The training described in this recommended practice is designed for marine personnel employed on board tank ships. With appropriate modifications@ the principles and training elements could be applied to other types of vessels used to transport petroleum or petroleum products in bulk. The term tank ship is defined in 1.5. Purpose In 1978 the International Convention on Standards of Training@ Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers established an agreement on qualifications for marine personnel. In 1991 the United States ratified the convention. The American Petroleum Institute and its member companies believe that the standards defined by the international convention should be adhered to. The American Petroleum Institute and its member companies are dedicated to further improvements in the safety and environmental performance of tank ship operations. The training described in this recommended practice is intended to help companies provide and maintain in marine personnel serving aboard tank ships a level of abilities equal to or greater than that described by the international convention. This recommended practice does not address training required to obtain and maintain a license@ endorsement@ or rating. Since each vessel operates in its own way@ the recommendations made here should be adapted to the unique operations of the particular company and ship.