Stcw-f agreement and its validity in Turkey

The purpose of this study is to assess the potential accidents and conflicts that may occur during the international fishing activities of Turkish fishing vessels, taking into account the characteristics of the areas where they operate. The aim is to evaluate the situations that may arise after the acceptance of the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel (STCW-F) Convention (STCW-F) in order for fishing vessels and their personnel to comply with international standards under current conditions. The objective of the study is to contribute to the dissemination of a safety culture at both the management and operational levels in fishing vessels engaged in fishing activities in national and international waters. Fishing is one of the most dangerous occupations in the world. According to data provided by institutions such as the World Maritime Organization (IMO), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Labor Organization (ILO), high rates of loss of life are observed. In the presented study, "Personnel Training, Certification and Watchkeeping Standards (STCW) Convention", "Personnel Training, Certification and Watchkeeping Standards Convention for Fishing Vessels (STCW-F)", "Regulation on the Safety of Fishing Vessels", "Works Conducted on Fishing Vessels" "Regulation on Health and Safety Measures" was examined. When the studies and accident analysis reports on safety, security and certification on fishing vessels in Turkey are examined; It has been understood that in most of the accidents on Turkish fishing vessels, although the personnel have sufficient professional experience, conflicts and accidents occur as a result of their lack of practical training, especially including the safety and security curriculum, and, for example, the captain/ship personnel not knowing how to act in emergency situations. The existing STCW contract content was examined and its anticipated results were analyzed and differences in training and competencies were compared with national certification requirements. On the other hand, the STCW-F contract was examined in the study and the necessity and importance of accepting this contract, which is not accepted and signed in our country, was emphasized. In order to be ready for this contract, the training levels of ship personnel working on fishing vessels need to be increased. Under the umbrella of the STCW-F contract, the training that Turkish fishing ship personnel must receive has been explained.