The following is the text of a press release issued by the International Shipping Federation:
(LONDON) — Maritime safety and environmental protection depends on capable deck officers says the International Shipping Federation (ISF) which has updated its widely-used On Board Training Record Book for Deck Cadets, to meet latest requirements governing seafarers’ training.
ISF Secretary General, Peter Hinchliffe explained: “The competence of deck officers is critical to safety and environmental protection. The updated ISF Book enables cadets and their companies to monitor and evaluate their on board training in a structured manner in accordance with the new STCW Convention requirements.”
New regulations set out in the 2010 amendments to the IMO STCW Convention controlling seafarers’ training standards came into force in January 2012. Use of a training record book providing evidence of structured on board training is mandatory for trainees seeking to qualify as ships’ officers, and the ISF books are referred to as a model in the footnotes to STCW 2010. The STCW 2010 standards must be applied to new trainees from July 2013.
The revised publication is the third in a series of updated ISF training record books following the recent publication of revised On Board Training Record Books for both Deck and Engine Ratings which address the new STCW grade of Able Seafarer. A revised On Board Training Record Book for Engine Cadets will be published later this year.
The new ISF Book for Deck Cadets contains structured on board training tasks formulated around the revised standards stipulated by STCW 2010, including new competences such as use of Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS), application of leadership and team working skills and proactive measures to protect the marine environment.
As the principal international employers’ organisation for ship operators, representing national shipowners’ associations and some 80% of the world merchant fleet, ISF wishes to ensure that deck cadets make the best use of their seagoing service.
ISF is currently in discussion with the Philippines and other important seafarer supply countries to ensure that use of the ISF Books are approved as a part of their national STCW certification process.
“Many shipping companies are training cadets, across their fleets, from more than one country and it is important that they are able to use a standard international book.” said Mr Hinchliffe.
