Caribbean countries to strengthen STCW compliance in the region

Governments in the Caribbean region have deepened their understanding of the communication requirements they must fulfil to help ensure that their national maritime training procedures and institutions meet global standards set by IMO. 

 A regional workshop took place in Port of Spain from 23 to 27 March 2026 to support the implementation of key provisions of the 1978 International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW Convention). 

 The workshop focuses on the communication of information and quality assurance requirements set out in Regulations I/7 and I/8 of the 1978 STCW Convention. Regulations I/7 and I/8 require Parties to submit information to the IMO Secretary-General regarding national procedures to authorize, accredit, or approve seafarers' training and examinations, medical fitness, and competency assessments to ensure they comply with the STCW Convention.   

The workshop was attended by 32 participants from 11 Caribbean countries, including representatives from governments and maritime academies, maritime administrations, and training instructors responsible for implementing the STCW Convention. 

Dedicated sessions addressed Regulation I/7 on the communication of information, including the application of IMO guidance (MSC.1/Circ.1448), as well as Regulation I/8 on quality standards systems, supported by guidance on independent evaluations (MSC.1/Circ.1449).

Outcomes from the workshop included identified common challenges, best practices, and recommendations to support continued implementation of STCW requirements across the Caribbean region. 

The workshop was arranged in cooperation with the Maritime Services Division of Trinidad and Tobago, with participation from the following countries: Barbados, Belize, Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.