Featured image above shows the participants of the Regional STCW Convention held in the Philippines. (Image supplied)
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MANILA — The Regional Forum on the Effective Implementation of the STCW Convention and its Code concluded on 19 February 2026 with forward-looking discussions that reinforced both regulatory innovation and the enduring value of the human element in shipping.
The final day opened with a session on the substitution of approved seagoing service with alternative, competency-based measures. Panelists examined regulatory frameworks, best practices, and safeguards to ensure that any alternative pathways maintain training quality, competence, and safety.
Attention then shifted to 21st century leadership and non-technical behavioral skills. Delegates acknowledged that accidents persist, underscoring that technology alone does not guarantee safety. The session highlighted the critical role of non-technical skills such as situational awareness, decision-making, communication, teamwork, leadership, and personal management.
The final technical session tied the discussions together by examining the modernization of training requirements alongside the preservation of traditional seafaring skills. With rapid decarbonization, digitalization, and evolving ship technologies reshaping competency demands across the Asia-Pacific region, panelists explored how maritime education and training systems can adapt without weakening the foundations of safe seamanship.
In her closing remarks, International Maritime Organization – IMO Asia-Pacific Section Head Atty. Jean Ver Pia reaffirmed the organizationโs commitment to support Member States through capacity development and cooperation. โAs we listen to the different views and perspectives, I hope you leave not only with knowledge, but with renewed purpose. With confidence in our shared strengths, and with the conviction that together, we can continue uplifting the standards that safeguard lives and advance the future of global seafaring.โ
For his part, STCW Office Executive Director Samuel Batalla of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) underscored three overarching themes that emerged from the forum: the need for clear, consistent, and adaptable implementation of the STCW framework; the centrality of the human element in all reforms; and the indispensable role of regional cooperation.
โLet us remember that compliance is not merely about meeting requirements. It is about cultivating a culture of professionalism, safety, and continuous improvement. It is about ensuring that every certificate issued reflects genuine competence, that every training programme prepares seafarers for real-world challenges, and that every policy decision strengthens trust in the global maritime system,โ Executive Director Batalla said.
The three-day forum closed with a renewed collective commitment among Asia-Pacific maritime leaders to strengthen the effective implementation of the STCW Convention and Code in support of safe, sustainable, and future-ready shipping. (/)