The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is spearheading a project to modernize seafarer training in the UK, aiming to set a gold standard for safer and greener shipping globally. UK submissions to the IMO’s HTW sub-committee have been accepted for consideration as a major amendment to the STCW convention.
Lloyd’s Register’s Maritime Decarbonisation Hub and Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping have released reports addressing the upskilling needs of future seafarers in the transition to alternative fuels. Focusing on ammonia as a promising fuel, the reports highlight safety hazards and propose comprehensive training programs to ensure seafarer safety.
ASEAN member states recently adopted the Regional Strategy on Biofouling Management during the 47th ASEAN Maritime Transport Working Group in Brunei on September 17-18. Led by the Philippine delegation, the draft Regional Strategy was presented by Maritime Industry Authority deputy administrator for Operations Nannette Dinopol. The strategy’s main goal is to maintain healthy marine ecosystems.
Paris MoU has released guidelines for certifying Seafarers and Manning Requirements in line with STCW Convention, MLC, and SOLAS. SOLAS V/14.2 applies to ships under SOLAS 1974, while STCW 1978 and MLC, 2006 apply to seafarers on seagoing ships. Inspections should note deficiencies related to these conventions, with specific focus on verifying certificates and endorsements. PSCC instructions should be followed for MLC deficiencies.
According to DNV, the 10th session of the IMO’s Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW 10) initiated a comprehensive revision of the STCW Convention and Code to address experiences, emerging challenges, and technological advancements. The session also agreed to establish a new module in the IMO’s online information database for a trial period.
