The 2nd IAMU LNG Round Table

Joint Statement on Ensuring the Safety and Security of LNG through the international collaboration to increase the number of LNG qualified mariners

31st May, 2006, Washington D.C., U.S.A.

This Joint Statement is also downloadable in Adobe PDF Format

At the first IAMU LNG Round Table in Busan, Korea on 1st March, 2005, it was recognized by the parties representing administrations, industry (SIGTTO), academia (IAMU), and many other direct stakeholders:

• that vessels and shoreside facilities be staffed by qualified personnel with up-to-date training,
• that energy utilities are dependent on LNG imports and are vulnerable to a prolonged disruption in power generation resulting from a significant accident on LNG transport,
• that Government regulators as well as industry have become more concerned about the security of LNG vessels and terminal facilities,
• that to operate a growing worldwide LNG fleet which is expected to more than double in number by the end of this decade, the supply of trained and experienced LNG crew must also be expanded accordingly,
• that safe and efficient operation of LNG tankers present sophisticated technical requirements, which are changing with a continuing evolution in vessel technology and greatly increasing vessel size.

The goal was set to minimize and manage the operational risks of the LNG supply chain, and it was agreed and endorsed by the parties present that the industry (SIGTTO) and the academia (IAMU) will:

• Establish a consensus on the current reality and the challenges in the LNG supply chain,
• Using information gathered from companies, industry bodies, classification societies and others, as appropriate, finalize an inventory of enhanced competency standards for safe LNG operations and prepare training packages and assessment criteria to deliver these competencies effectively,
• Formally present to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) the need to consider LNG competency standards, training packages and assessment criteria, and request the needs of the LNG sector receive the urgent attention of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC),
• Provide assistance to the MSC in this effort, using the results of the review of existing competency requirements,
• Devise an appropriate framework for implementing the above actions.

All involved parties recognize the above as stated in the official record of the 81st meeting of MSC in May, 2006, which reads:

"Following consideration of document MSC 81/23/16 (Liberia) proposing to develop international LNG competency and training standards, taking into account new technical advancements in LNG carrier design and operation and recent operational training standards developed by SIGTTO (STW37/INF.2) and information on new LNG training facility initiatives (STW37/INF.6 by the Republic of Korea), the Committee instructed the STW Sub-Committee to consider the matter in the context of the new item on "Comprehensive review of the STCW Convention and the STCW Code."

The parties to this Joint Statement have shared that Government regulators and administrators and the academia (i.e., appropriately accredited institutions of higher education) as the providers of maritime education and training both in the areas of safety and security should devise an appropriate framework for implementing all the practical actions necessary to increase the number of qualified LNG mariners through international collaboration with the industry, IMO, and all parties concerned, given that the world maritime community has already been in the process of rapid expansion of the world LNG fleet not only in terms of numbers, but also in terms of the size of a LNG tanker, and in terms of a variety of technological innovations.

To achieve this goal, the participants have concluded that:

• The first priority should be given to development by IMO of competency standards for qualified LNG officers and the second priority should be given to the development of a model course for LNG instructors, i.e. Train the Trainer Course. In both cases, efforts should be concurrent and separate from the comprehensive review of STCW Convention and the Code. In view of the urgency attached to these issues, IMO products might be in the form of MSC/Circular or some other transitional guidance.
• Concurrently the participants agree to invite those offices of government in charge of energy and maritime education, training, safety and security to meet and discuss and to further develop and implement a plan to address the critical and urgent challenges that LNG industry faces in meeting the demand for a sufficient number of qualified LNG mariners and shoreside operators.
• The meeting participants will formally present to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) the tangible results of their activities in an appropriate manner.
• The meeting will also serve to develop ways to expand the public awareness of LNG, and to address issues specifically related to the safe and secure transportation of LNG.

Those participants who endorse the principles contained above Joint Statement witness the signatures as attached.

Washington D.C.
U.S.A.