The USCG has recently issued a series of Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circulars (NVICs) to inform about the requirements of STCW Convention. They provide guidelines on STCW endorsements for service as Mate on Offshore Supply Vessels; service as Chief Engineer on Offshore Supply Vessels; service as Master and Chief Mate on Offshore Supply Vessels and; service as Assistant Enfineer and Officer in charge of an engineering watch on Offshore Supply Vessels.
IMO amended the STCW Convention and STCW Code on June 25, 2010. These amendments entered into force for all ratifying countries, including the United States, on January 1, 2012.
The Convention is not self-implementing; therefore, the U.S., as a signatory to the STCW Convention, initiated regulatory changes to ensure full implementation of the amendments to the STCW Convention and STCW Code. The U.S. implements these provisions of the Convention under the authority of the United States Code, Titles 33 and 46. The Coast Guard published a final rule in the Federal Register on December 24, 2013 (78 FR 77796) that implements the STCW Convention and STCW Code, including the 2010 amendments. This rule also made changes to qualification requirements for national endorsements, including those for service on OSVs. This rule became effective on March 24, 2014.
The Coast Guard is publishing the following NVICs to provide guidance on complying with these regulations:
NVIC on STWC endorsements for service as Mate on Offshore Supply Vessels
NVIC on STWC endorsements for service as Chief Engineer on Offshore Supply Vessels
NVIC on STWC endorsements for service as Master and Chief Mate on Offshore Supply Vessels
NVIC on STWC endorsements for service as Assistant Enfineer and Officer in charge of an engineering watch on Offshore Supply Vessels.
Source: USCG