SCI’s Center for Mariner Advocacy (CMA) Director, Phil Schifflin, Esq., attended the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Human Elements, Training, and Watchkeeping (HTW) sub-committee meeting in London from February 10-14, 2025, serving as an expert advisor on mariner issues for the U.S. delegation. During the meeting, he participated in a working group focused on a comprehensive review of the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW). This process will span multiple years and significantly influence mariner training for years to come.

At this review stage, the group worked to identify existing gaps in the STCW. Several areas of particular interest to CMA were highlighted, including Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment (SASH), Psychological Safety, Mental Health, Women’s Health, Risks of Falls from Height, and Enclosed Space Entry. These critical issues directly impact mariner safety and well-being but are insufficiently addressed in the current STCW framework. The group then established a multi-year work plan outlining the steps for completing the review process during future IMO meetings.

CMA is dedicated to protecting seafarers’ rights, safety, and well-being through legal support, seafarers’ rights training, and policy guidance (as was the case with this IMO meeting). CMA works in partnership with global and domestic maritime organizations to address complex challenges, promote fair treatment, and improve working conditions for seafarers and mariners.