Sometimes we wonder how Filipino seafarers and Filipinos in general are regarded by the world at large. Twelve days after the 13th January Costa Concordia incident, The Nautical Institute (NI) issued a press statement in which it lamented how “blatant speculation into the actions of Captain Schettino and others before” was being “presented as fact”. We are one with the NI in condemning trial by publicity. On the other hand, we don’t recall the venerable Institute issuing a similar statement in the aftermath of the Rena accident on 5th October 2011 where a Filipino master took centre stage.
The 25th January 2012 NI statement read in part:
The Nautical Institute notes with extreme disquiet the alacrity with which the ship’s owners, Costa Cruises, blamed all on the Master, Captain Francesco Schettino, accusing him of unprofessional conduct before any investigations could have taken place.
The Nautical Institute is also extremely uneasy with the speculation in much of the world’s media. Some evidence which should be in the hands of official investigators is being paraded in newspapers and television news programmes. Blatant speculation into the actions of Captain Schettino and others before, during and after the accident is being presented as fact.
Captain Schettino stands accused of very serious crimes in Italy although he at least has a lawyer acting for him. The Italian State has initiated an official investigation into the sinking of the Costa Concordia and the actions of her Master and crew. It would be wise to await the outcome of the official investigation and trial, if one is deemed necessary by the Italian State, before publishing speculation which only serves to make it impossible for any defendant to receive a fair trial or for an unbiased jury to be appointed.
It would have been great if the NI had also spoken out and with equal passion in defense of the Filipino master at the height of the media publicity that attended the Rena accident. We have yet to hear anyone denigrate Italian ship officers because of Captain Schettino’s actions. But we know of a number of people who have used the Rena affair to cast aspersion on the competence of Filipino seafarers in general. Unfortunately, the EMSA findings on the Philippines’ lack of STCW compliance have only helped strengthen their view.
The trial by publicity of an erring master is deplorable. The derogation of an entire group of seafarers because of the sins committed by one is even more so. ~Barista Uno
Sharing the sentiment of Mr Barista Uno I am about to agree with his comment above. However, it is up to NI to ‘clear the air’; if it feels so, which wouldn’t need much effort either. Still Mr Uno ought to bring his interpretation to the attention of NI, if not done already.
Nevertheless, having worked and lived with Filipino seafarers for over thirty years, in many capacities (master & superintendent, onboard & ashore (as a Director of a manning & training agency in Manila, 1997-2007) and having personal experience & evidence, I hereby state -without prejudice- that our Filipino seafarers could stand comfortable, side by side, and as equals among the best seafarers worldwide; and what’s more with always a…smile. A rare phenomenon on this abused planet!
Thank you for your hospitality.
11Feb12 – Athens.
Thanks for the valuable information and insights you have so provided here. Keep it up.
The Pacific Adventurer caused pollution off Brisbane last year. There were some attempts to denigrate the Filipino Master there also, but the noticeable difference between that and the Rena and Costa incidents is that the Company stood by the Master right through, didn’t hide him, just supported him, which benefited everyone. Mind you he didn’t hit any well charted rocks.
Filipino officers are not alone being the worst in the World. They can stand hand-in-hand with their semi-illiterate (in nautical terms) Ukrainian colleagues.
Speaking from 15+ years experience with both nations on board. Heads-up Pinoys!