As previously reported, because STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) is renewable via sea service, the U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center recently announced that STCW certificates no longer will indicate the dates when mariners complete BST.SIU members who hold STCW certificates that don’t list BST expiration dates should carry documentation verifying their most recent 12 months’ sea time. This is vital because when renewing BST via sea service, the renewal date is a “running calendar” in which credit for competency in BST extends for five years beyond the date at which the mariner has completed one year of sea service.
For instance, if on October 1, 2003, you count backward and determine the mariner completed one year of sea service on June 1, 2002, then the mariner is considered to be competent in the four elements of BST through May 31, 2007. The mariner’s documented sea time is proof of that competency.
Members who carry STCW certificates with BST expiration dates should carry documentation of their most recent year’s sea time once the expiration date is reached.
The union is developing a computer program for the registration/shipping system that will automatically calculate sea time and issue a verification letter. Once developed, the union will submit a proposal to the NMC for approval.
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