearly
defined at all times,
including periods when the
master is on the bridge and
while under pilotage

Source: IMO
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Competence Knowledge, understanding Methods for Criteria for
and proficiency demonstrating evaluating competence
competence
Maintain a safe Bridge resource Assessment of Resources are allocated and
navigational watch management evidence obtained assigned as needed in
(continued) from one or more of correct priority to perform
Knowledge of bridge the following: necessary tasks
resource management
principles, including: .1 approved training Communication is clearly
and unambiguously given
.1 allocation, assignment, .2 approved and received
and prioritization of in-service
resources experience Questionable decisions
and/or actions result in
.2 effective .3 approved appropriate challenge and
communication simulator training response

.3 assertiveness and Effective leadership

leadership behaviours are identified
.4 obtaining and Team member(s) share
maintaining situational accurate understanding of
awareness current and predicted vessel
state, navigation path, and
.5 consideration of team external environment
experience
Use of radar and Radar navigation Assessment of Information obtained from
ARPA to maintain evidence obtained radar and ARPA is correctly
safety of navigation Knowledge of the from approved radar interpreted and analysed,
fundamentals of radar and simulator and ARPA taking into account the
Note: Training and automatic radar plotting aids simulator plus in- limitations of the equipment
assessment in the use (ARPA) service experience and prevailing
of ARPA is not circumstances and
required for those Ability to operate and to conditions
who serve interpret and analyse
exclusively on ships information obtained from
not fitted with radar, including the
ARPA. This following:
limitation shall be
reflected in the Performance, including:
endorsement issued
to the seafarer .1 factors affecting
concerned performance and
accuracy

.2 setting up and
maintaining displays

.3 detection of
misrepresentation of
information, false
echoes, sea return, etc.,
racons and SARTs

Source: IMO
Table A-II/1 -5-

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Competence Knowledge, understanding Methods for Criteria for
and proficiency demonstrating evaluating competence
competence
Use of radar and Use, including: Action taken to avoid a
ARPA to maintain close encounter or collision
safety of navigation .1 range and bearing; with other vessels is in
(continued) course and speed of accordance with the
other ships; time and International Regulations
Note: Training and distance of closest for Preventing Collisions at
assessment in the use approach of crossing, Sea, 1972, as amended
of ARPA is not meeting overtaking
required for those ships Decisions to amend course
who serve and/or speed are both timely
exclusively on ships .2 identification of critical and in accordance with
not fitted with echoes; detecting course accepted navigation practice
ARPA. This and speed changes of
limitation shall be other ships; effect of Adjustments made to the
reflected in the changes in own ship’s ship’s course and speed
endorsement issued course or speed or both maintain safety of
to the seafarer navigation
concerned .3 application of the
International Communication is clear,
Regulations for concise and acknowledged
Preventing Collisions at at all times in a seamanlike
Sea, 1972, as amended manner

.4 plotting techniques and Manoeuvring signals are

relative- and true- made at the appropriate time
motion concepts and are in accordance with
the International
.5 parallel indexing Regulations
for Preventing Collisions
at Sea, 1972, as amended

Source: IMO
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Competence Knowledge, understanding Methods for Criteria for
and proficiency demonstrating evaluating competence
competence
Use of radar and Principal types of ARPA,
ARPA to maintain their display characteristics,
safety of navigation performance standards and
(continued) the dangers of over-reliance
on ARPA
Note: Training and
assessment in the use Ability to operate and to
of ARPA is not interpret and analyse
required for those information obtained from
who serve ARPA, including:
exclusively on ships .1 system performance and
not fitted with accuracy, tracking
ARPA. This capabilities and
limitation shall be limitations, and
reflected in the processing delays
endorsement issued
to the seafarer .2 use of operational
concerned warnings and system
tests
.3 methods of target
acquisition and their
limitations
.4 true and relative vectors,
graphic representation
of target information
and danger areas
.5 deriving and analysing
information, critical
echoes, exclusion areas
and trial manoeuvres
Use of ECDIS to Navigation using ECDIS Examination and Monitors information on
maintain the safety of Knowledge of the capability assessment of ECDIS in a manner that
navigation evidence obtained contributes to safe
and limitations of ECDIS
from one or more of navigation
Note: Training and operations, including:
the following:
assessment in the use .1 a thorough Information obtained from
of ECDIS is not
understanding of .1 approved training ECDIS (including radar
required for those
Electronic Navigational ship experience overlay and/or radar
who serve
Chart (ENC) data, data tracking functions, when
exclusively on ships
accuracy, presentation .2 approved ECDIS fitted) is correctly
not fitted with
rules, display options simulator training interpreted and analysed,
ECDIS and other chart data taking into account the
formats limitations of the
These limitations
equipment, all connected
shall be reflected in .2 the dangers of
sensors (including radar and
the endorsements over-reliance
AIS where interfaced), and
issued to the seafarer
prevailing circumstances
concerned .3 familiarity with the
and conditions
functions of ECDIS

Source: IMO
Table A-II/1 - 7-

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Competence Knowledge, understanding Methods for Criteria for
and proficiency demonstrating evaluating competence
competence
required by performance
standards in force
Proficiency in operation,
interpretation, and analysis Safety of navigation is
of information obtained maintained through
from ECDIS, including: adjustments made to the
ship’s course and speed
.1 use of functions that are
through ECDIS-controlled
integrated with other
track-keeping functions
navigation systems in
various installations, (when fitted)
including proper
Communication is clear,
functioning and
concise and acknowledged
adjustment to desired
at all times in a seamanlike
settings
manner
.2 safe monitoring and
adjustment of
information, including
own position, sea area
display, mode and
orientation, chart data
displayed, route
monitoring, user-created
information layers,
contacts (when
interfaced with AIS
and/or radar tracking)
and radar overlay
functions (when
interfaced)
.3 confirmation of vessel
position by alternative
means
.4 efficient use of settings
to ensure conformance
to operational
procedures, including
alarm parameters for
anti-grounding,
proximity to contacts
and special areas,
completeness of chart
data and chart update
status, and backup
arrangements
.5 adjustment of settings
and values to suit the
present conditions

Source: IMO
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Competence Knowledge, understanding Methods for Criteria for
and proficiency demonstrating evaluating competence
competence
Use of ECDIS to .6 situational awareness
maintain the safety of while using ECDIS
navigation including safe water and
(continued) proximity of hazards,
set and drift, chart data
and scale selection,
suitability of route,
contact detection and
management, and
integrity of sensors
Respond to Emergency procedures Examination and The type and scale of the
emergencies assessment of emergency is promptly
Precautions for the evidence obtained identified
protection and safety of from one or more of
passengers in emergency the following: Initial actions and, if
situations appropriate, manoeuvring of
.1 approved the ship are in accordance
Initial action to be taken in-service with contingency plans and
following a collision or a experience are appropriate to the
grounding; initial damage urgency of the situation and
assessment and control .2 approved training nature of the emergency
ship experience
Appreciation of the
procedures to be followed .3 approved
for rescuing persons from simulator training,
the sea, assisting a ship in where appropriate
distress, responding to
emergencies which arise in .4 practical training
port
Respond to a distress Search and rescue Examination and The distress or emergency
signal at sea assessment of signal is immediately
Knowledge of the contents evidence obtained recognized
of the International from practical
Aeronautical and Maritime instruction or Contingency plans and
Search and Rescue approved simulator instructions in standing
(IAMSAR) Manual training, where orders are implemented and
appropriate complied with

Source: IMO
Table A-II/1 -9-

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Competence Knowledge, understanding Methods for Criteria for

and proficiency demonstrating evaluating competence
competence
Use the IMO English language Examination and English language nautical
Standard Marine assessment of evidence publications and messages
Adequate knowledge of the
Communication obtained from practical relevant to the safety of the
English language to enable
Phrases and use instruction ship are correctly interpreted
the officer to use charts and
English in written other nautical publications, or drafted
and oral form to understand meteorological
Communications are clear and
information and messages
concerning ship’s safety and understood
operation, to communicate
with other ships, coast
stations and VTS centres and
to perform the officer’s
duties also with a
multilingual crew, including
the ability to use and
understand the IMO
Standard Marine
Communication Phrases
(IMO SMCP)
Transmit and Visual signalling Assessment of evidence Communications within the
receive obtained from practical operator’s area of
information by Ability to use the instruction and/or responsibility are consistently
visual signalling International Code of Signals simulation successful

Ability to transmit and

receive, by Morse light,
distress signal SOS as
specified in Annex IV of the
International Regulations
for Preventing Collisions
at Sea, 1972, as amended,
and appendix 1 of the
International Code of
Signals, and visual
signalling of single-letter
signals as also specified in
the International Code of
Signals

Source: IMO
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Competence Knowledge, understanding Methods for Criteria for

and proficiency demonstrating evaluating competence
competence
Manoeuvre the Ship manoeuvring and Examination and Safe operating limits of ship
ship handling assessment of evidence propulsion, steering and power
obtained from one or systems are not exceeded in
Knowledge of: more of the following: normal manoeuvres

.1 the effects of .1 approved in-service Adjustments made to the

deadweight, draught, experience ship’s course and speed to
trim, speed and maintain safety of navigation
under-keel clearance on .2 approved training
turning circles and ship experience
stopping distances
.3 approved simulator
.2 the effects of wind and training, where
current on ship handling appropriate

.3 manoeuvres and .4 approved training on

procedures for the rescue a manned scale ship
of person overboard model, where
appropriate
.4 squat, shallow-water and
similar effects

.5 proper procedures for

anchoring and mooring

Source: IMO
Table A-II/1 - 11 -

Function: Cargo handling and stowage at the operational level

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Competence Knowledge, understanding Methods for Criteria for
and proficiency demonstrating evaluating competence
competence
Monitor the Cargo handling, stowage Examination and Cargo operations are carried
loading, stowage, and securing assessment of evidence out in accordance with the
securing, care obtained from one or cargo plan or other
during the voyage Knowledge of the effect of more of the following: documents and established
and the unloading cargo, including heavy lifts, safety rules/regulations,
of cargoes on the seaworthiness and .1 approved in-service equipment operating
stability of the ship experience instructions and shipboard
stowage limitations
Knowledge of safe handling, .2 approved training
stowage and securing of ship experience The handling of dangerous,
cargoes, including dangerous, hazardous and harmful
hazardous and harmful .3 approved simulator cargoes complies with
cargoes, and their effect on training, where international regulations and
the safety of life and of the appropriate recognized standards and
ship codes of safe practice
Ability to establish and Communications are clear,
maintain effective understood and consistently
communications during successful
loading and unloading
*
Inspect and report Knowledge and ability to Examination and The inspections are carried
defects and explain where to look for assessment of evidence out in accordance with
damage to cargo damage and defects most obtained from one or laid-down procedures, and
spaces, hatch commonly encountered due more of the following: defects and damage are
covers and ballast to: detected and properly
tanks .1 approved in-service reported
.1 loading and unloading experience
operations Where no defects or damage
.2 approved training are detected, the evidence
.2 corrosion ship experience from testing and examination
clearly indicates adequate
.3 severe weather .3 approved simulator competence in adhering to
conditions training, where procedures and ability to
appropriate distinguish between normal
Ability to state which parts and defective or damaged
of the ship shall be inspected parts of the ship
each time in order to cover
all parts within a given
period of time

Identify those elements of

the ship structure which are
critical to the safety of the
ship

It should be understood that deck officers need not be qualified in the survey of ships.

Source: IMO
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Competence Knowledge, understanding Methods for Criteria for
and proficiency demonstrating evaluating competence
competence
Inspect and report State the causes of corrosion
defects and in cargo spaces and ballast
damage to cargo tanks and how corrosion can
spaces, hatch be identified and prevented
covers and ballast
tanks Knowledge of procedures on
(continued) how the inspections shall be
carried out

Ability to explain how to

ensure reliable detection of
defects and damages

Understanding of the
purpose of the “enhanced
survey programme”

Source: IMO
Table A-II/1 - 13 -

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

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Competence Knowledge, understanding Methods for Criteria for
and proficiency demonstrating evaluating competence
competence
Ensure Prevention of pollution of the Examination and Procedures for monitoring
compliance with marine environment and assessment of evidence shipboard operations and
pollution- anti-pollution procedures obtained from one or ensuring compliance with
prevention more of the following: MARPOL requirements
requirements Knowledge of the precautions are fully observed
to be taken to prevent pollution .1 approved in-service
of the marine environment experience Actions to ensure that a
positive environmental
Anti-pollution procedures and .2 approved training reputation is maintained
all associated equipment ship experience

Importance of proactive .3 approved training

measures to protect the marine
environment
Maintain Ship stability Examination and The stability conditions
seaworthiness of assessment of evidence comply with the IMO
the ship Working knowledge and obtained from one or intact stability criteria
application of stability, trim and more of the following: under all conditions of
stress tables, diagrams and loading
stress-calculating equipment .1 approved in-service
experience Actions to ensure and
Understanding of fundamental maintain the watertight
actions to be taken in the event .2 approved training integrity of the ship are in
of partial loss of intact ship experience accordance with accepted
buoyancy practice
.3 approved simulator
Understanding of the training, where
fundamentals of watertight appropriate
integrity
.4 approved
Ship construction laboratory
equipment training
General knowledge of the
principal structural members of
a ship and the proper names for
the various parts

Prevent, control Fire prevention and Assessment of evidence The type and scale of the
and fight fires on fire-fighting appliances obtained from approved problem is promptly
board fire-fighting training identified and initial
Ability to organize fire drills and experience as set actions conform with the
out in section A-VI/3 emergency procedure and
Knowledge of classes and contingency plans for the
chemistry of fire ship

Knowledge of fire-fighting Evacuation, emergency

systems shutdown and isolation

Source: IMO
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Competence Knowledge, understanding Methods for Criteria for
and proficiency demonstrating evaluating competence
competence
procedures are appropriate
to the nature of the
Knowledge of action to be emergency and are
taken in the event of fire, implemented promptly
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
Operate Life-saving Assessment of evidence Actions in responding to
life-saving obtained from approved abandon ship and survival
appliances Ability to organize abandon training and experience situations are appropriate
ship drills and knowledge of the as set out in section to the prevailing
operation of survival craft and A-VI/2, paragraphs 1 to circumstances and
rescue boats, their launching 4 conditions and comply
appliances and arrangements, with accepted safety
and their equipment, including practices and standards
radio life-saving appliances,
satellite EPIRBs, SARTs,
immersion suits and thermal
protective aids
Apply medical Medical aid Assessment of evidence The identification of
first aid on board obtained from approved probable cause, nature and
ship Practical application of medical training as set out in extent of injuries or
guides and advice by radio, section A-VI/4, conditions is prompt and
including the ability to take paragraphs 1 to 3 treatment minimizes
effective action based on such immediate threat to life
knowledge in the case of
accidents or illnesses that are
likely to occur on board ship
Monitor Basic working knowledge of the Assessment of evidence Legislative requirements
compliance with relevant IMO conventions obtained from relating to safety of life at
legislative concerning safety of life at sea, examination or sea, security and protection
requirements security and protection of the approved training of the marine environment
marine environment are correctly identified

Source: IMO
Table A-II/1 - 15-

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Competence Knowledge, understanding Methods for Criteria for
and proficiency demonstrating evaluating competence
competence
Application of Working knowledge of Assessment of evidence The crew are allocated
leadership and shipboard personnel obtained from one or duties and informed of
teamworking management and training more of the following: expected standards of
skills work and behaviour in a
A knowledge of related .1 approved training manner appropriate to the
international maritime .2 approved in-service individuals concerned
conventions and experience
recommendations, and national Training objectives and
legislation .3 practical activities are based on
demonstration assessment of current
Ability to apply task and competence and
workload management, capabilities and
including: operational requirements
.1 planning and co-ordination Operations are
.2 personnel assignment demonstrated to be in
accordance with applicable
.3 time and resource rules
constraints
.4 prioritization

Knowledge and ability to apply Operations are planned

effective resource management: and resources are allocated
as needed in correct
.1 allocation, assignment, and priority to perform
prioritization of resources necessary tasks

.2 effective communication Communication is clearly

onboard and ashore and unambiguously given
and received
.3 decisions reflect
consideration of team Effective leadership
experiences behaviours are
demonstrated
.4 assertiveness and leadership,
including motivation Necessary team member(s)
share accurate
.5 obtaining and maintaining understanding of current
situational awareness and predicted vessel status
and operational status and
external environment

Decisions are most

effective for the situation

Source: IMO
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Competence Knowledge, understanding Methods for Criteria for
and proficiency demonstrating evaluating competence
competence
Application of Knowledge and ability to apply
leadership and decision-making techniques:
teamworking
skills (continued) .1 situation and risk
assessment

.2 identify and consider

generated options

.3 selecting course of action

.4 evaluation of outcome
effectiveness
Contribute to the Knowledge of personal survival Assessment of evidence Appropriate safety and
safety of techniques obtained from approved protective equipment is
personnel and training and experience correctly used
ship Knowledge of fire prevention as set out in section
and ability to fight and A-VI/1, paragraph 2 Procedures and safe
extinguish fires working practices designed
to safeguard personnel and
Knowledge of elementary first the ship are observed at all
aid times

Knowledge of personal safety Procedures designed to

and social responsibilities safeguard the environment
are observed at all times

Initial and follow-up

action on becoming aware
of an emergency conforms
with established
emergency response
procedures

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