Seafarers will be able to use electronic documentation to certify their training and competence following a decision by HTW 8
IMO’s Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping met for its eighth session (HTW 8) 7-11 February 2022. During that session, the sub-committee agreed to amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) 1978, and related STCW Code to enable certificates to be used in electronic form.
This would formalise the use of these electronic certificates for seafarers to demonstrate their training, once it is approved by a safety committee.
Draft amendments to the 1978 STCW Convention, regulations I/1 and I/2, concern including a new definition for “original form of any certificate required by the Convention”.
These draft amendments to section A-I/2 of the STCW Code clarify the application in the code of existing terms and terminologies to the certificates and endorsements, which might otherwise prevent electronic forms being used.
During HTW 8, draft guidelines on using electronic certificates for seafarers were agreed for approval by IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee at its next meeting this year in conjunction with adopting amendments to the STCW Convention and Code.
The draft amendments and guidelines on electronic certificates are in line with IMO’s drive to integrate new and advancing technologies in its regulatory framework.
Also during HTW 8, the sub-committee considered guidance and procedures for effectively implementing the STCW Convention. An earlier assessment of implementation challenges found one of the main challenges is communicating information.
HTW 8 intends to develop streamlined guidance and procedures for communications to help parties improve their obligations to communicate information as required by the STCW Convention.
Also during HTW 8, the sub-committee endorsed the process for revising model training courses: 1.32 on Operational use of Integrated Bridge Systems Including Integrated Navigational Systems; 1.35 on Liquefied Petroleum Gas Tanker Cargo and Ballast Handling Simulator. These are expected to be validated by HTW 10 within two years.
The HTW 8 sub-committee also finalised two new appendices on action verb taxonomy for model courses and guidance on learning outcomes for inclusion in the revised guidelines for the development, review and validation of model courses (MSC-MEPC.2/Circ.15/Rev.2).
These model courses are recognised as tools intended to assist IMO member states and other stakeholders to develop detailed training programmes and are routinely developed, revised and validated by the HTW sub-committee.
Do not miss Maritime Communications Webinar Week, 14 - 17 March 2022, with webinars covering VSAT, 4G/LTE, LEO satellites, safety communications and more. Register here
© 2023 Riviera Maritime Media Ltd.