The European Commission announced last week that it will continue recognizing certificates for seafarers issued by the Philippines, thereby boosting the country’s status as the world’s largest source of maritime labor. Currently, there are some 50,000 Filipino seafarers working in EU-flagged vessels.
In December 2021, the Commission called the attention of Philippine authorities to deficiencies noted in the country’s compliance with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) for seafarers (STCW). The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) promptly manifested that it is undertaking continuing measures to ensure compliance with global standards enforced in the European Union and other jurisdictions.
Subsequently, at the sidelines of the EU-ASEAN summit last December, President Marcos discussed with EU President Ursula von der Leyen the Philippines’ earnest efforts to maintain its notable stature.
Aside from the EU, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the United Nations body that ensures safety at seas and marine environmental protection is also monitoring the states’ compliance with global norms on the capability of seafarers. In recognition of its role as the leading provider of maritime personnel, the Philippines is a member of the IMO Council that tackles vital policy issues affecting the member-countries. It is imperative that the Philippines is, at all times, recognized as being an exemplary member.
The statement of EU Commissioner for Transport Adina Vălean is noteworthy: “We appreciate the constructive cooperation with the Philippine authorities and welcome their efforts to improve the system for training and certifying seafarers. The Philippines provides a significant and valued part of the European and global shipping industry’s maritime workforce…The Philippines can count on our technical support to further improve the implementation and oversight of minimum education, training and certification requirements, as well as living and working conditions.”
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista has declared that it is the DOTr’s goal to raise the Philippine transport industry to global standards. The Commission on Higher Education which exercises joint oversight over maritime schools has responded through Chair Prospero de Vera that it shall “aggressively pursue the findings of the EU Commission” to ensure that those aspiring to be employed as seafarers will be trained in accordance with STCW standards.
Owners of merchant marine vessels are also important stakeholders. They have weighed in through institutions such as the Norwegian Training Center that has been established in the premises of the Technical Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) in Taguig City.
Another key aspect is the welfare and well-being of seafarers. In welcoming the EU’s announcement, Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Susan Ople has vowed that the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) will tighten its oversight and regulation of recruitment agencies to ensure that the employment of seafarers is coursed only through legitimate agencies that pass the government’s quality standards.
As there is a multiplicity of regulatory agencies that are involved in regulating the recruitment and deployment of Filipino seafarers, it is important that a whole-of-government approach is adopted in consonance with the clarion call: All hands on deck!