The Nautical Institute at the IMO – The Human Element

The IMO last week considered many regulatory updates focussed on the Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping.

The sub-committee approved five new IMO Model Courses covering GMDSS training, Company and Port Security Officers, and prevention of piracy. Work then commenced on updating four courses for the fishing vessel personnel, with volunteers from The Nautical Institute representing the interests of our fisheries members.

The delegation from Saudi Arabia used this meeting to announce their NextWave Seafarer Project, which is a fully funded initiative to provide cadet training berths in Bahri Shipping Line vessels. Focussed on getting to sea cadets from Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries, application details can be found here: NextWave Seafarers Project launched to bridge global seafarer gap

The revision of the STCW code was progressed through a separate working group.  All proposals for amendments have now been assessed, with about 500 separate subject or line items being taken forward for detailed review. These range from modernising astro navigation training, use of bridge simulators to enhance watchkeeper learning (including some allowances towards cadets’ sea-team), engineer training in propulsion systems other than marine diesel/HFO engines, updates to rules regarding Medical First Aid requalification, mental health training, Dynamic Positioning training and many more. The associated workplan was also updated to reflect the large volume of proposed changes. Formal amendments to STCW are now expected to be ready for adoption in 2031 or 2032.

On Tuesday morning, The Nautical Institute was delighted to host the Maritime Attachés and other delegates at the IMO for a coffee reception. During this event we were able to increase their awareness of our Institute values as well as our partnership opportunities for seafarer research and publication.

The Nautical Institute was represented at the sub-committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping by Captains Chris O'Flaherty AFNI, Aly AlSayed AFNI, Malek Pourzanjani FNI, Sitki Ustaoglu FNI, and Mr Cor Blonk AFNI.