Deficiencies spotted by EU in Philippine seafarers’ training should not be ignored —NMP

The National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) on Thursday said the negative assessment given by the European Union on the country’s standards of training, certification and watchkeeping for seafarers (STCW) should not be ignored.

At the Laging Handa public briefing, NMP executive director Joel Maglunsod said the Philippines should comply with these standards, being a signatory to the international convention.

“Unang-una, ang Pilipinas, being a signatory of the convention of the STCW, is under obligation to comply sa ganitong standards. Hindi talaga puwedeng balewalain natin ito,” he said.

(First of all, the Philippines, being a signatory of the convention of the STCW, is under obligation to comply with these standards. We cannot ignore them.)

The European Commission earlier notified the Philippines about its deficiencies in seafarers' education, training and certification system.

In terms of seafarers’ education,  Maglunsod said, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is in charge.

“When it comes to maritime education, it’s under the authority of the Commission on Higher Education. Sila ang nag-i-issue ng mga [They issue] permits for a particular school to operate,” he said.

On February 4, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) urged the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to immediately comply with global safety training requirements.

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

"We strongly urge MARINA to comply. The livelihoods of thousands of our seafarers are at stake," the DFA said. — BM, GMA News