The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is stepping up its game in 2025, shifting from planning to action. This year, the focus is on turning policy into practice, driving measurable progress in maritime safety, efficiency, and sustainability. The theme for the year, “From Policy to Practice – Powering Maritime Excellence,” sets the tone for a period of concrete implementation.
At the heart of this push is the recognition that seafarers—the backbone of the maritime industry—need training that keeps pace with rapidly evolving industry realities. With nearly two million seafarers working at sea, the IMO is launching a major update of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW Convention). This update will address emerging technologies, new fuels, and changing operational requirements, ensuring that seafarers are equipped to navigate the future of maritime work.
“Seafarers. Nearly two million work at sea. Recognising that training needs to keep up with the new realities of the industry, we will start a major update of the STCW Convention – including emerging technologies, new fuels and changing requirements,” said an IMO spokesperson.
The updates to the STCW Convention are part of a broader effort to enhance the safety, efficiency, and well-being of seafarers. This includes new education courses, improved training and certification processes, and significant changes to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel, 1995 (STCW-F Convention), and the recently established Code on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel (STCW-F Code). These changes aim to create more cohesive qualification standards, making it easier to respond to the evolving needs of the fishing industry. The updated guidelines will offer valuable support to those involved in the training, education, certification, and assessment of fishing vessel personnel.
In addition to these updates, the IMO is taking a strong stance against workplace harassment. Changes to the Seafarers’ Training, Certification and Watchkeeping Code (STCW Code) now include new mandatory minimum requirements for basic training for seafarers. These requirements focus on increasing knowledge about violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying, and sexual assault. The goal is to equip seafarers with the tools they need to prevent such incidents and respond effectively when they occur.
“This includes sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault. They have new mandatory minimum requirements for basic training for seafarers, with increased knowledge of violence and harassment, including information on how to prevent it and respond to incidents,” the IMO spokesperson added.
The IMO’s push for implementation this year is a critical step forward. By updating key treaties and standards, the organization is not only addressing current challenges but also preparing the maritime industry for future demands. The focus on seafarer training and well-being underscores the importance of having a skilled and resilient workforce capable of adapting to new technologies and operational environments.
As the maritime industry continues to evolve, the IMO’s efforts to bridge the gap between policy and practice will be crucial. The changes to the STCW Convention and related codes are not just about compliance—they are about empowering seafarers with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in an increasingly complex and dynamic industry. This proactive approach will help ensure that the maritime sector remains safe, efficient, and sustainable for years to come.