RP still on IMO ‘white list’

More Filipino seafarers are expected to be hired abroad as the Philippines remained on the International Maritime Organization’s "white list" of countries with competent seamen.

Acting Labor Secretary Manuel Imson said the IMO has confirmed the Philippines’ continued inclusion in the list of countries that sufficiently complied with standard training, certification and watchkeeping (STCW) for seafarers.

"After an independent evaluation of the country’s Quality Standard System (QSS), the IMO found the Philippines to be consistently implementing the 1978 STCW Convention," Imson said.

As party to the Convention, Imson said, the Philippines is required to submit a report of independent evaluation every five years. The reports would serve as basis in determining whether the country complied with the Convention’s relevant provisions.

According to Imson, the inclusion of the Philippines would be beneficial for Filipino seafarers, who now account for 25 percent of seafarers employed in ships plying international waters.

Imson said a total of 102,081 Filipino seafarers were deployed in the first five months of the year and the number of expected to grow further following the IMO confirmation.

"This augurs well for the preservation and enhancement of employment of Filipino seafarers because foreign ship owners would be assured of the competence and capability of Filipinos working in their ships," Imson said.