The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has taken a significant step toward ensuring the safe operation of ships powered by alternative fuels and new technologies by finalizing draft interim guidelines for seafarer training. Meeting in London from February 10 to 14, the IMO’s Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW) recognized the urgent need for such guidelines as the industry increasingly adopts alternative fuels, bringing new safety challenges. These draft guidelines, designed to apply across the entire maritime sector, will be submitted to the Maritime Safety Committee for approval in June 2025.
With the generic guidelines now in place, the Sub-Committee has begun developing specific training standards for seafarers working on methyl/ethyl alcohol-fuelled ships. This work will continue under the Correspondence Group on the Development of Training Provisions for Seafarers on Ships using Alternative Fuels and New Technologies, which has also been tasked with drafting guidelines for training seafarers working with ammonia, hydrogen, LPG, hydrogen fuel cells, and battery-powered ships. These training provisions will align with existing IMO safety guidelines for each type of fuel, ensuring a comprehensive approach to safety and operational readiness. The Correspondence Group is expected to report its progress at the next HTW session.
Beyond the training guidelines, the Sub-Committee also addressed several key issues, including the completion of Phase 1 of the comprehensive review of the STCW Convention and Code, an agreed work plan for Phase 2, a draft MSC resolution on the accessibility of information regarding seafarer medical certificates and recognized medical practitioners, the validation of revised model courses for seafarer training, and reports on fraudulent certificates. These developments underscore the IMO’s commitment to maintaining high training standards and safety measures as the industry transitions to new fuels and technologies.
