IMO Sub-Committee on Human element, Training and Watchkeeping 11th Session (HTW 11) was held from 10th to 14th February 2025. Key outcomes from the meeting are as follows:

1. Agreed the draft Interim Guidelines on Training for Seafarers on Ships Using Alternative Fuels and New Technologies
Concerning the maritime industry’s needs for future techniques and detailed guidance on seafarers’ training, HTW began developing interim guidelines for training seafarers on ships using alternative fuels and new technologies. There should be both generic interim guidelines requirements and individual sets of fuel and technology interim guidelines.
(1) generic interim guidelines*—included with all requirements in the whole industry and relevant to all alternative fuels and new technologies
(2) individual sets of fuel and technology-specific interim guidelines—which are aligned to all IMO-developed regulations with safety provisions on each type of alternative fuel.
The new draft generic interim guidelines will be submitted to MSC 110 and expected to be approved as an STCW.7 circular**.

2. Development of fuel/technology-specific guidelines for seafarer training  
HTW 11 initiated work on the development of the draft on training for seafarers on ships using methyl/ethyl alcohol as fuel. HTW established the Correspondence Group to review Training Provisions for Seafarers on ships using alternative fuel and drafting work. The Correspondence Group may also take into account the guidelines for individual sets of fuel types: 
 Using methyl/ethyl alcohols as fuel (MSC.1/Circ.1621). 
 Using ammonia as fuel (MSC.1/Circ.1687). 
 Hydrogen fuel cell powered ships (MSC.1/Circ.1647). 
 Using LPG as fuel (MSC.1/Circ.1666). 
 Using hydrogen as fuel. 
 Battery-powered ships.
3. Comprehensive review of the STCW Convention and Code
Maritime Safety Committee 105th session (MSC 105) (April 2022) invited all IMO bodies to assess all relevant involvement with the human element and report back. The further work for HTW, with progress, is a comprehensive review of the 1978 STCW Convention and Code to address inconsistencies and to improve the provisions based on experiences and new technologies. The reviewing work with stages as:
 Phase 1: reviewed the Convention and Code to identify gaps (focusing on 22 specific areas, including implementation, emerging technologies on ships, e-certification, mental health, and gender sensitization, among others); 
 Phase 2: to revise and develop amendments to address those gaps. 
The tasks of Phase 1 have been completed, and HTW agreed on a list of identified gaps in the STCW Convention and Code to be addressed in Phase 2 of the comprehensive review. 
4. Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS)
HTW agreed that detailed training requirements for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) should be developed when the new MASS Code is finalized
During MSC 108, had agreed to develop high-level training provisions for the MASS Code, where competency with the detailed competence, knowledge, understanding, and proficiency (KUP) can be developed by HTW following the finalization of the Code. At this stage, the MASS Code is still to be completed, so it will be considered later.
5. Model Courses Commissioning Test:
Validated various IMO model courses to support course developers in developing training programs for seafarers. 
Draft revised Model Courses as follows:
(1) Model Course 1.25 - General Operator's Certificates for the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) 
(2) Model Course 1.26 - Restricted Operator's Certificate for the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)
(3) Model Course 3.20 - Company Security Officer
(4) Model Course 3.21- Port Facility Security Officer
(5) Model Course 3.23 - Actions to be Taken to Prevent Acts of Piracy and Armed Robbery
The above Model courses IMO secretary will complete the final edition and release them. 
In addition, HTW 11 approved the model courses below:
(1) Model Course 1.27 - Operational Use of Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS)
(2) Model Course 7.05 - Skipper on a Fishing Vessel; 
(3) Model Course 7.07- Chief Engineer Officer and Second Engineer Officer on a Fishing Vessel;
HTW 11 also approved the draft terms of reference for the revision of the following Model Courses, with a view to validation at HTW 14:
(1) Model Course 7.06 - Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on a Fishing Vessel; and 
(2) Model Course 1.33 - Safety of Fishing Operations (Support Level).
* The generic requirement includes as follows:
(1) requirements for the onboard familiarization of seafarers on ships using alternative fuels and new technologies;
(2) requirements for basic training for seafarers with safety duties associated with the care, use, or in certain emergency responses to the fuel and/or system onboard ships using alternative fuels and new technologies;
(3) requirements for advanced training for masters, engineer officers, and all personnel with immediate responsibility for the care and use of fuels and/or systems on ships using alternative fuels and new technologies;
(4) standards of competence for both basic and advanced training; and
(5) the need to conduct emergency exercises on board ships using alternative fuels and new technologies at regular intervals.

** STCW.7/Circ series of circulars provide clarifications, recommendations, and guidance pertaining to the implementation of the STCW Convention and the Code. (More information on IMO website STCW Circular)

References:
1. American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), News Brief: SDC 11. https://absinfo.eagle.org/acton/ct/16130/s-105d-2501/Bct/l-0d54/l-0d54:964/ct4_0/1/lu?sid=TV2%3AbFuL1txtI  
2. Det Norske Veritas (DNV), IMO Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction (SDC 11). News from DNV. https://www.dnv.com/news/imo-sub-committee-on-ship-design-and-construction-sdc-11/  
3. InterManager, Summary report on IMO Sub-Committee meeting SDC 11. https://www.intermanager.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IMO%20SUB-COMMITTEE%20ON%20SHIP%20DESIGN%20&%20CONSTRUCTION,%2013-17%20JANUARY%202025.pdf  
4. Lloyd's Register (LR), SDC 11 Summary Report. https://maritime.lr.org/SDC-11-Summary-Report