MARINA allays worries over seafarers' jobs as gov't taking steps to improve standards

The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) on Friday allayed fears that thousands of seafarers may lose their jobs due to the Philippines’ alleged failure to comply with international standards.

At a public briefing, MARINA chief of staff Jabeth Dacanay said that concerned government agencies continue to intensify their efforts to improve seafarers' education, training, and certification.

“Sana huwag po tayong mabahala dahil patuloy naman pong ginagawa ng mga ahensya ng gobyerno gaya ng MARINA, [Commission on Higher Education], at ibang ahensya ng gobyerno na tayo ay makatupad sa obligasyon natin dito sa [International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers],’ she said.

(We do not have to worry because government agencies like MARINA, CHED, and other agencies are meeting our obligations under this Convention.)

On Tuesday, Senator Risa Hontiveros sought an inquiry into improving the standards of maritime education in the country over fears that around 50,000 seafarers were at risk of losing their jobs.

She said the European Maritime Safety Agency had reported that the MARINA and CHED did not ensure that all training and assessments met the standards provided under the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).

Earlier, the European Union (EU) assessed that there were some deficiencies in global safety training requirements for Filipino seafarers.

Filipino sailors may no longer work on board EU-flagged ships if the Philippines would fail to address the deficiencies by March 10, 2022—the deadline set by the European bloc.

“Subalit, alam po natin na hanggang sa ngayon po ang ating mga seafarers ay patuloy pong nakasakay sa international ships,” Dacanay said.

(But, we know that seafarers are still on international ships until now.)

According to Dacanay, MARINA and other concerned agencies already submitted a compliance report to the European Commission and they are now just waiting for the results. — DVM, GMA Integrated News