Programmed Marine believe that the competence of seafarers is one of the most critical factors in the human element to ensure safe and efficient ship operations. It is directly related with safety of life at sea and the protection of the marine environment as well.
The Manila Amendments were adopted at a Diplomatic Conference in Manila, the Philippines which was held on the 25th June 2010. After 1st January 2017 Manila Amendments will come into force.
Update:
On the 5th December 2016 the IMO (International Maritime Organization) issued advice for Port State Control Authorities that they have recognised that some seafarers on board ships may not yet hold their certificates or flag state endorsements meeting the 2010 Manila Amendments to the Convention. Until 1st July 2017 they have recommended that Port State Control Authorities take a pragmatic and practical approach during inspections of 2010 Manila Amendments certificates or flag state endorsements.
The amendments identify the crucial role human factors play in high risk, high stress environments and encompasses team training, as well as simulation, interactive group debriefings and improvement of crew performance. Due to the greater technical reliability and automation, there is no longer an alibi for human error, the human element has been identified as being the weakest link. The amendments are aimed at ensuring the necessary global standards will be in place to train and certify seafarers to operate technologically advanced ships in a safe manner for some time to come.
The important changes to each chapter of the Convention and Code include the following:
- Improved measures to prevent fraudulent practices associated with certificates of competency and strengthen the evaluation process (monitoring of Parties’ compliance with the Convention).
- Revised requirements on hours of work and rest and new requirements for the prevention of drug and alcohol abuse, as well as updated standards relating to medical fitness standards for seafarers.
- New certification requirements for Able Seafarers
- New requirements relating to training in modern technology such as electronic charts and information systems (ECDIS)
- New requirements for marine environment awareness training and training in leadership and teamwork
- New training and certification requirements for electro-technical officers
- Refresher of competence requirements for personnel serving on board all types of tankers, including new requirements for personnel serving on liquefied gas tankers
- New requirements for security training, as well as provisions to ensure that seafarers are properly trained to cope if their ship comes under attack by pirates
- Introduction of modern training methodology including distance learning and web-based learning
- New training guidance for personnel serving on board ships operating in polar waters
- New training guidance for personnel operating Dynamic Positioning Systems