PCG commandant lauds IMO for recognizing Filipino seafarers

PCG commandant lauds IMO for recognizing Filipino seafarers
Yashika F. Torib December 7, 2022 https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/12/07/business/maritime/pcg-commandant-...

PHILIPPINE Coast Guard (PCG) commandant, Adm. Artemio Abu, lauded the efforts of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to recognize the importance of Filipino seafarers in the international maritime industry.

Admiral Abu expressed, on behalf of the Philippines, gratitude to IMO Secretary General Kitack Lim during the 128th International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council Meeting in London on Nov. 28 to Dec. 2, 2022.

Transportation Undersecretary for Maritime Elmer Sarmiento and Maritime Industry Authority's (Marina) Maritime Attaché at the Philippine Embassy in London Jean Ver Pia also participated in the meeting.

"The secretary general recognizes the exacting requirements of the International Convention on the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) 2010 - Manila Amendments which has a special significance to our country as a major provider of human resource to the global shipping industry," Abu said.

In his speech, the Coast Guard commandant also shared the secretary-general's first visit to the Philippines on June 26, 2016, to grace the celebration of the "Day of the Seafarer" and "Filipino Seafarers Day."

During the events, Kim emphasized that seafarers are the "beating heart" of the shipping world as they keep the wheels of the world in motion. He also considered the needs of seafarers during the pandemic and hostilities in Ukraine. He also gave importance to their welfare and well-being, as well as promoted gender equality and empowerment of women in the maritime.

The Philippines is a member of the IMO Council under Category C together with The Bahamas, Belgium, Chile, Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kenya, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Thailand, Turkey and Vanuatu.