The Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) are internationally recognized rules that direct the knowledge and skills mariners need to perform their jobs safely. Any mariners working aboard ships that operate in international waters must hold STCW endorsements. Different STCW endorsements allow you to do a variety of jobs aboard merchant vessels.

This internationally recognized set of rules and standards determines the skills and knowledge mariners need to perform their jobs safely at sea.

Who Needs an STCW Endorsement?

Any mariner who works aboard a ship that operates outside the U.S. Territorial Boundary Line must hold an STCW endorsement. The Territorial Boundary Line varies at different points around the US coast, as described in CFR 46, Chapter 1, Subchapter A, Part 7. If you’re working aboard any vessel that crosses international borders or the Territorial Boundary Line, you must have STCW endorsements appropriate to your license level.