International Convention on the Certification of Seafarers

International Agreement

International Convention on Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping ( STCW )

Adoption: 7 July 1978
Entry into force: 28 April 1984
Amendment: 7 July 1995
Entry into force: 1 February 1997

Requirements and Procedures for Issue of STCW 95 Endorsements (Ship Safety Bulletin by Marine Safety - Transport Canada)

Important note from the International Maritime Organization in regards to the STCW -95.

Quote from IMO : "The 1995 amendments, which completely revised the Convention, entered into force on 1 February 1997. However, until 1 February 2002, Parties may continue to issue, recognize and endorse certificates which applied before 1 February 1997 in respect of seafarers who began training or seagoing service before 1 August 1998. This means that the original 1978 text will continue to apply to many of the world's ships and seafarers until the year 2002".
(More on the International Maritime Organization - IMO

Background and history information on STCW by the US Coast Guard (external link)

More on Training Standards - STCW

New Canadian Marine Seafarer Certification Regime