Maritime officials in Cameroon recently completed a national training course delivered by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in Yaoundé from May 27-31. The training focused on enhancing their knowledge and skills in administering the training, assessment, and certification of seafarers, in accordance with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW Convention), 1978, as amended. This convention sets global regulations for the training, certification, and watchkeeping standards of seafarers worldwide.
The training covered relevant chapters, regulations, and articles of the STCW Convention and Code to improve countries’ ability to implement the provisions effectively. Thirty-one officials from government and private stakeholder institutions in Cameroon participated in the training, including six women, supporting efforts to enhance gender balance in the maritime sector. The course was delivered through IMO’s Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme (ITCP) in collaboration with the Cameroonian Ministry of Transports, based on a needs assessment mission conducted in April 2023.
By sharing knowledge and experience in administering, supervising, and monitoring the training, assessment, and certification of seafarers, the officials in Cameroon are now better equipped to meet the requirements of the STCW Convention. This training is crucial in ensuring the safety and competence of seafarers, ultimately contributing to the overall improvement of the maritime sector in Cameroon.
