Certif-ID joins forces with TÜV Rheinland Philippines, multiple government agencies to help seafarers impacted by COVID-19

MANILA, Philippines —  Certif-ID International and TÜV Rheinland Philippines, a global leader in independent inspection services, joined forces to mark the United Nations’ World Youth Skills Day on July 15 by launching the initiative "Next Step Seafarers: Skills Development to Employment." 

This strategic partnership is aimed at supporting seafarers in returning to the workforce as quickly as possible.

Targeting impacted seafarers

The pandemic has left over 50,000 seafarers unemployed. 29,000 Filipino seafarers were repatriated to the Philippines since March 15 and over 26,000 are awaiting repatriation as of May 12.

To tap the potential of the unused labor force and support thousands of seafarers who lost their jobs due to coronavirus, Certif-ID brings to the forefront a dedicated skills community and a global networking platform built on blockchain technology.

Certif-ID offers next-gen tools like the SkillPass that seafarers can use to showcase their skills, record and share online interviews and store all relevant information in a digital portfolio secured with blockchain technology.

Combining strengths with TÜV Rheinland who has over 140 years of experience in technical training, the companies plan to build a digital community for seafarers in the Philippines, to create credible online digital profiles, and to connect with jobs and seek guidance on upskilling.

In partnership, TÜV Rheinland Philippines and Certif-ID will drastically improve recruitment accuracy and reduce the time and effort taken by professionals to find vacant posts across the maritime and associated industry sectors.

Source skilled professionals

Commenting on this partnership and launch of the initiative, Timothy Miller, co-founder and managing director of Certif-ID International, said, “We are unsure of when the industry will return to the pre-COVID levels. The labor market is changing and seafarers will need to differentiate themselves. SkillPass can provide that edge. One can securely share their details with recruiters and have them verified instantly, helping them land jobs faster as compared to traditional routes. Together with TÜV Rheinland Philippines, we believe that professionals who choose Certif-ID should be able to progress their careers while making the best use of their skills."

“We have been looking for a partner who can increase the visibility of skilled seafarers and simplify the talent sourcing process. SkillPass can provide an excellent opportunity for Filipino workers,” said Tristan Arwen Loveres, managing director at TÜV Rheinland Philippines. “We believe that it will open new employment opportunities, make a striking impression on recruiters and differentiate skilled workers in the post-COVID job market."

Joining Certif-ID and TÜV Rheinland Philippines in filling this massive task of building an inclusive learning and career development platform for seafarers as well as promoting transparency of skills requirements are Vice President Leni Robredo, Republic of the Philippines; Aniceto “John’’ Bertiz III, Deputy Director of the General of the Partnerships and Linkages of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA); Joel Maglunsod, Executive Director of the Department of Labor and Employment - National Maritime Polytechnic (DOLE-NMP); Chief Engineer Artemio V. Serafico President of the TSM Maritime Services Philippines; Dr. Martin Henkelmann, Executive Director of the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI); Jesper Svenningsen, Executive Director of the Nordic Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines; Katerina Ananiadou of UNESCO; Pons Asidera,  Growth Partner of SkillBean Inc.; Trixie Whyte, Founder and Chairperson of the Q2 Group of Companies; COMPASS Training Center, Inc.; and PTC Holdings.