The IMO Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW 12), held from 23-27 February 2026, delivered progress across several areas of importance to the maritime workforce, including the comprehensive review of the STCW Convention and Code, training for alternative fuels and the launch of a new workstream on fatigue and hours of work and rest. The HTW Sub-Committee deals with the human side of shipping, including ensuring that seafarers are adequately trained, competent and fit for duty, while addressing issues such as fatigue management, crew welfare and evolving industry needs across the maritime sector. STCW review moves into detailed phase Progress on training for alternative fuels and new technologies New IMO work launched on fatigue STCW review moves into detailed phase HTW 12 continued the comprehensive review of the STCW Convention and Code, focusing on updates to competence requirements for deck and engine departments based on gaps identified earlier in the process. Given the large number of submissions, discussions concentrated primarily on strategic direction rather than detailed drafting. One area receiving particular attention was the potential partial substitution of seagoing service with simulator training. While views differed, the STCW Convention already allows administrations to approve alternative training arrangements, and some are applying such approaches in practice, albeit without harmonised criteria or consistent safeguards. The work will therefore focus on the conditions under which substitution could be implemented safely and consistently, including the need for clear criteria, defined limits on the amount of sea service that could be replaced, appropriate quality assurance of simulators and training programmes, and the importance of combining simulator training with onboard experience. In addition to the review of existing provisions, HTW 12 considered the introduction of new provisions addressing emerging risks and operatio