THE International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Philippine government through the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) have finalized a strategic roadmap to overhaul global seafarer training, signaling the start of a comprehensive review of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).
During his high-profile visit to the Philippines, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez announced the initiation of Phase 2 of the STCW review at the Regional Forum on the Effective Implementation of the STCW Convention and Code. The updates aim to bridge the gap between 1970s-era regulations and the high-tech reality of modern shipping.
A primary focus of the new roadmap is the safe handling of alternative fuels such as methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen. Officials noted that current protocols fail to address the unique toxicity and volatility of these energy sources.
“If ships are to shift to cleaner energy, then training must shift with it,” stated Philippine Ambassador to the United Kingdom Teodoro Locsin Jr. To meet this challenge, the forum recommended standardized faculty development and the use of high-fidelity simulation to replace traditional seagoing service hours, prioritizing digital literacy and situational awareness.
Secretary-General Dominguez and Marina Administrator Sonia Malaluan emphasized that technical proficiency cannot exist without social welfare. The reform includes strict enforcement of regulations against violence and harassment at sea, which became effective on Jan. 1, 2026.
Dominguez underscored the necessity of making seafaring competitive with land-based jobs, advocating for improved living conditions and mandatory internet access. “We must ensure that those onboard are treated with the same dignity and provided with the same facilities afforded to land-based workers,” Dominguez noted.
As the supplier of 25 percent of the world’s seafarers, the Philippines is central to these reforms. Administrator Malaluan reaffirmed the country’s commitment to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to prioritize seafarer safety and well-being.
The forum concluded with technical tours of Philippine training facilities, demonstrating practical applications of these reforms, including firefighting drills tailored for alternative fuels. STCW Office Executive Director Samuel Batalla noted that the transition is about “cultivating a culture of professionalism, safety, and continuous improvement.”
This ongoing partnership between the IMO and the Philippines remains critical for enhancing the maritime industry’s sustainability and effectiveness in adapting to future challenges.
