The Philippines, represented by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), highlighted significant updates on its seafaring sector, as well as its forward-looking initiatives, at the APEC SEN Workshop on Maritime Transportation Workforce Advancement Policies.

The two-day virtual workshop, held from 10-11 July 2024, features presentations from member economies, focusing on sharing maritime workforce statistics, discussing best practices in maritime education and training systems, highlighting women’s capacity building in the maritime sector, and exploring strategies to address emerging transportation challenges.

Featuring distinguished speakers from 12 member economies, this workshop aims to encourage participation from government officials, policymakers, and stakeholders, building on existing APEC initiatives and fostering cross-fora collaboration between maritime transportation and gender equality stakeholders.

MARINA Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan presented the country’s updates focusing on the current state of seafarers, partnership status with other countries on the mutual recognition of seafarers’ certificates, methodologies for database establishment, maritime education and training systems, and challenges and initiatives for emerging transportation technologies and practices.

Administrator Malaluan shared data on the country’s issuance of STCW certificates to Filipino seafarers by levels of responsibilities and gender. She also noted the number of IMO Member States recognizing the STCW certificates issued by the Philippines. Information on MARINA’s registry and certification for Filipino seafarers and updates on maritime education and training policies were also provided.

“Mindful of the immense impact of maritime emerging technologies and the ongoing comprehensive review of the STCW Convention, which will have long-lasting implications and surely change the way the shipping is conducted for the foreseeable future, the MARINA shall be more active than ever in participating in regional and international dialogues and discussions to protect the rights and promote the welfare of seafarers,” Administrator Malaluan emphasized in her presentation.

In its commitment to ensuring a just transition, the MARINA emphasizes the importance of working closely with regional and international partners to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the rapidly evolving maritime industry.

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