Skip to main content

EU on seafarer training certificates

50,000 Filipino jobs saved

Unions are welcoming a decision from the EU maritime watchdog which avoids up to 50,000 Philippines-certified crew being barred from working aboard European-owned ships.  This was reported by the ITF on 14 April.

The European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) announced in week commencing 2 April that it will continue to recognise STCW certificates (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping) issued by Philippines-based training providers after the country’s president made moves to address decades-long problems with his country's seafarer training systems.

The EU had for many years been concerned about both the quality and consistency of training, with some graduates equipped to handle modern ships and others requiring supplemental training from employers. As far back as 2006, EMSA identified deficiencies and continued to find problems in the thirteen inspections it conducted since. The agency’s most recent audit, held last year, led to the country’s final warning.

ITF welcomes EMSA decision, optimistic on reforms

Stephen Cotton, General Secretary of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), commented: ‘We are relieved to see EMSA pulling back from the brink with this decision and avoiding the risk of losing 50,000 of the world’s finest maritime professionals from working aboard European vessels.

I am sure that is very welcome by the European shipowners just as it is by Filipino crew, their families and their unions.’

Cotton said if EMSA had stopped recognising Filipino certificates, a ban would have sent economic shockwaves through the country’s economy. US$6.54 billion  in wages were sent home by Filipino crew working on international ships in 2019, alone.*

He added: ‘There’s no doubt that Filipino seafarers are prized in the industry for their skill, expertise, and professionalism: there is good reason that they remain the world’s number one source of seafarers.

Sadly, the quality and certification systems Filipino crew need to be able to rely on, have been lacking for some time now.’

The ITF and its Philippines-based affiliates had been advocating for years for Manila to iron out the country’s inconsistent training outcomes, along with dumping underperforming providers who consistently untrained crew.

ITF advising Marcos government  on training upgrade

It is understood that decision-makers in Brussels were convinced by recent announcements by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s administration to finally address the country’s years-long issues in training.

Alongside more immediate measures, Marcos ordered in December the establishment of a high-powered advisory council made up maritime industry experts.

Representatives from the ITF, ship owners’ association ICS, and other industry bodies will form the new ‘International Advisory Committee on Global Maritime Affairs’ (IACGMA). While its first task is to advise on the training and certification reforms needed, the committee’s ability to work across a multitude of government ministries and agencies on thorny and complex maritime sector issues is a model unions and shipowner groups hope will unlock progress on climate and other pressing issues facing the country’s maritime sector.

Cotton said the Advisory Committee was just one example of the way the sector had shown the Philippines was now on the right path to delivering the improvements industry, crew and regulators had been asking for.

He said: ‘I have every faith that we can get to a place where a Philippines certificate is synonymous with being first-rate and world-class. In many ways, Filipino crew already are.’

Just Transition, apprenticeships overhaul

Fabrizio Barcellona, ITF Seafarers’ Section Coordinator, added: ‘Training had never been more important for people working at sea. Climate change is driving a need for 800,000 seafarers to be trained or retrained to handle new fuels and technologies by 2030.

Countries with the better training systems will be able to respond better to the changing needs of the global seafaring market. Their seafarers will be more attractive to the growing number of shipowners who are already buying billions of dollars’ worth of new, next-generation vessels.’

Barcellona said more crew needed to spend more time on board early in their careers, allowing them to become familiar with the rapidly changing technologies found in vessels nowadays. He said the ITF would be raising both the training and climate issues through the advisory committee with government figures, because the issues were closely connected.

That is why the ITF is suggesting a major upgrade to the country’s systems of apprenticeships and cadet training, for ratings and for officers, respectively. The federation wants to see the Philippines shifting from a model of disorganised apprenticeship and cadetship arrangements, which are cobbled together temporarily between individual employers and training providers, to a new, modern and coordinated model with quality, enduring schemes backed by shipowners, unions and government.

A more structured, quality-assured system of bringing through officers and ratings would have benefits for the country, because shipowners, like those in Europe, could have greater confidence that Filipino crew were being equipped with the competencies required by modern vessels.

Exploitative ‘ambulance chasers’ in ITF’s sights

Just Transition and training were just a couple of the issues that are part of policy challenges that the Philippines’ government needed to tackle to improve employment and wellbeing for crew.

The ITF also planned to raise the need to overhaul the Philippines’ broken system of seafarer workplace compensation, which has overtime seen the rise of widespread predation of crew by so-called ‘ambulance chasing’ lawyers.

Employer fears about spurious legal actions have led many shipowners and ship managers from avoiding the recruitment of Filipino workers altogether.

Barcellona explained: These ‘ambulance chasers’ – these lawyers, they do not always have seafarers’ best interests at heart. Many simply use crew as a pawn to get an out-of-court settlement from an employer for themselves.’

Barcellona said it was common for the lawyer or their firm to issue seafarers with ethically questionable loans at predatory interest rates, as crew waited for the settlement promised to them. In practice, the long wait means crew have to look on as lawyers’ fees and mounting interest eats away at any payout they had once expected to receive.

Clean-up of manning agents ‘overdue’

The ITF is also demanding changes to the Philippines’ system of governing crewing, or manning, agents. While many were working honestly and effectively on behalf of seafarers, there remained a not insignificant number of crewing agents which repeatedly fail crew.

All crew seeking work on international ships are required to use an agent to be placed on a vessel. Once onboard, they have to send the majority of their wages home by allotments via that agent. Many agents charged crew unfair exchange rates when getting the allotments shoreside, effectively clipping the ticket twice on top of the fees they charge seafarers.

Agents are supposed to protect crew from irresponsible ship owners and potentially devastating outcomes from employer negligence, such as if an employer refuses to honour their obligations to pay crew. In that case, the agents are supposed to step in and cover the owed wages.

While the Philippines agent system is good on paper, giving effect to many of the Maritime Labour Convention’s principles intended to benefit workers in an uncertain industry, in practice the country’s poor enforcement of the rules meant many agents have been able to operate despite failing crew and breaking the law.

www.ITFShipBeSure.org

This situation had led the ITF to establish the ITFShipBeSure.org website dedicated to helping crew steer clear of the agents which seafarers’ unions consider the worst.

These are all things which are central to the ITF agenda to support Filipino seafarers so that the Philippines can continue to be a maritime leader for decades to come,’ said Barcellona in conclusion.

* According to the central bank of the Republic of the Philippines Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Filipino seafarers remitted over US$6.53 billion in 2019 alone.

Picture caption

Credit: University of Asia and the Pacific ©.

 

Posted on: in:

Latest News & Events

Harbour safety is a critical concern for port and terminal operators, yet traditional safety equipment often falls short—prone to corrosion, high maintenance costs, and poor visibility in critical situations. These challenges put workers at risk and increase operational inefficiencies.

International efforts to curb greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from shipping took a step forward as the IMO's Intersessional Working Group on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships (ISWG-GHG 18) concluded its latest round of discussions.

Role of Harbour Master/ Port Operations Professional
Security
Port Call Optimisation
Ship image
Vessel Traffic Services
Safety
dock image
Emergency Management
Environment

Become a Member

Join the world’s premier professional body for harbour masters and receive up-to-date information on the industry and access to the members' area of the website.

Become a sponsor

Become a sponsor of the IHMA today and reap the benefits for your business:

  • Worldwide exposure
  • Prominence on the IHMA website
  • Instant access to your services and products for your existing and potential customers
  • Access to the key decision makers on marine operations in Ports – the Harbour Master
  • The opportunity to showcase your services and products at an international congress every two years

Be a part of the future of a vibrant, respected, professional and influential maritime organisation...IHMA

Download EHMC's Newsletter

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, ex vix insolens oportere accusamus, mea nulla aliquip virtute id, et commodo debitis voluptua mel. Vel ut doming scaevola, habemus gloriatur elaboraret ei pro.

Download archived

EHMC newsletter

Our Sponsors

Latest Events

Southern Cape Sun Hotel
The second African Harbour Masters Committee Seminar

The African Harbour Master committee (AHMC), an African chapter of the International Harbour Master Association (IHMA), will be hosting it’s second seminar for African Harbour Masters. The seminar will be hosted by Transnet National Ports Authority in Cape Town, South Africa from 2 – 4 April 2025 in partnership with the Port Management Association of
Eastern & Southern Africa (PMAESA)
.

The Theme of the seminar is “Navigating the future – Sustainable Port Management in Africa.”

The discussions spanning 2 days will focus on technical presentations and panel discussions covering topics such as port infrastructure, single window, and gender equality.

Speaking to the IHMA Secretariat on the launch, Capt. Thulani Dubeko, President of the AHMC, said: “The second meeting of African Harbour Masters looks to build on the excellent work achieved at our inaugural event in Tangier in 2023. African Harbour Masters must continue to work together, share ideas and learn from one and another in order to keep abreast of the ever chaning maritime industry."

The event will be held at the Southern Cape Sun Hotel. Programme details and event registration to be released shortly.

 

Belfast Harbour Office
IHMA Seminar Belfast

Building on the successful European Harbour Masters Committee Seminars, the IHMA is proud to present the first IHMA Seminar in Belfast on 21-23 May 2025. IHMA Seminars will now be held every two years in non-Congress years.

IHMA has chosen ‘BEYOND CONVENTION – Innovation through diversification’ as the theme for the Seminar which will be hosted in Belfast by Belfast Harbour Commissioners from 21 to 23 May 2025.

The seminar will look at how harbour masters are preparing for the profound changes which are affecting the port industry today and into the near future. The intense focus on decarbonisation in every aspect of business is a critical driver in the need for ports to look at innovation through diversification – to go Beyond Convention.

The IHMA Seminar will quickly become established as an important event for IHMA members, industry stakeholders, innovators and suppliers across the global ports sector to collaborate, network, share information, and provide updates on the latest industry technology and solutions and fill the gap between Congress events.

Alongside the high-class debate and discussion on the conference floor an exhibition showcasing port marine products and innovation is available. This conference and exhibition offer sponsors and exhibitors a unique opportunity to connect, build relationships and do business with the principal decision makers for global port and marine operations.

Sheraton Saigon Grand Opera Hotel - Grand Ballroom, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Integrating Dredging in Sustainable Development Conference

Conference

As a distinguished professional, working in the fast changing world of dredging, waterborne transport infrastructure or related industries, you are invited to join us at an event on 18 October 2024 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam which is dedicated to advancing industry knowledge in the arena of sustainable dredging and related topics.

Joining this event also gives you the unique opportunity to network with more than 60 CEOs and senior management of IADC member companies and PIANC platinum members. Therefore, you are also welcome at our special pre-conference networking drink/dinner on Thursday 17 October 2024. 

This exclusive 1-day conference will be organised at the prestigious Sheraton Saigon Grand Opera Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. By attending you have the opportunity to meet professionals from all sectors, involved in the realisation of sustainable dredging projects and sustainable waterborne transport infrastructure with a strong focus on Climate Change and ‘Working/Building with Nature’. Participants will originate from around the world, making it possible for you to take your network to an international level.

Who should attend?

Professionals and companies aiming to deliver dredging projects with longevity which also maximise the benefits to society, nature and economy will find this event to be of particular relevance. The Conference ‘Integrating Dredging in Sustainable Development’ will bring essential knowledge for planners, designers, decision makers, regulators, contractors, project owners and environmental advocates. Register by 15 September 2024 to secure your place as space is limited.

The programme

During this day full of interaction and discussion the focus is on two cases, a "greenfield case” and a "brownfield case". In business and project development, a "greenfield case" typically refers to a scenario where a project is initiated on previously undeveloped land or in a completely new and untouched environment. It contrasts with a "brownfield case," where development occurs on land that has been previously developed or used for industrial or commercial purposes.

Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Lagos, Nigeria
OceanWise Charting Water Workshop

Brought to you by OceanWise and Brewzone Africa - Join the first Charting Water Workshop entitled “Harnessing Environmental Data for Hydrography" which is running on the 15th - 16th April 2024 at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel Lagos, Nigeria.

Bringing hydrography professionals together from all over West Africa, this intimate 2-day workshop will provide you with practical knowledge, guidance and best practice. You will enjoy a mix of presentations, round table discussions and training. Our expert speakers will guide you through the latest developments, technologies and methodologies used in hydrography, helping you understand the importance of accurate marine environmental monitoring data to support marine operations and national infrastructure. We will also have a number of key real-world case studies and local experts in attendance to provide some best practice and recent hands-on experiences.

Full details of the developing programme and registration can be found here on our Eventbrite page

Registration is now open. Spaces are limited so please register now to secure your place.

What will it cover?
This workshop will provide you with practical knowledge, guidance and best practice. You will enjoy a mix of presentations, round table discussions and training. Our expert speakers will guide you through the latest developments, technologies and methodologies used in hydrography, helping you understand the importance of accurate marine environmental monitoring data to support marine operations and national infrastructure.

Who is it for and why should I attend?
This is for professionals with an interest in Hydrography based in, or working in, West Africa.
Ideal for individuals from a variety of industries including Ports, Harbours, Inland Waterways, Oil and Gas, Education, Navy, Maritime Authorities, Research and Development etc etc
It offers a friendly and interactive environment to expand your knowledge, network with fellow professionals and collaborate on real-world case studies.

Gain valuable insights from industry experts, share your experiences, and receive a certification of completion on day two

How do I book?
Visit our Eventbrite page for full details and registration

QE2, Port Rashid, Dubai - Grand Foyer

Harbour Master & Towgae Conference

This block is broken or missing. You may be missing content or you might need to enable the original module.

Download the IHMA Constitution

The IHMA constitution sets out the establishment of a region of the IHMA, the committee role and authority, its formation and management.

Latest News & Events

Port-Safety Life Ladder Innovating Harbour Safety and Sustainability: Port-Safety’s Practical Solutions

Harbour safety is a critical concern for port and terminal operators, yet traditional safety equipment often falls short—prone to corrosion, high maintenance costs, and… FIND OUT MORE

IMO progresses talks on greenhouse gas reduction from shipping IMO progresses talks on greenhouse gas reduction from shipping

International efforts to curb greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from shipping took a step forward as the IMO's Intersessional Working Group on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships (ISWG-GHG 18)… FIND OUT MORE

Latest News & Events

Harbour safety is a critical concern for port and terminal operators, yet traditional safety equipment often falls short—prone to corrosion, high maintenance costs, and poor visibility in critical situations. These challenges put workers at risk and increase operational inefficiencies.

International efforts to curb greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from shipping took a step forward as the IMO's Intersessional Working Group on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships (ISWG-GHG 18) concluded its latest round of discussions.