IMLA31

Simulation in seafarer training was the focus of this year’s conference by the International Maritime Lecturers Association.

The Nautical Institute was a proud partner and presenter, with our lead delegate at the International Maritime Organisation, Captain Chris O’Flaherty AFNI, taking the floor to discuss the current revision of the STCW Code.

With the policy decision already taken to use simulators to replace up to 3 months of seatime for first Certificates of Competence (STCW II/1, III/1 and III/6), the discussions planned at the IMO in February 2027 will refine the detail.  With many people thinking of a Bridge Simulator for deck officers and Engine Control Room simulators replacing seatime for engineers, the delegates at the Imo will need to be especially careful in their choice of wording to ensure that other simulators connected to the overall syllabus, such as Firefighting simulators, Medical First Aid simulators, or ‘leadership simulators’ are not simply re-badged within a syllabus to use existing training to delete seatime.  One extreme example could even see work in a ‘Galley Simulator’ ashore be used to justify seatime reduction for cadets, depending on the wording chosen by the STCW review at the IMO. 

The opportunity was also seized to reconnect with many colleagues from The Nautical Institute who attended the Conference – what an amazing group of instructors and academics.

Thank you for IMLA for arranging a truly fascinating week.