Stream Marine Training (SMT) has welcomed the International Maritime Organisation's interim training guidelines on alternative fuels while calling for more specific safety standards tailored to individual fuel types.

The maritime training provider, part of Stream Marine Technical, said the new framework provides a foundation for preparing seafarers for the transition to low-carbon fuels, but argued that generic guidelines are insufficient to ensure crew safety.

"Real safety comes from fuel-specific training," commented Martin White, CEO of Stream Marine Training. "Ammonia, hydrogen, LNG, and methanol each carry unique hazards. Reading about ammonia toxicity is not enough. Seafarers must be trained to handle these fuels in realistic conditions, with the right levels of firefighting and emergency response preparation."

The UK firm provides basic and advanced IGF Code training, as well as tailored fuel-specific awareness training designed to supplement mandatory courses and address the unique risks of each alternative fuel type.

SMT also offers fuel-focused firefighting and emergency response training, leveraging its experience in global bunkering projects. And there is a specific focus on methanol, with training frameworks developed to support safe adoption in the industry.

The company's training expertise was recently recognised by Lloyd's List Decarb Hub, which appointed SMT as Technical Lead to prepare training frameworks for alternative fuel operations at sea.

"At Stream Marine Training, safety comes first," White remarked. "As the industry transitions to new fuels, we are committed to ensuring that seafarers have the knowledge, confidence, and hands-on experience to operate safely in this new era."

According to Stream Marine Technical, operators now face practical and complex questions with growing pressure to cut emissions and the rapid uptake of methanol-ready and methanol-capable tonnage.

Stream Marine Group comprises three divisions: Stream Marine Training, Stream Marine Technical, and Stream Marine Careers. The company provides safety and technical training to the maritime and offshore sectors.