The IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) has decided to initiate a review of the STCW Convention and Code that will go through several phases, to be completed by the autumn of 2027.

In particular, IMO has announced a roadmap for the comprehensive review that will start in February 2024. The Organization, as part of the 2010 Manila Amendments, developed standards for training, watchkeeping, and certification for personal safety and social responsibilities. 

Having recognized the need to tackle bullying and harassment in the maritime sector, including sexual assault and sexual harassment (SASH), to ensure a safe workplace, MSC 105 instructed the HTW Sub-Committee to develop and finalize, as a matter of priority, STCW training provisions addressing bullying and harassment in the maritime sector, including SASH.

Find here below a timeline of the key changes that are expected for adoption in the next 4 years during IMO Sub-Committees and IMO MSC.

February 2024: HTW 10 

• Finalize a preliminary list of specific areas identified for review.
• Finalize road map for the comprehensive review of the STCW Convention and Code.
• Agreeing and finalizing a methodology for proposing and considering amendments to the STCW Convention and Code, including the effective date of any amendments, and the time needed to complete necessary updates of the relevant instruments.
• Invite proposals for amendments to the STCW Convention and Code to ISWG-STCW 1, subject to the MSC 108 approval of areas identified and methodology for proposing and considering amendments, as applicable.
• Consideration of the option to convene an intercessional working group (ISWG) or/and a virtual Correspondence Group meeting and agree to ToR.
• Report of HTW 10 to MSC 108

May 2024: MSC 108 

• Approval of the preliminary list of specific areas identified for review.
• Approval of a road map for the comprehensive review of the STCW Convention and Code.
• Approval of a methodology for proposing and considering amendments to the STCW Convention and Code.
• Approval of the convening of ISWG-STCW 1, if applicable

Summer 2024: Council 132

• Approval of the convening of ISWG-STCW 1, if applicable.

ISWG-STCW 1 or virtual CG meeting(s)

• Consideration of proposed amendments.
• Preparation of draft text of amendments.
• Revise the road map if necessary.
• Report of ISWG-STCW 1 to MSC 109 and HTW 11, as applicable.

December 2024: MSC 109

• Instruction to HTW 11 based on outcomes of ISWGSTCW 1 if held before MSC 109, as applicable.
• Consideration of the type of meeting to adopt amendments of the comprehensive review of the STCW Convention and Code.

Spring 2025: HTW 11

• Consideration of the report of the ISWG-STCW 1, if applicable.
• Preparation of draft text of amendments and finalize work of review stage.
• Consideration of the convening of an intercessional working group and agreement to its ToR for ISWG-STCW 2.
• Revise the road map if necessary.
• Report of HTW 11 to MSC 110.

Summer 2025: MSC 110

• Approval of the type of the meeting to adopt amendments to the STCW Convention and Code and recommendation to Council.
• Approval of the convening of ISWG-STCW 2

Summer 2025: Council

• Endorsement of the decision of MSC for the type of meeting to adopt amendments of the comprehensive review of the STCW Convention and Code (extended MSC or diplomatic conference).
• Approval of the convening of ISWG-STCW 2

2025-2026: ISWG-STCW 2

• Start work on targeted revision of STCW Convention and Code.
• Consideration of the proposed amendments.
• Preparation of draft text of amendments.
• Revise the road map if necessary.
• Report of ISWG-STCW 2 to HTW 12.

Spring 2026: HTW 12

• Consideration of the report of the ISWG-STCW 2.
• Preparation of draft text of amendments.
• Consideration of the convening of an intercessional working group and agreement to ToR for ISWG-STCW 3.
• Revise the road map if necessary
• Report of HTW 12 to MSC 111.

2026: MSC 111

• Taking note of the progress of the work on the comprehensive review of the STCW Convention and Code.
• Approval of the convening of ISWG-STCW 3.
• Authorization for HTW 13 to finalize the draft text of amendments for approval with a view to circulation.
• Authorization for HTW 13 to finalize the draft resolutions

2026: Council

• Approval of the convening of ISWG-STCW 3.

2026-2027: ISWG-STCW 3

• Continuing the work on the targeted revision of the STCW Convention and Code.
• Consideration of proposed amendments.
• Preparation of draft text of amendments.
• Preparation of draft resolutions

2026: MSC 112

• Instruction to HTW 13 based on outcomes of ISWGSTCW 3 if it is held before MSC 11

Spring 2027: HTW 13

• Consideration of the report of the ISWG-STCW.3 and instruction by MSC 112, as applicable.
• Finalization of the draft text of amendments of the STCW Convention and Code and the draft resolutions.
• Report of HTW 13 to MSC 113.

2027: MSC 113

• Endorsement of the draft text of amendments to the STCW Convention and Code and the draft resolutions and circulation of the draft text by the procedure set out in the Convention

Autumn 2027: Meeting to adopt amendments

• Holding the meeting to adopt amendments to the comprehensive review of the STCW Convention and Code and the draft resolutions