Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09LONDON705
2009-03-20 17:58:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy London
Cable title:
IMO: SUBCOMMITTEE ON STANDARDS OF TRAINING AND WATCHKEEPING
how-toVZCZCXYZ0010 RR RUEHWEB DE RUEHLO #0705/01 0791758 ZNR UUUUU ZZH R 201758Z MAR 09 FM AMEMBASSY LONDON TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 1773 INFO RUWDQAC/COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-00I/CG-094/CG-5// RHEFHLC/HOMELAND SECURITY CENTER WASHINGTON DC
UNCLAS LONDON 000705
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EWWT AORC ASEC UK
SUBJECT: IMO: SUBCOMMITTEE ON STANDARDS OF TRAINING AND WATCHKEEPING
- REPORT OF THE 40TH SESSION, LONDON, FEBRUARY 2 - 6, 2009.
UNCLAS LONDON 000705
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EWWT AORC ASEC UK
SUBJECT: IMO: SUBCOMMITTEE ON STANDARDS OF TRAINING AND WATCHKEEPING
- REPORT OF THE 40TH SESSION, LONDON, FEBRUARY 2 - 6, 2009.
1. SUMMARY: The 40th session of the IMO Standards of Training and
Watchkeeping (STW) Sub-Committee (S/C) met in London from 2-6
February 2009, chaired by Rear Admiral Peter Brady (Jamaica). The
session was attended by delegations from 90 member states, 2
associate members, 1 United Nations specialized agency, observers
from 4 inter-governmental organizations, and observers from 22
non-governmental organizations. Two working groups (WG) were formed
to address agenda item 7, the comprehensive review of the
International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and
Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW Convention) and Seafarers' Training
Certification and Watchkeeping Code (STCW Code). One WG was formed
to address agenda item 8: review of the principles for establishing
the safe manning levels of ships. The S/C addressed all of the
agenda items during the meeting. USDEL objectives were achieved.
Accomplishments and outcomes of particular interest include the
following:
A. Agenda item 7 - Comprehensive review of the STCW Convention and
STCW Code. The S/C discussed the proposed amendments to the
Convention and Code emanating from the September 2008 intersessional
working group, and further developed preliminary revised draft text.
The S/C endorsed the preliminary revised draft text of Chapters II,
III, IV, V, VI, VII and VIII. The S/C considered the need to convene
an intersessional meeting for the comprehensive review of the STCW
Convention and the STCW Code, prior to STW 41, but was unable to
agree on the timing. The S/C agreed to develop terms of reference
for the intersessional meeting and forward them to the 86th session
of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 86) for a final decision on
the need of such meeting and the timing.
B. Agenda item 8 - Review of the principles for establishing the
safe manning levels of ships. The S/C endorsed the preliminary draft
amendments to Resolution A.890(21) and agreed to request MSC to
forward the draft amendments to the Sub-Committee on Safety of
Navigation (NAV). END SUMMARY.
Validation of Model Training Courses
--------------
2. Agenda item 3 - The S/C agreed on amendments to the model course
on operational use of Automatic Identification Systems (AIS). The
S/C agreed on the list of IMO model courses related to the STCW
Convention that should be reviewed in light of the ongoing
comprehensive review of the STCW Convention and Code.
Unlawful Practices Associated with Certificates of Competency
-------------- --------------
3. Agenda item 4 - The S/C noted the information provided by the
Secretariat detailing the reports on fraudulent certificates for the
year 2007. The S/C focused its discussion to the sharing of
information in a prompt manner.
Training of Seafarer Safety Representatives
--------------
4. Agenda item 5 - The S/C agreed to await the outcome of the Joint
MSC/MEPC working group on the human element relating to amendments
to the International Safety Management Code (ISM Code) before
developing training requirements for a ship's safety
representative.
Comprehensive review of the STCW Convention and STCW Code
-------------- --------------
5. Agenda item 7 - Due to time constraints, the S/C was unable to
fully consider all of the issues. Issues of interest follow.
A. Seafarers' awareness of counter-piracy measures. The S/C agreed
that there was an urgent need to include appropriate provisions in
the STCW Convention to ensure that seafarers are properly educated
and trained to face situations whereby their ship is under attack by
pirates. The issue will be discussed further during STW 41.
B. Chapter I - General Provisions. Due to time constraints, the WG
only considered the proposals for amendments to Regulation I/9
(Medical Standards). Delegations raised concerns with the
International Maritime Health Association's proposal for assessment
of minimum entry level and in-service physical abilities for
seafarers. The seafarer organizations raised concerns with the
application of a standard that would be solely based on "sudden
incapacitation" of a seafarer while at sea.
C. Chapter II - Master and Deck Department. The WG agreed: (1) to
include mandatory training requirements for basic marine environment
awareness for an officer in charge of a navigational watch (OICNW);
(2) to include VTS reporting-related training for OICNW and
management level personnel; (3) to include Electronic Chart Display
Information System (ECDIS) training for OICNW and management level
personnel; and (4) to simplify the training requirements for
celestial navigation.
D. Chapter III - Engine Department. The WG agreed: (1) to include
additional training requirements for steam-powered ships for
management level personnel;(2) to include mandatory training
requirements for basic marine environment awareness for an officer
in charge of a engineering watch (OICEW); (3) to replace the 30
months training requirement for OICEW with a competence-based
standard; (4) to further discuss increasing the propulsion power
restriction in the near-coastal provisions.
E. Chapter V - The S/C agreed: (1) to establish a correspondence
group, under the coordination by Norway, to develop guidance for
personnel operating in Arctic and Antarctic ice-covered waters for
consideration at STW 41; (2) to include guidance for dynamic
positioning systems and invited members to submit proposals. The WG
agreed that it was premature to develop mandatory training
requirements for offshore supply vessels, and instead agreed to
consider guidance at the next meeting. The WG agreed to re-format
the tables of competence for tankers for consistency and clarity.
F. Chapter VI - The WG prepared draft amendments relating to
fire-fighting training for personnel serving on board tankers for
further consideration at the next meeting.
G. Chapter VIII - Watchkeeping. The WG developed draft text in
order to harmonize the STCW Convention with the ILO Maritime Labor
Convention 2006. The WG agreed to omit social issues unrelated to
safety, but significant disagreement remains concerning the proposed
derogation clauses. The WG agreed to include requirements for
mandatory alcohol limits, but raised concerns with respect to the
enforcement of these requirements.
Review of the principles for establishing the safe manning levels of
ships
-------------- --------------
6. Agenda item 8 - The S/C developed draft amendments to Resolution
A.890(21) including a manning framework based on four main steps:
submission from the company based on the nature of the operation and
a task analysis of the functions; evaluation by the Administration
against the relevant national and international requirements;
maintenance of minimum safe manning; and compliance monitoring.
Mandatory requirements for determining safe manning
-------------- --------------
7. Agenda item 10 -. The S/C agreed to defer further discussions to
STW 41.
Measures to improve training on board
--------------
8. Agenda item 11 - The S/C considered the MSC tasking to consider
measures to improve training on board, particularly India's proposal
to include additional berthing spaces for trainees. The majority of
the delegations were sympathetic to the problem but were not in
favor of a prescriptive path. The majority supported a
recommendatory approach with incentives for shipping companies. The
S/C agreed that such a provision cannot be included within the STCW
Convention, but that an alternative approach could be to adopt a
resolution, at the Diplomatic Conference to be convened, to adopt
the amendments emanating from the comprehensive review of the STCW
Convention and Code. The resolution would urge members to encourage
shipowners to ensure that adequate certified accommodation for
trainees was available on board ships, in particular new-built
ships.
Election of the Chairman and Date/Location of Next Meeting
-------------- --------------
9. Agenda item 12 - The S/C unanimously re-elected Rear Admiral
Peter Brady (Jamaica) as Chairman and Mr. A. H. El-Kayssi (Lebanon)
as Vice-Chairman, both for the calendar year 2009. The 41st session
of the Sub-Committee on Standards of Training and Watchkeeping is
tentatively scheduled for 11 to 15 January 2010 at the IMO
Headquarters in London, United Kingdom.
LEBARON
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EWWT AORC ASEC UK
SUBJECT: IMO: SUBCOMMITTEE ON STANDARDS OF TRAINING AND WATCHKEEPING
- REPORT OF THE 40TH SESSION, LONDON, FEBRUARY 2 - 6, 2009.
1. SUMMARY: The 40th session of the IMO Standards of Training and
Watchkeeping (STW) Sub-Committee (S/C) met in London from 2-6
February 2009, chaired by Rear Admiral Peter Brady (Jamaica). The
session was attended by delegations from 90 member states, 2
associate members, 1 United Nations specialized agency, observers
from 4 inter-governmental organizations, and observers from 22
non-governmental organizations. Two working groups (WG) were formed
to address agenda item 7, the comprehensive review of the
International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and
Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW Convention) and Seafarers' Training
Certification and Watchkeeping Code (STCW Code). One WG was formed
to address agenda item 8: review of the principles for establishing
the safe manning levels of ships. The S/C addressed all of the
agenda items during the meeting. USDEL objectives were achieved.
Accomplishments and outcomes of particular interest include the
following:
A. Agenda item 7 - Comprehensive review of the STCW Convention and
STCW Code. The S/C discussed the proposed amendments to the
Convention and Code emanating from the September 2008 intersessional
working group, and further developed preliminary revised draft text.
The S/C endorsed the preliminary revised draft text of Chapters II,
III, IV, V, VI, VII and VIII. The S/C considered the need to convene
an intersessional meeting for the comprehensive review of the STCW
Convention and the STCW Code, prior to STW 41, but was unable to
agree on the timing. The S/C agreed to develop terms of reference
for the intersessional meeting and forward them to the 86th session
of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 86) for a final decision on
the need of such meeting and the timing.
B. Agenda item 8 - Review of the principles for establishing the
safe manning levels of ships. The S/C endorsed the preliminary draft
amendments to Resolution A.890(21) and agreed to request MSC to
forward the draft amendments to the Sub-Committee on Safety of
Navigation (NAV). END SUMMARY.
Validation of Model Training Courses
--------------
2. Agenda item 3 - The S/C agreed on amendments to the model course
on operational use of Automatic Identification Systems (AIS). The
S/C agreed on the list of IMO model courses related to the STCW
Convention that should be reviewed in light of the ongoing
comprehensive review of the STCW Convention and Code.
Unlawful Practices Associated with Certificates of Competency
-------------- --------------
3. Agenda item 4 - The S/C noted the information provided by the
Secretariat detailing the reports on fraudulent certificates for the
year 2007. The S/C focused its discussion to the sharing of
information in a prompt manner.
Training of Seafarer Safety Representatives
--------------
4. Agenda item 5 - The S/C agreed to await the outcome of the Joint
MSC/MEPC working group on the human element relating to amendments
to the International Safety Management Code (ISM Code) before
developing training requirements for a ship's safety
representative.
Comprehensive review of the STCW Convention and STCW Code
-------------- --------------
5. Agenda item 7 - Due to time constraints, the S/C was unable to
fully consider all of the issues. Issues of interest follow.
A. Seafarers' awareness of counter-piracy measures. The S/C agreed
that there was an urgent need to include appropriate provisions in
the STCW Convention to ensure that seafarers are properly educated
and trained to face situations whereby their ship is under attack by
pirates. The issue will be discussed further during STW 41.
B. Chapter I - General Provisions. Due to time constraints, the WG
only considered the proposals for amendments to Regulation I/9
(Medical Standards). Delegations raised concerns with the
International Maritime Health Association's proposal for assessment
of minimum entry level and in-service physical abilities for
seafarers. The seafarer organizations raised concerns with the
application of a standard that would be solely based on "sudden
incapacitation" of a seafarer while at sea.
C. Chapter II - Master and Deck Department. The WG agreed: (1) to
include mandatory training requirements for basic marine environment
awareness for an officer in charge of a navigational watch (OICNW);
(2) to include VTS reporting-related training for OICNW and
management level personnel; (3) to include Electronic Chart Display
Information System (ECDIS) training for OICNW and management level
personnel; and (4) to simplify the training requirements for
celestial navigation.
D. Chapter III - Engine Department. The WG agreed: (1) to include
additional training requirements for steam-powered ships for
management level personnel;(2) to include mandatory training
requirements for basic marine environment awareness for an officer
in charge of a engineering watch (OICEW); (3) to replace the 30
months training requirement for OICEW with a competence-based
standard; (4) to further discuss increasing the propulsion power
restriction in the near-coastal provisions.
E. Chapter V - The S/C agreed: (1) to establish a correspondence
group, under the coordination by Norway, to develop guidance for
personnel operating in Arctic and Antarctic ice-covered waters for
consideration at STW 41; (2) to include guidance for dynamic
positioning systems and invited members to submit proposals. The WG
agreed that it was premature to develop mandatory training
requirements for offshore supply vessels, and instead agreed to
consider guidance at the next meeting. The WG agreed to re-format
the tables of competence for tankers for consistency and clarity.
F. Chapter VI - The WG prepared draft amendments relating to
fire-fighting training for personnel serving on board tankers for
further consideration at the next meeting.
G. Chapter VIII - Watchkeeping. The WG developed draft text in
order to harmonize the STCW Convention with the ILO Maritime Labor
Convention 2006. The WG agreed to omit social issues unrelated to
safety, but significant disagreement remains concerning the proposed
derogation clauses. The WG agreed to include requirements for
mandatory alcohol limits, but raised concerns with respect to the
enforcement of these requirements.
Review of the principles for establishing the safe manning levels of
ships
-------------- --------------
6. Agenda item 8 - The S/C developed draft amendments to Resolution
A.890(21) including a manning framework based on four main steps:
submission from the company based on the nature of the operation and
a task analysis of the functions; evaluation by the Administration
against the relevant national and international requirements;
maintenance of minimum safe manning; and compliance monitoring.
Mandatory requirements for determining safe manning
-------------- --------------
7. Agenda item 10 -. The S/C agreed to defer further discussions to
STW 41.
Measures to improve training on board
--------------
8. Agenda item 11 - The S/C considered the MSC tasking to consider
measures to improve training on board, particularly India's proposal
to include additional berthing spaces for trainees. The majority of
the delegations were sympathetic to the problem but were not in
favor of a prescriptive path. The majority supported a
recommendatory approach with incentives for shipping companies. The
S/C agreed that such a provision cannot be included within the STCW
Convention, but that an alternative approach could be to adopt a
resolution, at the Diplomatic Conference to be convened, to adopt
the amendments emanating from the comprehensive review of the STCW
Convention and Code. The resolution would urge members to encourage
shipowners to ensure that adequate certified accommodation for
trainees was available on board ships, in particular new-built
ships.
Election of the Chairman and Date/Location of Next Meeting
-------------- --------------
9. Agenda item 12 - The S/C unanimously re-elected Rear Admiral
Peter Brady (Jamaica) as Chairman and Mr. A. H. El-Kayssi (Lebanon)
as Vice-Chairman, both for the calendar year 2009. The 41st session
of the Sub-Committee on Standards of Training and Watchkeeping is
tentatively scheduled for 11 to 15 January 2010 at the IMO
Headquarters in London, United Kingdom.
LEBARON