SAFETY AT SEA AND MARITIME ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION WITH SPECIAL REFERENCES TO TRAINING NEEDS FOR THE EMERGING NEW FUELS

Abstract

The ISM Code and the STCW Convention are considered to be the two most important IMO instruments that contribute to "safe, secure and efficient shipping". From the safety and marine environmental protection point of view they should be considered the two sides of the same coin.

The ISM is not just about compliance to obtain certification, it is about both ‘fitness for purpose’ and ‘compliance’ with rules and regulations.

The ISM is a procedural system that outlines how to manage operations, rather than dictating what to manage. It does this through a system of policies, procedures, processes and plans. Its provisions cover areas such as quality assurance including risk assessment and control through verification and certification.

Several emerging topics such as new fuels and decarbonization require a comprehensive review of the STCW as well as the ISM.

This paper primarily focuses on human elements and the impact of new fuels, ship emissions and means to achieve the IMO and the EU net zero targets. Specific references are made to key safety issues for inclusion in an e-learning course on ISM Code implementation, as it is, with a view to help companies, particularly smaller ones to develop high quality safety procedures.