Convention amendments on seafarer certification adopted

On 16 May 2024, the Government discussed the national adoption of convention amendments adopted by the Maritime Safety Committee of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The amendments allow the introduction of electronic certificates of competency for seafarers.

The Government adopted the convention amendments adopted by the Maritime Safety Committee of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The amendments concern the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).

At its 107th session in June 2023, the IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) adopted two resolutions amending the STCW Convention and the related STCW Code. The resolutions enable the introduction of electronic certificates of competency for seafarers.

The amendments to the Convention were circulated for comments between 2 and 19 April 2024.

Next steps

The amendments will enter into force on 1 January 2025. 

The STCW Convention has been negotiated by the IMO and it falls under the exclusive competence of the EU. The amendments do not call for any changes to legislation in Finland. The Ministry of Transport and Communications will issue a notification on their entry into force.

Inquiries: 

Väinö Pitkänen, Senior Officer, [email protected], tel. +358 295 342 127