HL Deb 20 February 1996 vol 569 cc74-6WA
Lord Clinton-Davis

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What action they have taken or are contemplating to establish or assist training programmes for the shipping industry to implement the new requirements imposed by the revised international convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Transport (Viscount Goschen)

I have asked the Chief Executive of the Marine Safety Agency, Mr. Robin Bradley, to write to the noble Lord.

Letter to Lord Clinton-Davis front the Chief Executive (4. the Marine Safety Agency, Mr. R. M. Bradley, dated 20 February 1996.

The Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your Question about training programmes for the shipping industry to implement the new requirements imposed by the 1995 revision of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW Convention).

When the 1995 revision of the STCW Convention is implemented, it is anticipated that UK seafarers will continue serving within their current roles, as the standards attained by the vast majority a UK seafarers satisfy the 1995 revision. What is required is a change in the UK certification structure to bring it into line with the STCW model. We propose to take this opportunity to streamline the UK system to meet the needs of modern industry and international standards. Our proposals have been circulated for consultation.

Concurrent with the changes to the certification structure due to the 1995 revision of STCW, changes are being made to the way seafarers will gain their qualifications. In line with modern thinking and policy upon competency evaluation and in order to produce a more meaningful and accurate assessment of seafarers' ability to perform their professional duties, the Vocational Qualification (VQ) route to certification is being introduced. The VQ route to certification is consistent with the requirements of the 1995 revision.

Government assistance towards the training of seafarers is provided by the grant of approximately £5 million a year to the two schemes, GAFF and DOGS. GAFF (Government Assistance For Training) assists seafarers towards their first certificate of competency, and DOCS (Development of Certificated Seafarers) encourages shipping companies to employ and train British junior officers working towards a second certificate of competency on the VQ route. The possibility of adjusting these arrangements in order to help meet the requirements of the 1995 revision of STCW will he considered as part of the Government's policy of getting best value for money from assistance to the UK shipping industry.