Understanding and Planning to Meet Your USCG STCW 2010 Requirements

The new USCG final rule on STCW 2010 has been published and defines the compliance dates for EXISTING mariners. The detailed regulations and supporting USCG NVIC guidance are being continually analyzed by STAR Center and the guidance provided below will be updated as more information becomes available. It is important for you to understand the new USCG STCW requirements and take the necessary steps to comply with the dates specified by the regulations. It is recommended that you follow the guidance in the basic steps below in order to gain your initial understanding of the regulations and how it affects you.

STEP #1 (of 2) - Understand the important STCW transitional dates and grandfathering provisions.

Mariners who have a current USCG STCW credential as of 3/24/14 are provided grandfathering and transitional provisions to meet USCG/STCW requirements.

NVIC 02-14 provides guidance regarding grandfathering and transitional provisions and is available by clicking here.

The following information is only for mariners who hold an STCW credential issued before 3/24/14:


Existing Mariner Dates for compliance.


1/1/2014- Security endorsements required by STCW 2010


3/24/14- Final Rule Effective Date. Part 13 Tankerman Regulations in full effect.


1/1/2017- STCW regulations in full effect. All existing mariners must be in full compliance with the grandfathering and transition provisions. STCW Renewal requirements for revalidation training in Basic training, Adv. FF, Survival Craft and FRB endorsement take effect when renewing after this date.

Simplified guidance on grandfathering and transition provisions for existing mariners only:

  • Renewals - Existing mariners can sail and renew their current STCW endorsement/credential without additional required training up to 1/1/2017.


  • Gap Closing - Prior to 1/1/2017 all existing mariners must complete gap closing training requirements and submit to USCG prior to 1/1/2017 for their credential to be valid after that date.


  • Upgrading - If you are an existing mariner and are in the process of upgrading during the transitional period the table below lists the provisions for this process


    1. Mariners may upgrade based upon the regulations in place prior to 3/24/14 and be issued their new license.


    2. Once you obtain the new license during the transitional period you must complete the gap closing requirements for your new license by 1/1/2017.

The USCG table below provides an overview of the grandfathering and transitional provisions for new and existing mariners.


Step #2-Determine your gap closing training requirements which will need to be completed by 1/1/2017.

Master/Chief Mate-STCW Management Level Deck

  • Leadership and managerial skills
  • ECDIS, if serving on a vessel with ECDIS (ECDIS certificates previously earned at STAR Center meet this requirement.)

Chief Engineer and 1st AE (STCW 2nd engineering officer) STCW Management level Engine

  • ERM if not completed at the operational level
  • Leadership and managerial skills
  • Management of electrical and electronic control equipment

OICNW (3/M & 2/M)- STCW Operational level Deck

  • Evidence of meeting the standard of competence in leadership and team working skills.
  • ECDIS, if serving on a vessel with this equipment.

OICEW (3AE & 2AE)- STCW Operational level Engine

  • ERM training and
  • Evidence of meeting the standard of competence in leadership and team working