“Its the Best Christmas Gift”-Seafarers

Filipino Seafarers

The European Union (EU) has refrained from imposing a ban on Filipino seafarers, dispelling fears among thousands who would otherwise risk losing their jobs in EU-flagged vessels.

The Philippines did not fail in the recent audit on compliance by the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) on training programs and accreditation systems for the country’s seafarers, according to the Philippine Transportation agency.

“EMSA, the agency charged with reducing the risk of maritime accidents, marine pollution from ships, and the loss of human lives at sea by helping to enforce the pertinent European Union legislation, did not ban our workers,” transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista told reporters.

EMSA’s audit focused on the country’s compliance with the 1978 International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers.

Fear gripped some 50,000 Filipino seafarers due to several complaints alleging that maritime schools in the country failed to maintain European maritime standards.

“Failure to comply with EMSA’s requirements could jeopardize the jobs of an estimated 50,000 Filipino seafarers employed by European shipping companies,” Baustista added.

In 2020, EMSA raised a total of 23 grievances such as the failure of several Philippine maritime schools to comply with standards for certification, training, and watch listing.

“We have replied to each complaint in March. We waited for the reply until we received the findings that EMSA did not fail us in its tests,” Bautista said.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. said Filipino seafarers should not be alarmed by the complaints because the government has been addressing EMSA’s complaints.

“We should not be alarmed by this because the Philippines did not fail the EMSA audit. There were findings, there were observations” but the government and its several departments “are working together to address all these issues,” the president said

Marcos, Jr. said complaints raised by EMSA would not “automatically” ban Filipino seafarers to work in European countries.

“Yes, there are complaints but it does not mean that we failed the standards of European countries. Our workers still enjoy the trust and confidence of shipping and manning companies. They still prefer to hire Filipinos,” Marcos, Jr. added.

A seafarer said the EU decision was the “best gift” ahead of Christmas.

“This means that I can still go out of the country, especially in the European Union, to work. I need to look for greener pastures to help my family. I have two children in the university,” Manila seafarer Rodil Cruz told UCA News.