Licensed Maritime Professionals in the Philippines Continue to Grow

Manila, Philippines – The preference for Filipino seafarers in the maritime industry is exemplified in the continuing growth of licensed Filipino maritime professionals in the last six years according to the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

According to PRC Chairman Teresita Manzala, the number of Filipino marine engineers grew from 47,000 in 2005 to 58,000 in 2010, while Filipino marine deck officers went up from 47,000 in 2005 to 63,000 in 2010.

“As of October 2011, there are already a total of 60, 121 registered Marine Engineers and a total of 69,015 registered Marine deck officers,” shared Manzala.

Though newly licensed Filipino Maritime professionals are yet to be hired, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) expects the number of deployed seafarers to surpass the 400,000 mark before the year ends.

But the good news for the newly licensed seafarers is that the demand for Filipino maritime professionals is expected to grow further after the Philippines complies with the reforms and international standards and comply with the Standards of Training, Certification and Watch keeping for Seafarers (STCW).

The STCW amendments aims to raise the qualification of seafarers worldwide through additional training courses, review of legal instruments, health guidelines, and additional accreditation to maritime training facilities.

“Our quick response to these challenges clearly indicates that we are well prepared to defend our title as the seafarer capital of the world,” expressed Labor Undersecretary Danilo Cruz.