Seafarers of the world Manila Bulletin 4/14/09
The Philippines is recognized as the “manning capital of the world” because 30 percent of the global maritime fleet is manned by Filipino seafarers. The Philippines supplies a third of all of the world's sailors. The 350,000 Filipino sailors operate on major oil tankers, luxury liners and passenger vessels around the globe.
In various capacities, Filipinos serve on board blue water merchant ships of different registries. A large majority of them are ordinary crew members while the deck officers are foreigners. This situation can be improved. Filipino seafarers should be empowered to qualify for officer level positions.
This will require a world-class and ISO-certified marine officers’ training program. To achieve this objective, there is an immediate need to evaluate all maritime schools as to facilities, faculty credentials, course contents and design, pedagogical tools used, practicum and internship program. Likewise, there should be a tracking of the career growth of graduates.
The Philippines is recognized as the “manning capital of the world” because 30 percent of the global maritime fleet is manned by Filipino seafarers. The Philippines supplies a third of all of the world's sailors. The 350,000 Filipino sailors operate on major oil tankers, luxury liners and passenger vessels around the globe.
In various capacities, Filipinos serve on board blue water merchant ships of different registries. A large majority of them are ordinary crew members while the deck officers are foreigners. This situation can be improved. Filipino seafarers should be empowered to qualify for officer level positions.
This will require a world-class and ISO-certified marine officers’ training program. To achieve this objective, there is an immediate need to evaluate all maritime schools as to facilities, faculty credentials, course contents and design, pedagogical tools used, practicum and internship program. Likewise, there should be a tracking of the career growth of graduates.
40,000 Filipino gobs face layoff Manila Standard 3/18/09
UP TO 40,000 Filipinos working for Japanese shipping firms could lose their jobs this year as vessels are laid up due to the sharp fall in world trade, an official said yesterday. “The demand for seafarers is still there, but it is only for a particular kind of ship, like tankers,” Marquez said.
