The shift in the geographical sourcing of seamen is irreversible in the
foreseeable future. As the economies of traditional European and Asian seamen supplying
countries developed, seabased jobs became less attractive especially for trained officers.
As the time-tested capability of the Filipino seafarers is recognized
from vessel to vessel and from port to port worldwide, the demand for their services is
expected to rise as global shipping is projected to grow by the year 2000 due to the
increase in the number of vessels.
Maritime authorities have predicted that the demand for quality deck
and engine officers will reach 350,000 officers up to the year 2000. But with the large
volume of qualified seafarers produced every year, the Philippines will be in a good
position to seize opportunities from and take advantage of the industry's demands.
Keeping the Filipino seafarer's competitiveness in the global market in
this age of information and rapidly advancing technologies thus requires the collective
commitment of all industry players. The key factor, in the face of growing demand for
safer shipping and increasing awareness for environmental protection, is a strong
assurance to employers of the high quality of out supply of seafarers.
Given these prospects and challenges, it is the Philippine maritime
sector's primary order of business to provide a policy environment for the continuous
development of seafarers' skills involving all concerned sectors, especially their
employers.
Directions from training programs will address the need to keep the
world-class reputation of Filipino seafarers and to protect their welfare and interests on
board. The Philippines thus adopts concrete measures in complying with international labor
standards, proportionate to its role as the world's major maritime manpower supplier.
At the national level, rationalization and streamlining of the maritime
support system is underway paving the way for faster and smoother coordination between and
among government and private institutions in the maritime industry.
The Philippines is moving toward creating a niche for seafarers by
redirecting their deployment from the high-risk employers to the more friendly and
responsible principals. Adherence to international standards will be strengthened, not
only to guarantee the availability of qualified seafarers but also quality employers.
