The Philippines has been included in the “Whitelist” the International Maritime Organization's (IMO), a recognition which the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) described as the country’s commitment to upholding the highest seafarer qualifications, competencies, and skills standards.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac explained that the IMO Whitelist signifies Filipino seafarers’ adherence to the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) convention, adding that it is an international agreement that promotes safety at sea and environmental protection through standardized training for merchant marines worldwide.
"Inclusion on the IMO Whitelist is a testament to our ongoing efforts in refining and elevating the skills of our maritime workforce. It is a global validation of our Filipino seafarers' exceptional abilities” said Cacdac.
“This milestone paves the way for secure employment and continued employability for Filipino seafarers,” he added.
Filipino seafarers are considered the world's preferred crew, renowned for their excellence, dedication, and hard work.
They constitute an estimated 30 percent of the global maritime workforce. In 2023, the Philippines deployed 570,959 seafarers, reflecting a 16 percent increase, particularly in passenger vessels, from the previous year,
Filipino seafarers' remittances, on the other hand, reached an all-time high in 2023, with US$6.85 billion (P380 billion pesos) sent back home.
This represents not just a US$166 million (P9.2 billion pesos) increase compared to 2022's remittances but a significant boost to the Philippine economy, demonstrating the monetary impact of Filipino seafarers' hard work and dedication.
"We deeply admire the dedication and expertise of our modern-day heroes who navigate the world's oceans," said Cacdac.
"The DMW is firmly committed to supporting the welfare and well-being of our brave Filipino seafarers. We will work with all partner agencies and stakeholders to ensure their competence, safety, and protection,” he added.