Brussels, 27/06/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 27 June, COREPER gave its seal of approval to the trialogue agreement announced by the Danish Presidency last week on the STCW Convention (see EUROPE 10638). This means that the latest amendments laid down by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) on standards of training, certification and watchkeeping for seafarers (STCW Convention) will be transposed into European legislation. This agreement will update the 2008 directive focusing on these areas. The changes to the STCW Convention were adopted by the IMO in 2010 for entry into force in 2012. The agreement reached in trialogue will allow the EU to come on board in time. The amendments update the standards on medical skills and service. As regards this, alcohol abuse is targeted. New professional qualifications for seafarers will see the light of day: electro-technician officers and seafarers. The definition of “certificate” is also clarified and simplified. On this subject, the Convention will now include the prevention of fraudulent practices as regards certification. Safety training thus becomes obligatory for all seafarers and the recognition of training and certification systems of third countries goes from three months to 18. Lastly, data on certification will be collected, with these statistics making it possible to establish adequate policies. The Parliament's plenary vote is scheduled for after the summer break and the Council's approval will follow. (MD/transl.fl)