HTW 12 Summary Report

Outcomes from HTW 12

1. Two sets of draft interim guidelines for seafarer training were finalised 
   The draft interim guidelines on training of seafarers using methyl/ethyl alcohols as fuel and the draft interim guidelines on training of seafarers using ammonia as fuel were finalised. These will be sent to MSC 111 in May 2026 for approval and can then be used to develop training programmes for seafarers on ships using methyl/ethyl alcohol or ammonia as fuel. 
2. A work plan was prepared for development of further guidelines on the training of seafarers using alternative fuels and new technologies, as well as necessary updates to the STCW Convention and Code 
   This puts in place a formal plan for the ongoing development of guidelines for the training of seafarers using alternative fuels and new technologies. It will be reviewed regularly and as new safety standards for those fuels and technologies are finalised, they will be added into the plan.   
3. Work continued on the comprehensive review of the STCW Convention and Code
   This work is ongoing over the next week at IMO so it’s not yet possible to report on the outcomes, but it’s expected that gaps identified in chapters II (deck department) and III (engine department) of the STCW Convention and Code will be addressed at this stage. The comprehensive review is expected to be finalised in 2029.  
4. Work commenced on a scoping excise on the enhancement of the effectiveness of provisions on fatigue and seafarers' hours of work and rest
   Measures to improve the way that seafarer fatigue, and their hours of work and rest, are dealt with by formal instruments are being considered. The intent is to identify any gaps in the current provisions and to try to resolve them.