STCW-F Compliance Checklist
This checklist helps fishing vessel operators review STCW-F training and watchkeeping documentation alongside applicable work/rest records before inspections, customer audits, and internal safety reviews. STCW-F is the 1995 convention, with a revised annex and code effective 1 January 2026; numeric rest limits come from applicable national rules and ILO C188. Completing this checklist is not certification or authority approval.
Quick Answer
An STCW-F checklist should distinguish the 1995 training, certification, and watchkeeping convention—whose revised annex and code took effect on 1 January 2026—from numeric work/rest limits in applicable national rules and ILO C188. Review watch plans, actual records, corrective actions, and training evidence, but do not treat a completed checklist as certification or authority approval.
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. Every item you leave unticked is collected automatically in the follow-up table below, so you can record the exception, assign an owner, and set a target close date.
Outstanding follow-up items
| Item & 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 the applicable rest requirements are addressed. Software split-rest results need human review because calculation methods and legal exceptions differ.
Do we need both printable and digital versions?
The accepted format depends on applicable rules. Printable copies can support onboard walkthroughs, while digital versions can preserve an 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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