DFA to Marina: Improve Philippines seafarers’ education
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) yesterday urged the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to address the deficiencies in the country’s seafarers’ education program identified by the European Union (EU).
In a statement, the DFA said MARINA is the agency responsible for the implementation of the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) convention.
“The EU has now given MARINA until March 10 to address deficiencies identified by EU since 2006,” the DFA said.
“We strongly urge MARINA to comply. The livelihoods of thousands of our seafarers are at stake,” it added.
Earlier reports said that European Maritime Safety Agency found deficiencies in the Philippine seafarers’ education, training and certification system.
Thousands of Filipino seafarers may be prohibited from working in the EU should the bloc impose a ban due to violations of the STCW.
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