The twelfth session of the Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW 12) was held from 23–27 February 2026 and produced a wide-ranging draft report to the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC), addressing model courses, the comprehensive review of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW Convention), alternative fuel training, oversight systems, fatigue, and certification integrity.
From an ISFMA perspective, the session reflects significant regulatory evolution affecting maritime training providers, operators, and seafarers globally.
Various Working Groups were appointed including the STCW group which continues as ISWG during week beginning 2nd March 2026.
Model Courses and Training Standards
HTW 12 advanced the revision and validation of key IMO Model Courses, including 1.21 (Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities), 1.37 (Chemical Tanker Cargo and Ballast Handling Simulator), and 2.06 (Oil Tanker Cargo and Ballast Handling Simulator). These were referred for finalization with a view to validation.
The Sub-Committee also endorsed a limited-scope revision of Model Course 7.01 (Master and Chief Mate), aligned with bridge resource management changes introduced by the Manila Amendments. A Review Group was established, and measures to improve expert participation in the model course development process were initiated. For ISFMA members, this signals continued alignment of global training benchmarks with evolving operational competencies and the need for industry engagement in course development.
Fraudulent Certificates and Digitalization
HTW 12 reviewed reports of fraudulent certificates and encouraged Parties to use the STCW GISIS module for reporting. Following discussions at MSC and the Legal Committee, emphasis was placed on strengthening verification mechanisms, including further digitalization of certificates. The matter remains linked to the comprehensive STCW review. From ISFMA’s standpoint, improved verification processes and digital solutions are critical to protecting the integrity of certification systems and maintaining confidence in the global maritime workforce.
Comprehensive Review of the STCW Convention and Code
Phase 2 (revision) of the STCW comprehensive review formally commenced following MSC 110’s endorsement of an updated road map and additional Secretariat resources. Numerous amendment proposals were considered, including:
- Training for ships using alternative fuels and new technologies (to be coordinated with parallel safety framework development).
- Proposals on additional competencies for ratings (not progressed due to lack of identified gaps).
- Tonnage and propulsion power limitations (deferred for policy-level consideration).
- Search and rescue competencies (to be modernized while preserving training standards).
- Substitution of sea service with simulator training (referred for further technical consideration, noting both the value of experiential sea time and the capabilities of modern simulators).
IFSMA intervened to express concerns regarding the reduction of actual seatime for Nav OOW in lieu of simulator time. While recognising that bridge simulators add considerable value, the concerns are quality of bridge simulator training and necessity for onboard experience. Continued in ISWG.
STCW Oversight and IMSAS Integration
The Sub-Committee progressed work on enhancing and integrating the STCW oversight system with the IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS). Agreement was reached on basic consolidation elements, including strengthening the effectiveness of the “White List.” A Working Group was tasked to further develop amendments and assess impacts. This development has implications for flag State performance, audit robustness, and global compliance consistency.
Alternative Fuels and New Technologies
HTW 12 advanced interim training guidelines for seafarers serving on ships using methyl/ethyl alcohol, ammonia, hydrogen fuel cells, LPG, hydrogen, battery power, and initiated work on wind propulsion systems. A structured work plan was mandated to align interim guidance with eventual STCW amendments and parallel safety regulations. The Sub-Committee reaffirmed that initial training instruments would remain non-mandatory pending further maturity.
For ISFMA, this represents a critical transitional phase: ensuring safe competence development while avoiding premature or fragmented regulatory requirements, particularly for high-risk fuels such as ammonia.
Fatigue and Hours of Work and Rest
Following MSC direction, IFSMA Co-sponsored a HTW 12 paper which was unamimously supported in plenary. HTW 12 initiated a scoping exercise on fatigue and hours of work and rest, including preparation of evidence inventories and relevant international instruments (including ILO instruments). The UK chaired a drafting group to define the ToR. An intersessional correspondence group will assess gaps and implementation challenges. The approach emphasizes structured, evidence-based review prior to regulatory amendment. This is co-chaired by UK and NI.
Conclusion
HTW 12 marks a pivotal stage in modernizing the STCW framework, balancing innovation (alternative fuels, simulator use, digitalization) with preservation of core safety principles (sea service experience, SAR competence, fatigue management, certification integrity). From an ISFMA perspective, the outcomes underscore the importance of coordinated regulatory development, global training consistency, robust oversight, and proportional implementation to ensure both safety and operational feasibility across the international maritime sector.