STCW II/4 - Ratings Forming Part of a Navigational Watch (RFPNW) 500 GT or More

STCW II/4 Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch (RFPNW) is a qualified rating and Endorsement, designed to fulfill the requirements of of the STCW Convention in the deck department of an ocean going vessel.

For all on ocean going vessels of 500 GT or more, RFPNW is to be duly certified to perform the duties of navigational watch.

Please find below the STCW 2010 regulations and tables. You may also check our STCW Guide section for more clarity on the requirements at various stages of a merchant mariner..

In this section

• STCW Section A-II/4
• STCW Table A-II/4
• STCW Section B-II/4
• STCW Regulation II/4

Mandatory Minimum Requirements for Certification of Ratings Forming Part of a Navigational Watch

Standard of Competence

1. Every rating forming part of a navigational watch on a seagoing ship of 500 gross tonnage or more shall be required to demonstrate the competence to perform the navigation function at the support level, as specified in column 1 of table A-II/4.
2. The minimum knowledge, understanding and proficiency required of ratings forming part of a navigational watch on a seagoing ship of 500 gross tonnage or more is listed in column 2 of table A-II/4.
3. Every candidate for certification shall be required to provide evidence of having achieved the required standard of competence in accordance with the methods for demonstrating competence and the criteria for evaluating competence specified in columns 3 and 4 of table A- II/4. The reference to “practical test” in column 3 may include approved shore-based training in which the trainees undergo practical testing.
4. Where there are no tables of competence for the support level in respect to certain functions, it remains the responsibility of the Administration to determine the appropriate training, assessment and certification requirements to be applied to personnel designated to perform those functions at the support level.

Guidance regarding the training and certification of ratings forming part of a navigational watch

In addition to the requirements stated in table A-II/4 of this Code, Parties are encouraged, for safety reasons, to include the following subjects in the training of ratings forming part of a navigational watch:

1. a basic knowledge of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972, as amended;
2. rigging a pilot ladder;
3. an understanding of wheel orders given by pilots in English;
4. training for proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats;
5. support duties when berthing and unberthing and during towing operations;
6. a basic knowledge of anchoring;
7. a basic knowledge of dangerous cargoes;
8. a basic knowledge of stowage procedures and arrangements for bringing stores on board;
9. a basic knowledge of deck maintenance and of tools used on deck.