Seas of change

The Evolving Green Curriculum

Capt Jeffrey Parfitt FNI Head of Safety and Environment, The Nautical Institute

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It has been a couple of months since the last update on the Green Curriculum. During this period, our journey has been marked by adaptation to the ever-shifting international seascape. Overcoming unforeseen obstacles, we remain committed to engaging with international groups that will ultimately have influence at IMO level. The Maritime Technologies Forum (MTF), with whom we have aligned and have input, is drafting its own report on ISM revision concerning alternative fuels, though current reporting restrictions limit a more detailed discussion in Seaways.

Simultaneously, the UN Global Compact, which oversees the Maritime Just Transition Task Force, is supporting the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) project Training Seafarers for a Decarbonised Future, announced on 30 November 2023. This collaborative effort funded by Lloyds Register Foundation (LRF), and involving the ITF, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the IMO, aims to develop a framework preparing seafarers for zero or near-zero emission ships.

Their objective is to deliver a training framework that will equip seafarers with skills in decarbonisation and provide guidance for trainers and the industry. In particular, the project will involve the World Maritime University (WMU) in Malmo to provide academic research support. It will principally focus on methanol, ammonia and hydrogen fuels. A timeline of 18 months for project delivery has been stated – meaning the framework will be available by mid 2025.

Upon completion, the package will be available to all IMO Member States for use by maritime education and training institutes. There will also be a train the trainer programme. The Baseline Training Framework for Seafarers in Decarbonisation will first be tested in Asia through a WMU-led programme supported by other partners, being focused on all seafarers. Training materials will include a structure for seafarers and officers, as well as an instructor handbook for maritime training institutions.

The Nautical Institute welcomes this initiative in the hope such a programme will go some way to filling the gap identified in the UNGC report of 2022 Mapping a Just Transition for Seafarers.

We continue to express concerns about the level and quality of international training, and remain engaged within the Peer Learning Group, contributing to the development of this programme. Our focus is on identifying the baseline, understanding how training will be delivered and monitored, and ensuring the quality of training is upheld.

What is not in doubt is the dangerous nature of the proposed fuels that pose a threat not only to the seafarers but to the port environment. Therefore, our position emphasises supporting high quality training. Whilst training at scale is imperative, its effectiveness hinges on the lessons learned and applied, and minimising risks associated with the introduction of these fuels. Inevitably, there is a risk of serious incidents, which may be avoidable if quality training is achieved.

Ammonia

A dive into the many published papers on alternative fuels found the Human Factor Considerations: Ammonia Fuel End-of-Stage Report. This in-depth report was co-authored by Lloyds Register and Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping, and is available on the LR website.

What is interesting is the depth that this report goes into, covering:

• Ergonomic design;
• Roles and responsibilities;
• Competence (technical and non-technical skills);
• Resourcing and personnel;
• Processes and procedures;
• Occupational health hazards;
• Process safety hazards;
• Management of change.

It underscores that operational challenges posed by novel fuel systems call for a new approach to seafarer performance. It addresses potential issues such as the effect of additional personal protective equipment (PPE) on fatigue and physical capability, and a reliance on remote CCTV systems for monitoring and decision making. All these adaptations make for a complex new world.

Several reports mention additional responsibilities for some roles – as if there are not already enough. The Master and Chief Engineer will need to be aware of new ammonia regulations, rules and reporting requirements, including changes related to port visits. Minimum safe manning may have to be revisited and perhaps it will be necessary to carry fuel specialists. Pilots, port operatives, company officials, class and flag state auditors, bunkering personnel, contractors, clients, and agents will require a degree of specific knowledge as they will all interact with these fuels on a regular basis.

A recent NI London Branch presentation on alternative fuels raised a crucial question concerning vessels in distress. If the ship has ammonia in any quantity on board – including as a fuel – would haven be granted? This question highlights the potential hazards these fuels pose to port environments.

Reskilling and upskilling

Whilst acknowledging the need for seafarers to adapt and upskill, we stress that such adaptation is not new to our profession. Over the decades, seafarers have constantly adjusted to changes in navigational methods, technology and industry practices. As seafarers, we have deskilled from using manual methods of computation, but we have adapted and upskilled to dynamic positioning, ECDIS, ARPA, GPS, GMDSS, AIS, reduced manning, automation, power management systems and sophisticated subsea offshore operations.

As a members’ organisation for professional mariners, it is incumbent upon The Nautical Institute to represent mariners at the highest level, to ensure our voice is heard. As we navigate these uncharted waters, our commitment is to elevate the expectations of mariners worldwide above the minimum standards set by STCW.

We shall continue to update our members on our green curriculum initiative as it continues to take shape during 2024.