New Curriculums in Philippine Maritime Training Now Underway

Manila, Philippines - Able Deck, Able Engine, Security Awareness Training, Security Training for Seafarers with Designated Security Duties, Advanced Training for Oil Tanker Cargo Operations, Basic Training for Oil and Chemical Tanker Cargo Operations and Electro-Technical Officer are among the newly revised courses that will be soon available in the Philippine Maritime Academy.

The Maritime Training Council (MTC) recently announced that it has already developed and revised the said maritime training courses as part of the requirements set by the Manila 2010 Amendments to Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW).

These newly developed courses are part of the country’s bid to professionalize the Filipino Seafarers in their maritime education. The said courses shall be pilot-tested for refinement and will then be submitted for the MTC's approval by the first quarter of this year.

The MTC also said that they are aiming for the earliest completion and approval of all the courses required under the STCW Manila Amendments so that Filipino seafarers can already start taking these courses prior to the full implementation of the said Amendments by 2017.

"We are likewise updating and revising our rules and instruments to strengthen our legal and administrative structures to respond to the provisions on education, training, certification, medical standards, and other requirements of the Manila Amendments,” explained Labour Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz.