A project led by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) to modernise seafarer training in the UK is on its way to being accepted as part of the gold standard for safer and greener shipping around the world.
As announced, UK submissions have been accepted by the Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW) sub-committee of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to develop into a major amendment to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).
On 14 February, the UK’s proposed revisions in a report for the STCW Comprehensive Review Working Group were supported by a plenary meeting of the HTW sub-committee. They will now be taken forward by the international working group.
The submissions will ultimately become part of the STCW convention and the associated mandatory code, updating and futureproofing the delivery of skills to raise standards, safety and environmental protection around the world.
Highlights include:
- essential skills for decarbonisation and increased digitisation at sea
- benefits to seafarers and operators from bridge simulator training
- development of officer roles in response to technological advances in navigation, propulsion and automation
It puts the UK at the forefront of global training practices that will help keep vessels safe, our seas clean, and ensure skills keep pace with technology. We’re very proud to share our success with the world.
…said Shajan Lukose, Head of Nautical Examiner, MCA.
