Fishing remains one of the most challenging and hazardous industries worldwide. Strengthening safety at sea through proper training and certification is essential for the well-being of fishing vessel personnel.
To support this goal, a national workshop was held in Guayaquil, Ecuador, (22 to 26 September), focused on the implementation and ratification of the 1995 International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel (STCW-F Convention). With significant amendments to the Convention and a new STCW-F Code scheduled to enter into force on 1 January 2026, this workshop plays an important role in preparing Ecuador's fishing sector to meet the updated training and certification requirements.
The STCW-F Convention sets global minimum standards for training and qualifications in the fishing industry, ensuring professionals on board and ashore are competent and well-prepared to support safe and efficient operations.
Ecuador is adopting new training requirements to ratify the Convention, updating national procedures for authorizing and accrediting training, exams, medical fitness, and competency assessments for fishing vessel personnel.
These updates include national policies on education and training, legal frameworks for compliance, and summaries of courses, exams, and certifications.
The workshop addressed challenges in implementing the STCW-F Convention, raising awareness about the ratification process and key information.
These efforts are vital to meeting certification requirements and upholding fishing safety and professionalism.
The workshop was attended by 25 participants from Ecuador, including representatives from governments and maritime and fishing academies, officials from the maritime administration, tuna fishing companies, and training instructors responsible for implementing the STCW-F Convention.
The workshop was arranged in cooperation with the Maritime Authority of Ecuador.
