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TH
17 CONVOCATION
The singular message I seek to place for all of you today is that “Safety first Always”
and SOLAS with its General Provisions - Surveying the various types of ships and
certifying that they meet the requirements of the convention, provision on
Construction – Subdivision and stability, machinery and electrical installations. The
subdivision of passenger ships into watertight compartments so that after damage
to its hull, a vessel will remain afloat and stable, provisions on fire protection, fire
detection and fire extinction , provision for Life-saving appliances and arrangements,
mandate for Radiocommunications, Safety of navigation, Carriage of Cargoes,
Carriage of dangerous goods, Management for the Safe Operation of Ships, Safety
measures for high-speed craft, Special measures to enhance maritime Safety,

Special measures to enhance maritime security, Additional safety measures for bulk
carriers, Verification of compliance including Safety measures for ships operating in
polar waters remain the holy grail for “Safety First- Always”
The Second Pillar - The 1978 International Convention on Standards of Training,
Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) Convention was the first to
establish basic requirements on training, certification and watchkeeping for
seafarers on an international level. Previously the standards of training, certification
and watchkeeping of officers and ratings were established by individual
governments, usually without reference to practices in other countries. As a result,
standards and procedures varied widely, even though shipping is the most
international of all industries. The convention prescribes minimum standards
relating to training, certification and watchkeeping for seafarers which countries are
obliged to meet or exceed. It is the application of this standard that is globally

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