Manila to host IMO diplomatic conference

THE MARITIME Safety Committee (MSC) in its 86th session confirmed the Philippines has communicated its report of independent audit evaluation and has demonstrated that it has continuously given full and complete effect to the relevant provisions of the STCW Convention, 1978, as amended.

ΤΗE Philippines is now busy preparing for the successful hosting of the International Maritime Organization's diplomatic conference in June 2010.

Lead agency is the Department of Foreign Affairs, supported by almost all departments and agencies involved in maritime, labor, trade and diplomatic relations.

As host, the Philippines will be providing the coming conference delegates with hotel accommodations, transportation, foods, security and everything that goes with being host country.

Recall that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo while meeting with IMO secretary General Eftimious Mitropolous in Geneva some years ago had verbally invited the IMO to hold conference in Manila.

Thereafter, Mitropolous expressed appreciation by the international community for the indispensable presence of the Filipino seafarers, who globally account for more than 28 percent of the seafarers onboard ocean-going fleet today.