224. IMO: 2010 Protocol to the International Convention on Liability and Compensation for Damage in Connection with the Carriage of Hazardous and Noxious Substances by Sea, 1996

Denmark was the first state to sign the Protocol, subject to ratification, on 14 April 2011. As of 31 October 2011 the Protocol has been signed by Canada, France, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Norway and Turkey.

225. International Convention on Arrest of Ships 1999

Following the accession of the tenth state, Albania, on 14 March 2011, the Convention entered into force on 14 September 2011.

226. International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (the “STCW Convention”)

On 1 January 2012, the June 2010 Manila amendments to the STCW Convention entered into force. The changes include: improved measures to prevent fraudulent practices associated with certificates of competency and strengthen the evaluation process (monitoring of parties’ compliance with the Convention); revised requirements on hours of work and rest and new requirements for the prevention of drug and alcohol abuse, as well as updated standards relating to medical fitness standards for seafarers; new certification requirements for able seafarers; new requirements relating to training in modern technology such as electronic charts and information systems (“ECDIS”); new requirements for marine environment awareness training and training in leadership and teamwork; new training and certification requirements for electro-technical officers; updating of competence requirements for personnel serving on board all types of tanker, including new requirements for personnel serving on liquefied gas tankers; new requirements for security training, as well as provisions to ensure that seafarers are properly trained to cope if their ship comes under attack by pirates;