The 12th session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW 12) was recently held at the IMO Headquarters in London, United Kingdom. The IMO Model Course 2.06 on Oil Tanker Cargo and Ballast Handling Simulator, whose revision was led by our university, was formally reviewed and approved at the meeting. Associate Professor Wang Baojun from DMU’s Marine Engineering College attended the meeting as a member of the Chinese delegation. This marks China’s another independent undertaking of the revision of an IMO model course on seafarer education and training since 2019.

Under the overall guidance of the Maritime Safety Administration of the Ministry of Transport, and meticulously organized by Liaoning Maritime Safety Administration and the Subcommittee on Maritime Education, Training and Research, the revision of Model Course 2.06 was successfully completed. Led by DMU in collaboration with China Merchants Energy Shipping Co., Ltd., the effort brought together more than 40 experts and scholars from industrial enterprises including COSCO Shipping Energy Transportation Co., Ltd., maritime education institutions and maritime safety administrations.

Led by Associate Professor Wang Baojun, the IMO Model Course revision team systematically optimized and comprehensively revised the teaching objectives, content framework, syllabus, instructor manual, and evaluation and assessment of the Model Course, in accordance with the provisions of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW Convention), the Revised Guidelines for the Development, Review and Validation of IMO Model Courses, and the Terms of Reference (TOR) for Model Course 2.06. The revision closely followed the global shipping industry’s trend towards green and low-carbon development, and deeply integrated the realities of the tanker industry, practical experience in tanker management, and the current application status of tanker simulators at home and abroad. To enhance its scientific validity, applicability, and international compatibility, the revision of Model Course 2.06 sought extensive input from domestic and international stakeholders. A total of 130 comments were collected from 22 entities and individuals, each of which was reviewed and incorporated. This rigorous process ensures that the course not only reflects cutting-edge international concepts but also maintains a solid practical foundation.

It is reported that the 10th session of IMO HTW held in January 2024 decided to revise Model Course 2.06 and designated China to carry out the revision. Liaoning Maritime Safety Administration and the Subcommittee on Maritime Education, Training and Research organized six consultation meetings, seminars and review meetings to ensure the steady progress of the revision. The IMO conducted two rounds of review for the model course. In December 2025, the IMO released the evaluation results across five major indicators, all of which were rated as “Good,” thoroughly paving the way for Model Course 2.06 to be reviewed at HTW 12. At the meeting, Associate Professor Wang Baojun, participating in the IMO Model Course Drafting Group session as part of HTW 12, worked with representatives from 36 countries to finalize Model Course 2.06.

Model Course 2.06 marks China’s another independent undertaking of an IMO model course on seafarer education and training since 2019. Throughout the comprehensive revision process, the project has embodied the wisdom of DMU, developed an efficient organizational and authoring framework, and effectively integrated Chinese practices into international standards. This has substantially strengthened China’s voice in shaping international maritime rules, contributing a Chinese solution to global maritime education and training.