Nautilus head of professional and technical David Appleton reflects on the 48th General Assembly of the International Federation of Shipmasters' Associations (IFSMA)
This August, I was honoured to represent Nautilus members at the 48th General Assembly of the International Federation of Shipmasters' Associations (IFSMA).
Held in the Faroe Islands, the event saw delegates from shipmasters' associations around the world gather in Tórshavn for three days of maritime debates and discussions.
The conference opened with highlights of the last two years, which included launching a practical legal guide for shipmasters,putting forward 21 papers at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and drawing international attention to cases of unjust criminalisation of masters and crews.
Delegates then heard from Faroese and international experts. Among the standout presentations was one by Smyrill Line CEO Jens Meinhard Rasmussen on the dangers posed by electric vehicle fires on roro vessels and how to tackle them. Captain Shinya Nakamura of the Japan Captains' Association outlined the results of a large-scale verification experiment with ClassNK to develop standards for assessing the safety of autonomous navigation systems. Captain Hans Sande, president of IFSMA and CEO of the Norwegian Maritime Officers' Association, presented findings from the Norwegian Maritime Career Paths report. Based on surveys of more than 5,000 current and former seafarers, this project offers valuable insight into why people choose to
stay at sea or move ashore – lessons that are relevant far beyond Norway. Other sessions covered fatigue, the review of STCW, gender equality in a military context, drug and alcohol testing, and the future of autonomous shipping.
Delegates also heard from Oleg Grygoriuk, chairman of the Maritime Transport Workers' Trade Union of Ukraine, before agreeing in principle to adopt a statement on global trends and threats in shipping, and the risks these pose to shipmasters.
The assembly was a clear success, offering not only a platform for exchanging knowledge but also an opportunity to strengthen international bonds between shipmasters' associations.
This gathering was also notable for being the last General Assembly for Commodore Jim Scorer, who has retired after 10 years as IFSMA secretary general. I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge his tremendous contribution during his time at the helm. It has been a privilege to work alongside him through the long days and nights at the IMO. I wish Jim the very best in his retirement and look forward to working with his successor, Andrew Cook.
Share your expertise with fellow members at the online Nautilus Professional and Technical Forum on 29 October (note change to previously advertised date). Email invitations will go out nearer the time.
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