MC 082025 – Amendments to STCW Table A-VI/1-4 (Personal Safety and Social Responsibility)

Notice to: Shipowners, Operators, Officers, and Recognised Organisations.

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Notice to: Shipowners, Operators, Officers, Flag State Inspectors and Recognised Organisations.

1.             Purpose

1.1           This Marine Circular informs Barbados-flagged vessels, companies, manning agents, training institutions and Recognised Organisations of the mandatory implementation of IMO Resolution MSC.560(108), which amends Table A-VI/1-4 of the STCW Code with effect from 1 January 2026.

2.             Background

2.1           IMO Resolution MSC.560(108), adopted on 23 May 2024, introduces amendments to Part A, Chapter VI of the STCW Code relating to emergency, occupational safety, security, medical care and survival functions.

2.2           The amendment fully replaces Table A-VI/1-4 – Personal Safety and Social Responsibility (PSSR) to include additional competencies addressing the prevention of and response to violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault.

2.3           The minimum standards of competence for basic safety training remain defined in Tables A-VI/1-1, A-VI/1-2, A-VI/1-3 and the newly updated A-VI/1-4.

3.              Requirements for Seafarers

3.1           To ensure a smooth implementation while maintaining safety and welfare standards on Barbados-flagged vessels:

.1                        All courses starting on or after 1 January 2026 shall comply fully with the amended Table A-VI/1-4;

.2                        Existing certificates remain valid until their expiry date and do not require early replacement;

.3                        At renewal or revalidation, seafarers shall complete training which incorporates the new competence introduced by MSC.560(108).

4.              Requirements for Companies and Manning Agents

4.1           Companies responsible for the assignment of seafarers shall:

.1                        From 1 January 2026, provide familiarisation to all joining crew on the amended PSSR competence, including reporting procedures and the vessel/company’s zero-tolerance policy;

.2                        Ensure that any seafarer approaching certificate renewal completes the revised or supplementary training;

.3                        Maintain documented evidence of familiarisation for audit and inspection purposes;

.4                        Ensure shipboard procedures under the SMS address harassment, bullying and assault in line with the amended STCW Code.

4.2           Failure to maintain verifiable records may result in observations or findings during ISM audits, MLC inspections or PSCIs.

5.             Requirements for Recognised Organisations (ROs)

5.1           ROs acting on behalf of BMSR shall:

.1                        Verify seafarer certification and training in accordance with Section 3 above of this Circular;

.2                        Confirm that companies maintain proper familiarisation records;

.3                        Review implementation during all ISM audits from 1 January 2026;

.4                        Report any instances of non-compliance with BMSR without delay.

6.             Compliance and Verification

6.1           BMSR will monitor the implementation of MSC.560(108) through:

.1                        ISM audits;

.2                        MLC inspections;

.3                        Port State Control;

.4                        Flag State Inspections.

6.2           Non-compliance may result in administrative action, including observations, corrective action requirements, or withholding of endorsements where necessary.

7.              Validity

• The validity of this circular is until withdrawn or superseded.

For any inquiries or clarifications regarding this marine circular, please contact:

ops@barbadosmaritime.com

Operations Department

Barbados Maritime Ship Registry