Marina awaits CHEd nod on maritime programs: “Philippines is the biggest supplier of Ratings with four years’ education and a Bachelor of Science degree. So why (was) there a problem"

Marina awaits CHEd nod on maritime programs
GENIVI FACTAO April 03, 2019 https://www.manilatimes.net/marina-awaits-ched-nod-on-maritime-programs/...

The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) has sought for the final approval from the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) en banc on the revised policies on maritime educational programs meant to solve the competency issues of Filipino seafarers.

Marina has been working double-time to improve the policies, standards and guidelines on Bachelor of Science (BS) in Marine Transportation (BSMT) and Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering to maintain the Philippines’ status as one of the top sources of competent seafarers. The two revised policies on educational programs still need final CHEd approval.

Marina Officer in charge Vice Admiral Narciso Vingson Jr. has sought maritime stakeholders’ commitment in establishing a conducive learning environment and quality learning experience for aspiring Filipino seafarers for the overall development of the Philippine maritime industry.

“Let us keep our passion burning for the continued improvement of the industry. Our Filipino seafarers remain to be our prime assets, so we should not waver in our efforts to continually raise their competence,” Vingson added.

Maritime stakeholders deliberated on provisions concerning the authority to operate of maritime higher educational institutions (MHEIs), as well as the application and verification processes, and the minimum requirements prior to the granting of permit and recognition. The sanctions against unauthorized MHEIs were also provided under the proposed revised PSG.

Per Arne Waloen of Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA) earlier said that ship owners saw some lack of competence and questioned the goodness of the education assessment and certification in the Philippines.

He said many BS graduates, many of them with certificate of competency (COCs), were sailing as Ratings.

“Philippines is the biggest supplier of Ratings with four years’ education and a Bachelor of Science degree. So why there was a problem?” he asked.

“The STCW requires that there shall be a structured and controlled system for education, training, assessment and certification, so that those who could demonstrate competencies as required by STCW would be issued COCs. EMSA audits could not confirm that this was fully in place,” he added.

Stakeholders have discussed the conduct of regular curriculum review and internal evaluation to ensure continued compliance of MHEIs with the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for (STCW) Seafarers Convention 1978, as amended.

“There is no better time than now to further promote the welfare and enhance the proficiency of Filipino seafarers as we recognize their invaluable contribution to the national economy,” Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said.

Filipino seafarers contributed approximately P300 billion worth of remittance in 2017.