More jobs abroad, seamen assured

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) has assured Filipino seafarers of more job opportunities abroad after the country retained its “White List” standing from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) amid the looming threat of an employment ban in Europe.

Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said in a statement the other day that she welcomes the development especially after the European Union Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) earlier this year threatened to revoke the accreditation of maritime schools in the country by August if they fail to address the insufficient quality of their instructors and courses.

The IMO’s White List, which has been instituted in 1978, includes countries that have complied with the IMO’s revised Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping Convention (STCW). It was recently amended last May to provide stricter maritime standards.

“The White List affirms the capacities and diligence of the Philippines in ensuring the competencies of Filipino seafarers,” Baldoz said.

Meanwhile, Labor Undersecretary Danilo Cruz, who is monitoring the country’s compliance report to EMSA, said the country has consistently been included in IMO’s white list in 2000, 2005, 2009.

Citing a report from Cruz, DoLE spokesmen Nicon Fameronag said the country is already prepared to submit its compliance report, which it will submit to EMSA before its deadline next month.

The Philippines is among the top sources of seafarers around the world, comprising about 30 percent of the crews of international vessels. –SAMUEL P. MEDENILLA, Manila Bulletin