The Philippines, one of the world’s leading suppliers of seafarers, has secured a victory at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) following the official vote for the Chair of the Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW).
With 53 votes, Atty. Sharon De Chavez-Aledo, Philippine Maritime Attaché to the IMO, has been elected Chair of the HTW Sub-Committee, prevailing over the United States’ candidate, Captain Cathleen Burns Mauro.
The HTW Sub-Committee plays a critical role in shaping global standards on seafarer training, certification, and watchkeeping under the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) Convention — directly impacting maritime safety and the welfare of seafarers worldwide.
This landmark victory reinforces the Philippines’ standing as one of the world’s leading maritime nations and affirms the international community’s confidence in Filipino leadership in advancing the human element in global shipping.
Adopted in 1978 with major amendments in 2010 in Manila, the STCW Convention sets mandatory minimum qualification standards for masters, officers, and personnel on seagoing merchant ships. Enforced by the IMO, the STCW Convention ensures global safety, security, and environmental protection through standardized training.
The STCW Convention and Code is also undergoing a comprehensive review by the IMO. The review focuses on modernizing training, digitalization, automation, and green shipping. Initiated in 2024, the review identified over 400 gaps and aims to adopt amendments by 2027 to ensure the framework remains fit for purpose.
