NavList:

No, unless they change the STCW convention, this isn't going to happen, and I have not read about such changes (although admittedly I might have missed it).  What might happen in each country is that they alter their testing procedures so that once the STCW training/demonstration requirement is taken care of, the material might be removed from each country's testing regimen.

 

For example, right now to get an oceans endorsement, I need to have passed an STCW class with practical demonstration in Celestial navigation.  There are two levels to this, "operational" and "management," which I alluded to in an earlier post.  In addition to this class, I then have to pass USCG exams which also cover this material.  In essence, I am tested on the material twice.

 

I haven't heard any rumors of the USCG dropping the Celnav component of ocean testing in the USA.  Since the Royal Clipper is probably not of US flag, the testing requirements for the flag state may vary and that statement might in fact be true.

 

Jeremy

 

On our recent Atlantic crossing the captain of the Royal Clipper told
us that the current requirement for celnav knowledge for any
certificate ends next year, have you heard that?

gl