Pratik Bijlani –
The Directorate General of Shipping, in partnership with the Company of Master Mariners of India (CMMI) and the Institute of Marine Engineers (IMEI), hosted a major STCW Comprehensive Review Workshop on August, 27th at MSC Crewing Services Pvt Ltd in Mumbai. This workshop is an important milestone in the continuing global assessment of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), a framework that has been critical to ensuring global maritime safety since its creation in 1978.
The STCW Convention was the first of its type, establishing worldwide standards for seafarer training, certification, and watchkeeping. In 2022, the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 105) directed the Human Element, Training, and Watchkeeping (HTW) Sub-Committee to conduct a thorough assessment of the STCW Convention and Code. This evaluation strives to verify that these standards are consistent with current marine practices and emerging technological improvements. The workshop in Mumbai served as a preliminary to India’s participation in the International STCW Working Group (ISWG-STCW1) session in October 2024, where the country will offer its proposals.
It brought together significant figures from the marine industry, including Mr Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, Director General of Shipping, who served as Chief Guest. The workshop was attended by stalwarts such as Capt. S.M. Halbe, CEO of MASSA; Capt. K.N. Deboo, Director & Principal of AEMTC; Capt. M.P. Bhasin, Chairman of CMMI; and Mr. David Birwadkar, Vice-President of Great Eastern Shipping Co. Ltd.; Capt. Philip Matthew, Director of SIMTF; Mr. Sunil Kumar, Head & CTO of Great Eastern Shipping Co. Ltd; Capt. Vivek Bhandarkar, General Secretary of CMMI; Capt. C.L. Dubey, Owner and Principal of MMTI; Mr. Mohan Singh Pal, Director (Maritime Education and training) of IMEI; Capt. A. K. Azad, Nautical Advisor at DGS among others. The hybrid approach enabled both online and offline involvement, promoting a diverse spectrum of viewpoints.
Mr David Birwadkar, the Master of Ceremonies, kicked off the ceremony by introducing the Chief Guest, Mr Jagannathan, and other dignitaries. In his welcome address, Capt. M.P. Bhasin emphasised the importance of the STCW Convention in maintaining seafarers’ competency and safety. “The STCW convention has played an important role in creating the worldwide maritime sector by ensuring our sailors’ competence and safety. However, with rapid technological advancements, shifting safety measures, and an increased emphasis on environmental rules, it is critical that we revisit and reassess the standards to ensure that they stay relevant and robust,” he noted.
Mr Senthil Kumar, MMD, Mumbai, gave a presentation on the “Workshop on STCW Convention and Code,” which included an overview of the convention’s history, the HTW 10 roadmap, and the ISWG-STCW 1 agenda. The presentation paved the way for in-depth conversations about incorporating new technologies and addressing current maritime concerns.
Mr Jagannathan provided an engaging keynote talk, emphasising the important role of the STCW Convention in maintaining worldwide maritime safety standards. He emphasised India’s commitment to maintaining high seafarer training and certification standards that are consistent with international expectations and technology advancements.
The training continued with chapter-by-chapter presentations by team coordinators, who focused on identifying gaps, proposing changes, and embracing modern improvements such as digitalisation, automation, and sustainability. A vibrant Q&A session allowed for a deep exchange of ideas, with people sharing views and asking pertinent questions.
The seminar ended with concluding remarks that summarised the day’s discussions and emphasised the collaborative efforts required to improve the STCW Convention. Preparations for India’s participation to the upcoming ISWG-STCW1 session were discussed, emphasising the country’s proactive role in influencing the future of global maritime standards.
This workshop was a critical step towards ensuring that STCW standards change in response to the requirements of the maritime sector, paving the way for a safer and more efficient future on the high seas.
Marex Media