Down to the wire on Philippine MET
What if a Rena-style accident were to occur in EU territory with a Filipino master at the helm? The question may seem unfair to folks in Manila. After all, as the saga of the Costa Concordia illustrates, even Italian masters can commit grievous errors. But we’d be surprised if the question has not entered the minds of the European Commission (EC) officials who will decide on whether to withdraw recognition of Filipino seafarer certificates or not. The whole issue boils down to marine safety; it has nothing, or should have nothing, to do with nationality. (more…)
