As the shipping industry undergoes a massive shift toward decarbonization and digitalization, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and Philippine maritime leaders have called for an urgent modernization of global training standards.
IMO secretary-general Arsenio Dominguez emphasized the organization’s continued support for member states and the shipping industry, stressing that reform must go hand in hand with stronger investment in seafarers.
Shipping, he said, must invest in people — ensuring that those onboard are treated with the same dignity and provided with the same facilities afforded to land-based workers, including access to internet connectivity and adequate living conditions.
As one of the world’s leading suppliers of seafarers, the Philippines plays a pivotal role in these global reforms. Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Administrator Sonia Malaluan emphasized that maritime nations share a duty to ensure their workforces remain competent and future-ready.
Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Administrator Sonia Malaluan highlighted the responsibility of maritime nations to ensure their workforce remains competent, adaptable, and future-ready.
“Together, we must confront the evolving challenges and opportunities within this dynamic sector,” Malaluan said, pointing to competency developments, environmental pressures, and geopolitical shifts reshaping global shipping.
She emphasized that reform, while challenging, presents an opportunity to raise standards and reinforce global confidence in Filipino seafarers through strengthened maritime education and training.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Teodoro Locsin Jr. called for a serious and forward-looking review of global standards — one that directly addresses automation, digitalization, violence and harassment at sea, and the safe handling of alternative fuels.
“If ships are to shift to cleaner energy, then training must shift with it,” he said, underscoring the need to equip seafarers with the skills to safely use, handle, and store emerging fuel technologies.
He stressed that respect must be the norm at sea, with zero tolerance for harassment and accountability for misconduct, adding that dignity and protection must extend equally to all genders.
Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez reiterated the Philippine government’s commitment to ensuring safe and inclusive working environments for seafarers.
“We must ensure that every seafarer, women and men alike, can work in an environment that is safe, inclusive, and respectful,” he said.
“When we protect our people, we strengthen our entire maritime industry,” Lopez added.
As the shipping sector undergoes one of its most significant transitions in decades — driven by climate commitments and rapid technological advancement — speakers at the forum were united in their message: global standards must evolve at the same pace as innovation, and seafarers must remain at the center of the industry’s transformation.
Meanwhile, IMO has recognized the Philippines as a pivotal partner in shaping global maritime regulations, citing its robust training ecosystem and its status as the world’s leading supplier of seafarers.
Dominguez highlighted the country’s potential to provide the technical input necessary to design international standards for a decarbonized future.
He said that Philippine-led training programs and national best practices often serve as blueprints for global policy. With its vast network of maritime institutions, Dominguez noted that the Philippines is well-positioned to “take the next step” by contributing expertise that directly informs IMO rulemaking.
Dominguez emphasized the deep, ongoing partnership between the IMO and the Philippines through initiatives like the Smart Sea Projects—which target decarbonization, plastic litter, and biofouling.
“By identifying key areas where support is needed, the Philippines helps us plan for the future and ensures our resources effectively assist all member states,” he said. Under MARINA’s oversight, the country’s participation remains critical to global discussions on safety and sustainability,’ he added.
