FR 2021-00657

Summary of the Document

The document is a notice from the Department of State announcing a public meeting to be held via teleconference on February 10, 2021. The purpose of this meeting is to prepare for the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) seventh session focused on the Human Element, Training, and Watchkeeping (HTW). The meeting will accommodate up to 500 participants and will cover several agenda items including the role of the human element, amendments to maritime conventions, and training measures for seafarers. Interested individuals are encouraged to contact Mr. Kenneth Doyle for more information about participating in the meeting.

Significant Issues or Concerns

Several issues arise from the notice that may warrant further attention:

1. Lack of Duration and Cost Information: The document does not specify how long the teleconference will last or the potential costs involved. This absence of information could hinder proper planning and lead to doubts about effective use of resources.

2. Public Input Utilization: There is no clear explanation of how public input will be integrated into the session's preparation process. This lack of transparency might raise concerns over potential biases or favoritism toward specific interests.

3. Use of Acronyms Without Explanation: The document uses specialized maritime acronyms such as "STCW" (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping) and "HTW" (Human Element, Training, and Watchkeeping) without explanations. This could make it difficult for individuals unfamiliar with maritime industry terminology to fully grasp the agenda.

4. Participation Accommodations: Information is missing on whether accommodations exist for those unable to join the teleconference due to capacity constraints or technical difficulties, which might limit public involvement.

5. Ambiguity in Agenda Adjustments: The notice mentions possible adjustments to the agenda due to virtual meeting constraints but lacks specifics on how such changes would be determined, potentially leading to ambiguity.

Impact on the Public

For the general public, this notice signals an opportunity to engage with international maritime policy-making, specifically in the areas of human training and watchkeeping. However, without insight into participation logistics and decision-making processes, the public might feel alienated or unsure about the value of their involvement.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

Positive Impact

• Maritime Professionals: These stakeholders, such as seafarers and educators, might benefit from updates and discussions on training conventions and amendments, which could influence their operational standards and training curricula.

Negative Impact

• General Public and New Entrants to the Maritime Industry: Individuals new to the maritime sector or those with limited industry knowledge might find it challenging to understand the document due to its specialized language and lack of clarity on public involvement procedures.

In conclusion, while the notice provides a crucial channel for maritime professionals to engage with policy developments, the lack of detailed guidance on participation and use of industry-specific language may hinder broader public engagement and understanding. Efforts to clarify procedures and offer more inclusive communication could enhance the effectiveness of such public meetings.