EU: Philippines maritime schools need good rating

MANILA, Philippines — The European Union (EU) yesterday warned about the “pressing” issue of Filipino seafarers from Philippine maritime schools that need to receive good rating.

EU Ambassador Franz Jessen called on Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), where Locsin and Jessen had an in-depth exchange of views on EU-Philippines bilateral relations. Deputy Head of EU Delegation Thomas Wiersing also attended the meeting. 

Locsin called Jessen a “true friend” of the Philippines.

“He warned me of the pressing issue of Filipino mariners on board superior and generous EU shipping dependent on our maritime schools getting a good rating. Can’t thank him enough for his concern and help. I will kick butt to save their jobs,” Locsin said on Twitter.

In March, Locsin said the EU is worried for the Philippines as the “final” judgment on its compliance to audit findings about the country’s certification system with the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) for Seafarers will be out in January 2020.

The Philippines has to resolve outstanding deficiencies to fully comply with the STCW that may result in the loss of EU recognition of Filipino seamen.

Locsin said the Philippines should comply with  the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) safety audit and improve the country’s maritime education, training and certification system of Filipino seafarers.

Norway provided technical expertise to the Philippines in preparation for the EMSA Audit which concluded in October 2014.

An EU examiner was set to come to the Philippines last April to start the review.

The EU has long recognized the Philippines as an important maritime nation whose many seafarers on European vessels are much appreciated.

Last year, the Maritime Industry Authority submitted the remaining initiatives being pursued by the Philippines to address the findings noted in the European Commission Assessment Report on the country’s maritime education, training and certification system conducted in March 2018.