HE00720 - The ISM Code versus the STCW Convention. MET efforts - challenges convene?

The ISM Code and the STCW 95 Convention can without doubt be considered some of the most important IMO instruments that in their content contributes to 'safe, secure and efficient shipping on clean oceans'.

The two instruments are fundamental in the sense that they have a perceptible link to quality assurance (QA). Maritime Administrations (Mar.Ad.), other shipping departments, maritime education and training (MET) institutions, shipping companies and ports etc. ascertain public assurance of efficient and safe ship-operation by opening their doors allowing an external audit.

Apparently, it has been realized that national administrations are given less room for individual interpretations on vital issues in IMO instruments. This is an important step towards harmonization of standards and commercial activities within shipping. With an operational guarantee, e.g. an international QA award, the question remains if the ISM Code is an instrument that has got its deserved backup from relevant training of those made to use the Code. Indirectly, the port state control function is made to assure that the MET institutions do their job i.e. that the end-products from the MET institutions know how to use knowledge and show professional skills; a ship seaworthy and safely manned.

Today, it is time to ask oneself if the STCW 95 really pass on relevant and needed knowledge and skill to seafarers and assure the shipowners (hereinafter owner) that the ship not will be detained due to their employee2019s substandard education. What subjects in the curricula should be, or has been, rewritten in order to make the ISM Code a real success and useful to the industry? Is it proven that ship casualties are reduced with the introduction of the ISM Code? Have ship detentions been reduced because of improved knowledge and skills among ratings and officers? Do cargo arrive intact and on time?

This paper is aiming at vital safety issues that still are not adequately addressed in the STCW 95 but important in order to make the ISM Code successful. The industry is expecting a dialogue with MET, and also that MET not only follows the easiest flow of the stream by no more than fulfilling required minimum knowledge and skills demanded by the lawmakers. Hence, the MET is required to play a more proactive role in the shaping of maritime education.