On December 6th, the fifth independent evaluation report on the implementation of the amended International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, submitted by the Chinese government, successfully passed the International Maritime Organization (IMO) 's rigorous review and confirmation process with zero issues. This achievement signifies that China's compliance capabilities and standards in the international maritime sector have once again received high recognition from the global community, showcasing the nation's exemplary image as a Category A Council Member of the IMO and a major seafaring nation.

As one of the "four pillars" of the global maritime regulatory framework, the STCW Convention aims to ensure that seafarers possess the necessary professional skills and knowledge to safeguard the safety of ships at sea and the protection of the marine environment. In accordance with the Convention's requirements, each contracting state must conduct an independent evaluation every five years and submit the results to the IMO to demonstrate its comprehensive, adequate, and effective implementation of the Convention's relevant provisions.

The Chinese government fulfills its obligations under the legal instruments of the IMO in earnest. Since the entry into force of the 1995 amendments to the STCW Convention, China has submitted five consecutive independent evaluation reports on the STCW Convention, all of which have passed the IMO's review and confirmation. This has effectively upheld China's image as a major power and its international standing in the maritime sector, demonstrated the nation's capability and standards in maritime compliance, and further strengthened its institutional voice in relevant matters.

The zero-issue approval of the fifth independent evaluation report provides a solid foundation and assurance for expanding overseas employment opportunities for Chinese seafarers and exporting advanced education and training experiences. It also establishes a "China model" for the optimization of the global maritime governance system.