Guidance

MIN 595 (M) - Amendment 3 - Update on Training requirements for those Serving on Ships Subject to International Code of Safety for Ships Using Gases or other Low Flash-point Fuels (IGF), those that Operate in Polar Waters and Passenger Ships

Updated 3 October 2022

This guidance was withdrawn on

This information note has been replaced with MSN 1866 (M) - Amendment 1 - Training Requirements for Seafarers on Tankers, IGF Code Ships, Ships that Operate in Polar Waters and Passenger Ships.

© Crown copyright 2022

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/min-595-training-requirements-for-those-serving-on-ships-subject-to-international-code-of-safety-for-ships-using-gases-or-other-low-flash-point-fuels/min-595-m-amendment-1-update-on-training-requirements-for-those-serving-on-ships-subject-to-international-code-of-safety-for-ships-using-gases-o

Notice to all ship owners, Masters, Officers, Ratings and those concerned with maritime training.

This notice should be read with MSN 1866 and MGN 637

This MIN has been extended and expires 10 January 2023.

Summary

This MIN sets out and explains the regulatory requirements regarding the implementation of training elements applicable under Chapter V of the STCW Convention and Code. It details the training and certification requirements for personnel working on ships subject to the IGF code, those working on ships operating in polar waters and the new requirements for those working on passenger ships. It also details the new entry requirements for HELM Management in line with MSN 1856.

1. Introduction

1.1 The International Convention and Code on Standards of Training, Certification and Watch-keeping (STCW) 1978, as amended (referred to in this MIN as the ‘STCW Convention’ and ‘STCW Code’ respectively), includes the provisions prescribing the mandatory minimum requirements for seafarers working on ships subject to the IGF code, ships operating in polar waters and passenger ships.

1.2 All references to Certificates of Competency (CoC) and Certificate of Proficiency (CoP) in this notice pertain to those issued by the MCA, unless otherwise stated.

2. Training for Personnel Working on Ships Subject to the IGF Code

2.1 There are two levels of training for those who work on ships subject to IGF Code:

• Basic Training for Service on Ships Subject to the IGF Code, STCW Code Section A-V/3-1;

• Advanced Training for Service on Ships Subject to the IGF Code, STCW Code, SCTW Code Section A-V/3-2.

2.2 If you are responsible for designated safety duties associated with the care, use, or emergency response to the fuel on board ships subject to the IGF code, you must hold a CoP in Basic Training for Service on Ships Subject to the IGF Code in accordance with STCW Convention Regulation V/3-4.

2.3 If you are a Master, Engineer officer or anyone with immediate responsibility for the care and use of fuels or fuel systems subject to the IGF Code, you must hold a CoP in Advanced Training for Service on Ships Subject to the IGF Code in accordance with STCW Convention Regulation V/3-7.

3. CoP in Basic Training for Service on Ships Subject to the IGF Code as per Regulation V/3 paragraph 4, Section A-V/3 paragraph 1 of the STCW Convention and Code 1978 as amended.

3.1 To be issued with a CoP for Basic Training for Ships Subject to the IGF Code you must either:

(a) Complete a basic training programme for ships subject to the IGF Code in accordance with provisions of section A-V/3, paragraph 1 of the STCW Code and Complete MNTB Tanker Fire Fighting; or

(b) Hold a valid UK Basic Gas Tanker Endorsement or Gas Tanker CoP issued within the last 5 years, in accordance with STCW convention regulation V/1-2, paragraphs 2 and 5[footnote 1]; or

(c) Hold a valid UK Advanced Gas Tanker Endorsement or Gas Tanker CoP issued within the last 5 years, in accordance Regulation V/1-2, paragraphs 4 and 5[footnote 1].

3.2 If you successfully complete an MCA approved basic training programme on ships subject to the IGF Code the training centre where you undertook the course must issue you with the appropriate CoP as per Annex A.

3.3 Those wishing to obtain a CoP through holding a Basic or Advanced Gas Tanker Endorsement or CoP should apply directly to the MCA using application form MSF 4350 (search www.gov.uk for MSF 4350). Only seafarers who hold a UK CoC, UK Watch Rating Certificate, a UK Able Seafarer Certificate or a Pump Man with a UK Advanced Gas Tanker CoP can apply to the MCA for an IGF CoP.

4. CoP in Advanced Training for Service on Ships Subject to the IGF Code as per Regulation V/3 paragraph 6, Section A-V/3 paragraph 2 of the STCW Convention and Code 1978 as amended.

4.1 If you do not hold a Basic Gas Tanker Endorsement or an Advanced Gas CoP, in order be issued with a CoP for Advanced Training on Ships Subject to the IGF Code you must:

(a) Hold a CoP for Basic Training for Service on Ships Subject to the IGF Code;

(b) Complete an MCA approved advanced training programme for service on ships subject to the IGF Code

(c) Complete at least one month of approved seagoing service that includes a minimum of three bunkering operations onboard. Two[footnote 2] of the three bunkering operations may be replaced by simulator training on bunkering operations. These requirements must have been completed within the last five years.

If you successfully complete an MCA approved advanced training programme on ships subject to the IGF Code and can demonstrate the required seagoing service and bunkering operations, the training centre where you undertook the course must issue you with the appropriate CoP as per Annex B. This process is summarised in Annex C.

4.2 If you hold a UK Advanced Gas Tanker Endorsement or UK Advanced Gas CoP, to be issued with a CoP for Advanced Training for Ships Subject to the IGF Code you must:

(a) Complete either:

• At least one months approved seagoing service that includes a minimum of three bunkering operations on board. Two[footnote 3] of the three bunkering operations may be replaced by simulator training on bunkering operations. These requirements must have been completed within the last five years; or

• Three cargo operations on board a liquified gas tanker (loadings/discharge);

(b) Have completed 3 months’ seagoing service within the last five years on board:

• Ships subject to the IGF Code; or

• Tankers carrying as cargo, fuels covered by the IGF Code; or

• Ships using gases or low flash point fuels.

4.3 Those wishing to obtain a CoP through holding an Advanced Gas Tanker Endorsement or Advanced Gas CoP should apply directly to the MCA by completing application form MSF 4350 (search www.gov.uk for MSF 4350). Only seafarers who hold a UK CoC, UK Watch Rating, UK Able Seafarer CoP, or a Pump Man with a UK Advanced Gas Tanker CoP can apply to the MCA for an IGF CoP.

4.4 A specimen testimonial to record the seagoing service required to be issued with a CoP for Advanced Training on Ships Subject to the IGF Code can be found in Annex G.

5. IGF Code Refresher Training Requirements

5.1 Seafarers who hold a CoP for Basic or Advanced Training for Ships Subject to the IGF Code must undertake refresher training or demonstrate continued proficiency. The MCA considers the following options acceptable to meet this requirement:

(a) Successfully completing the applicable basic or advanced training programme for ships subject to the IGF Code; or

(b) Demonstrate continued proficiency applicable to your CoP:

• Basic: complete 3 months seagoing service within the last five years onboard ships subject to the IGF Code;

• Advanced: within the last five years complete 3 months seagoing service onboard ships subject to the IGF Code that includes a minimum of three bunkering operations on board. Two[footnote 4] of the three bunkering operations may be replaced by simulator training on bunkering operations.

5.2 In each instance any training provider approved by the MCA to conduct IGF training must issue you with a CoP for Basic or Advanced Training for Ships Subject to the IGF Code with a new issue date (Annex A and B). This should satisfy Port State Control inspection requirements. MCA approved training providers may charge a reasonable admin fee for checking continued proficiency and issuing a CoP. If you obtained your CoP from the MCA, you may apply to the MCA for the reissue of your CoP from the MCA using form MSF 4350.

5.3 A specimen testimonial to record the seagoing service required to be issued with an updated CoP for Advanced Training on Ships Subject to the IGF Code can be found in Annex G.

6. Requirements for Deck Officers Working on Ships that Operate in Polar Waters

6.1 There are two levels of training for those who work on ships that operate in polar waters and are subject to the Polar Code:

• Basic Training for Service on Ships Operating in Polar Waters

• Advanced Training for Service on Ships Operating in Polar Waters

6.2 Polar waters mean arctic waters and/or Antarctic Area, as defined in SOLAS regulation XIV/1.2 to XIV/1.4.

6.3 All Masters, Chief Mates and Officers in Charge of a Navigational Watch on ships operating in polar waters shall hold a CoP in Basic Training for Ships Operating in Polar Waters in accordance with STCW Convention Regulation V/4 paragraph 1 of the STCW Convention.

6.4 If you are a Master or Chief Mate on ships operating in polar waters, you must hold a CoP in Advanced Training for Ships Operating in Polar Waters in accordance with STCW Convention Regulation V/4 paragraph 3[footnote 5].

7. CoP in Basic Training for Service on Ships Operating in Polar Waters, as required by the Polar Code as per Regulation V/4 paragraph 2, Section A-V/4 paragraph 1 of the STCW Convention and Code 1978 as amended.

To be issued with a CoP for Basic Training for Ships Operating in Polar Waters you must:

(a) Complete an MCA approved basic training programme for ships operating in polar waters.

If you successfully complete an MCA approved basic training programme on ships operating in polar waters, the training centre where you undertook the course must issue you with the appropriate CoP as per Annex D.

8. CoP in Advanced Training for Ships Operating Polar Waters as per Regulation V/4 paragraph 4, Section A-V/4 paragraph 2 of the STCW Convention and Code 1978 as amended.

To be issued with a CoP for Advanced Training for Ships Operating in Polar Waters you must:

(a) Have met the requirements for certification in basic training for ships operating in polar waters;

(b) Have completed 2 months approved seagoing service in the deck department at either operational or management level polar waters or equivalent[footnote 6];

(c) Complete an MCA approved Advanced Training Programme for Ships operating in Polar Waters.

If you successfully complete an MCA approved advanced training programme on ships operating in polar waters and can demonstrate the required seagoing service, the training centre where you undertook the course must issue you with the appropriate CoP as per Annex D and Annex E. This process is summarised in Annex F.

9. Polar Code Refresher Training Requirements

9.1 Seafarers who hold a CoP for Basic or Advanced Training for Ships Subject to the Polar Code must undertake refresher training or demonstrate continued proficiency. The MCA considers the following options acceptable to meet this requirement:

(a) Successfully completing the applicable basic or advanced training programme for ships subject to the Polar Code; or

(b) Demonstrate continued proficiency by completing 2 months seagoing service as a Deck Officer within the last five years’ service in polar waters or equivalent[footnote 7].

9.2 In each instance any training provider approved by the MCA to conduct Polar Waters training must issue you with a CoP for Basic or Advanced Training for Training for Ships Operating in Polar Waters with a new issue date (See Annex D or E). This should satisfy Port State Control inspection requirements. MCA approved training providers may charge a reasonable admin fee for checking continued proficiency and issuing a CoP. If you obtained your CoP from the MCA, you may apply to the MCA for the reissue of your CoP from the MCA using form MSF 4391.

10. Changes to the Mandatory Requirements for the Training and Qualifications of Masters, Officers, Ratings and other Personnel on Passenger Ships as per Regulation V/2 paragraph 1 and paragraph 5, Section A-V/2 paragraph 2 of the STCW Convention and Code, 1978 as amended.

10.1 There are new mandatory training requirements for all personnel working on Passenger ships:

• Personnel serving on board passenger ships shall complete passenger ship emergency familiarisation appropriate to their capacity, duties and responsibilities as specified in section A-V/2, paragraph 1 of the STCW Code[footnote 8].

10.2 Passenger Ship Emergency Familiarisation:

(a) Before being assigned to shipboard duties if you work onboard a passenger ship you must receive passenger ship familiarisation training appropriate to your capacity, duties and responsibilities as specified in section A-V/2, paragraph 1 of the STCW Code;

(b) There are no entry requirements to undertake this training;

(c) This training is ship specific and not approved by the MCA. Your company should ensure that all such training is recorded, and documentary evidence given to every seafarer qualified by this training.

11. Changes to STCW References on Passenger Training Certificates

MCA Approved Training Centres offering MCA approved passenger ship training should now be using the following CoP references:

• CoP in Crisis Management and Human Behaviour as laid down in Regulations V/2, paragraph 8 and Section A-V/2 of paragraph 4 the STCW Convention and Code as amended.

• CoP in Passenger Safety, Cargo Safety and Hull Integrity as laid down in Regulation V/2, paragraph 9 and section A-V/2 of paragraph 5 of the STCW Convention and Code as amended.

12. Changes to Prerequisite Requirements for Human Element Leadership and Management (HELM) - Management Level

The prerequisite ‘officer’ seagoing service for MCA approved HELM Management has been reduced from 12 months to 6 months. This is to help companies stagger their officer training while ensuring the seafarer has enough relevant experience so that the course can add value. The MNTB guide for this course will be updated to reflect this, however this MIN can be held onsite by the training providers to confirm this new requirement.

13. Approval of Training Programmes

All requests by training centres (noting that a shipping company may be considered a training centre) for MCA approval to deliver MNTB programmes should be addressed to the Surveyor in Charge of their local MCA Marine Office, with reference to Annex D of MSN 1866 (for the approval of IGF courses) or the Annex of MGN 637 (for the approval of Polar Code courses).

Training centres must build into their Quality Management System the requirements outlined in this MIN, MGN 637 and MSN 1866 and the applicable MNTB guide(s). Evidence of approved seagoing service and bunkering operations should be held on file (paper or electronic) and made available to the MCA on request.

Overseas course approvals must be directed to Seafarer Training and Certification Branch: stc.courses@mcga.gov.uk. These courses must be conducted at a fixed location.

If, as the result of an audit, or if the MCA otherwise becomes aware that the Training Centre is no longer complying with the conditions of approval or has major non-compliance issues as regards to health and safety, the MCA reserves the right to suspend or cancel the approval of the course.

14. MCA Approved Training Programmes

For a list of MCA approved Training Providers for the IGF Code or Polar Code please search www.gov.uk for “MCA ATP”.

More Information

Seafarer Services
Maritime and Coastguard Agency,
Bay 2/11
Spring Place,
105 Commercial Road,
Southampton,
SO15 1EG.

Tel: +44 (0) 203 8172200 Email: deck@mcga.gov.uk

Website Address: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/maritime-and-coastguard-agency

General Enquiries: infoline@mcga.gov.uk

Please note that all addresses and telephone numbers are correct at time of publishing.

© Crown Copyright 2022

Safer Lives, Safer Ships, Cleaner Seas.

 

  1. If you hold an existing basic or advanced level gas tanker endorsements or CoP you are not required to complete MNTB Tanker Fire Fighting. ↩ ↩2

  2. These must be completed as part of the advanced IGF training course as they will form part of the assessment. The completion of these simulated bunkering operations are included in the MNTB contact hour requirements. ↩

  3. For your initial CoP Advanced Training for Ships Subject to the IGF Code the simulated IGF bunkering can only be completed at the MCA approved training centre that you completed the course. ↩

  4. To demonstrate continued proficiency for your CoP for Advanced Training for Ships Subject to the IGF Code, simulated bunkering can only be completed at an MCA approved training centre. ↩

  5. Wordings used in section 6.3 and 6.4 are in line with regulation V/4 of STCW code. To avoid any potential problems during Port State Control inspection, the certificate template for Advanced Training for Service on Ships Operating in Polar Waters will contain references to the Basic and Advanced Training regulations. ↩

  6. Equivalent seagoing service will be considered on a case-by-case basis based on evidence of familiarity with tasks listed in Section B-V/4 of STCW Code. Evidence should be in the format of a company letter detailing; your roles and responsibilities against the guidance listed in Section B-V/4 of STCW Code, the vessel(s) you worked on, the area(s) you operated in and the dates that your vessel(s) operated in the equivalent waters. This must be approved by the MCA prior to issue of the CoP. ↩

  7. Equivalent seagoing service will be considered on a case by case basis based on evidence of familiarity with tasks listed in Section B-V/4 of STCW Code. Evidence should be in the format of a company letter detailing; your roles and responsibilities against the guidance listed in Section B-V/4 of STCW Code, the vessel(s) you worked on, the area(s) you operated in and the dates that your vessel(s) operated in the equivalent waters. This must be approved by the MCA prior to revalidations. ↩

  8. Before being assigned shipboard duties, all persons serving on a passenger ship shall also meet the ship familiarisation requirements of section A-VI/1, paragraph 1 of the STCW Code. ↩

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