Welcome aboard! Marina administers oath taking of 106 seafarers
(Photo: Maritime Industry Authority)
The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) has officiated the oath-taking of 106 maritime professionals in Manila this week.
Marina Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan administered the oath to six harbor pilots while Capt. Danilo G. Arevalo, Chair of the Board of Marine Deck Officers, and Chief Engineer Reynaldo S. Rabino, Chair of the Board of Marine Engineer Officers, officiated for 100 merchant marine officers.
The merchant marine officers were comprised of 11 master mariners, two chief mates, 32 officers-in-charge of a navigational watch (OIC-NW), 12 chief engineers, four second engineers, and 39 officers-in-charge of an engineering watch (OIC-EW).
The induction marked the celebration of the Day of the Filipino Seafarer. This year’s celebration carried the theme: “My Harassment-Free Ship.”
Malaluan said the theme underscored the importance of ensuring safety in the maritime workplace.
“True safety is holistic. It encompasses the mental, emotional, and psychological well-being of every single person on board,” she said.
The Marina chief emphasized that safety is not only limited to the physical integrity of the vessel or the technical proficiency of its crew.
“A ship cannot be truly safe if its crew is operating under the shadow of harassment, bullying, or discrimination. A culture of fear erodes communication, compromises teamwork, and ultimately, jeopardizes the safety of life at sea,” Malaluan added.
Meanwhile, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon, in a message delivered by Assistant Secretary for Maritime Villamor Ventura S. Plan, shared his guidance to the newly sworn-in officers to “lead with humility and purpose, stay anchored in integrity, and never stop learning.”
Marina Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) Office Executive Director Samuel L. Batalla also reminded the seafarers of the nobility of their profession.
“In every port you dock, in every ship you command, and in every challenge you face at sea, remember, you are carrying the legacy of the Filipino seafarer, known to the world over for resilience, skill, and excellence,” he said.
The Marina also conferred the “SeafarHER Awards” to women trailblazers in the maritime industry.
Recognized were Chief Engineer Sherrain T. Dominguez who received the Leadership in Seafaring Award and Ms. Merle Jimenez-San Pedro who obtained the Advocacy for Women in Maritime Award.