EU audit on Phl maritime safety will be comprehensive

MANILA, Philippines - The audit to be conducted by the European Maritime Safety Administration (EMSA) on the Philippines in October will be “comprehensive,” European Union Ambassador Guy Ledoux said yesterday.

In an interview at the opening of the 2nd EU-Philippines Meeting on Energy at the New World Hotel, Ledoux said he is not aware if the audit would lead to a decision on the withdrawal of certification rights on EU-flagged vessels or ban on the hiring of Filipino seamen.

Ledoux said the audit would include inspection of maritime schools. 

The Philippines still failed to meet EU standards on maritime education, training and competency certificates, according to a recent performance audit.

The audit results put the jobs of an estimated 80,000 Filipino seamen on EU-flagged vessels on the line.

Ledoux said he is hoping the audit in October will be favorable.