The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has allayed the fears and anxieties of Filipino seafarers working in vessels of the European Union (EU) states about losing their jobs over issues involving the standards set by the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA).
“It’s still in status quo, they (Filipino seamen) are recognized and EMSA continue to recognize the certificate which are being issued by MARINA (Maritime Industry Authority),” Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista said in an interview.
“Hindi naman bumagsak ang Philippines, mayroon lang findings and observations na dapat i-address at yun ang ina-address ng MARINA, CHED (Commission on Higher Education), and the maritime schools,” Bautista said.
Bautista said the 13 shortcomings and 23 grievances enumerated by EMSA in its 2020 audit in the Philippines were being addressed by the government to avoid the country from getting “blacklisted” by Europe-based shipping companies.
“Were implementing some reforms especially in training and education of our seafarers. The issue is more on the new graduates kasi ang nakita ng EMSA parang hindi maganda ang curriculum ng ating maritime schools yun ang inaayos ng CHED at MARINA. We have arrangements with CHED, MARINA and maritime schools to implement the right curriculum,” Bautista added
“First we have a Management Level Course, karamihan ng seafarers natin ay mga officers. Isa sa requirements ay mayroong magandang training course. The Manila Level Course is now being implemented by Marina and its a requirement before Marina issued a certification,” Bautista explained.
The DOTr chief, however, said that he is optimistic that the Philippines will pass the EMSA audit. “They [EMSA] are conducting an evaluation so maybe they will submit the report by first or second quarter of next year.”
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier ordered the creation of a panel to monitor and work closely to ensure that the Philippines comply with the EMSA’s evaluation and pass the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).
Tasked to tackle the country’s EMSA compliance were the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Department of Labor and Employment, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).
Bautista earlier said Filipino seafarers are still being deployed to the EU, with European shipping companies expressing their intention to hire more seafarers.
“Filipino seafarers are still being employed,” Bautista said, adding that European shipping companies still prefer to hire Filipino seafarers.