The 12th session of the Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW) was held from 23 to 27 February 2026, chaired by Mr. H. Storhaug (Norway). Polish Register of Shipping was represented at the session by Ms. Marta Kozak, Centre for IMO Affairs Specialist.
A key point of HTW 12 was the commencement of phase 2 (revision) of the comprehensive review of the 1978 STCW Convention and Code. An important step was the development of draft interim training guidelines for seafarers on ships using alternative fuels, specifically ammonia and methyl/ethyl alcohols. The Sub-Committee also addressed seafarer fatigue and hours of work and rest, initiating a scoping exercise to enhance the effectiveness of relevant provisions. Furthermore, the updated versions of several IMO model courses were validated, and a new Chair for the Sub-Committee was elected for 2027.
For more information about IMO HTW 12 see REPORT TO THE MARITIME SAFETY COMMITTEE
