NMP exceeds annual target for trained seafarers

NMP exceeds annual target for trained seafarers
Yashika F. Torib January 4, 2023 https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/01/04/business/maritime/nmp-exceeds-ann...

THE National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP), the sole government maritime training and research center of the country, has achieved its annual target of seafarers trained for 2022.

NMP reported that under its commitment to the Office Performance Commitment Review (OPCR), it was tasked to train a total of 7,000 trainees for 2022. This is part of the agency's major deliverables for the calendar year 2022.

As of Dec. 15, 2022, the total number of trained was recorded at 12,501. This was composed of aspiring and active seafarers, maritime instructors and assessors, and/ or other allied personnel in the maritime industry.

This translates to an accomplishment of 179 percent of the 7,000 target trainees to be trained for the year.

"This is a notable performance considering the pandemic-related restrictions implemented by NMP where its class intake was reduced to 50 to 70 percent from the previous maximum capacity until July 2022 to effectively observe physical distancing. Likewise, NMP started accepting enrollees from other regions only in May 2022," NMP said in a statement.

As part of the NMP's commitment to prompt service, 100 percent of trainees received their certificates within 72 hours of the successful completion of all course requirements.

The agency also achieved an average satisfaction rating of 94.66 percent on eight service quality dimensions as of November 2022. These figures reflect the NMP's untiring endeavors to ensure the delivery of quality services to its clients.

Moreover, two additional Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) courses, namely Safety Training for Personnel Providing Direct Services to Passengers in Passenger Spaces and Passenger Ship Crisis Management and Human Behavior Training, were accredited by the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) and will soon be offered in 2023. This would mean additional enrollees to be trained and certificated by the end of next year.

Meanwhile, NMP continues to upgrade its facilities and provide maritime training required pursuant to the STCW Convention as amended in 2010 including value-adding courses toward improving the qualifications of Filipino seafarers for their employment acceptability and enhanced competitiveness. It also regularly conducts maritime studies to come up with policies for the improvement of the manpower sector of the industry.