Philippines to Remain Leading Provider of Competent Seafarers

The Philippines has invested strenuous efforts over the recent period so as to preserve its leading position on the maritime workforce market, Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) Officer-in-Charge and Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Spokesman Nicasio A. Conti highlighted at the Seventh National Shipping Industry Conference, held in Melbourne, Australia.

While presenting his paper under the title “Maritime Workforce Innovation in the Philippines” at the event, gathering over two hundred industry leaders, Mr. Conti referred to the reforms and steps undertaken by DOTC and Marina aimed at building-up the existing labor force capacities, Manila Bulletin writes.

In addition, he drew considerable attention on activities carried out to keep up with the international standards in maritime industry, including implementation of the Manila Amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) for Seafarers.

One of the most significant breakthroughs is marked by the Philippine Senate’s ratification of the Maritime Labor Convention (MLC), 2006 on August 13 when the Philippines, together with 30 other nations paved the way for creation of what is said to be the bill of rights of 1.2 million seafarers worldwide.

Having in mind that 30% of all the personnel manning the ships worldwide are Filipino seafarers, this move represents a major milestone in promoting seafarers’ rights thus curbing their exploitation.

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World Maritime News Staff, September 18, 2012