HTW 8 targets human element

HTW 8 was held remotely from 7 to 11 February, and DNV reports that the Sub-Committee agreed to invite all relevant IMO bodies to assess their respective involvement in the human element and report back. The intention is to develop an outline for a holistic approach to the human element in the IMO rule-making process.

HTW 8 agreed to draft amendments to the “Organization and method of work of the Maritime Safety Committee and the Marine Environment Protection Committee and their subsidiary bodies” (MSC-MEPC.1/Circ.5/Rev.2), including a revised checklist for considering human element issues by IMO bodies.

The draft amendments will be submitted to MEPC 78 (June 2022) and MSC 106 (October 2022) for approval.

TW 8 also agreed on a draft guidance framework for the application of casualty cases and lessons learned to seafarers’ education and training.

HTW deals with the human side of shipping, including training and certification; the review, updating and revision of IMO model courses; and guidance addressing issues such as fatigue. At HTW 7 in February 2021, the Sub-Committee agreed on the need to include a specific strategic direction on the human element in the IMO’s Strategic Plan at the earliest opportunity. This was agreed based on the relevance of the human element for the work of the IMO, which has been made particularly evident in the context of the global crisis stemming from the pandemic.

More information is available from DNV here.