New titles and mandatory training for fishing vessel crew: what changes in 2026

Key data

Spanish shipowners and fishing companies have an immediate obligation: to verify that each crew member on board holds the qualifications required by the new international regulatory framework. The STCW-F Convention of 1995 has undergone a comprehensive revision adopted by the IMO on May 23, 2024 through Resolutions MSC.561(108) and MSC.562(108), and that revision entered into force on January 1, 2026. Spain has incorporated these amendments, publishing them in the BOE on October 17, 2026.

This is not a minor adjustment: key definitions, competency requirements, and qualifications for several critical roles on board are being updated, and an entirely new training Code with mandatory requirements is being introduced.

What does this regulation establish?

The 2024 amendments to the STCW-F Convention modify the revised Annex of the 1995 Convention on training for fishers and introduce a completely new instrument: the Code on standards of training, certification and watchkeeping for personnel of fishing vessels (Code of training for fishers).

The Code is structured in two parts with different mandatory status:

• Part A: Mandatory requirements. Compliance is not optional.
• Part B: Guidance and recommendations. Advisory character for administrations.

The roles on board whose competency and qualification requirements are being updated are as follows:

Additionally, the revised text updates key definitions of the Convention, which may affect the interpretation of which vessels and which crew members are subject to each requirement.

Administrations—in this case, the Spanish one—have the authority to partially exempt fishing vessels of less than 45 meters in length that operate exclusively in limited national waters. This exemption is partial, not total, and its specific scope depends on the implementing regulation approved by the Spanish maritime administration.

Economic and operational impact

The impact is not a direct fine published in the regulation, but rather operational and business risk. The cost vectors are as follows:

• Cost of training and recertification: Crew members who do not meet the new competency requirements will need to take additional courses or renew their qualifications. This involves time out of service and training costs.
• Risk of vessel detention in port: Port state control inspections can detect non-compliance in crew qualifications. A detained vessel stops fishing and generates direct losses due to activity stoppage.
• Review of contracts and insurance: Marine insurance policies and chartering contracts may include regulatory compliance clauses. Non-compliance with STCW-F can have consequences for coverage.
• Vessels under 45 meters: If the Spanish administration activates the partial exemption, part of the small-scale fishing fleet could be subject to reduced requirements, easing the burden for that segment.

Who does it affect?

• Shipowners and fishing companies with vessels flying the Spanish flag and subject to the STCW-F Convention.
• Fishing skippers who must demonstrate the new competency requirements.
• Navigation officers on fishing vessels.
• Chief engineers on fishing vessels.
• SMSSM radio operators on board fishing vessels.
• Maritime training companies that must adapt their programs to Part A of the new Code.
• Fishing fleet managers responsible for crew regulatory compliance.

Fishing vessels of less than 45 meters operating only in national waters could benefit from a partial exemption, but must wait for the Spanish implementing regulation to know its exact scope.

Practical example

A Galician fishing company operates three deep-sea trawlers of 60 meters in length flying the Spanish flag. Each vessel has a skipper, two navigation officers, a chief engineer, and an SMSSM radio operator—five roles directly affected by the new requirements of the revised STCW-F Convention.

Since the vessels are over 45 meters, they cannot benefit from the partial exemption provided for smaller vessels. The fleet manager must review the current qualifications of the 15 crew members in affected roles (5 per vessel) and compare them with the new competency requirements of Part A of the Code of training for fishers. Those who cannot demonstrate the new competencies must recertify before the vessel is subject to a port state control inspection in any foreign port. If the vessel is detained during a fishing campaign in international waters, losses from activity stoppage can far exceed the cost of preventive training.

What should companies do now?

1. Audit the current qualifications of all crew members in affected roles: skipper, navigation officer, chief engineer, and SMSSM radio operator. Compare with the new requirements of Part A of the Code of training for fishers.
2. Identify which crew members need recertification and plan training courses with sufficient advance notice to avoid leaving vessels without qualified personnel.
3. Verify if your vessels are under 45 meters and operate only in national waters, to determine if they can benefit from the partial exemption once the Spanish administration develops it through regulation.
4. Contact the Spanish maritime administration (Directorate General of the Merchant Marine) to learn about the timeline and procedures for adapting to the new framework.
5. Review the training programs contracted with maritime centers to ensure they are already adapted to Part A of the new Code (Resolution MSC.562(108)).
6. Update crew files and maintain updated documentation on board to facilitate port state control inspections without risk of detention.

Official source

Consult complete regulation in official source (BOE-A-2026-21619)

Notice: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://www.boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE-A-2026-21619