by Barista Uno | Jul 12, 2012 | Manning and Training, Marine Accidents and Safety
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. (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
