PH vows to keep IMO ‘White List’ status

Manila, Philippines - The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and the Department of Transportation vowed to improve the current state of the maritime education and fully comply with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watch keeping (STCW) as it aim to maintain its ‘White List’ status in the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

“Our mariners invest blood, sweat and tears in their work, and the government should repay that by ensuring that we remain on the IMO white list. We need to protect the livelihood and welfare of our seafarers,” said Department of Transportation Secretary Art Tugade.

Tugade has he has instructed Marina to ensure that the country’s status in the specialized agency of the United Nations remains. This includes improving training, examination and assessment system in maritime schools.

Being included on the white list implies that the Philippines is compliant with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watch keeping (STCW). Being on the list gives Filipino seafarers a huge advantage, as this reflects that they underwent strict training and education.

A panel of international maritime experts will conduct an independent evaluation in April as part of the Philippines’s continuing compliance with the pertinent provisions of the STCW of 1978.

MARINA OIC Administrator Vice Admiral Narciso Vingson Jr. is confident that the evaluation of the country’s STCW system will solidify the Philippines inclusion in the “White List” of the IMO.

“Our engagement with the professional services of independent evaluators shows our full efforts in maintaining our seafarer’s reputation worldwide as a dependable maritime workforce. We will continue to comply with IMO standards for the benefit of our seafarers,” Vice Admiral Vingson said.