Stream Marine Training welcomes IMO interim training guidelines and calls for fuel-specific safety standards

Stream Marine Training (SMT), part of Stream Marine Technical, has welcomed the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) interim training guidelines on alternative fuels, recognising them as an important first step in preparing seafarers for the transition to a low-carbon future.

While the new framework provides a solid foundation, the company says that generic guidelines alone are not enough to keep crews safe. “Real safety comes from fuel-specific training,” says Martin White (pictured), CEO of Stream Marine Training. “Ammonia, hydrogen, LNG and methanol each carry unique hazards. Reading about ammonia toxicity is not enough however, seafarers must be trained to handle these fuels in realistic conditions, with the right levels of firefighting and emergency response preparation.”

Stream Marine Training delivers both basic and advanced IGF Code training and is committed to going further to ensure crews are fully prepared for the challenges of decarbonisation. The company offers tailored fuel-specific awareness training, designed to supplement mandatory courses and address the unique risks of each alternative fuel type.

The company is also leading the way in fuel-specific firefighting and emergency response training, drawing on its involvement in bunkering projects worldwide. Methanol has been the initial focus, with frameworks already being developed to support its safe adoption.

The company’s training expertise was recently recognised by Lloyds List Decarb Hub, which appointed SMT as Technical Lead to prepare training frameworks that reflect the realities of alternative fuel operations at sea.

“At Stream Marine Training, safety comes first,” Mr White adds. “As the industry transitions to new fuels, we are committed to ensuring that seafarers have the knowledge, confidence, and hands-on experience to operate safely in this new era.”

With growing pressure to cut emissions and the rapid uptake of methanol-ready and methanol-capable tonnage, operators now face practical and complex questions, says Stream Marine Technical, the alternative fuels arm of Stream Marine Group - a leading provider of safety and technical training to the maritime and offshore sectors.