MANILA, PHILIPPINES – To recognize the immense contributions of seafarers, not only in the Philippine economy, but also in the international seaborne trade, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has celebrated the “Day of the Seafarer” at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) on 25 June 2019.
The annual global event, which was coordinated with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), was organized around the theme of gender equality and also linked with the slogan of the upcoming World Maritime Day on 26 September 2019, “Empowering Women in the Maritime Community.”
Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, through Undersecretary for Maritime Fernando Juan Perez, extended his greetings to all the seafarers and the MARINA for continuous effort and hardwork in developing the maritime industry.
“My heartfelt congratulations, as well as to the hardworking men and women of the MARINA. We have achieved leaps and bounds in the development of the Philippine seafaring industry. Mabuhay ang mga manlalayag na Pilipino,” Secretary Tugade stated.
For his part, MARINA Officer-In-Charge Vice Admiral Narciso A Vingson Jr commended Filipino Seafarers for their huge contributions and emphasized that the agency is one with the world in celebrating the Day of the Seafarer.
“Today, we especially recognize the gallantry and service of our Filipino seafarers who are conquering high seas to provide for their families and keep the economy humming through shipping. Our snappiest salute fittingly goes to the industry’s unsung heroes,” Vice Admiral Vingson said.
The MARINA’s celebration of the Day of the Seafarer also included the mass oathtaking of new Merchant Marine officers who successfully passed the MARINA examination, a talk about mental wellness, a battle of the bands, and a concert, as well as the processing of Certificate of Proficiency (COP), Certificate of Competence (COC), and Seafarer’s Identification and Record Book (SIRB).
Meanwhile, in a video message, IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim also recognized the important role of women in the international maritime industry.
“To everyone in shipping – you are missing out on a huge talent pool if you do not recognize and empower women in the workplace. Join our Day of the Seafarer campaign and get on board with gender equality at sea,” IMO Secretary-General Lim said.
Launching of SID
During the event, the MARINA also formally launched the Seafarer’s Identity Document (SID).
The SID is developed in compliance with the standards of the International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention No. 185 or the Seafarers’ Identity Documents Convention 2003, as amended.
Generally, the SID will facilitate Filipino seafarers’ shore leave, cross border, transfer, and repatriation even without a visa.