-
The Philippine delegation to the International Maritime Organization advanced nine proposals focused on seafarer training standards, green shipping safety, and fatigue regulations
-
Papers put forward during the 12th Session of the IMO Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping held February 23-27, 2026
-
Eight papers submitted for review under the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for SeafarersConvention and Code
-
One paper filed on a safety framework supporting ship decarbonization and alternative fuels
-
The Philippines co-sponsored a proposal on strengthening fatigue and rest hour provisions
-
Outcomes to be elevated to the Maritime Safety Committee
-
Maritime Industry Authority led the Philippine delegation
The Philippine delegation to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) advanced nine proposals focused on seafarer training standards, green shipping safety, and fatigue regulations during the 12th Session of the IMO Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW 12) held February 23-27, 2026 in London.
Central to the discussions was Agenda Item 6, which covered the comprehensive review of the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) Convention and Code, according to a press release from the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), which led the Philippine delegation.
The STCW Convention and Code serves as the global framework governing standards of training, certification, and watchkeeping for seafarers.
The review seeks to modernize the convention to keep pace with rapid technological developments and evolving shipboard operations.
READ: IMO, PH: Seafarer training must keep up with ship modernization
The Philippines submitted eight papers under Agenda Item 6, all co-sponsored by other member states and international organizations. The proposals aimed to address identified gaps in the ongoing review and to strengthen provisions to enhance clarity, consistency, and future-readiness of the STCW.
The submissions underscored the country’s commitment to sustaining high standards in maritime education and training, reflecting its position as one of the world’s leading sopurces of seafarers.
Under Agenda Item 7, which focuses on developing a safety regulatory framework to support the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from ships using new technologies and alternative fuels, the Philippines submitted one co-sponsored paper. The proposal contributed to deliberations on aligning safety and training requirements with the maritime sector’s decarbonization efforts.
READ: IMO calls for fast rollout of seafarer training on clean energy, new tech
As vessels increasingly adopt alternative fuels and innovative propulsion systems, the Philippines proposed a training framework that would ensure seafarer flexibility and mobility without imposing significant burdens, while incorporating the necessary competencies.
Meanwhile, under Agenda Item 8 on enhancing provisions related to fatigue and seafarers’ hours of work and rest, the Philippines co-sponsored one paper supporting efforts to review and potentially strengthen existing fatigue-related rules.
The delegation emphasized the link between adequate rest, crew welfare, and maritime safety, calling for practical, enforceable measures to protect seafarers while promoting safe ship operations.
READ: Seafarers Happiness Index improves slightly to 7.26 in Q4 2025
More than 200 papers were submitted to HTW 12, with discussions carried out in plenary sessions and dedicated Working and Drafting Groups. The outcomes are expected to be reported to the Maritime Safety Committee for further consideration.
The Philippine delegation was headed by Samuel Batalla, executive director of MARINA’s STCW Office, alongside Maritime Attaché Atty. Sharon Aledo, current chair of the IMO HTW.
READ: PH elected chair of IMO sub-committee on seafarer welfare
