Philippines seems confident for EMSA audit

Philippines seems confident for EMSA audit
29/12/19 https://safety4sea.com/philippines-seems-confident-for-emsa-audit/

The Philippine's Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) expressed confidence it will address all deficiencies surrounding seafarers' training and certification in light of the next EMSA audit in February 2020.

The Philippines has already submitted documents to show proof of compliance to EMSA on the country’s maritime schools and training facilities standards and for implementing reforms under Executive Order 63, Vice Admiral Narciso Vingzon Jr., officer in charge of Marina, was quoted as saying in a recent event.

These reforms include amended legislations, inter-agency cooperation initiatives and good governance measures on the administration of maritime education and training programs, assessment of seafarer competence, and the issuance of STCW certificates, according to data provided by Manila Bulletin.

As explained, the Marina evaluation of 90 maritime schools across the country would be completed by late December and the institutions that do not meet the standards set by EMSA, in terms of quality of training, equipment and facilities, will lose their Marina accreditation.

EO 63 seeks to enhance the Marina as the Single Maritime Administration for implementing the 1978 International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarer’s as Amended.

Although EO 63 would be fully implemented for school year from 2020-2021, Vingson said the Philippines is just in time for the EMSA review in February 2020.

Graduates of maritime schools are required to undergo three-year classroom education and one year sea service either onboard international shipping lines or inter-island apprenticeship.

In fact, Vingson said that among countries that supply seafarers, only the Philippines has required a four-year maritime course.