2010 Manila Amendments

Written by Jennifer Roy CertRP
Published: 24 January 2017

Programmed Marine believe that the competence of seafarers is one of the most critical factors in the human element to ensure safe and efficient ship operations. It is directly related with safety of life at sea and the protection of the marine environment as well.

The Manila Amendments were adopted at a Diplomatic Conference in Manila, the Philippines which was held on the 25th June 2010. After 1st January 2017 Manila Amendments will come into force.

Update:

On the 5th December 2016 the IMO (International Maritime Organization) issued advice for Port State Control Authorities that they have recognised that some seafarers on board ships may not yet hold their certificates or flag state endorsements meeting the 2010 Manila Amendments to the Convention. Until 1st July 2017 they have recommended that Port State Control Authorities take a pragmatic and practical approach during inspections of 2010 Manila Amendments certificates or flag state endorsements.

Please note:

This is obviously up to each ship owner as to whether they will accept seafarers without all the Manila Amendments in place.

See full document here


The amendments identify the crucial role human factors play in high risk, high stress environments and encompasses team training, as well as simulation, interactive group debriefings and improvement of crew performance. Due to the greater technical reliability and automation, there is no longer an alibi for human error, the human element has been identified as being the weakest link. The amendments are aimed at ensuring the necessary global standards will be in place to train and certify seafarers to operate technologically advanced ships in a safe manner for some time to come.

The important changes to each chapter of the Convention and Code include the following:

  • Improved measures to prevent fraudulent practices associated with certificates of competency and strengthen the evaluation process (monitoring of Parties' compliance with the Convention).
  • Revised requirements on hours of work and rest and new requirements for the prevention of drug and alcohol abuse, as well as updated standards relating to medical fitness standards for seafarers.
  • New certification requirements for Able Seafarers
  • New requirements relating to training in modern technology such as electronic charts and information systems (ECDIS)
  • New requirements for marine environment awareness training and training in leadership and teamwork
  • New training and certification requirements for electro-technical officers
  • Updating of competence requirements for personnel serving on board all types of tankers, including new requirements for personnel serving on liquefied gas tankers
  • New requirements for security training, as well as provisions to ensure that seafarers are properly trained to cope if their ship comes under attack by pirates
  • Introduction of modern training methodology including distance learning and web-based learning
  • New training guidance for personnel serving on board ships operating in polar waters
  • New training guidance for personnel operating Dynamic Positioning Systems

REFRESHER TRAINING

Emphasis is given to the need for seafarer’s standards of competence to be maintained throughout their careers. Therefore seafarers are now required to complete or update the following within the last 5 years.

CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY ENGINE & DECK

  1. Proficiency in Personal Survival Techniques (PST)
  2. Proficiency in Fire prevention and Fire Fighting (FP&FF)
  3. Proficiency in Advance Fire Fighting (AFF)
  4. Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boats other than Fast Rescue Boats (PSC&RB)
  5. Proficiency in Fast Rescue Boats (PFRB)*

* PFRB is not a requirement for any Certificate of Competency but is instead an on board requirement. Therefore it is not listed for CoC issue, however if as part of the seafarers role on board they currently are required to hold it, then they will need to have it refreshed in the same way.

Note: In addition to the above Nautical Officers required ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System)

ELECTRICAL TECHNICAL OFFICERS

  1. Basic Safety Training STCW
  2. Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boats other than Fast Rescue Boats (PSC&RB)
  3. Proficiency in Advanced Fire-fighting (AFF)
  4. MCA4 High Voltage (or any MCA recognised High Voltage)
  5. HELM Human Element Leadership & Management (the level will depend on your CoC)
  6. Proficiency in Security Awareness

CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY ABLE SEAMAN

  1. Proficiency in Personal Survival Techniques (PST)
  2. Proficiency in Fire prevention and Fire Fighting (FP&FF)
  3. Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boats other than Fast Rescue Boats (PSC&RB)

Useful Links

Please see link to MCA website to MSN 1856 page 11 and MSN 1857 page 17 and also MSN 1865 page 12 and 13 for information regarding the Manila Amendments:

Please Note

Should you require any further clarification/information or have any questions regarding the above please contact your relevant Maritime Authority directly.