The human element lies at the heart of IMO’s work on safety, maritime security and pollution prevention. The integral role of people is set out in the “Human element vision, principles and goals for the Organization” and in the guidelines for the work of IMO committees and sub-committees. During the China Maritime Forum and International Conference on Seafarers and Services, Ningbo, China (11-12 July), held to celebrate China’s Maritime Day, IMO’s Hiro Yamada provided an overview of IMO’s activities which relate to seafarers and the human element. He outlined the latest IMO training requirements under the STCW Convention, highlighted new and updated model courses and explained how the proposed strategic directions for IMO will take into account the human element.
The draft proposed strategic plan for the next six years – set to be adopted by the IMO Assembly in late 2017 – will call on IMO to take into account the human element in the review, development and implementation of new and existing requirements, including skills; education and training; human capabilities, limitations and needs. Furthermore, IMO, throughout its work, will take into account the needs and wellbeing of the seafarers and, in doing so, will always attach the utmost importance to education and training, as well as the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women.