STCW-F 95 Certification for Fishing Vessel Crew

Understanding STCW-F 95 Standards

STCW-F 1995 is an international convention from the IMO (International Maritime Organization) that specifically sets training, certification, and watchkeeping standards for fishing vessel personnel, to ensure safety in high-risk marine fishing environments.

1. Basic Safety Training

According to Chapter III of the STCW-F convention, all crew members of fishing vessels are required to receive basic safety training before being assigned to sea duty.

Basic Safety Training (BST) Fishing Includes 4 fundamental elements: Personal Survival Techniques, Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting, Elementary First Aid, and Personal Safety.

Basic Familiarization Specific introduction to the layout, location of safety equipment, and mandatory survival instructions on fishing vessels.

Emergency Procedures Specific drills for quick response actions during operational incidents or severe weather hazards at sea.

2. Nautical Competence (Deck - Fishing Vessel)

Chapter II of STCW-F regulates mandatory certification for navigation officers specifically on fishing vessels of 24 meters in length or more.

L ≥ 24m Skipper (Unlimited Area) Full command authority (Captain) on fishing vessels operating in all unlimited water areas.

L ≥ 24m Skipper (Limited Area) Command authority (Captain) for fishing vessels specifically in limited sea navigation areas.

L ≥ 24m Officer in Charge (Mate) Navigation officer responsible for daily watchkeeping duties on the bridge of the vessel.

L < 24m Non-Conventional Vessel Maritime competency regulations for small fishing vessels under 24 meters (regulated by local authorities).

3. Engineering Competence (Engine - Fishing Vessel)

Intended for engineering officers on fishing vessels powered by a main propulsion engine with a power of 750 kW or more.

≥ 750 kW Chief Engineer (C/E) Chief of the Engine Room, fully responsible for the technical aspects of machinery, propulsion, and electrical systems of the vessel.

≥ 750 kW Second Engineer (2nd Engineer) Second-level engineering officer assisting the Chief Engineer and ready to take over emergency command.

Watchkeeping Engineer Officer Engineer assigned to safely carry out routine operations and watchkeeping duties in the engine room.

< 750 kW Limited Capacity Standards for operational technical qualifications for smaller engines adjusted to local sailing policies.

4. Radio Communication Personnel (GMDSS)

Certification required for maritime personnel designated to operate ship radio stations within the framework of maritime safety systems.

GMDSS Radio Operator Personnel certified internationally based on regulations of global maritime safety and distress signaling systems.

Radio Maintenance Skills to maintain, operate, and understand distress transmission protocols (VHF, MF/HF, EPIRB, SART).

5. Watchkeeping & Special Handling Provisions

Chapter IV of STCW-F establishes operational principles that must be adhered to for maintaining safety during navigation and fishing operations.

Navigational Watch Maintaining a safe navigation route while being highly vigilant of weather, markers, and the density of other vessel traffic.

Fishing Gear Operation Safety of the vessel's stability during crew operations of lowering or hauling heavy nets/fishing gear.

Environmental Protection Crew responsibility to comply with regulations preventing marine pollution from fishing residues.

Fatigue Management Management of operational duty time for fishermen/crew to minimize the risk of work accidents due to severe fatigue.