MARINA, ITF to introduce mental health training for seafarers

MARINA, ITF to introduce mental health training for seafarers
Raymond Carl Dela Cruz https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1244259

MANILA – The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has partnered with the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) to introduce mental health training to maritime academies in the Philippines to better equip seafarers with mental health awareness and stress management.

In a statement on Monday, MARINA said the partnership seeks to integrate the module ‘Mental Health and Stress: Understanding Early Management and Coping’ into Philippine maritime academies.

“This partnership marks a significant milestone in ensuring that seafarers receive the support they need to navigate the challenges of their profession while upholding global maritime standards,” it said.

Under the agreement, MARINA and ITF will develop training materials, implement capacity-building programs, and conduct a joint research on occupational health, safety, and well-being in the Philippine maritime sector.

“The MOU also allows for future collaborative activities aligned with these objectives,” MARINA said.

The partnership was formalized through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between MARINA and ITF during the sidelines of the 11th session of the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW) on Feb. 12.

It was signed by MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan and ITF maritime operations coordinator John Canias.

Malaluan said the agreement highlights MARINA’s commitment to upholding the welfare of Filipino seafarers by ensuring they are better equipped to handle the psychological challenges of life at sea.

“Mental health is an essential component of a seafarer’s overall well-being. By empowering our educators with the necessary knowledge and tools, we are taking a proactive step in safeguarding our maritime workforce,” she said.

MARINA STCW Office Executive Director Samuel Batalla and Maritime Education and Training Standards Supervisor (METSS) Presca Lee Lugo witnessed the signing of the MOU. (PNA)