Crowley Implements Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for All Mariners Aboard Crowley Vessels in Compliance with IMO Deadline

(Oakland; Jan. 21, 2002) – After two-and-a-half years of preparation, Crowley Maritime Corporation has implemented International Maritime Organization (IMO) Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) for all mariners aboard Crowley-owned seagoing vessels in compliance with the IMO’s Feb. 1, 2002 training deadline.

The STCW convention was drafted in 1978, establishing such things as the requirement for four years of experience for a Master 1600 gt license. In addition, the 1995 amendments establish minimum rest periods for watchkeeping personnel, and require that all mariners receive vessel familiarity and basic safety training.

One of the fundamental objectives of the convention is to establish standards of competence for the performance of tasks and to have assessments as to whether an individual meets each competence level. The convention is based in part on the principle that proper training, coupled with effective application of quality management principles and use of proper procedures, will promote shipboard practices which prevent human error or detect errors at a point when adverse consequences can be averted.

“IMO convention amendments require that persons going for licenses and merchant mariners documents show competence through exams and practical demonstration of skills,” said Chris Sawin, training manager, Crowley West Coast contract operations. “Crowley operations and training personnel have made these requirements a priority, and by implementing training early, with the cooperation of the mariners and the training institutions, we have successfully met the February 2002 deadlines as outlined by the convention.”

“I am proud of the dedication and commitment that our vessel personnel have exhibited in the attainment of this new standard,” said Tom Crowley Jr., Chairman, President and CEO of Crowley Maritime Corporation. “The leadership and dedication of our marine operations group have put Crowley ahead of the curve in this important certification area, and we intend to stay there.”

Oakland-based Crowley Maritime Corporation, founded in 1892, is primarily a family- and employee-owned company engaged in worldwide logistics, liner services, contract towing and transportation, energy support services, ship assist and escort services, vessel management and petroleum and chemical marine transport. Additional information about Crowley, its subsidiaries and business units may be found on the Internet at www.crowley.com.

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