In an exclusive interview to SAFETY4SEA, Dr. Heike Deggim, Director, Maritime Safety Division, IMO, says that smart ships will change fundamentally ship operations and highlights that human element remains on top of IMO’s agenda. In that regard, STCW Convention and Code is under review to keep training requirements up-to-date while MLC will take into account lessons learned during the pandemic to ensure seafarers welfare under critical conditions.

As of 20 May 2021, 60 IMO Member States and two Associate Members have made this designation and have subsequently developed and implemented policies designed to safeguard and promote seafarer welfare and mobility. However, it is vital that nations act collectively to ensure this momentum is not lost, urge Dr Heike Deggim & Mr. Paul Levey from IMO.