"The purpose of this IMO model course is to assist maritime training institutes and their teaching staff to organize and introduce marine environmental awareness training. This model course ""Marine environmental awareness"" specifically focuses on the contribution of the human element to the prevention of pollution and is intended to educate@ stimulate and empower officers on board vessels to contribute to environmentally sound shipping and to ensure compliance with pollution prevention measures. This model course is closely connected to both the ISM Code1 and the STCW Code2. ?? The purpose of the ISM Code is to provide an international standard for the safe management and operation of ships and for pollution prevention. In matters of safety and pollution prevention it is the commitment@ competence@ attitude and motivation of individuals at all levels that determines the end result. ?? Sections A-II/1 of Chapter II@ A-III/1 and A-III/6 of Chapter III of the STCW Code include the competence ""ensure compliance with prevention pollution requirements"" as part of function: ""Controlling the operation of a ship and care for persons on board at the operational level"". In addition@ the competence ""take precautions to prevent pollution of the marine environment"" is part of the basic training in Chapter VI. The model course ""Marine environmental awareness"" is designed as an addition to courses about IMO regulations@ technical installations and procedures to safeguard the environment. Marine environmental awareness training focuses specifically on the human element. Better understanding of the effects of shipping on the environment will lead to better compliance with regulations and better use of technical installations and procedures. The model course aims to inspire people to play a positive and proactive role@ to take responsibility@ and to contribute to environmentally sound shipping."