IMO Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW 12)

The 12th session of the IMO’s Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW 12) was held from 22 to 27 February 2026. HTW 12 agreed on two sets of draft interim training guidelines; one for seafarers on ships using methyl/ethyl alcohol as fuel and one for seafarers on ships using ammonia as fuel, marking an important step in supporting safe uptake of alternative fuels and new technologies. The comprehensive review of the STCW Convention and Code was also progressed.

Information for: Ship owners, managers, seafarers, maritime training institutes and flag states.

Comprehensive review of the STCW Convention and Code

The STCW Convention and Code establishes the minimum training, certification and watchkeeping standards for seafarers worldwide. HTW 12 progressed a comprehensive review of the 1978 STCW Convention and Code to address inconsistencies and to improve the provisions based on experiences and new technologies.

Phase 1 of the review identified gaps, while Phase 2 will focus on drafting the necessary amendments.

HTW 12 structured the work for Phase 2. Core topics will include simulator training, SAR updates, non‑technical skills and digital verification. The current discussion focuses on updates to Chapter II (Master and deck department) and Chapter III (Engine department).

Highlights of the ongoing discussions that may form part of a revised STCW Convention and Code include:

• How to better define when training needs to be approved by the administration?
• How much celestial navigation training is still needed today?
• Can seagoing time be replaced partially with structured simulator training?
• Is the training for ECDIS sufficient?
• How can knowledge on BWM be ensured?
• Which new teaching and training methods will be recognized in STCW?
• Is the understanding of leadership reflecting the latest aspects of cultural awareness, mental health issues and ways of communication?
• Are maintenance competencies sufficient?
• How to update the competencies on “new fuels”?
• What are the digital skills that will be required?

The work will be progressed in an intersessional Working Group meeting in March 2026.

STCW oversight and verification processes

HTW 12 progressed the work on the enhancement and integration of the STCW oversight system and of the IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS), including consideration of:

• the role of competent persons / STCW experts within the IMSAS audit team;
• enhancing the effectiveness and robustness of the socalled White List, including the linkage of STCW-related findings; and
• aligning the STCW and IMSAS reporting.

A Correspondence Group will continue the work until HTW 13 in 2027.

New technologies and alternative fuels

The Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) has considered potential alternative fuels and new technologies to support the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ships from a safety perspective, and has identified safety obstacles, barriers and gaps in the current IMO instruments that may hinder their use. Related recommendations to support the possible safe use of these new fuels and technologies have been assigned to the relevant Sub-Committees.

HTW 12 considered the recommendations from MSC 110 and prepared a work plan for the development of training provisions for seafarers on ships using alternative fuels and new technologies, building on work already initiated by the Sub-Committee. The plan includes the development of interim guidelines on training for seafarers on ships using methyl/ethyl alcohols (completed at HTW 12), ammonia (completed at HTW 12), hydrogen fuel cell, LPG, hydrogen, battery power and wind propulsion systems and windassisted power. The work is expected to continue until 2029, in parallel with technical progress in other Sub-Committees.

Generic interim guidelines on training for seafarers on ships using alternative fuels and new technologies to support the reduction of GHG emissions from international shipping (STCW.7/Circ.25) were approved by MSC 110 in 2025. The generic interim guidelines will be supported by specific guidelines for each fuel or technology.

HTW 12 finalized the draft of new interim guidelines on training for seafarers on ships using methyl/ethyl alcohol as fuel and on interim guidelines on training for seafarers on ships using ammonia as fuel. These draft guidelines will be submitted to MSC 111 (May 2026) for approval.

A Correspondence Group will progress the work on fuelspecific interim guidelines for other alternative fuels and new technologies until HTW 13 in 2027.

Fatigue and seafarers’ hours of work and rest

As fatigue remains a widespread challenge in shipping, HTW initiated efforts to consider the effectiveness of the current rules on hours of work and rest.

HTW 12 prepared a preliminary list of documents which may contribute to the understanding of issues and concerns regarding seafarer fatigue and hours of work and rest, as a knowledge base for further consideration of the causes of fatigue and the effectiveness of the current regulatory framework.

A Correspondence Group will progress the work until HTW 13 in 2027.

Model training courses

The Sub-Committee validated the following model courses:

• 1.21 on Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities
• 1.37 on Chemical Tanker Cargo and Ballast Handling Simulator
• 2.06 on Oil Tanker Cargo and Ballast Handling Simulator

In the 1.21 model course, the updated competence regarding the “contribution to the prevention of and response to violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault” has been implemented. This is part of all new Basic Safety courses.

For the tanker courses (1.37 and 2.06), overlaps were identified with other model courses. These courses should be integrated in future revisions.

Further measures to enhance expert participation in the IMO model course review process have been identified. Anyone interested should contact their flag state administration to express their willingness to support the process and request inclusion in the relevant groups.

Recommendation

As HTW is a Sub-Committee, all decisions concerning rules, regulations and dates are subject to further consideration and approval by the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) and the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), as relevant. DNV recommends that our customers monitor the outcome of MSC 111 in May 2026.