Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW 11), 10-14 February 2025

ADDRESS OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL AT THE OPENING OF THE 11TH SESSION OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE ON HUMAN ELEMENT, TRAINING AND WATCHKEEPING (HTW 11), 10 to 14 February 2025

Delivered by IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez on 10 February 2025

Good morning distinguished delegates, 

Welcome to the eleventh session of the Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping.

Let me begin by referring to the World Maritime Day theme for 2025, "Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity". The theme contributes directly to the development and implementation of IMO's robust global regulatory framework to ensure cleaner seas. The Organization, its Member States and the maritime industry have a central role in ensuring that the marine environment is protected and that ocean resources remain sustainable. In order to achieve all this, we must not forget to enhance training and education, as these are fundamental to achieving these goals. 

Turning to your work this week, IMO has set an ambition to reach net-zero GHG emissions from international shipping by or around 2050. This ambition must be taken as a commitment that highlights the urgency of developing training provisions for seafarers. And I am pleased to note that MSC 108 agreed to fast-track the development of training provisions for seafarers on ships which use alternative fuels and new technologies. 

I encourage you all to work together in order to expedite the finalization of these provisions, which will lay the groundwork for any future developments as the whole GHG strategy progresses. 

Another significant task before you is the ongoing comprehensive review of the STCW Convention and Code. The extensive list of gaps identified during the Intersessional Working Group held in October last year, clearly demonstrates the commitment of the maritime community to ensuring a thorough and robust process. You will undertake the necessary work aiming to finalize the list of gaps and pave the way for next phase of the revision.  

As part of this exercise, the issue of prevention of unlawful practices associated with certificates has been identified, and I would like to emphasize that the competency of seafarers is of utmost importance to ensure both the compliance with the IMO's regulatory framework and its enforcement. Your Sub-Committee has been also invited to take further steps to increase awareness, detection, information-sharing and prosecution of fraudulent activities, during the comprehensive review. 

I am confident that under the leadership of your able Chair, Mr. Haakon of Norway, as well as the staff of the Marine Safety Division together with the staff of the supporting divisions, you will be able to successfully achieve the objectives set for this session.

I invite you all to join me and the Secretariat at my welcome reception in the Delegates' Lounge after the close of today's business.

Thank you.

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