Published reports about the Philippines being granted a six-month extension by the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) have triggered smiles of self-satisfaction in Manila. Even LLoyd’s List, supposedly the top international shipping newspaper, carried the story. Surely this turn of events is good tidings, so why aren’t we joining the crowd and thanking the gods of Mount Olympus for the reprieve? Because we don’t believe everything we read in the papers.
Anyone who knows a little about EMSA is aware that it’s the maritime safety inspection arm of the European Commission (EC). It inspects MET (maritime education and training) institutions; checks on maritime administrations and how they’re implementing the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW); and reports what it has seen and heard to the EC. It does not and cannot decide how a particular non-EU crew supplying country is to be treated by the EU. That is the prerogative of the Commission – and the decisions are made only after proper consultation with the EU member states.
A meeting will take place in Brussels next week. Amongst the matters to be taken up by the EC is the case of the Philippines. Now, how could any kind of extension have been given when the EC folks have yet to sit down to discuss outstanding issues pertaining to the Philippines? Press reports about the so-called “extension” could be interpreted to mean that EMSA has usurped higher authority – much like a fire or sanitary inspector preempting City Hall on what to do with a building owner. Surely, EMSA would do no such thing.
As we’ve stated before, there’s clearly a considerable amount of sympathy for the Philippines within the European Commission. And it’s entirely possible that the country may be given additional time to correct whatever STCW deficiencies remain. But why jump the gun? Wishing the best for the country and Filipino seafarers is one thing. Wishful thinking is another. The latter is not seeing what is. It tends to distort reality, which does no one good. ~Barista Uno
Related blog posts:
A fix for Filipino STCW administration?
Faith in the Filipino seafarer factory
With meetings of this sort decisions are usually taken in backrooms and over lunches with the meeting itself just signing off on what’s already been decided. However, if the Philippine system could not or would not clean up its act given several years one wonders what a mere six months would change.
I read that press release of Atty. Conti and just smiled. Conjectures and guesswork do not a government agency’s act include. It’s hardwork and having the competence earned from hands-on experience.
Worth noting that Filipinos are generally an amiable people and speak English. However, English has been on the decline noticeably over the past three decades, thus losing a key marketing point. Other nationalities are also amiable. Some of them are acquiring English at high speed. Filipinos are already losing out in certain maritime sectors.
The supposed 6-month extension is no cause for complacency. The competition is heating up.
i dont understand this eu people. they always have an eye to filipino but for european they dont say nothing.i been on ships for almost 30 years.and in my experienced most european engineer only rely to their filipino oilers fitters and enginneer in overhauling main engine.even overhauling furifier they dont know nothing.thats what you called compitence in eu?
Actually, Leon, they do – Google Georgia. The issue is about the Philippine government’s failure to carry out due diligence of training establishments. Filipinos are being treated no worse than Georgians.
And check out Australia’s attitude towards Philippines-issued CoCs.
Georgia’s problem had to do with seafarer certification. The problem of the Philippines is different. It has to do with education – more specifically, the failure of Philippine authorities to properly monitor and supervise maritime schools.
Understandably, some Filipinos resent the fact that Philippine MET institutions are being inspected by EMSA. But that resentment really stems from a lack of understanding of the nature and purpose of the EMSA inspections. It all boils down to maritime safety. Filipinos tend to overlook this issue, which is of paramount importance to the EU, because of their preoccupation with the issue of employment.
Are Filipinos being treated “no worse than Georgians”? I don’t think so. On the contrary, they been given more than enough time by the European Commission to correct the deficiencies that ought to have been addressed a long time ago.
I completely agree, Barista.
you got it right. but previously some sector of philippine maritime sector keep implementing or trying to twist the manila stcw for their training center to survive.and again it goes to money making not really for safety reason.theres a lot of that people in manila.how comes in india they have fewer documentation after graduation to become mate
emsa people try to check the documentation of this seafarers from previously communist country in europe.some fisherman were able to obtain master mariner certificate and they are sellable like hot cakes
As a British Master for over 30 years,I’ve sailed with all nationalities. A recent investigation/study of these so called “marine colleges” has stated that only 6% – yep SIX percent have sufficient brain power to gain a certificate up to European levels. ABs, oilers, cooks etc are ok in most cases. The so called “officers” are 90% jokers who should NOT be allowed anywhere near machinery or on the Bridge…a sad fact…I could write a book about them….leisure time is usually watching PORN…not one of them reads any sort of book & have NIL interest.
certificate of european level, he he he. how could native in south pacific island were able to pass the examination in your place.ha ha ha this people dont even ware shoes. most engr from your area only rely to their asean oiler,fiter and engr while doing engine overhauling. you people only doing computer solitairs in control room.