Validation for IMO Model Courses

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) model courses are valuable tools that assist Member States and other stakeholders to develop detailed training programmes, to effectively implement the provisions of the 1978 STCW Convention, as amended, and to achieve the knowledge and skills demanded by increasingly sophisticated shipping industry.

According to the UN body, three new model courses and one revised model course have been put forward to the Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW 6, 29 April-3 May) for validation: draft new model courses on Advanced training for masters, officers, ratings and other personnel on ships subject to the International Code of Safety for Ship Using Gases or Other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code); Basic training for masters, officers, ratings and other personnel on ships subject to the IGF Code; and Passenger safety, cargo safety and hull integrity training; and the draft revised model course on Advanced training in firefighting.

The Sub-Committee will also consider the conversion of IMO model courses to e-learning versions, if appropriate, taking into account costs and other implications, and refining the process to develop, revise and validate model courses.
 
Amongst other items on the HTW 6 agenda, the Sub-Committee will continue its ongoing comprehensive review of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel (STCW-F), 1995, which entered into force in 2012. It is a key pillar among the international instruments on fishing vessel safety. Progress is expected with the review of all chapters and the preparation of an associated Code.

Under the agenda item on the “role of the human element”, the Sub-Committee is expected to look at developing guidance on the application of casualty cases and lessons learned to seafarers' education and training; and to consider reviewing and updating  the Checklist for considering human element issues by IMO bodies.

Implementation of the 1978 STCW Convention, as amended, is on the agenda, specifically with reference to the list of compliant   STCW Parties ("White List") and its review, based on the continuous compliance by Parties, as required by the Convention.

The Sub-Committee is expected to finalize draft amendments to table B-I/2 (List of certificates or documentary evidence required under the STCW Convention) of the STCW Code. The Sub-Committee will also consider developing a new joint ILO/IMO International Medical Guide for Ships (IMGS), as well as the establishment of a joint ILO/IMO Working Group for the development of guidelines on the medical examination of fishing vessels' personnel.

The HTW 6 meeting was opened by IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim and is being chaired by Ms. Mayte Medina (United States).