The Manila Amendments

The Manila Amendments is the latest in MSR’s InDepth series, written by Nick Williams of IMSA, the full document can be accessed via the link below.

The Manila Amendments: More Security Legislation for Shipping Companies or a Positive Step for the Safety & Security of Seafarers?

By NickWilliams

“All involved in the enterprise of shipping – ashore and on board – have a role to play and a right to live and work within a secure environment.” – Captain Steven Jones 2012

The STCW Convention and Code as amended by the Manila amendments (2010) contains new requirements regarding security training. This training is required by all personnel employed or engaged on board ships to which the ISPS Code applies. These regulations came into force on 1 January 2012 (MCA instructions dated 31st July 2012)

Simply complying with statutory regulations is only the beginning of ensuring an effective security regime on board a ship.

“The ship is a seafarer’s home and needs to be protected as such. All involved in the enterprise of shipping – ashore and on board – have a role to play and a right to live and work within a secure environment. Compliance with international, national and company regulations is not the end of the process, rather the beginning.”

The Manila Amendments have been introduced on the back of increased piracy and violence against seafarers around the world. The international community have put into place certain measures to combat this menace in the Indian Ocean and Gulf of Guinea, but ships and their crews remain vulnerable in many other parts of the world.

Click here to download: The Manila Amendments