Buying time for Filipino crew certificates
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. (more…)
