Implementation of Amendments to the STCW Code Adopted by IMO Resolution MSC.560(108)
The Lithuanian Transport Safety Administration (LTSA) informs shipping companies, crew agencies, seafarers, and maritime training providers about the amendments to Table A-VI/1-4 of the STCW Code, which were adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in Resolution MSC.560(108).
The amendments introduce a new mandatory competence “Contribute to the prevention of and response to violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault.” The amendments enter into force on 1 January 2026.
Implementation and training opportunities in Lithuania
LTSA has ensured that seafarers are provided with practical and flexible opportunities to acquire new competence. Approved maritime training institutions in Lithuania have updated their initial and refresher Basic Safety Training programmes to include the new competence in accordance with the amended Table A-VI/1-4.
Accordingly:
- From 1 January 2026, all seafarers completing Basic Safety Training under updated programmes in Lithuania will comply with the new requirements.
- Seafarers holding valid Certificates of Proficiency (COP) may acquire the new competence during their next scheduled refresher training within the normal five-year revalidation cycle.
- In addition, a separate short training programme titled “Training on the Prevention of and Response to Bullying and Harassment in the Maritime Sector, Including Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment” is available, allowing seafarers to obtain the required knowledge without waiting for certificate expiry.
Completion of the separate course does not automatically result in the issuance of a new COP, unless specifically requested by the seafarer. Verification of completion may be made via the Administration’s official website: https://seaman.msa.lt/documents/search.
Training institutions may also issue supporting documentation confirming successful completion.
Application on board vessels flying the Lithuanian flag
For seafarers serving on board vessels flying the Lithuanian flag, it is recommended, but not mandatory, that as from 1 January 2026 seafarers employed on board have completed training covering the prevention of and response to violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault.
This recommendation may be fulfilled through updated Basic Safety Training, refresher training or by completing the separate short course referred to above.
Application on board vessels flags
For vessels flying flags other than that of Lithuania, any decision regarding completion of such training remains the responsibility of the company and/or the relevant flag State Administration.
Where a Basic Safety Training certificate (Table A-VI/1-4) has been issued on or after 1 January 2026 by a Party to the STCW Convention, LTSA will consider such certificate as having been issued in accordance with the amended requirements, including the competence related to the prevention of and response to violence and harassment, unless there is clear evidence to the contrary.
Certificates issued prior to 1 January 2026 remain valid until their expiry date and are accepted without requiring additional documentary evidence of compliance with the updated competence.
Remark
For guidance, this position is based on the guidance provided in PSC Circular 109 and reflects its practical application within the framework of the LTSA.
Accordingly, this position applies to seafarers to whom the LTSA has issued STCW certificates (including endorsements, where applicable) and to vessels flying the Lithuanian flag.
It should be noted that other Parties to the STCW Convention and other flag State Administrations may adopt a different interpretation or implementation approach with regard to the above-mentioned amendments.