STCW-F Compliance Checklist
This checklist helps fishing vessel operators verify STCW-F work/rest compliance in a repeatable way before inspections, customer audits, and internal safety reviews. It is designed for bridge teams, masters, and shore management who need clear evidence of both planning and actual execution.
Quick Answer
An STCW-F compliance checklist should verify more than whether records exist. It should confirm rolling rest limits, split-rest structure, watch-plan realism, master overrides, corrective actions, crew training evidence, and whether the evidence package can be presented quickly during inspection.
Official Sources
- IMO STCW-F Convention overview — Official IMO context for fishing vessel personnel standards.
- ILO C188 Work in Fishing Convention — Official work and welfare framework for fishers.
- FOR-2017-11-10-1758 — Norwegian operational and watchkeeping context.
Reference pages for verification and preparation:
- STCW-F Compliance Guide for regulatory context and implementation basics.
- Maritime Rest Hour Inspection for inspection expectations and evidence strategy.
How to use this checklist
- Run it at least weekly while fishing activity is high.
- Assign one officer to evidence collection and one reviewer for quality control.
- Escalate non-conformities immediately to the master and record closure actions.
- Archive completed checklists in your ISM document set with version date.
Printable STCW-F Compliance Checklist
Tick each item only when you have objective evidence available for inspection. Use the notes field for exceptions, corrective actions, and pending follow-up.
| Checklist notes | Responsible | Target close date |
|---|---|---|
Quality checks before inspection day
- Cross-check watch plans against logbook events to spot unrealistic entries.
- Confirm override records include closure, not only the triggering incident.
- Validate that exported files are readable and complete on a second device.
- Review crew interviews: officers should explain how compliance is done in practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should own the checklist process onboard?
The master should own final sign-off, with delegated data entry and first-level review to officers responsible for watch and safety administration.
How often should the checklist be completed?
At minimum before expected inspections and after high-intensity fishing periods. Weekly internal cadence is common for strong control.
Can one missed record fail the whole inspection?
Single gaps can still trigger findings if they indicate weak control. Show immediate correction, root cause, and preventive action.
What counts as acceptable split-rest documentation?
You need clear time blocks, continuity of watch responsibility, and evidence that total required rest is achieved within the legal window.
Do we need both printable and digital versions?
Best practice is both. Printable copies support onboard walkthroughs, while digital versions preserve audit trail and revision history.
How should master overrides be recorded?
Log date/time, reason, affected crew, duration, and recovery rest actions with master approval and close-out evidence.
Is PDF export a legal requirement?
Usually not by itself, but PDF export helps present consistent records to inspectors and customers across systems.
What training evidence should be linked to the checklist?
Crew briefings on work/rest rules, watch handover quality, fatigue reporting, and periodic refresher sessions with attendance records.
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