Filipino crewmembers may put their minds at ease for now as the European Commission grants the Philippines another year to address the deficiencies identified by the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA).
"The Commission, with the assistance of EMSA, is closely monitoring all the actions and processes the Philippines are conducting with the aim of achieving compliance of its educational, training and certification system for seafarers with the STCW Convention (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers). Taking into consideration the fact that this process has been ongoing for more than ten years (meaning that two cycles of regular reassessment of third counties have now passed), the Commission plans to conclude its assessment by the end of 2019."
Since October of last year, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has been implementing policies that aim to close the gap of its noted areas for improvement in the country’s maritime education, training and certification system of Filipino seafarers. The agency submitted proofs of compliance to EMSA before the month ended.
“This is really good news for us, having mainly Filipino seafarers in the pool,”
VP Maritime Personnel Torger Trige
Odfjell initially vowed to stand by its seafarers shall EMSA release unfavorable audit results.
