IMO/STW: 41ST SESSION OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON

UNCLAS LONDON 000295 SIPDIS IO/OIC FOR M. MORRISSEY E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EWWT IMO UK SUBJECT: IMO/STW: 41ST SESSION OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON STANDARDS OF TRAINING AND WATCHKEEPING (STW),LONDON, JANUARY 11-15, 2010 ¶1. SUMMARY: The 41st session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Subcommittee on Standards of Training and Watching (STW S/C) met in London from 11-15 January, 2010, 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 intergovernmental organizations, and observers from 22 non-governmental organizations. Two working groups (WG) were formed to address agenda item 7, the comprehensive review of the Standards of Training, Certification and Watching (STCW) Convention and the STCW Code. One WG was formed to address agenda item 8, a review of the Principles for Establishing the Safe Manning of Ships. USDEL objectives were achieved. Accomplishments and outcomes of particular interest are below. END SUMMARY. Agenda item 7: Comprehensive Review of the STCW Convention and STCW Code -------------- -------------- ¶2. The S/C discussed the proposed amendments to the Convention and Code emanating from the September 2009 second intersessional working group, and finalized the draft text for the consideration at the STCW Diplomatic Conference. Issues of interest follow. ¶3. Chapter I - General Provisions. The following issues will be finalized at the Diplomatic Conference: 1) whether or not to include provisions that would allow for the release of the countries audit reports to other countries upon request; and 2) placement of the table for assessment of minimum entry level and in-service physical abilities for seafarers in Part A or Part B of the STCW Code. The WG finalized: 1) the definitions; 2) the summary tables indicating the type of certificate to be issued under each regulation; 3) the table for in-service eyesight standards; and 4) the harmonization and methods for the revalidation of certificates. ¶4. Chapter II - Master and Deck Department. The WG agreed: 1) to include elements relating to leadership and managerial skills, situational awareness and decision making at the operational level; and 2) to include basic safety training requirements for deck officers. ¶5. Chapter III - Engine Department. The WG agreed: 1) to update the competence tables for officers in charge of an engineering watch, Chief Engineers, and 2nd Engineers and amend tables A-111/1 and A-111/2 accordingly; 2) to delete the requirement for a senior electro-technical officer and transfer the relevant competencies from the senior electro-technical officer to the electro-technical officer; and 3) to amend the requirements for an electro-technical rating to include different and flexible entry provisions and shipboard service to enable entry from different capacities. ¶6. Chapter V - Special Training Requirements for Persons on Certain Types of Ships. The WG agreed: 1) to clarify the guidance related to a three month approved seagoing service and a one month onboard training program for certification in advanced training for tanker cargo operations; 2) to include additional guidance in order to clarify the term "immediate responsibility"; and 3) to finalize the guidance on training requirements for personnel on ships operating in polar waters. ¶7. Chapter VI - Emergency Occupational Safety, Security, Medical Care and Survival Functions. The WG agreed: 1) to include provisions to require seafarers to provide evidence of having maintained the required standard of competence, every five years in areas where training cannot be conducted on board; and 2) to include mandatory training for seafarers related to the prevention and suppression of acts of piracy and armed robbery against ships under the security provisions. ¶8. Chapter VIII - Watchkeeping. The S/C agreed to forward two draft texts in square brackets to the Diplomatic Conference related to the exceptions to the agreed hours of rest requirements - paragraph 9 of section A-V111/1 of the STCW Code, "Fitness for duty". ¶9. The S/C, under Agenda item 8, continued its work to review the principles for establishing the safe manning levels of ships. The S/C discussed proposed changes to Resolution A.890 (21) and agreed: 1) to prepare a draft revised Assembly resolution on Principles of safe manning; and 2) prepare draft amendments to SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea Convention) regulation V/14. Agenda Items Addressed -------------- ¶10. The S/C addressed all of the agenda items during the meeting. Agenda items of interest follow. ¶11. Agenda item 3 - Validation of Model Training Courses. The S/C agreed that the Secretariat and interested parties review and update the STCW model courses in a phased manner and to submit them in due course to the S/C for validation. ¶12. Agenda item 4 - Unlawful Practices Associated with Certificates of Competency. The S/C noted the information provided by the Secretariat detailing the reports on fraudulent certificates for the year 2008. ¶13. Agenda item 5 - Training of Seafarer Safety Representatives. Based on the outcome of the Joint MSC/MEPC (Marine Safety and Marine Environment) working group on the human element relating to amendments to the ISM (International Safety Management) Code, the S/C noted that there was no need for further action by the S/C and invited the Committee to delete this item from the work program. ¶14. Agenda item 6 - Casualty Analysis. The S/C noted that the global loss of fishermen every year continued to be a cause of concern and that entry into force of the Torremolinos Protocol and the STCW-F Convention would be helpful in this respect. The S/C urged Member Governments to ratify these instruments at the earliest possible time. ¶15. Agenda item 9 - Measure to Enhance Maritime Security. The S/C recalled that inclusion of appropriate security-related provisions in the comprehensive review of the STCW Convention and Code had already been dealt with and finalized under agenda item 7. ¶16. Agenda item 10 - Development of an E-Navigation Strategy Implementation Plan. The S/C agreed to defer further consideration of this item to STW 42. ¶17. Agenda item 11 - Revision of the Recommendations for Entering Enclosed Spaces Aboard Ships. The S/C agreed to defer further consideration of this item to STW 42. ¶18. Agenda item 12 - Development of Model Procedures for Executing Shipboard Emergency Measures. The S/C invited parties and international organizations to submit revised proposals and information on existing relevant industry guidelines for consideration at STW 42. Re-Election of Rear Admiral Brady as Chairman -------------- ¶19. Agenda item 14 - 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 2011. Next Session -------------- ¶20. The 42nd session of STW (STW 42) is tentatively scheduled for 24 to 28 January 2011. Visit London's Classified Website: http://www.intelink.sgov.gov/wiki/Portal:Unit ed_Kingdom SUSMAN