The eighth session of the Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW) was held remotely from 7 to 11 February 2022. The session was chaired by Mr Haakon Storhaug from Norway.

Information related to seafarers’ fatigue

The Sub-Committee noted information provided on the analysis of sleeping hours and efficiency of seafarers measured with wearable devices as well as information on the release of an Australian publication that focuses on managing and reducing the risk of fatigue at sea.

Cybersecurity-related training for seafarers

In response to the increasing digitalisation in the maritime industry, the Ship Design and Construction (SDC) Sub-Committee discussed a proposal for the development of provisions on cybersecurity-related training for seafarers. An approved safety management system should take into account cyber risk management in accordance with the objectives and functional requirements of the International Safety Management (ISM) Code.

The proposal was considered relevant in the context of new technologies in the maritime sector, as well as the ongoing work on Maritime Surface Autonomous Ships (MASS). The Sub-Committee invited interested Member States and international organisations to submit proposals for a new output to the Maritime Safety Committee.

A complete report of the meeting is available HERE.