The International Maritime Organisation is stepping up efforts to prepare seafarers for shipping’s energy transition, to help ensure personnel are properly trained to work safely on ships using zero or near-zero emission fuels.
This is in line with the revised strategy adopted by this United Nations agency to cut greenhouse gas emissions from ships.
The IMO, of which Ireland is a member, has issued generic interim guidelines on training for seafarers on ships using alternative fuels and new technologies. The guidelines set out an international framework for the development and approval of training of seafarers serving on all ships using alternative fuels and new technologies.
Fuel and technology-specific interim training guidelines, including for methyl/ethyl alcohol, ammonia, hydrogen, LPG, battery-powered ships and fuel cells, are also being developed. They will be considered by the IMO’s Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping in February.
The guidelines are expected to form the basis for mandatory requirements for seafarer training under a revised 1978 STCW Convention Code. The IMO says this is currently under review to support decarbonisation, digitalisation and other developments.
