STCW contains:
- An update of the 1995 Conference of Parties to the International Convention on Seafarers' Training, Certification and Watchkeeping, 1978 based on a Manila, Philippines STCS Convention of 2010.
- resolutions adopted by that Conference, and prior conferences updated to the new consolidated 2011 edition
- a complete, consolidated text of the STCW Convention, including its original articles and the revised annex; and
- the STCW Code, to which reference is made within the revised annex
- incorporated amendments adopted in May/June 1997, and in the Convention of 2010
Complete revision of the annex to the 1978 STCW Convention became necessary in order to clarify the standards of competence required, to introduce qualification requirements for trainers and assessors, to provide effective mechanisms for enforcement of its provisions and to allow greater flexibility in the assignment of functions on board ship and thus broaden the career opportunities of seafarers. No amendment was made to the articles of the Convention.
The Convention articles and annex provide the legal framework within which mandatory technical standards contained in part A of the STCW Code are applied. Part B of the Code provides guidance to assist those who are involved in educating, training or assessing the competence of seafarers or who are otherwise involved in applying STCW Convention provisions. While not mandatory, the guidance given has been harmonized through discussions within IMO, involving, where appropriate, consultation with the International Labour Organization. Observance of this guidance will achieve a more uniform application of Convention requirements.