Lawmakers urge MARINA to put top-level course in basic seafarer curriculum

Lawmakers urge MARINA to put top-level course in basic seafarer curriculum
Michelle Abad Nov 17, 2022 https://www.rappler.com/nation/overseas-filipinos/lawmakers-urge-maritim...

MANILA, Philippines – Two lawmakers urged the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to integrate its management-level course (MLC) into the basic curriculum of Filipino seafarers so that all will have access to higher competencies, as well as, avoid additional tuition expenses.

Kabayan Representative Ron Salo, chair of the House committee on overseas workers affairs, and Gabriela Representative Arlene Brosas made this appeal during a House panel hearing on Thursday, November 17. The committee continued discussions of the Philippines’ compliance with the international Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) Requirements.

Samuel Batalla, officer-in-charge of the MARINA STCW Office of the Executive Director, said that the MLC is a requirement for seafarers who seek to become captains, chief mates, chief engineers, and engineer officers. Not all seafarers are required to take this course, but it is required by the STCW for those who wish to seek higher positions.

Brosas said she had received reports that the MLC comes with a cost of around P50,000 to P60,000 ($872 to $1,047). Batalla said these fees go to the training providers, as they have the equipment and instructors.

But Brosas said that MARINA should regulate these fees.