Simulator Training: the Ongoing STCW Review
Up to three months of sea service replaced by shore-based simulator training: the proposal discussed by more than 37 flag States could change the path to the first certificate of competency.
Operational Explanation
As part of the five-year review of the STCW Convention conducted by the IMO's HTW sub-committee, a significant interim outcome has emerged: the possibility of replacing up to three months of the sea-service periods currently required for the first certificate of competency for deck officers, engineer officers and ETOs (STCW II/1, III/1 and III/6) with shore-based simulator training.
The proposal has gathered the support of more than 37 flag States represented at IMO. The specific technical details — which types of simulator are to be permitted and the exact ratio between simulator hours and replaceable sea service — will be defined when the review resumes in spring 2027. In parallel, a broader trend is observed towards greater emphasis on simulator-based assessment, with scenarios replicating real failures, extreme weather conditions and emergencies with increasing realism.
Regulatory Reference
Five-year review of the STCW Convention, conducted by the IMO HTW sub-committee: interim outcome envisaging the possible replacement of up to 3 months of sea service required for STCW II/1, III/1 and III/6 certificates with shore-based simulator training, supported by more than 37 flag States. Technical details under definition, with the review due to resume in spring 2027.
Scope of Application
Candidates for the first certificate of competency as a deck officer (STCW II/1), engineer officer (STCW III/1) or ETO (STCW III/6), and the Companies/training institutes involved in planning the related training pathways.
Procedure / How to Complete It
- Monitor developments in the STCW five-year review, in particular the final outcome expected once work resumes in spring 2027.
- Do not prematurely assume that the replacement of sea service with simulator training is already applicable: to date it remains an interim outcome, not a requirement in force.
- For training institutes, follow the evolution of technical details on permitted simulator types and the ratio of simulator hours to replaceable sea service.
- Assess the potential impact on planning certification pathways for candidates currently in training, without anticipating changes not yet formalised.
- Consider the broader trend towards more realistic simulator assessment scenarios (failures, extreme weather, emergencies) in planning ongoing training, regardless of the outcome of the review on sea service.
Practical Example
Example: a maritime training institute updates its bridge-simulator development plan in anticipation of the possible future application of partial sea-service replacement, while not yet modifying current certification pathways in the absence of a formally applicable requirement.
Real Cases
Common Mistakes Mistake Library
| Mistake | Consequence | How to avoid it |
|---|---|---|
| Certification pathways planned on the basis of a sea-service/simulator replacement not yet formally in force | Certification pathway non-compliant with the STCW requirements currently applicable | Always plan on the basis of the STCW requirements currently in force, monitoring developments in the review without anticipating them |
| Simulator investments planned without considering that the technical details (permitted types, hour ratio) are still under definition | Investments potentially misaligned with the final technical requirements | Await the definition of technical details expected in spring 2027 before major structural investments |
| The general trend towards more realistic simulators confused with completion of the STCW review on sea service | Distorted perception of the real state of regulatory progress | Clearly distinguish between the general industry trend and the specific, still interim, state of the STCW review on sea service |
PSC Observations
Operational Tips
- Do not treat the sea-service/simulator replacement proposal as a requirement already in force: it is an interim outcome of the STCW five-year review.
- Monitor the resumption of the review's work in spring 2027 to learn the final technical details.
- Distinguish the general trend towards more realistic simulators (already under way in the industry) from the specific proposal to replace sea service (still under discussion).
Checklist
- Progress of the STCW five-year review monitored regularly
- Certification pathways planned on the basis of the STCW requirements currently in force
- Structural simulator investments assessed with caution pending final technical details
- Clear distinction maintained between industry trend and formalised regulatory requirement
- Updates from the resumption of work (spring 2027) to be adopted promptly once available