IMO's HTW Sub-Committee Drafts Interim Guidelines for Training Seafarers on Alternative Fuel-Powered Ships
Key Ideas
- IMO's HTW Sub-Committee in London has agreed on draft interim guidelines for training seafarers on ships using alternative fuels and new technologies.
- The guidelines, once approved by the Maritime Safety Committee, aim to address the industry's need for safety guidance amidst the rise of alternative fuels.
- Specific training guidelines are being developed for methyl/ethyl alcohol, ammonia, hydrogen fuel cells, LPG, and battery-powered ships by a Correspondence Group.
- Other outcomes of the HTW 11 meeting include progress in the STCW Convention review, a new MSC resolution on seafarer medical certificates accessibility, and reports on fraudulent certificates.
The IMO's Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW) recently finalized draft interim guidelines for training seafarers on ships powered by alternative fuels and new technologies. Recognizing the industry's increasing use of alternative fuels and the associated safety risks, the Sub-Committee emphasized the need for comprehensive guidance. The guidelines include both generic interim guidelines applicable industry-wide and individual fuel/technology-specific guidelines. Specific training guidelines are being developed for various fuel types including methyl/ethyl alcohol, ammonia, hydrogen, LPG, and battery-powered ships. The Correspondence Group is tasked with this development and will report its progress at the next HTW meeting. In addition to this focus, the HTW 11 meeting addressed the completion of Phase 1 of the STCW Convention review, a draft resolution on seafarer medical certificates accessibility, and reports on fraudulent certificates. The industry is actively working towards enhancing safety measures and training protocols in light of the evolving landscape of alternative fuels.
Topics
Training
Alternative Fuels
Maritime Industry
Safety Risks
Training Guidelines
Seafarer Certification
STCW Convention
Medical Certificates
Fraudulent Certificates
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