By SAMMY JULIAN
Manila News Bureau Chief
MANILA – The Philippines has made appreciated efforts to bring its maritime education, training and certification system in line with the requirements of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).
This was the overall assessment made by the European Commission’s Directorate General for Mobility and Transport (DG MOVE). It presented this to European Union member states on April 23.
The assessment was based on the inspection reports of the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) and the follow-up measures that Philippine authorities put in place to address the deficiencies identified.
However, based on the report, there are still concerns and the Philippines needs to demonstrate that the audit plans in place are actually being carried out and that it has qualified human resources to monitor the numerous maritime education and training institutions in the country.
The EU has already requested the Philippines to provide by end of July 2014 the necessary evidence to demonstrate that all outstanding deficiencies have been resolved.
Failure to resolve any remaining issues may result in the loss of EU recognition.
A further EMSA inspection is scheduled for October 2014 to verify on the spot the implementation of the measures taken.
“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 a statement. “Meanwhile recent events continue to remind us of the importance of ensuring high standards for the officials at the helm of our vessels for the safety of passengers, seafarers, merchandise and the maritime industry as a whole.”/PN
