CONCERNS have been raised regarding Filipino seafarers on vacation at home but are forced to attend refresher courses face-to-face.
The Philippines, admittedly the country with the most seafarers globally, is a major source of bluejackets, with estimates indicating they supply roughly 25 percent of the world’s total seafarer workforce.
Last year, it was estimated that around 504,057 Filipino seafarers were deployed overseas, according to the Department of Migrant Workers, which figure represents a big chunk of the global seafaring population, with the Philippines being a major supplier of maritime labor.
“Why do they still need to go to the school physically when it could just be done online, since those are only refresher or management courses anyway?” said Senator Erwin Tulfo, whose attention has been sought by maritime officers, including marine engineers and deck officers, during their break from overseas assignments.
The primary law covering Filipino seafarers, both domestically and abroad, is Republic Act 12021, also known as the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, which provides comprehensive protection and reforms for Filipino seafarers, addressing issues related to their welfare, working conditions, and rights.
The Magna Carta, signed into law in 2024, was developed to strengthen the protection of Filipino seafarers and address the critical issues faced by the seafarers like improved working conditions, right to organize, fair treatment in maritime accidents, and freedom from discrimination.
Refresher courses for Filipino seafarers are designed to update their knowledge and skills, ensuring they meet the standards set by the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, and to revalidate their Certificates of Proficiency.
These courses are mandatory for seafarers to maintain the validity of their certifications and ensure they are competent in areas like basic safety, advanced fire fighting, and survival craft operations.
Under existing law, Filipino seafarers are entitled to a minimum of 2.5 days of paid vacation leave for every 30 days (or one month) of service. This entitlement can be higher if stipulated in the employment agreement or Collective Bargaining Agreement
But this month, Tulfo raised disquietude over seafarers forced to spend their entire vacation leaves attending face-to-face refresher courses instead of spending time with their families.
The issue was brought to his attention by several maritime officers, including marine engineers and deck officers, during their break from overseas assignments.
Tulfo appears to be on track, and we wait how this issue will morph when the Senate sessions go on a roll.
