The Human Factor in Maritime Safety Compliance with International Standards MLC 2006 and STCW 2010 by Colombia

Abstract

Efforts to prevent maritime accidents caused by human errors have been directed, at the international level, towards the establishment of a system to ensure adequate working conditions for personnel on board vessels and the necessary rigor with respect to their training, professional qualifications, and certification. To accomplish these goals, recent provisions were established by the International Labour Organization (ILO), specifically the Maritime Labour Convention of 2006 (MLC 2006), and by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), specifically the STCW Convention of 2010 (STCW 2010). Colombia has not yet incorporated the MLC 2006; therefore, Decree 1015 of 1995 remains in force, which in turn incorporates international measures in this area that have been in force since the first third of the past century. Thus, urgent reform is necessary to bring compliance up to date. Regarding the provisions of STCW 2010, although Colombia has not ratified the emendations of 1995 and 2010, despite having ratified the original convention, we can state that this set of norms (including the emendations noted) is in force, given the tacit acceptance of these reforms used by the IMO for their implementation.