Piecemeal approach to development of STCW and the consequences - A case for comprehensive review of the current maritime education and training standards

Abstract

A review of a recent research has shown that 25% of the world fleet are responsible for more than 50% of shipping accidents, while the top 25% of the safest ships caused just 7% of all accidents. Another study has reported that improving the quality of the world fleet to the same level as those of the safest 25% could lead to a 72% reduction in accidents. There has not been any investigation as to why some flags are found to be safe or why some are involved in more accidents. This paper reports on the outcome of recent research works which point out the need to bring together the main stakeholders, such as IMO and EMSA, as well as the key sector innovators, in order to review the requirements of the shipping industry. The paper argues for a new set of standards for the education and training of ship officers and ratings. © 2012: The Royal Institution of Naval Architects.