by Barista Uno | Nov 29, 2011 | Manning and Training
In late August of this year, Philippine Labour Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz, who also heads the Maritime Training Council, wrote the European Commission (EC) to detail the steps taken by Manila to address the STCW-related deficiencies identified earlier in the EMSA (European Maritime Safety Agency) Report on the Philippines. The communication was sent through diplomatic channels just before the 31st August 2011 deadline given by the EC. Like the EMSA report, this document was not made public. This has led to a situation which reminds us of the famous parable of the blind men and an elephant – folks giving all sort of answers as to what the elephant is like. (more…)
by Barista Uno | Jul 18, 2011 | Manning and Training
Frankie, part of our small battalion of housecats, looks rather pensive. Is he thinking about the EU threat to ban Filipino seamen? Not a bit. Like most crewing executives, Frankie hasn’t seen the complete European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) report on the Philippines’ STCW deficiencies. And why should he be bothered? Local maritime bureaucrats and other humans think the EU can ill afford such a drastic move given its potential impact on EU shipping. No, Filipino seamen will continue to work and sweat it out on EU-flag ships and be able to feed their families. Frankie shan’t starve either. He’ll get his regular supply of cat food plus an occasional treat of Kentucky Fried Chicken. ~Barista Uno
by Barista Uno | Jun 17, 2011 | Manning and Training
The EU threat to stop recognising STCW certificates issued by the Philippines could be the equivalent of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant meltdown in March – with possible dire consequences for Filipino seafarers and the local crewing sector. So why is the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) report, which gave rise to the threat, being treated as some kind of state secret in Manila? Outside of a limited circle, little was known of the report and the EU plan itself until Marine Café Blog put the whole thing in the glare of daylight (‘Fire alarm at the Filipino seafarer factory‘). (more…)
