Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW 10) - Closing remarks

ADDRESS OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL AT THE CLOSING OF THE TENTH SESSION OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE ON HUMAN ELEMENT, TRAINING AND WATCHKEEPING (HTW 10), 5 to 9 February 2024

Delivered by IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez on 9 February 2024

Mr. Chair, distinguished delegates and observers,

We have come to the end of another very busy and demanding session of the Sub-Committee. We have once again achieved important accomplishments to pave the way for future work and we should all be very proud of that. 

In the interest of time, I will only highlight some of the most important achievements and these are:

  • the agreement on the list of specific areas for the comprehensive review, the associated draft methodology and the road map, which will lay the groundwork for the comprehensive review of the STCW Convention and Code; 

  • the finalization of draft terms of reference for the revision of Model Course 1.21, which will help prevent and address all forms of bullying and harassment in the maritime sector, comprehensively;

  • agreement to launch the new GISIS module to address globally the obligations emanating from the STCW Convention facilitating their discharge, the addressing of fraudulent practices and alleviating the administrative burden; and

  • the validation of 2 model courses.

None of these accomplishments would have been possible without the active involvement and spirit of cooperation from all of you, the delegates, and I would like to thank you for your continuous collaboration and support to the work of the Organization.

Special thanks go to your Chair, Mr. Haakon Storhaug of Norway. Mr. Chair, you once again led the Sub-Committee successfully, demonstrating excellent diplomacy and leadership skills to steer the affairs of the Sub-Committee. 

I would also like to thank your Vice-Chair, Mr. Rafael Cigarruista of Panama, for his support. 

I also wish to express my sincere thanks to the Chairs of the Working and Drafting Groups convened during this session, in particular Capt. Zheng Yi of Singapore and Capt. Vinayak Mohla of GlobalMET. I would also like to thank the coordinator of the Correspondence Group, Mr. Julian Planken of Sweden for his commitment, goodwill and cooperation to progress the Sub-Committee's work and, most importantly, to achieve decisions by consensus. 

My appreciation goes in particular to the Maritime Safety Division who led the preparation of this meeting and also to all of the dedicated staff of the Secretariat, who work tirelessly to provide the required professional support to meet your expectations. My thanks also go to the interpreters for facilitating seamless communication during our meeting.

Mr. Chair, distinguished delegates,

Regardless of whether you will be travelling back home or will continue your journey to the ILO Headquarters in Geneva to participate in the ILO/IMO Joint Working Group on Guidelines on the Medical Examination of Fishing Vessel Personnel next week, I wish you all a pleasant weekend and a safe journey. 

Thank you.