Many Filipinos were incensed when an online budget travel guide voted the Ninoy Aquino International Airport’s Terminal 1 the world’s worst airport for 2011. The dubious title was awarded based on reviews from readers, who complained of theft, bribery and lack of toilet seats and running water in the bathrooms. All true, of course. This is why Philippine authorities promised to address the problems. We’ve heard similar expressions of anger and resentment over the inspections conducted by the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA). How dare the Europeans pass judgment on the Philippines’ maritime education and training (MET) system.
That’s missing the whole point of the EMSA checks: maritime safety. This should be obvious from the agency’s name. We’re not a bit surprised, though. Filipino maritime bureaucrats, manning agents and MET professionals tend to look at STCW (International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) as a regulatory framework for the employment of seafarers. On the other hand, EMSA and the European Commission (on whose behalf it inspects training facilities in non-EU crew supplying countries) see STCW as a means to enhance maritime safety, not employment. But what of the Philippines being on the International Maritime Organization’s “white list”? That point is best taken up with the IMO officials. The EU has its own policies on safe shipping which are guided by international conventions.
There’s a deeper reason the EMSA inspections are resented in Manila. Despite their renowned hospitality, Filipinos hate being criticised by foreigners. They will bristle at any negative comment, whether it’s about their airport, their maritime schools or their cities. It matters not that the criticism is based on fact. Strangely, Filipinos are fond of demeaning and putting one another down – hence the popular phrase “Filipino crab mentality”. Time for an attitudinal change. Time to see reality as it is. How else can Filipinos fix what is wrong and move forward? ~Barista Uno
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EMSA and Manila’s maritime folks
Well said, Barista.
Actually I find that the airport is not too bad. Perhaps it was built for that anticipated human traffic flow and was not far reaching enough. I have no complaint about it. But the taxis plying the airport are rather unique. For my few trips in Manila, I was literally taken for a ride. Taxi drivers took me to a few rounds in the city side streets before arriving at my destination. Maybe I am not too familiar with the street directions, but I was sure that the road map in my hand was updated. Or maybe that the taxi drivers thought it could be the norm for visitors?
Well, I would NOT like to generalise that their METs are in similar fashion. Getting to the point:
Raising the MET to an universal standard in the world’s largest seafarers supply country is not an overnight task. It may take time but with a suitable road map (with time line). It is easy to come onboard and point out dirt spots and swipe for dust. EMSA, as an auditing body, could provide more help by technical assistance. Come out with a structured plan/program to assist them. Understand what works well in the Philippines and stride along with them. I mean. if EMSA does not assist with concrete plans and timeline, they may come back and see the same dust spots again. How about roping in the IMO STW experts? Or get the Asian Development Bank to sponsor some meaningful projects with external assistance? Just some of my thoughts.
Thank you for sharing your views, Johnny. Don’t fret too much about the taxis. The locals are victims, too. Next time you travel to Manila, deal only with the accredited taxi operators.
As for the Philippines’ MET and EMSA inspections, what technical assistance is necessary? The central issue has been stated more than once by Marine Café Blog and it’s being echoed by the European Community Shipowners Association – ECSA (see our 19th October post “State of Filipino STCW compliance”).
A question to put things into the right perspective on this issue:
Would you rather just let something you need to slip into a bad state, or remedy/reverse the state of decline?
If our seafarers are worthless, one will surely just write them off.
EMSA’s wake up call is directed at the ‘hangers-on’ who suck the blood out of our maritime profession. Our seafarers, without the extra baggage, can earn the competency needed by EMSA and the lot, on their own.
To our seafarers, get rid of those leeches. Yyou can get an accreditation directly from EMSA.
Always great to hear from you, Captain. I would just like to clarify one point. You say a Filipino seafarer ‘can get an accreditation directly from EMSA.’ EMSA is the inspection arm of the European Commission and is not involved in the accreditation of seafarers or of training facilities. There’s also no such thing as accreditation of non-EU seafarers. What maritime administrations of EU member states issue is a recognition of endorsement.