STCW 2010 recognises the increasing use of high voltage (HV) electricity on ships with new requirements for all engineer and electrical officers to be familiar with HV. In addition the new ranks of Electro-Technical Rating and Able Seamen Engine are required to understand the risks associated with HV electricity.

In order to safeguard workers and other people on board, special STCW requirements for training are needed when working with high voltage. With the increasing number of these types of systems on ships, the consequences of small mistakes are even more present than before. The majority of courses offered on High Voltage are land based courses.