We’ve just received reliable word that the European Commission, meeting in Brussels on 17th July, has decided to hold back from withdrawing recognition of Filipino seafarer certificates. This was to be expected in light of the recent revamp of the Philippines’ system of administering the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW). No deadline was fixed by the Commission for the Filipinos to set their house in order. That would still have to be worked out with Philippine officials. However, two things seem clear at this point.
First, President Benigno Aquino III’s Executive Order No. 75 shifting STCW enforcement to the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has bought the country precious time. That could mean a couple of months, perhaps six, but certainly not forever. The reality is that the Commission has already given the country more than enough time: two inspection visits by the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) in 2006 and 2010 followed by a third in March this year for discussions with national maritime administrators. A fourth EMSA visit would seem reasonable in the wake of the changes under EO75 but that should be the last. What would other crew-supplying countries, especially blacklisted Georgia, say if the Commission continues to stretch the process like bread dough waiting to be put in the oven?
Second, the MARINA has an immense task ahead of it. It will need to be quality assured as required by the STCW Convention. It has to start building an in-house expertise on STCW instead of being dependent on so-called private sector “consultants”. It has to come up with a proper assessment document by which training institutions can be evaluated. And lastly, it will have to synchronise its actions with those of the Commission on Higher Education, which retains the power to monitor and supervise the maritime schools. Unless the law that created the CHED is amended by the Congress, the MARINA could well be seen as usurping the authority of another office.
It won’t be easy. Hard work and prayers are in order. ~Barista Uno
Related blog posts:
STCW: jumping the gun on the EU
what else we can expect for maritime expert in our country. over exagirated implementation of manila stcw and more courses to seafarers for business and money making in conivance with local training center, theres no difference for that
Stubbornness to follow an international convention will bring one back to cave.
Fast craft courses are now being enforced for almost all deck and engine officers in Manila. Before joining their vessel, seafarers are obliged by their manning agencies to undergo the courses. I dont understand why licenses of seafarers are being marked “limited” by the PRC if they don’t undergo the training. We all know that not all vessels have fast rescue boats. I think it’s all money-making. What’s really the rule for this? Can anybody explain?