Challenges, opportunities seen for seafarers in 2026

Challenges, opportunities seen for seafarers in 2026
Yashika F. Torib and Carmela I. Huelar December 31, 2025 https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/12/31/business/maritime/challenges-oppo...

2026 is here, and for the Filipino seafarer, it brings a forecast of rough seas mixed with opportunity.

As Ericson Marquez, president of the Filipino Association for Mariners Employment, once said, Filipino seafarers are modern-day heroes whose job stability must be guaranteed by the industry. Their role is vital to the growth of the Philippine economy.

But how could the industry better protect the seafarers’ interest in the middle of regulatory changes, legislative uncertainties, automation, digitalization and decarbonization of vessels, geopolitical conflicts, mental health decline aboard ships and the close competition with other seafaring nations?

What is the outlook on the shipboard job of Filipino seafarers? What factors will ensure the retention of their jobs?

Stakeholders of the manning sector have laid their expert opinions on the matter.

Strengthening maritime legislation

The Philippines still accounts for about 14 percent of global seafarer supply, a strong position that presents a major opportunity.

This can be undermined, however, by weak and uncertain maritime legislation, according to Iris Baguilat, chairman of the Association of Licensed Manning Agencies (ALMA Maritime Group) and president of Döhle Seafront (Manila).

“Legal uncertainties are rooted in weak arbitration procedures, particularly poor evidence, sharing standards and concerns over arbitrator competence and accountability. These are compounded by arbitrary tax assessments, indiscriminate license penalties and constant uncertainty even for policies that have become legislation, increasing business risk for shipowners.

“If these institutional issues are resolved, the Philippines’ 14-percent global market share can be strengthened, allowing the country to retain, and even expand, its position as one of the world’s most trusted sources of maritime labor,” she said.

Baguilat added that the outlook for Filipino seafarers can remain positive if these institutional and regulatory challenges are addressed.

Leveraging AI and digitalization

For Glenn Mark Blasquez, vice president for operations of the Southern Institute of Maritime Studies (SIMS), the constantly evolving maritime industry can best be handled by embracing technology and leveraging the advancements of artificial Intelligence (AI).

“The outlook for our seafarers remains promising, provided we adapt to rapid global changes and developments within the shipping industry. Our ability to embrace technological advancements and sustainability practices will be pivotal in ensuring consistent employment opportunities for our maritime professionals,” Blasquez said.

This is reiterated by John Michael Lechugas, a ship captain and famous Filipino vlogger.

“Vessels are becoming more automated resulting in smaller crew complements and more environmentally focused through green shipping and decarbonization initiatives. As a result, skill requirements onboard are continuously evolving, and seafarers who fail to upgrade their knowledge and competencies risk being left behind.

“To remain competitive, Filipino seafarers must consistently demonstrate competence, professionalism and reliability. This includes keeping certifications up to date, strengthening technical expertise and developing essential soft skills such as communication, teamwork and leadership,” he said.

Blasquez added that the industry’s commitment to developing its pool of seafarers can help in tiding over factors that may affect their jobs. Factors include emerging maritime labor markets, evolving regulatory standards and increasing focus on digital skills.
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He said that training centers such as SIMS are dedicated to exploring trainings that will be useful for upskilling Filipino seafarers.

“Our commitment to ongoing training, skills development and adherence to international maritime regulations will enhance our attractiveness to employers,” he furthered.

Dominance on global manning sector

The Philippines is losing a little ground on manning international vessels due to a bottleneck in the deployment of seafarers.
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According to Capt. Edgardo Flores, president of Navigator Training Center, our continuous dominance in the global manning sector is affected by the Basic Training-Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (BT-PSSR), a new training program required for seafarers who will apply or renew their Certificates of Proficiency.

“All Filipino seafarers are required to take it prior to deployment, and training centers are already full until March. This will cause a delay in deployment of crew for the first quarter of 2026,” Flores said.

The implementation of BT-PSSR is based on Resolution MSC 560 (108) by the Maritime Safety Committee of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

“The resolution has been released by IMO since September 2025 but instead of creating an updated PSSR, we have focused on decarbonization when it still has a long way to go,” he added.
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Upskilling with the times

Blasquez’s observations are echoed by Rommel “Bong” Pineda, vice president of Far East Maritime Foundation Inc.

Pineda is positive that Filipino seafarers will continue to be employed by international shipping companies in 2026 and the years ahead.

“The shipping industry is evolving. Digital systems, greener vessels and stricter international regulations are becoming standard. Yet the need for reliable, skilled and disciplined seafarers remains unchanged. Filipino seafarers continue to be valued for their professionalism, adaptability and strong work ethic.

“The key challenge ahead is not the availability of jobs, but readiness. As ships become more advanced, seafarers must keep pace with new technologies, environmental requirements and modern safety practices,” he said.

Pineda added that since employers value competence, safety awareness and a willingness to learn, seafarers must continue to invest in upskilling and learning new regulations.

He said that failure to do so will risk losing the country’s edge in the global manning sector.

“As global trade persists and fleets modernize, seafarers who are well-trained and compliant with evolving standards will continue to find strong employment opportunities,” says James Nikko Hosana, president of Inter-World Shipping Corp.

“To remain competitive, Filipino seafarers must commit to continuous learning and upskilling. This includes gaining proficiency in digital navigation systems, automation, cybersecurity awareness, environmental compliance and energy-efficient ship operations. Equally important is maintaining physical and mental fitness, professionalism and a strong safety mindset. Seafarers must also embrace lifelong learning, comply with international standards and stay updated with regulatory and technological developments.

“By being proactive, adaptable and globally competitive, Filipino seafarers will not only keep pace with industry changes but continue to lead in the international maritime workforce,” he concluded.

Keeping the famed Filipino qualities

Lechugas, in his decades at sea, observed that Filipino seafarers are globally recognized for being hardworking, adaptable and easy to work with.

Meanwhile, Hosana observed that Filipino crew are also recognized for their professionalism, strong work ethic and English proficiency — qualities that remain highly valued by international shipowners and managers.

“If Filipino seafarers continue to uphold these core values while embracing new technologies and evolving industry standards, they will remain a preferred and dependable workforce in the global maritime industry,” Lechugas said.

He also cited the Filipino’s typical happy disposition. “A positive attitude onboard is just as important as technical ability,” he added.