MARINA.GOV.PH

THE PHILIPPINES’ inclusion in a global whitelist of countries with high global certification standard compliance would make it easier for Filipino seamen to get hired, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

Last week, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) included the Philippines in the whitelist after scrutinizing Filipino seafarers’ compliance to the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping convention.

“This milestone paves the way for secure employment and continued employability for Filipino seafarers,” the DMW said in a statement on Tuesday.

“Inclusion in the IMO whitelist is a testament to our ongoing efforts in refining and elevating the skills of our maritime workforce,” Migrant Workers Chief Hans Leo J. Cacdac said in the same statement.

Last week, the Department of Transportation (DoTr) said IMO’s whitelisting of the Philippines recognizes the country’s “commitment to maintaining high standards in maritime education, training and certification for Filipino seafarers.”

Last year, money sent home by Filipino seafarers reached $6.85 billion (P380 billion).

The DMW said Filipino seafarers account for about 30% of the global maritime workforce, with 570,959 being deployed last year.

“The DMW is firmly committed to supporting the welfare and well-being of our brave Filipino seafarers. We will work with all partner agencies and stakeholders to ensure their competence, safety and protection,” it said. 

The IMO is an attached agency of the United Nations that aims to set global standards for the safety, security, and environmental performance of international shipping.

Last year, the European Commission (EC) decided to continue recognizing seafarer certificates issued by the Philippines.

In 2022 the EC warned that some 50,000 Filipino seafarers working in European vessels could lose their jobs if deficiencies flagged by the European Maritime Safety Agency in March that year were not addressed. — John Victor D. Ordoñez

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR