Seaways Focus - April 2026
Considered planning and rapid response
by John Lloyd FNI Chief Executive, The Nautical Institute
The maritime industry always provides a busy and engaging environment for our community, filled with challenges and opportunities. But the last few weeks have seen activities of both interest and great concern across the maritime spectrum.
On the one hand we have been engaged at the IMO in detailed discussions about planned revisions to STCW which will establish the requirements for the qualifications of our seafarers. The work at the IMO is structured, well-planned and undertaken in a spirit of collaboration, even when opposing views are held. In these discussions we are reminded that expediency is not the same as effectiveness and we must take care when addressing fundamental changes that will, inevitably, impact on the safety of operations of our vessels.
At the same time, we welcome innovation in training and assessment and look forward to a future when all professional development is supported by contemporary technology that supports effective learning and assessment. Ensuring all of our mariners have sufficient ‘work place experience’ is key to ensuring that we will have the workforce our industry needs and deserves for the future. Short cuts will serve no-one well in the longer term.
At the other end of the scale, the unpredictability of military operations in the Middle East and Europe is having a massive impact on the safety, security and well-being of our mariners, literally, caught in the cross-fire.
I can think of no other context in which attacks on civilian targets are met with such indifference by the global community. Somehow the ‘ship’ becomes a legitimate target because of its location, cargo or fardistant owner. Hardly a word is spoken about the crews on board, the hazards they face, the stress and anxiety caused on board for those in the line of fire and to families far away who watch the news and other media with concern for loved ones on board.
Our society deserves better political solutions that protect our seafarers, provide support and safe havens for those close to military action, and the necessary support and lines of supply to ensure they have access to food, water and fuel. It is simply their livelihood. Key workers deserve better.
Returning to the IMO theme, I am very pleased we have the opportunity to make such effective contributions in this environment. Our own staff supported by volunteer delegates make an outstanding contribution to the discussions – including attending the Extraordinary Session on the situation of seafarers in the Middle East – and are a constant reminder to other delegates of the importance of maritime safety and properly qualified mariners.
In this edition of Seaways, you will read about how the Secretary General of the IMO values the work of The Nautical Institute as one of the leading NGOs contributing to discussions in so many technical areas.
Before closing, a reminder of our forthcoming Annual General Meeting being held in British Columbia, Canada, in May. There is still time to register to attend, either in person or online – you can find the link directly opposite. It is your AGM, please attend if you can.