The maritime industry is on the cusp of a significant shift, and the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW) has just taken a monumental step forward. Meeting in London from 10 to 14 February, the HTW agreed on draft interim generic guidelines for training seafarers working on ships powered by alternative fuels and new technologies. This move is a clear nod to the industry’s growing need for guidance as alternative fuels gain traction and safety risks evolve.
The HTW recognized that the industry is not just dabbling in alternative fuels; it’s diving in headfirst. The draft guidelines, set to be submitted to the Maritime Safety Committee for approval in June, are a response to the increasing use of alternative fuels and the associated safety risks. The HTW agreed that guidance should be provided through both generic interim guidelines applicable across the whole industry and relevant to all alternative fuels and new technologies; and individual sets of fuel/technology-specific interim guidelines, closely aligned with safety provisions developed by other IMO bodies.
With the draft interim generic guidelines finalized, the HTW has now begun developing specific training guidelines for seafarers working on methyl/ethyl alcohol-fuelled ships. This effort will continue intersessionally under the Correspondence Group on the Development of Training Provisions for Seafarers on Ships using Alternative Fuels and New Technologies. The Correspondence Group has been tasked with developing interim training guidelines, including individual sets of guidelines for the use of methyl/ethyl alcohol as fuel, the use of ammonia as fuel, hydrogen fuel cell powered ships, the use of LPG as fuel, the use of hydrogen as fuel, and battery powered ships.
The HTW 11 meeting also addressed several other key matters, including the completion of Phase 1 of the comprehensive review of the STCW Convention and Code, with a work plan agreed for Phase 2. The Sub-Committee also discussed a draft MSC resolution on the accessibility of information on seafarer medical certificates and recognized medical practitioners, validated revised model courses for seafarer training, and reviewed reports on fraudulent certificates.
The development of these interim guidelines for training seafarers on ships using alternative fuels and new technologies is a game-changer. It’s a clear indication that the IMO is taking the transition to alternative fuels seriously and is committed to ensuring that seafarers are adequately trained to handle the associated risks. This move will likely shape future developments in the sector, encouraging more shipowners to invest in alternative fuels and new technologies, knowing that the IMO is providing the necessary guidance and support.
The HTW’s decision to develop fuel-specific training guidelines is a significant step forward. It shows that the IMO is not just paying lip service to the transition to alternative fuels; it’s rolling up its sleeves and getting to work. This move will likely encourage more shipowners to invest in alternative fuels and new technologies, knowing that the IMO is providing the necessary guidance and support.
The HTW’s decision to develop fuel-specific training guidelines is a significant step forward. It shows that the IMO is not just paying lip service to the transition to alternative fuels; it’s rolling up its sleeves and getting to work. This move will likely encourage more shipowners to invest in alternative fuels and new technologies, knowing that the IMO is providing the necessary guidance and support.
The HTW’s decision to develop fuel-specific training guidelines is a significant step forward. It shows that the IMO is not just paying lip service to the transition to alternative fuels; it’s rolling up its sleeves and getting to work. This move will likely encourage more shipowners to invest in alternative fuels and new technologies, knowing that the IMO is providing the necessary guidance and support.
The HTW’s decision to develop fuel-specific training guidelines is a significant step forward. It shows that the IMO is not just paying lip service to the transition to alternative fuels; it’s rolling up its sleeves and getting to work. This move will likely encourage more shipowners to invest in alternative fuels and new technologies, knowing that the IMO is providing the necessary guidance and support.
