Session: HTW 12 | Date: 23–27 February 2026 | Location: IMO Headquarters, London
The IMO’s Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping Sub-Committee (HTW) met for its 12th session in London from 23–27 February 2026. HTW is the sub-committee responsible for seafarer training, certification, and watchkeeping standards under the STCW Convention, as well as matters relating to the human element in maritime safety. Whilst HTW meetings are less directly visible to superyacht operators than some other IMO committees, the decisions made here ultimately shape the qualifications and competencies required of the officers and crew serving on board.
Training for Seafarers Using Alternative Fuels
The most immediately significant outcome of HTW 12 was the finalisation of two sets of draft interim guidelines for seafarer training on ships using alternative fuels: one covering methyl/ethyl alcohols and one covering ammonia. Both sets of guidelines will be submitted to the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 111) in May 2026 for approval, after which they can be used as the basis for developing training programmes.
These guidelines follow the model already established for LNG-fuelled ships and draw on the generic interim guidelines set out in STCW.7/Circular.25. For superyachts, which are increasingly exploring alternative propulsion systems and fuels, this work is relevant: as these technologies become more commercially available, crews will need to demonstrate competency in their safe handling.
A note of complexity arose around ammonia: the committee acknowledged that further clarification is needed from MSC regarding how training requirements apply to ships that carry ammonia as both fuel and cargo — an area where the safety framework is still being developed by other sub-committees.
Work Plan for Alternative Fuels Training Extended to 2029
HTW 12 agreed a forward workplan extending to 2029 (and potentially beyond) for the progressive development of training requirements covering a range of emerging technologies, in order of priority:
- Hydrogen fuel cells
- LPG as fuel
- Hydrogen as fuel
- Battery-powered vessels
- Wind-assisted propulsion systems
The committee explicitly recognised that training requirements must follow — not precede — the safety requirements being developed elsewhere at IMO. As technical standards for each fuel or technology are finalised by other sub-committees, the corresponding training requirements will be added to the workplan. This staged approach gives industry a degree of forward visibility on what is coming, even if the precise timelines remain subject to broader IMO progress.
Comprehensive Review of the STCW Convention and Code
HTW 12 continued the ongoing comprehensive review of the STCW Convention and Code — the international framework governing the training and certification of all seafarers. Progress focused primarily on strategic direction rather than detailed drafting, given the volume of submissions received.
Of note for the wider industry, four new areas are now being considered for inclusion in the Convention and Code: violence and harassment (including sexual harassment, bullying, and sexual assault); mental health; psychological safety; and gender. These reflect a broader recognition at IMO that the human element encompasses not just technical competence but crew welfare and the working environment.
The second meeting of the Intersessional Working Group on the Comprehensive Review of the STCW Convention and Code (ISWG-STCW 2) is scheduled for 2–6 March 2026 in London, using submissions originally prepared for HTW 12.
New Workstream: Seafarer Fatigue and Hours of Work and Rest
Following a mandate from MSC, HTW 12 launched a formal scoping exercise to examine whether the existing regulatory framework on fatigue remains effective and fit for purpose. This is a significant new workstream. The exercise will take a broad view across STCW, the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), and related implementation practices, looking not only at potential regulatory amendments but also at how existing rules are applied in practice — including challenges around workload, crewing levels, record-keeping, and enforcement.
The target completion year is 2027. For the superyacht sector, where commercial pressure and small crew complements can create particular challenges around rest hours compliance, this is a workstream worth watching.
What This Means for Superyacht Operators
HTW 12 did not produce immediate compliance requirements for superyachts, but it laid important groundwork for the medium term. Operators and crew managers should be aware of the following:
- Alternative fuel training frameworks are taking shape. As methanol, ammonia, hydrogen, and other technologies move closer to practical adoption, certification requirements for crew will follow. Operators exploring these technologies should monitor MSC 111 in May 2026 for approval of the first guidelines.
- The STCW review is broadening in scope. The inclusion of wellbeing, harassment, and mental health topics signals that future STCW amendments will address crew welfare more explicitly — relevant to HR policies and onboard management practices.
- Fatigue regulation is under the microscope. The new scoping exercise may ultimately lead to amendments to watchkeeping and rest hour requirements. Operators should ensure their current rest hour recording and compliance practices are robust.
- The workplan to 2029 provides a roadmap. Understanding the sequencing of training standard development helps operators and crew managers anticipate future certification requirements for emerging technologies.
Williams Yacht Services will continue to attend and report on key IMO meetings on behalf of ICOMIA. If you have any questions about how these developments affect your vessel or crew, please get in touch.
