To align seafarer training, certification, and watchkeeping with evolving trends in the shipping industry and to tackle various challenges encountered by seafarers, the IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) has decided to initiate a thorough STCW review and update of the Convention and Code.
The STCW review will go through several phases, with a view to be completed and adopted by the autumn of 2027.
IMO has announced a roadmap for the comprehensive review that will start in February 2024. The Organization, as part of the 2010 Manila Amendments, developed standards for training, watchkeeping and certification for personal safety and social responsibilities.
Having recognized the need to tackle bullying and harassment in the maritime sector, including sexual assault and sexual harassment (SASH), with the objective of ensuring a safe workplace, MSC 105 instructed the HTW Sub-Committee to develop and finalize, as a matter of priority, STCW training provisions addressing bullying and harassment in the maritime sector, including SASH.
Now the firing gun has been started, here is the opening phase of the STCW review starting in February 2024: HTW 10
– Finalise preliminary list of specific areas identified for review.
– Finalise road map for the comprehensive STCW review – the Convention and Code.
– Agreeing and finalizing a methodology for proposing and considering amendments to the STCW Convention and Code, including effective date of any amendments, and the time needed to complete necessary updates of the relevant instruments.
– Invite proposals for amendments to the STCW Convention and Code to ISWG-STCW 1, subject to the MSC 108 approval of areas identified and methodology for proposing and considering amendments, as applicable.
– Consideration of the option to convening of an intersessional working group (ISWG) or/and a virtual Correspondence Group meeting and agree to ToR.
– Report of HTW 10 to MSC 108
