The Danish government has lauded the Philippines for its efforts to comply with the standards set by the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) for Filipino seafarers.
Danish Ambassador Franz-Michael “Dan-Dan” Mellbin reaffirmed his country’s support for the Philippine government’s efforts to comply with the European standards, which if not met may put Filipino seafarers at risk of losing their jobs.
In a Facebook post citing a recent interview, Mellbin said Denmark is happy with Filipino maritime professionals as he expressed concern on the issue of compliance with European maritime standards.
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has made a commitment during his trip in Brussels, Belgium, where he met several European shipping companies, that the country will comply with European standards by resolving the deficiencies in the Philippine maritime education system.
“It’s not something you can debate about. You comply. We’ll have to comply. So that we will be accredited... it’s not discretionary,” Marcos said as he was enroute Brussels.
The President's commitment, according to Mellbin, is a "very welcome development" as Danish shipping companies are one of the major employers of Filipino mariners.
Marcos has ordered the creation of an advisory board to address deficiencies identified by the EU concerning Filipino seafarers.
He issued the directive during a meeting with International Maritime Employers’ Council (IMEC) chief executive officer (CEO) Francisco Gargiulo and several business executives and leaders of European shipping companies and shipowners associations in Brussels on Dec 13.
The Danish Maritime Authority paid courtesy visits to Philippine maritime authorities last month to explore further strengthening maritime cooperation including the protection of seafarers’ rights.
Earlier this year, the EMSA flagged the Philippines for deficiencies in local seafarer education, training and certification.