LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) led the Philippine delegation at the 11th session of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW), which commenced on 10 February 2025 at the IMO headquarters. During this session, the Sub-Committee is set to discuss three (3) key papers previously submitted by the Philippines as part of the ongoing comprehensive review of the STCW Convention and Code.
The HTW Sub-Committee addresses critical aspects of maritime operations, focusing on the human element, including training, certification, and the revision of IMO model courses. The MARINA will engage discussions on its submitted key papers under Agenda Item 6, which focus on identified gaps and provisions related to Regulations I/2 and I/10 of the specific areas for the comprehensive review of the STCW Convention and Code, violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault, and digitalization of seafarersʹ documentation and implementation of electronic certification.
Other agenda items in which the Philippine delegation will actively participate throughout the weeklong session include the development of a safety regulatory framework to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ships through new technologies and alternative fuels, as well as the validation of IMO model courses. Discussions will also cover the role of the human element in maritime operations, reports on unlawful practices associated with certificates of competency, the biennial status report and provisional agenda for HTW 12, and the report to the Maritime Safety Committee.
MARINA Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan is joined by STCW Office Executive Director Samuel L. Batalla, Philippine Deputy Permanent Representative to IMO Minister Raffy Hermoso, Philippine Maritime Attaché in London Atty. Sharon L. De Chavez-Aledo, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Executive Director Atty. Cinderella Filipina Benitez-Jaro, DMW Directors August B. San Diego and Vincent Peneyra, key personnel of the STCW Office, and representatives from the Philippine Association of Maritime Training Centers, Inc (PAMTCI).
Through its active participation in HTW 11, the Philippines reaffirms its commitment to strengthening maritime regulations, enhancing seafarer training and certification to ensure compliance to international standards. The MARINA continues to work with IMO Member States to uphold high standards in maritime education and training, reinforcing the country’s role in the global maritime industry.
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