The 8th session of the IMO’s Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW 8) was held remotely from 7 to 11 February. Highlighting the human element as a key factor both for safety and environmental protection, HTW 8 agreed on a revised checklist for considering the human element in the review, development and implementation of new and existing IMO requirements. HTW 8 also agreed on amendments to the STCW Convention and Code to accommodate the use of seafarers’ electronic certificates and documents.
Relevant for shipowners, managers, seafarers, maritime training institutes and flag states
Meeting highlights
- Finalized draft amendments to the procedures for considering the human element in the IMO regulatory framework
- Finalized draft amendments to the STCW Convention and Code for the use of electronic certificates and documents for seafarers
- Finalized draft amendments to the revised guidelines for the development, review and validation of model courses
The role of the human element
The human element continues to play a vital role both for safety and environmental protection, as well as within the increased digitalization of shipping, and the development of new and advanced technologies.
HTW 8 agreed to invite all relevant IMO bodies to assess their respective involvement in the human element and report back. The intention is to develop an outline for a holistic approach to the human element in the IMO rule-making process.
HTW 8 agreed to draft amendments to the “Organization and method of work of the Maritime Safety Committee and the Marine Environment Protection Committee and their subsidiary bodies” (MSC-MEPC.1/Circ.5/Rev.2), including a revised checklist for considering human element issues by IMO bodies. The checklist in MSC-MEPC.7/Circ.1 will be revoked accordingly.
The draft amendments will be submitted to MEPC 78 (June 2022) and MSC 106 (October 2022) for approval.
TW 8 further agreed on a draft guidance framework for the application of casualty cases and lessons learned to seafarers’ education and training.
Model training courses
IMO model courses are intended to assist instructors in developing training programmes for seafarers as per the International Convention of Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978. The model courses are subject to regular review to ensure that they are consistent with the current IMO instruments and reflect best practices and modern technologies.
HTW 8 prepared draft amendments to the revised guidelines for the development, review and validation of model courses (MSC-MEPC.2/Circ.15/Rev.1) to facilitate consistent description of the teaching objectives of the various IMO model courses and included guidance on learning outcomes. The draft MSC-MEPC.2/Circ. 15/Rev.2 will be submitted to MEPC 78 (June 2022) and MSC 106 (October 2022) for approval.
Drafting groups will consider the draft model courses submitted to HTW 8 for validation, and report to HTW 9 in February 2022.
Implementation of the STCW Convention
The STCW Convention requires flag states to demonstrate that they have given full effect to the provisions of the STCW Convention and requires them to send reports to the IMO for review.
A correspondence group will consider streamlined guidance for the preparation, submission and review of reports for the communication of such information, and report to HTW 9 in February 2022.
Training, certification and watchkeeping on fishing vessels
With the global fishing industry still showing a poor safety record, HTW 8 continued with its comprehensive review of the STCW-F Convention to ensure that it is updated with relevant training, that it supports other relevant international instruments and facilitates practical implementation.
A correspondence group will continue the work until HTW 9 in February 2022.
Electronic certificates and documents for seafarers
Seafarers’ certificates and documents are, to an increasing extent, available electronically. HTW 8 finalized draft amendments to the STCW Convention and Code to accommodate the use of electronic certificates and documents for seafarers. In addition, a draft guideline on the use of electronic certificates was finalized.
The draft amendments and the draft guidelines will be submitted to MSC 106 (October 2022) for approval.
Quality of on-board training
The building of newer and more technically sophisticated ships, along with new IMO requirements, require well trained and educated personnel. A correspondence group will prepare a work plan for the development of measures regarding the assurance of on-board training.
Facilitation of mandatory seagoing service
The STCW Convention requires mandatory seagoing service. However, it has been reported that candidates face challenges in obtaining the required seagoing service. A correspondence group will collate information to identify the difficulties faced in the implementation of the STCW mandatory seagoing service provisions.
Safe operation of onshore power supply (OPS)
HTW 8 considered the personnel, training and familiarization provisions in the draft “Interim guidelines on safe operation of onshore power supply (OPS) service in ports for ships engaged on international voyages”.
It was agreed that the guidelines should only address familiarization, as training is already covered through different STCW competencies and the ISM Code. HTW 8 further noted the need to address an inconsistency in the definition of “high voltage” between the draft interim guideless and Regulation I/1.1.44 of the STCW Convention.
The draft interim guidelines will be submitted to MSC 105 (April 2022) for consideration and approval.
Safety for Ships Carrying Industrial Personnel (IP Code)
HTW 8 agreed that the draft new Code of Safety for Ships Carrying Industrial Personnel (IP Code) does not need to include provisions for crowd management training.
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 105 in April 2022, MEPC 78 in June 2022 and MSC 106 in October 2022.
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