Marina-XI moves to make Davao-based seafarers world-standard compliant

DAVAO CITY, April 14 (PIA) The Maritime Industry Authority has intensified its orientation on the Standards of Trainings Certification and Watch-Keeping reaching out to more seafarers in Davao Region.

Michael John Recto Esplago, maritime education and training standard supervisor of the Maritime Industry Authority said the activity is very important to keep the seafarers aware on how government approaches the STCW being a signatory state.

He said the government adopts the measure in compliance to the international standard in accordance to the Republic Act 10635 mandating Marina as a single maritime administration to impose the STCW.

Esplago said the standard measure covers all maritime stakeholders both in-land and on the sea.

“Workers at sea are covered with the certification while the certification of all those teaching maritime education and training are also included in the implementation of the STCW convention,” he said.

Esplago revealed that Davao Region is very vibrant on seafaring with many applicants hailing from this area, just like Cebu and Manila.

Felisa Orongan, regional director of the Marina 11 said that employment contracts of the majority of seafarers even in Davao Region hail from their offices in Metro Manila.

She said there are half-a-million Filipino seafarers worldwide.

Orongan stressed that Filipino seafarers have to comply the STC W to ensure their employability. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)