The NETOSKAR project will establish a transnational network of European maritime training institutes for the purpose of developing, updating and disseminating a knowledge development and assessment tool in relation to seafarers' competence, in line with the International Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) as established by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). The tool, previously piloted in Finland, consists of a questions database at three levels of competence (Support, Operational and Management) that can be used for individual self-assessment, for verification of training and exam compliance with the STCW standards or as a basis for referral to IMO model courses. It will be available via a web platform and as a CD-Rom. End products will also include a users' training programme and manual for question developers. The overall structure in addition to 2500 new questions will be generated during the project. These will be in EN with support-level questions translated into partner languages. Beyond the lifetime of the project, the new network of training organisations will take responsibility for further updating, use and promotion of the product, including its commercialisation. Dissemination will rely on a network marketing approach with international reach - particularly via the International Association of Maritime Universities (IAMU) - and will be supported by the projects' website, prospectuses and articles.