The European Maritime Safety Agency’s (EMSA)* deadline is this month for the Philippines to implement the corrective actions submitted after audit findings in March 2017.
Since last month, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has started implementing policies that will address the 59 aspects that the Philippines have been found uncompliant with. Among these are:
MARINA is set to present its compliance report to EMSA next month.
Thousands of Filipino seafarers could lose their jobs shall the Philippines receive yet another failing mark from EMSA. One of the possibilities is that the European Union no longer will recognize Philippine-issued Certificate of Competencies (COCs). This means that Filipinos will no longer be allowed on board European vessels – which include Odfjell vessels.
VP Maritime Personnel Torger Trige has assured that Filipino seafarers have the support of both Odfjell and the Norwegian Shipowners Association (NSA). Norwegian shipowners form by far the largest employer pool in Europe for Filipino seafarers.
"Norway will respond in a way that will enable us to continue with Filipino seafarers."
Torger Trige
He also assured that the company is working closely with NSA to come up with measures to mitigate the potential adverse effects if the European Union decides to implement a ban on Philippine-issued Certificate of Competencies (COCs). Odfjell intends to take care of our seafarers, like we always do. One measure that is being evaluated is the interception in the education and examination of Filipino cadets and officers. This will be handled through the NSA if it becomes necessary to introduce it.
