This article examines the influence of International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW 1978) on actual maritime workforce training system. The Convention is in constant development; the authors discuss 1995 and 2010 amendments as well as the European Union law context, namely the role of the European Maritime safety Agency in implementation of the Convention. The article analyses integration of STCW system into Polish law and uncover shortcomings and delay of this process. In conclusion, the authors recommend reinstatement of standardised master’s degree for deck department officers in Maritime University in Gdynia’s Faculty of Navigation in order to carry out the provisions of the Convention and connect theory to practice.