PH remains in IMO White List

PH remains in IMO White List
May 21, 2024 https://www.portcalls.com/ph-remains-in-imo-white-list/

*The Philippines continues to be included in the International Maritime Organization’s “White List,” affirming the country’s full compliance with the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers Convention
*The IMO Maritime Safety Committee, in its 108th session this month, confirmed that the Philippines has fully complied with the relevant provisions of the STCW Convention
*The updated IMO White List will be circulated to IMO member states through the latest revision of the MSC.1/Circ. 1164

The Philippines continues to be included in the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) “White List,” affirming the country’s full compliance with the International Convention on the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW Convention) 1978, as amended.

The IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC), in its 108th session this month, confirmed that the Philippines has fully complied with the relevant provisions of the STCW Convention, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) said in a statement.

The updated IMO White List will be circulated to IMO member states, which includes the Philippines, through the latest revision of the MSC.1/Circ. 1164.

The IMO White List serves as a roster of parties that have been recognized for their commitment to maintaining high standards in maritime education, training, and certification for seafarers. Being included in the list also signifies that the seafarers trained and certified in the Philippines meet the rigorous international standards set forth by the IMO STCW Convention, MARINA said.

“Our inclusion in this list displays our unwavering commitment not only to comply with the requirements of the STCW Convention but also to continuously improve our system,” MARINA administrator Sonia Malaluan said.

She added: “As one of the leading providers of seafarers globally, it is incumbent upon us to ensure that our maritime workforce is well-equipped and compliant with international regulations. We thank all member states who continue to put their trust in our seafarers and we will reciprocate this by continuing to provide you and the global shipping industry with competent and qualified seafarers.”

In 2022, the Philippines underwent an independent evaluation by the European Maritime Safety Agency, which identified deficiencies in the country’s maritime education, training and certification.

During the independent audit, the Philippines was able to address its obligations under the Regulation I/8 and Section A-I/8 of the STCW Convention. The European Commission, meanwhile, said they will continue the recognition of Philippine-issued STCW Certificates, ensuring the employment of almost 50,000 Filipino marine officers onboard European-flagged vessels.