The IMRF’s IMO Representative, Roly McKie, attended the 12th session of the IMO Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW12) at the IMO Headquarters in London from 23-27 February 2026, representing search and rescue (SAR) concerns regarding proposed changes to the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) regulations.

Earlier proposals had suggested reducing SAR training for seafarers on ships under 500 gross tonnes and those operating in coastal environments. The IMRF, supported by IMO delegates from Australia and Morocco, submitted a paper opposing any weakening of SAR training requirements and advocating for modernisation of the syllabus to reflect current operational needs.

Details about the IMRF’s Position Paper and additional information about the initially proposed changes can be found here.

During the opening plenary of HTW12, 13 IMO member states publicly supported the importance of maintaining SAR training, noting that standards should not be reduced. Many also expressed support for modernising the training syllabus in line with IMRF recommendations. The member state that had originally suggested reducing training clarified that it did not intend to simplify SAR training and acknowledged the importance of these competencies for seafarers.

Due to a full agenda for the STCW review (over 168 papers to be considered), further discussion of the IMRF, and other SAR training proposal submissions by member states, by the IMO Intersessional Working Group (ISWG) on STCW scheduled for 2-6 March, did not occur.  

The issue will now be rolled over into HTW13 in 2027. In the meantime, the IMRF will continue to monitor developments on this matter and intervene at relevant IMO meetings, including the upcoming Maritime Safety Committee meeting in May, if necessary.

The IMRF welcomes the support of member states and continues to emphasise that consistent SAR competencies are essential for all seafarers, regardless of vessel size or trading area. Maintaining and strengthening these standards is critical to ensuring the safety of life at sea worldwide and maintaining the IMRF vision of zero lives lost on the world’s waters.

If you have any questions or concerns, please email Roly McKie to discuss this matter further.