Circular No. 014 dated October 25, 2025, regarding the entry into force of the amendments to Part A of the Seafarers’ Training, Certification and Watchkeeping Code (STCW Code), Chapter VI Standards regarding emergency, occupational safety, security, medical care and survival functions Section A-VI/1 Minimum requirements for familiarization, basic training and instruction in safety for all seafarers (IMO model course 1.21 “Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities”).
Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
Ministry of People’s Power for Transport
National Institute of Aquatic Spaces
In the exercise of the power conferred by Article 78, paragraph 1 of the Decree with Rank, Value, and Force of the Organic Law of Aquatic Spaces, in accordance with the provisions of Articles 73, paragraphs 1 and 2, and 74, paragraphs 3 and 5 ejusdem, in conjunction with Article 250 of Decree No. 1,445 with Rank, Value, and Force of the Law on Marinas and Connected Activities, and as provided in Article 17 of the Organic Law of Administrative Procedures.
WHEREAS the National Institute of Aquatic Spaces (INEA), in the exercise of the Aquatic Authority and Administration, has the power to certify merchant marine personnel through the issuance of titles, licenses, endorsements, and seafarer certifications, in accordance with international conventions and national legislation governing the matter, and is the competent entity to recognize the education, qualification, and training of Seafarers.
WHEREAS Venezuela is a party to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978 (STCW 78), as per the Official Gazette of the Republic of Venezuela No. 3.878 dated July 30, 1986.
WHEREAS the International Maritime Organization (IMO), in Resolution MSC.560(108), adopted on May 23, 2024, regarding Amendments to Part A of the Seafarers’ Training, Certification and Watchkeeping Code (STCW Code), invites “Parties to note that, in accordance with the provisions of Article XII(1)(a)(ix) of the 1978 STCW Convention, the amendments to the STCW Code set out in the annex shall enter into force on 1 January 2026.”
HEREBY DECIDES
- To inform the entire Aquatic Sector, especially Seafarers and Nautical Education Institutions, that as of January 1, 2026, the amendments to Part A of the Seafarers’ Training, Certification and Watchkeeping Code (STCW Code), Chapter VI “Standards regarding emergency, occupational safety, security, medical care and survival functions”, Section A-VI/1, shall enter into force.
- As of January 1, 2026, the certificate for IMO model course 1.21 “Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities” must reflect the following in its content:
“Contribute to the prevention of and response to violence and harassment, including bullying, sexual harassment and sexual assault.”
- Nautical Education Institutions are urged to incorporate the provisions of the preceding paragraph into the respective IMO Model Course and its corresponding certificate for IMO model course 1.21 “Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities”.
- The Aquatic Authority, through the General Management of the Marina and via the Seafarers Management, shall ensure strict compliance with the contents of this Circular.
Notify the content of this Circular through all dissemination mechanisms.
In Caracas, on the 25th day of the month of October 2025.
PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF AQUATIC SPACES
Decree No. 4,852, dated August 28, 2023
Official Gazette of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela No. 42,701 of the same date.
