Encouraging Seafarers to become Entrepreneurs

Encouraging Seafarers to become Entrepreneurs
Rayan Dui June 9, 2020 https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/06/09/business/columnists-business/enco...

For the past decade, research says that our country is the supplier of almost one-third of the world’s shipping manpower, according to the Department of Labor and Employment. Different crewing managers and their foreign principal may agree that what truly makes a Filipino the most dependable shipmate are their inherent traits of being adaptable, hard-working and friendliness that create a harmonious relationship essential to the working situation on board. But a recent study from Baltic and International Council (BIMCO) and the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) revealed that seafarers from China have already overtaken our Filipino seafarers as producers of qualified and competent manpower of the sea.

Many other countries like India and our neighbouring countries such as Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia are very aggressive in improving the competency level of their seafarers with support coming from their respective governments. In addition, Capt. Gaudencio Morales, president of Integrated Seafarers of the Philippines (ISP), mentioned that employment for Filipino seafarers is decreasing due to the global shipping market downturn. The impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) situation in the demand and distribution of consumer goods is another situation that may force seafarers to ponder on their future. This will open the doors for them to pursue entrepreneurship as a means of livelihood if the demand for their services continues to decline.

These phenomenon are presenting an opportunity for our seafarers to pursue entrepreneurship that may sustain their livelihood resulting from lost deployment. Many researchers, professors and people from the government believe that entrepreneurial development in educational institutions and the support they can get from various stakeholders may help address this problem on increasing unemployment. These challenges facing our seafarers require a serious discussion among various stakeholders such as the government, manning agencies, maritime education and training centers.

The maritime training centers may utilize their training programs as a means of improving and enhancing the seafarers’ competency, which is essential should they decide to establish their own business. They may develop or design new curriculums that aim to develop the skill levels of the seafarers in pursuing a career in business. Ultimately, these programs should be able to equip them with necessary competencies to manage a business of their own. As part of the program, they can invite seafarers who have been successful in establishing their own businesses so that others can leverage on their experience. They may also sponsor livelihood seminars where they are taught how to produce certain products. These experiences may result in influencing a seafarers’ intention of pursuing a career in business.

The manning agencies, on the other hand, may institute programs that are both income generating and socially responsible for the seafarers. They can offer loan programs for those who want to start their business with low-interest rates and reasonable payment schemes. They can also bring together their seafarers with businesses and create a platform where they can market and sell their products and services (example: a website with online selling and delivery; i.e. Balik Bansa Kabuhayan). More than the profit, we may start inculcating social awareness where they can set a portion of their profit to establishing a fund to help the less fortunate. The seafarers are not only earning for themselves but they are also making lives better for others. Ultimately, it may result in a feeling of perceived moral obligation on their part that they have to do something to improve the welfare of society.

Lastly, for the government, the Maritime Industry Authority would want to explore establishing platforms and programs to encourage seafarers to make good use of their income and savings by being entrepreneurs themselves. Part of the fund for the maritime sector can be allocated to potential business ventures. They can come up with feasibility business presentations where seafarers who have good and potential business concepts can be awarded financing capital to jumpstart their business. The proposed programs and measures cut across all sectors and all organizations. We all have a stake in making everybody’s future a bright one. But we have to start instituting these programs now. Tomorrow is not guaranteed for everybody but we can help them be ready for it given the volatile and unpredictable situation we are all in.

Rayan Dui is a Doctor of Business Administration student and is a full-time faculty at the Ramon V. Del Rosario College of Business De La Salle University teaching marketing and business related subjects both in the Undergraduate and Graduate programs. He finished his undergraduate degree, Major in Marketing and MBA also from De La Salle University. He has been a senior marketing manager/consultant for various maritime training centers for more than 15 years.