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International Maritime Organization is expecting member countries to accelerate the implementation of seafarer training and programs on ship alternative fuels and new technologies
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The updated program can now be rolled out with the issuance of interim guidelines
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IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez also asked member states to “be proactive” in sending feedback to enhance the regulatory process in support of the industry’s decarbonization
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The Philippines is seen as an important provider of observations given its numerous maritime training institutions
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Following the issuance of generic interim guidelines last year, specific interim guidelines for methyl/ethyl alcohol, ammonia, hydrogen, LPG, battery-powered ships and fuel cells will be up for submission to the 12th session of the Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping this month
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The Philippines – the world’s top source of seafarers – continue to be assisted by IMO under the Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme and other projects such as the SMART-C Programme
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) called on member countries to accelerate the implementation of seafarer training and programs on ship alternative fuels and new technologies following the issuance of interim guidelines.
“I’m always asking countries and the industry stakeholders to accelerate not only the implementation but to go beyond – be proactive and bring that feedback to the Organization for us to continue to enhance the regulatory process,” IMO secretary-general Arsenio Dominguez said in a press conference at the sidelines of the recent regional forum on the effective implementation of the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) Convention and Code held in Manila, Philippines.
“…it’s the productivity that everybody will play that would allow us to actually continue to move on the pathway to decarbonization,” Dominguez said.
IMO in September 2025 issued the generic interim guidelines on training for seafarers on ships using alternative fuels and new technologies.
Moreover, work is in progress for the development of fuel- and technology-specific guidelines.
A correspondence group is preparing interim guidelines for methyl/ethyl alcohol, ammonia, hydrogen, liquified petroleum gas (LPG), battery-powered ships and fuel cells for submission to the 12th session of the Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping this month.
These efforts are progressing in parallel to IMO’s ongoing comprehensive review of the 1978 STCW Convention and Code, with the interim guidelines expected to form the basis for the development of mandatory requirements under the revised instruments.
Dominguez said as ship technologies and fuels evolve, “we also need to evolve with them.”
“And in the future, as they become mandatory within the STCW Convention, of course, are going to be part of the follow-up audits to the member states that the Organization periodically carries out,” he added.
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He noted though, the importance of inputs from member states for the development of policies.
“This is where the Philippines, having so many training institutions, can take the next steps and then be one of those countries that provide that input to IMO for us to have the global regulations,” Dominguez pointed out.
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Currently, the IMO has several ongoing initiatives with member states.
These include the three-year project Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme (ITCP) funded by Japan to train instructors from Asian countries, including the Philippines, in operating LNG-fuelled ships; a partnership with the World Maritime University (WMU) to produce training materials for seafarers on alternative fuels, which also contributed to the Maritime Just Transition Task Force training frameworks; support for trainers in developing countries to produce locally relevant courses along with online learning modules through the GreenVoyage2050 Programme; and platforms to connect regulators and practitioners, such as a recent seminar in Singapore showcasing practical training innovations from simulators and virtual reality tools to methanol firefighting exercises.
In 2023, IMO and South Korea also signed a suite of agreements to formally establish and boost the IMO-Republic of Korea Sustainable Maritime Transport Cooperation (SMART-C) Programme.
The goal of the SMART-C Programme is to promote sustainable maritime transport systems and a sustainable marine environment, by building knowledge and developing technical capacity in developing countries via long-term thematic projects.
Filipino seafarers
Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) administrator Sonia Malaluan, in the same press briefing, noted that the Philippines – the world’s top source of seafarers – continue to be assisted by IMO under the ITCP and other projects such as the SMART-C Programme.
The WMU will also be helping MARINA “in developing our training programs in relation to alternative fuels and new technology,” she added.—Roumina Pablo
