The International Maritime Organization is stepping up efforts to prepare seafarers for shipping’s energy transition.

The organisation has launched a new strategy to help ensure personnel are properly trained to work safely on ships using zero or near-zero emission fuels, in line with the IMO’s revised strategy to cut greenhouse gas emissions from ships.

The IMO has issued Generic interim guidelines on training for seafarers on ships using alternative fuels and new technologies. The guidelines set out an international framework for the development and approval of training of seafarers serving on all ships using alternative fuels and new technologies.

The IMO stated: “Seafarers are central to maritime safety and the sustainable operation of ships. Their expertise and resilience underpin the shipping industry’s ability to adapt to change.

“Recognizing this, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is working to ensure seafarers are well prepared for the energy transition in shipping, in line with the 2023 IMO Strategy on the Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Ships.

“This includes laying the foundations for harmonised global training standards for seafarers working on ships powered by alternative fuels and new technologies, through the ongoing development of interim training guidelines, the expansion of capacity-building programmes, and close collaboration with industry and academia.”

Fuel- and technology- specific interim training guidelines – including for methyl/ethyl alcohol, ammonia, hydrogen, LPG, battery-powered ships and fuel cells – are also being developed.

“These guidelines are expected to form the basis for mandatory requirements for seafarer training under the revised 1978 STCW Convention Code, currently under review to support decarbonisation, digitalisation and other developments,” the IMO added.

Along with regulations, IMO said it is expanding its support to Member States. Examples of ongoing initiatives include:

• A three-year project funded by Japan to train instructors from Asian countries in operating LNG-fuelled ships;
• A partnership with the World Maritime University to produce training materials for seafarers on alternative fuels, which also contributed to the Maritime Just Transition Task Force training frameworks, launched in September;
• Support for trainers in developing countries to produce locally relevant courses along with online learning modules through the GreenVoyage2050 Programme;
• Platforms to connect regulators and practitioners, such as a recent seminar in Singapore showcasing practical training innovations from simulators and VR tools to methanol firefighting exercises.

“With new training standards, enhanced technical support for Member States and closer engagement with industry and academia, IMO is laying the groundwork for a just and well-prepared energy transition for seafarers,” it added.