May 16, 2023
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The government of Denmark has reportedly reaffirmed its support for the efforts of the maritime industry of the Philippines to comply with the international naval standards as introduced by the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) Convention.
Through a Facebook post, Franz-Michael Mellbin, the Danish Ambassador, mentioned that Denmark is content with Filipino maritime employees.
He reportedly hailed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s firm assurance that the Philippines would address noncompliance problems recognized by the audit conducted by the European Maritime Safety Agency or EMSA.
He also added that the failure to comply would significantly harm the whole maritime industry and the Philippines.
With Danish shipping majors being one of the employers of over 10,000 Filipino seafarers, President Marcos’ firm assurance on the government of the Philippines’ intentions to resolve certification issues on his most recent visit to Belgium is a welcome development, Ambassador Mellbin mentioned.
The Danish Maritime Authority reportedly paid courtesy visits to the relevant Philippine maritime authorities last month to explore strengthening naval cooperation, including safeguarding seafarers’ rights.
Earlier in 2022, EMSA had reportedly flagged the Philippines for its deficiencies in the education, certification, and training of local seafarers.
In a recent visit to Brussels, President Marcos reportedly reiterated that the administration would do all required to address the deficiencies to help avoid job losses among the Filipino seafarers deployed for the EU vessels.
The President has further commanded the International Advisory Council on Global Maritime Affairs to address the deficiencies recognized by the EU concerning Filipino seafarers.
Marcos issued the directive in a meeting with the CEO of the International Maritime Employers’ Council, Francisco Gargiulo, the International Labor Organization, the International Chamber of Shipping, and EMSA, as well as business leaders and executives associated with European shipping majors and ship owners associations based in Brussels on 13 December.
References: Jalopnik, India Shipping News, The Manila Times
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