As part of the Danish EU Presidency, the Danish Maritime Authority has submitted 28 proposals on behalf of the European Union to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for the upcoming revision of the STCW Convention – the international framework governing the education and training of seafarers. The submissions mark an important milestone in the efforts to modernise the global standards for maritime training and certification. The proposals will form a central basis for discussions at the next meeting of IMO’s Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping.
The proposals include, among other things:
- new training requirements aimed at strengthening the psychological working environment
- expanded opportunities to use modern technology, including simulators, for competence acquisition
- enhanced competencies related to alternative fuels as part of the green transition
- a general modernisation of maritime education programmes, including officer and marine engineer training.
Malene Loftager Mundt, Director of Maritime Regulation and Legal Affairs, highlights the significance of the collective EU effort:
Both the revision of the STCW Convention and the future-proofing of maritime education are high priorities for the Danish Maritime Authority. It is essential for the future of the shipping sector and for Blue Denmark that education programmes reflect the needs of the industry. We now have a solid basis for the continued work in the IMO, and we are proud that agreement across the EU has been established.
IMO’s Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping will meet again in February 2026.