Gov’t to adopt new training standard for Pinoy seafarers

MANILA, Philippines - The government will come up with a new training standard for Filipino marine cadets to ensure continued hiring of Filipino seafarers abroad, Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said yesterday.

Baldoz reported the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) has approved a new resolution calling for a new cadet training standard on ships with international routes.

Baldoz said concerned agencies and members of the maritime industry would be working closely in developing a new training standard.

After a series of consultations, shipowners, shipmanning associations and seafarers’ group have agreed to adopt a new training standard, she said.

The new standard would also provide protection for marine cadets undergoing the mandatory shipboard training engaged in international voyage.

With the new training standard, Baldoz expressed confidence the country would also be able to comply with the Maritime Labor Convention (MLC) that takes effect on Aug. 20.

She said MLC provides social protection and safeguards the rights not only of seafarers, but also of marine cadets while undergoing mandatory shipboard training.

Students of maritime education or marine cadets are required to undergo mandatory ship board training to complete a maritime degree.

Prior to practicing maritime profession, marine cadets must obtain a Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation or Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering degree to qualify for a licensure examination. 

At this time, the Philippines remains as the leading source of seafarers for the international shipping industry.

Thus, the government needs to adopt measures to enable the country to maintain the competencies of seafarers to be deployed on international vessels, Baldoz stressed.

Baldoz said the international shipping industry has already expressed concern on the looming shortage of qualified marine officers and technical officers worldwide.

The new training standard will help the country generate more efficient seafarers who could address the marine shortage worldwide.

The POEA will issue the guidelines for effective implementation of new training standard for marine cadets.