STCW LicensesUpdated a month ago
Information About STCW Requirements and Endorsements
The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) sets qualification standards for personnel serving on seagoing ships. In the United States, STCW requirements are administered through the U.S. Coast Guard and the National Maritime Center (NMC).
❌ Mariners Learning System does NOT offer online courses or final exams for the STCW licenses. You must contact the National Maritime Center for further information.
What does STCW stand for?
STCW stands for Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers.
What do the STCW categories mean?
The STCW categories organize endorsements by mariner role and training area:
- I – General: Overall STCW rules, definitions, medical standards, certificate revalidation, training standards, and other general provisions
- II – Deck: Navigation and deck officer/deck crew endorsements, such as master and deck department functions
- III – Engine: Engine department endorsements, including engine officers, engineering watch ratings, and electro-technical roles
- IV – Radio: Radio communications endorsements, including GMDSS-related operator and maintainer roles
- V – Tanker Cargo: Special training and endorsements for personnel serving on tankers carrying oil, chemicals, or liquefied gas
- VI – Emergency/Security/Medical: Safety, survival, security, firefighting, and medical care training and endorsements
Do you offer STCW training?
No. We do not offer STCW training at this time.
Where can I find official STCW information?
The best sources are the National Maritime Center's STCW page and the NMC’s application pages, checklists, and FAQs. These resources explain eligibility, required documents, and category-specific guidance.