New training materials to enhance safety on domestic ferries are now available on the IMO e-learning platform, on a self-enrolment basis. The materials are aimed at officials who operate, inspect and manage domestic ferry operations in their country.
The training materials on Domestic Ferry Safety have been developed by IMO Member States. The materials support the implementation of IMO’s Model Regulations on Domestic Ferry Safety (resolution MSC.518(105)), which were adopted in 2022 (watch the video). The Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 108, May 2024) invited Member states to share relevant materials.
Module 1: Training material provided by China
The materials covers ferry, cargo, crew and passenger in terms of: safety culture; manning; education and training; safety management; occupational health and safety; communications equipment; cargo stowage and securing; and the arrangements prior to departure/arrival.
Module 2: Training materials provided by the Republic of Korea
The training materials have been developed by the Republic of Korea (Maritime Transportation Safety Authority (KOMSA)), as the implementing entity, with funding through the Republic of Korea -IMO Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme (ITCP).
Course 1: Introduction to laws and policies - covers relevant domestic legislative frameworks and key policies designed to enhance domestic ferry safety.
Couse 2: The Operation Management System - highlights the role of operation managers at the Incheon Operation Management Center in the Republic of Korea. These managers oversee ferry operations, including pre-departure ferry. The videos demonstrate how the Operation Control Center has incorporated advanced technologies, such as intelligent surveillance cameras and drones, into its operations.
The materials include real-life video, intended to support learning.
Enhancing domestic ferry safety
The model regulations and training materials are intended to address the high rate of lives lost at sea which have been attributed to incidents involving domestic ferries. According to the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, 93% of lives lost to ship incidents in the past 50 years are attributed to domestic ferry incidents.
Currently available in English, the Training materials on Domestic Ferry Safety can be found on the IMO Learning Management System (LMS) platform, which is accessed through the IMO website or via this link: IMO e-Learning. Translation into other official IMO languages is envisaged.
To access IMO e-Learning materials on the LMS platform, you need to register for an IMO web account via the https://webaccounts.imo.org/.
Distance learning is key for IMO to meet changing educational needs in the maritime industry. Students and maritime professionals around the world have the chance to boost their understanding of key maritime issues with a series of materials through the IMO e-learning platform.
Member States and international organizations are invited to disseminate information about the materials to all interested parties, and to provide further input involving best practices on domestic ferry safety.