Panama Maritime Authority to audit PH training centers

Panama Maritime to audit PH training centers
Yashika F. Torib February 2, 2022 https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/02/02/business/maritime/panama-maritime...

The Panama Maritime Authority (PMA) will conduct periodic on-site audits, inspection and monitoring on the maritime training centers in the country.

The PMA reported in an official statement that the audits will examine and guarantee the quality of training the institutions provide to seafarers.

"Audits will be carried out on Maritime Training Centers recognized by the Republic of Panama, which are centers specialized in the training of seafarers to whom the PMA delegates maritime training," the PMA said in a statement.

It said that the training centers should meet the parameters required by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended (STCW), and current Panamanian national legislation.

Panama has the world's largest fleet of ships registered under its flag, with Filipino seafarers comprising around 60 percent of its workforce.

The PMA, through its director of the General Directorate of Seafarers, Capt. Juan Maltez, is responsible for guaranteeing, recognizing and supervising the training of seafarers who request recognition from the Panama Maritime Authority.

This is in accordance with Article 33 of Decree-Law 7 of Oct. 10, 1998, and the minimum standards established in the STCW 1978, as amended, and other current and applicable national and international laws.

The PMA recognizes maritime training centers in Europe, America, Asia and Africa as well.

In addition, Maltez and the minister of Maritime Affairs and Administrator of the PMA, Noriel Araúz, discussed training and certification procedures for seafarers with officials from the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina).

The meeting also addressed the technical cooperation between both maritime administrations.

Marina was represented by its administrator, Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad, the executive director for STCW Office, Vice Admiral René V. Medina, and the deputy director for administration, Capt. Jeffrey Solon.