Comprehensive Review of the STCW Set to Continue at IMO

Routinely, the Sub-Committee’s agenda will include:

• the revision of IMO model courses, which provide sets of recommendations for the development of national seafarer training programmes related to the implementation of IMO conventions and codes;
• issues related to analyzing requirements and guidance related to managing seafarers' hours of work and rest;
• the development of training standards for the use of alternative fuels and innovative technologies on board ships aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The session, however, will mainly center around the Comprehensive Review of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978 (STCW Convention), and the STCW Code. Relevant work will be carried out both during HTW 12 and at the meeting of the Intersessional Working Group on the Review of the STCW Convention and Code, scheduled for March 2-6.

A total of 164 documents penned by Member States and international organizations have been submitted for consideration, covering more than 400 regulatory gaps and areas of improvement previously identified by the Sub-Committee.

Experts from Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RS) will attend the plenary session and take active part in dedicated Working, Technical and Drafting groups created for more issue-specific discussions.

Following the events, RS will report on the session outcomes through its official channels.  

Additional information:

Founded in 1913, Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RS) is a world-renowned classification society that operates within all spheres of the maritime industry with the goal of improving the operational and environmental safety of marine transportation. RS reviews technical documentation, surveys ships and offshore facilities under construction and in service, certifies vessels and companies for compliance with international conventions, recognizes and certifies industrial products and manufacturers, certifies quality management systems for compliance with international and national standards.

Today, RS is actively expanding its scope of services in the field of engineering and consulting, the development of technical documentation for vessels in service, marine warranty surveys, management system certification and recognition of manufacturers. In addition, RS surveys all container types, including tank containers and offshore containers, confirms compliance of packaging for dangerous goods, as well as renders services on the declaration and certification of dangerous goods and bulk cargoes.