Guide for Seafarers Affected by Conflict

ISWAN has published a practical guidance for seafarers: A guide for those affected by conflict in the Middle East. The new resource was shared by ISWAN with the following description: “Ships and crew have been stranded in the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and Strait of Hormuz since February 2026, with no clear timeline for when normal operations will resume. We have put together a practical infographic to help crew focus on what they can control day-to-day, from managing fuel, water, and food supplies to looking after each other on board. Please share this with your networks and anyone who might need it.” The Guide can be found at:

https://www.iswan.org.uk/resources/publications/practical-guidance-for-seafarers-a-guide-for-those-affected-by-conflict-in-the-middle-east-infographic/

A Must-listen: IMHA-podcast!!!

A video message from Frank Hagemann (ILO) to IMHA and ISMH17 on our collaborative work.

Guidelines

A Record of Proceedings of the Joint ILO–IMO meeting to adopt guidelines for Medical Examination of Fishers/Fishing Vessel Personnel in February, 2024 where IMHA was a participant has been published on the ILO website.

International Maritime Organization Sub-Committee on Human Element Training and Watchkeeping (HTW)

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) held its 11th session of the Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW) from February 10th – 14th. IMHA was represented by Dr Rob Verbist and Dr Sue Stannard and the week included some interesting discussions and the chance to network with other attendees from the UN agencies, the EU and flag state representatives.

The HTW Sub-Committee concluded Phase I of the Comprehensive Revision of the STCW Convention thereby identifying the gaps and areas that need revision. The Revision of the Convention will take longer than planned because of increased workload. Some revisions will only be concluded in the 2030 decade. To further progress the HTW Sub-Committee invites MSC 110 to approve the establishment of an intersessional working group.

Some discussions about future aspects are very interesting and involve maritime medical aspects, for example on Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) where tests begin with single person watches on the bridge and the challenges that brings to Medical Fitness. Interesting presentations took place on digitalization of certification in the Philippines, a work-rest hours study by the WMU and a group from Israël on Bedside training in Medical Care.

Relevant documents will be uploaded to the Member section of the IMHA Website as soon as the IMO Secretariat has finalized them.