Cook Islands reminds Companies on the STCW requirements

03 April 2019 |  C19019

Maritime Cook Islands draws the attention of vessel owners and vessel management companies operating Cook Islands flagged vessel to the company responsibilities and obligations under STCW 2017, to ensure that immediate action is taken where necessary.

NOTICE TO
Ship Owners/ Managers/ Operators | Surveyors / Auditors

Vessel owners and vessel management companies are responsible for the following items under Regulation I/14 Responsibilities of Companies of the STCW Convention.

Each Administration shall, in accordance with the provisions of section A-I/14, hold companies responsible for the assignment of seafarer’s service on their ships in accordance with the provisions of the STCW Convention, and shall require every such company to ensure that:

1. each seafarer assigned to any of its ships holds an appropriate certificate in accordance with the provisions of the Convention and as established by the Administration;
2. its ships are manned in compliance with the applicable safe manning requirements of the Administration;
3. seafarers assigned to any of its ships have received refresher and updated training as required by the Convention;
4. documentation and data relevant to all seafarers employed on its ships are maintained and readily accessible, and include, without being limited to, documentation and data on their experience, training, medical fitness and competency in assigned duties;
5. seafarers, on being assigned to any of its ships, are familiarized with their specific duties and with all ship arrangements, installations, equipment, procedures and ship characteristics that are relevant to their routine or emergency duties;
6. the ships complement can affectively coordinate their activities in an emergency situation and in performing functions vital to safety, security and to the prevention or mitigation of pollution; and
7. at all times on board its ships there shall be effective oral communication in accordance with chapter V, regulation 14, paragraphs 3 and 4 of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 (SOLAS), as amended.

Should vessel owners and vessel management companies fail to ensure compliance with the above items, Maritime Cook Islands will enforce and impose suitable measures under Section 48 of the Cook Islands Ship Registration Act and the Infringement and Offences Regulations which provide for:

• In the case of Infringement, an infringement fine prescribed for an infringement deficiency not exceeding NZ$30,000 and if the infringement is a continuing one, NZ$5000 for each day the infringement continues;
• In the case of Offences, prosecution for an offence against the Act shall be commenced.

Repeat offenders will be deleted from the Cook Islands Flag Registry.

Act now

Ship owners / Managers / Operators are urged to complete thorough due diligence to ensure full compliance with the STCW Convention and Maritime Cook Islands requirements.