PH seamen see lifeline from EU

A prospective applicant scans job opportunities at a recruiting booth at the seafarers park in Manila. Thousands of ranking Filipino seafarers abroad may yet secure a lifeline from the European Union as the EU maritime safety agency is set to conduct a follow-on inspection in October this year to check on Filipino officers serving aboard European vessels—whether they meet stringent international seafaring standards, according to a statement issued by the agency on Friday. AFP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Thousands of ranking Filipino seafarers abroad may yet secure a lifeline from the European Union.

The EU maritime safety agency is set to conduct a follow-on inspection in October this year to check on Filipino officers serving aboard European vessels—whether they meet stringent international seafaring standards, according to a statement issued by the agency on Friday.

But early indications point to positives efforts by the Philippines to meet requirements of the International Convention of Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).

About 14,500 Filipino officers serving abroad may be affected by the EU’s decision, according to Maximo Mejia Jr., administrator of the country’s Maritime Industry Authority.

In the statement, the European Commission’s Directorate General for   Mobility and Transport cited a presentation to EU member states last April 23, where it noted an improvement in the overall assessment of the Philippine maritime education, training and certification system.

This was based on the inspection reports of the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) and the follow-up measures that the Philippine authorities had put in place to address identified problems, the directorate added.

“It appears that the Philippine authorities have made appreciated efforts to bring their system in line with the requirements of the (SCTW),” according to the statement, which quoted part of the report.

“However, there are still concerns, and the Philippine authorities need to demonstrate that the audit plans in place are actually being carried out, and that they have all the necessary technical qualified human resources to monitor the numerous maritime education and training institutions operating in the Philippines.”

The EU has requested Philippine authorities to provide by the end of July the necessary evidence to demonstrate that all outstanding deficiencies have been resolved and that they have fully implemented the requirements of the STCW convention.

Failure to resolve any remaining issue may result in the loss of EU recognition, the directorate warned.

“The EU has long recognized the Philippines as an important maritime nation whose many seafarers on European vessels are much appreciated,” EU Ambassador Guy Ledoux said in the statement.

“Meanwhile, recent events continue to remind us of the importance of ensuring high standards for the officials at the helm of our vessels in the interest of the safety of passengers, seafarers, merchandise and the maritime industry as a whole,” he added.

Transportation Secretary Joseph Abaya met with EU representatives, including EU vice president and transport commissioner Siim Kallas, to discuss how a blacklist of Filipino seamen could be avoided.

A Philippine blacklist would affect the jobs of thousands of Filipino officers serving aboard European vessels.

The possibility of blacklisting Filipino officers was raised following an Emsa audit in October last year. It reportedly uncovered deficiencies on the part of the local Maritime Industry Authority when it came to ensuring compliance with the STCW.

The European Union has invited Philippine authorities to consider bringing the matter to the attention of the International Maritime Organization, as well as seeking further technical assistance from the international community as has been done in the past.