Global Standards: IMO Regulations and Compliance Training Course

Introduction

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) stands as the principal global standard-setting body for the safety, security, and environmental performance of international shipping. Its comprehensive framework of conventions, codes, and guidelines forms the bedrock of responsible maritime operations, ensuring uniform standards across diverse fleets and jurisdictions. Adherence to these regulations is not merely a legal obligation but a fundamental pillar for safeguarding lives at sea, protecting the marine environment, and maintaining the integrity of the global maritime transport system.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to equip participants with a comprehensive and practical understanding of key IMO regulations and the critical strategies for achieving and maintaining compliance. From dissecting the core conventions on safety (SOLAS), pollution prevention (MARPOL), and seafarer standards (STCW, MLC) to mastering the intricacies of audit readiness, incident reporting, and continuous improvement, you will gain the expertise to navigate the complex regulatory landscape. This empowers you to ensure operational excellence, minimize legal risks, and contribute to a safer, more sustainable, and compliant maritime industry.

Target Audience

  • Ship Owners, Operators, and Managers.
  • Ship Security Officers (SSOs) and Company Security Officers (CSOs).
  • Port Facility Security Officers (PFSOs) and Port Authority Personnel.
  • Maritime Regulatory Compliance Officers.
  • Flag State and Port State Control Inspectors.
  • Marine Surveyors and Auditors.
  • Seafarers (Masters, Officers, and Ratings) seeking advanced compliance knowledge.
  • Maritime Lawyers and Legal Professionals.

Duration: 10 days

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this training course, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the structure, mandate, and role of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
  • Grasp the key provisions and practical implications of major IMO Conventions (SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW, MLC, ISPS).
  • Analyze the responsibilities of Flag States, Port States, and Classification Societies in ensuring compliance.
  • Comprehend the International Safety Management (ISM) Code and its role in operational safety.
  • Evaluate methodologies for internal audits, external inspections, and preparing for Port State Control.
  • Develop practical skills in interpreting regulatory requirements and implementing compliance strategies onboard and ashore.
  • Navigate the complexities of incident reporting, investigation, and corrective action in line with IMO guidelines.
  • Formulate robust strategies for maintaining continuous compliance and fostering a strong safety culture within maritime organizations.

Course Content

  1. Introduction to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and its Framework
  • History and evolution of the IMO
  • Structure and functions of the IMO: Committees, Sub-Committees
  • Hierarchy of IMO Instruments : Conventions, Protocols, Codes, Circulars, Guidelines
  • The process of developing and adopting international maritime regulations
  • Role of Member States and non-governmental organizations in the IMO
  1. International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)
  • Overview of SOLAS: historical context, objectives, and structure
  • Key Chapters of SOLAS : Construction, Fire Protection, Life-Saving Appliances, Radio Communications, Safety of Navigation
  • Mandatory codes under SOLAS (e.g., ISM Code, ISPS Code)
  • Safety Certificates and their validity
  • Special requirements for specific ship types (e.g., passenger ships, tankers, bulk carriers)
  1. International Safety Management (ISM) Code
  • Purpose and Objectives of the ISM Code : safe management and operation of ships, pollution prevention
  • Structure of the ISM Code: Safety Management System (SMS), Designated Person Ashore (DPA)
  • Roles and responsibilities of company and shipboard personnel
  • Internal and external audits for ISM compliance
  • Document of Compliance (DOC) and Safety Management Certificate (SMC)
  1. International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL)
  • MARPOL Annexes : details on pollution prevention (oil, noxious liquid substances, harmful packaged substances, sewage, garbage, air pollution)
  • Shipboard procedures for pollution prevention
  • Oil Record Book, Garbage Record Book, IAPP Certificate
  • Pollution incident reporting and response
  • Emerging environmental regulations and future challenges (e.g., decarbonization)
  1. International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW)
  • STCW Convention and Code : minimum standards for seafarer competence
  • Certification requirements for Masters, Officers, and Ratings
  • Watchkeeping arrangements and principles
  • Medical fitness and proficiency in personal safety techniques
  • Port State Control on STCW compliance
  • Preventing fraudulent certificates
  1. Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006
  • MLC "Seafarers' Bill of Rights" : comprehensive labor standards for seafarers
  • Five Titles of MLC: minimum requirements for seafarers to work on a ship, conditions of employment, accommodation, health protection/medical care/welfare, compliance and enforcement
  • Shipowner's responsibilities and seafarer's rights
  • Maritime Labour Certificate (MLC) and Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance (DMLC)
  • Inspections and redress mechanisms under MLC
  1. International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code
  • Purpose and Scope of the ISPS Code : enhancing maritime security
  • Ship Security Plans (SSP) and Port Facility Security Plans (PFSP)
  • Security levels and corresponding measures
  • Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) and Continuous Synopsis Record (CSR)
  • Role of the Company Security Officer (CSO) and Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO)
  • Cybersecurity implications for ISPS compliance
  1. Port State Control (PSC) and Flag State Responsibilities
  • Role of the Flag State : ensuring compliance of vessels under its flag
  • Role of Port State Control : inspecting foreign-flagged ships in national ports
  • Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on PSC (e.g., Paris MoU, Tokyo MoU)
  • Detention criteria and deficiency codes
  • Preparing for PSC inspections and managing deficiencies
  • IMO's Voluntary IMO Member State Audit Scheme (VIMSAS)
  1. Audits, Inspections, and Non-Compliance Management
  • Planning and conducting internal safety and security audits
  • Preparing for external audits by flag states, class societies, and PSC
  • Non-Compliance Management : identifying non-conformities, root cause analysis
  • Developing and implementing corrective and preventative actions (CAPA)
  • Reporting mechanisms for incidents and non-conformities
  • The importance of continuous improvement in compliance
  1. Emerging IMO Regulations and Future Compliance Challenges
  • Decarbonization Regulations : EEXI, CII, IMO GHG Strategy
  • Ballast Water Management Convention (BWMC) and compliance strategies
  • Ship Recycling Convention (Hong Kong Convention)
  • Autonomous Ships (MASS) and future regulatory developments
  • Cybersecurity guidelines and best practices
  • The human element in compliance: safety culture and training.

CERTIFICATION

  • Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

  • Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

  • Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com

For More Details call: +254-114-087-180

 

Global Standards: Imo Regulations And Compliance Training Course in South Sudan
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