The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) said it is working round-the-clock to address non-conformities and observations in the first stage Independent Evaluation (IE) of the Philippine implementation of International Convention on Standards of Training and Certification (STCW) for seafarers.

This is vital to ensure the country's continued inclusion in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) White List because it's home to hundreds of thousands of maritime professionals.

The Philippines is currenty included in the evolving list of IMO Member States found to have given "full and complete effect", the MARINA announced Friday, September 9.

But the country must show continued compliance with the STCW Convention and Code for the employment of Filipino seafarers onboard ships in the international trade.

A position on the White List means that certificates issued by or on behalf of the countries on the list are in compliance with the STCW and that the defined minimum competency requirements for all seafarers have been met by the countries on the list..

The Philippines engaged the services of highly technical experts to undertake this independent evaluation.

As a State Party to the STCW Convention for seafarers 1978 as amended, the Philippines is required to undertake the Independent Evaluation process as the first step towards IMO White Listing. The IE has to be undertaken periodically every five years.

The first stage of the IE was carried out from 30 March to 10 April 2022.

Visits were conducted on the MARINA, Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of Health (DOH), three Maritime Higher Educational Institutions (MHEIs), two Maritime Training Institutions (MTIs), and two Assessment Centers nationwide.

To ensure inclusion of the Philippines in the IMO White List, the MARINA called on the support of partner agencies and maritime industry players in addressing the IE findings as some corrective actions may require policy shifts.

In accordance with Convention, the Philippines shall ensure that an independent evaluation of the knowledge, understanding, skills and competence acquisition, assessment activities and the administration of the certification system is conducted at intervals of not more than five years.

The Independent Evaluation is aimed at verifying that “all applicable provisions of the STCW Convention and Code were covered by a Quality Management System.”

Upon the completion of its Independent Evaluation, the Philippines shall prepare a consolidated report on the results of the evaluation and the steps taken to implement any mandatory amendments to the Convention and Code, for submission to the IMO Secretary-General.

The IMO Secretary-General will designate competent persons from the list maintained to consider the report and provide their views upon the submission of the Philippine report.

After completing the review on the report the competent persons shall, on a confidential basis, provide their view in writing to the Secretary-General.

In case the competent persons are unable to reach an affirmative conclusion, they should seek additional information or clarification from the Philippines, through the Secretary-General.

In return, the Secretary-General shall submit a timely report to the Maritime Safety Committee.

The committee identifies Parties which have satisfied the requirements of the Convention and the Code. These State Parties will comprise the so-called IMO White List.