Opinions

STCW 2010 Amendments : What you need to know It is widely known that IMO was holding a Diplomatic Conference in Manila, Philippines, earlier this year to discuss amendments to STCW. What most people fail to identify is the extend of revisions and the implementation realities behind that. To sort things straight lets see what happened step by step:STCW Manila AmendmentsOn June 25th, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and other major stakeholders in the global shipping and manning industry formally ratified the so-called "Manila Amendments" to the current Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) and its associated Code. The amendments aiming to bring the STCW up to date with developments since its conception and initial adoption in 1978, and the subsequent amendments in 1995.Enty Into ForceThe Convention amendments will be adopted with a tacit acceptance procedure which has been agreed indicating that amendments will be accepted by 1st July 2011 UNLESS more than 50% of the parties to the STCW object such a development. As a result STCW Amendments are set to enter into force on January 1, 2012.Enhancement of STCW ObjectivesThe following items outline the key improvements realised through the new Amendments:Certificates of Competency...

- In an effort to enhance fatigue management IMO has amended the "fitness for duty - hours of rest" requirements to provide watch keepers on-board ships with increased rest periods on the latest STCW Amendments in line with the ILO MLC. Despite the fact that over the last 20 months STCW latest amendments are in place and ILO MLC is due for implementation by August the 20th a number of problems are experienced as follows: Problem # 1 : Inconsistency between work & Rest Hours IMO States in STCW Section A-VIII/1 : Fitness for duty that each crew member shall be provided with a rest period of not less than: a minimum of 10 hours of rest in any 24-hour period; and 77 hours in any 7-day period. At the same time ILO MLC states the following rule on work/rest: (a) maximum hours of work shall not exceed: (i) 14 hours in any 24-hour period; and (ii) 72 hours in any seven-day period; or (b) minimum hours of rest shall not be less than: (i) ten hours in any 24-hour period; and (ii) 77 hours in any seven-day period.   The inconsistency lies to the fact that despite both regulations...

As autonomous ships are becoming a much-discussed topic in the industry, Callum O’Brien, Deputy Underwriter working for the Standard P&I Club, discussed key advantages and challenges ahead surrounding the adoption and viability of this technology and how soon the industry will be able to embrace it. 

What does your sitting style or your voice tone say? What message do you send when you cross your arms? Mastering body language can have an effect not only on job interviews, presentations and social occasions, but also on your brain!

Leadership, as a special component of safe operations at sea, is a skill resulting from a complex combination of mindset characteristics which can be learned, argues Capt. VS Parani, naming the key features he believes to be the most critical for a great leader at sea.

Michael Røssland, Norsafe Academy, focuses on the new resolution and amendments to SOLAS approved by IMO regarding requirements for periodic service of lifesaving equipment. Mr Røssland explaina that this resolution requires documented competency and approval of personnel conducting services and outlined necessary actions for vessels, shipowners, flag, class and servicing companies to comply.

Being resilient means remaining a thriving enterprise despite the emerging challenges. Which are the capabilities, skills, and self-care practices that contribute in building professional resilience in maritime industry?

We have all tried to adopt a resilient life routine once with no results. Though everyone has 24 hours in a day, some people seem to always get much more done. Thus, how do they do it?

During the 2020 SAFETY4SEA Limassol Forum, Dr. John Kokarakis, Vice President Technology & Business Development, Bureau Veritas, discussed ammonia as a potential solution for carbon-free shipping. During his presentation, Dr. Kokarakis presented the advantages of ammonia on the one hand, and the challenges on the other, adding that difficulties around ammonia can be controlled by technical and regulatory options.

Capt. Yves Vandenborn, Director of Loss Prevention at the Standard P&I Club, addresses the ISM Code. 20 years after the Code came into effect in 1998, Mr. Vandenborn examines the course of it and what needs to be done in order to become more effective.