IMO acts on counterfeits

The MSC has agreed a draft resolution highlighting the issue of fraudulent certificates of competence. It invites member states and parties to STCW to report any cases or suspected cases of fraud to the IMO and the relevant administration.

It also calls for intensified efforts to eliminate the problem and urges member governments to take all possible steps to investigate cases — which could involve detaining the ship. In addition it requests governments who endorse certificates issued by another party to first confirm the authenticity of the original certificate from the issuing authority and to include such details on the new certificate.

The MSC also looked at aspects relating to safe manning including the need to develop a definition of fatigue and guidance on dealing with it. Safe manning principals have been revised to take account of developments since 1981.