The impact of the revised STCW Convention on Chinese higher maritime education and training institutions

The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) is regarded as the most important instrument ever established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) since it deals with the human element to which more than 80% maritime casualties are attributable. This dissertation examines the main reasons for revising STCW’78 and the major features of the revised Convention. This revised Convention overcomes the deficiencies of the existing Convention. It is believed that it will bring about a greater impact on maritime administrations, shipping companies and maritime education and training (MET) institutions in particular. It is universally recognized that MET institutions play the most important role in providing qualified seafarers. In order to identify the existing problems and weaknesses in the Chinese MET system, an analysis is made. This analysis covers Chinese national legislation regarding MET, the roles and background of higher MET institutions, and the country\u27s advanced MET system including the main scheme, the status of instructors and teaching methods, examination and assessment practices. A comparison is also made between the requirements of the revised Convention and the present situation in Chinese higher MET regarding policies, cunicula, instructors, teaching methods, quality evaluations, etc. Based on the situation analysis, the comparison with the revised Convention and the identification of problem areas in Chinese higher MET, proposals and recommendations are made for the effective implementation of the revised STCW Conventio