PH explores best maritime practices of UK

A Philippine delegation led by the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) conducted a “benchmarking visit” to the United Kingdom to explore and adopt the European country’s best maritime practices and elevate the standards of the Philippine maritime sector.

The two-day engagement held from Feb. 5 to 6 enabled the delegation to discuss with the UK Maritime and Coast Guard Agency (MCA) their maritime education and training policies and practices, the Marina said in a statement Friday, Feb. 7.

“The successful exchange underscored the commitment of both countries to continually enhance maritime education and training, ensuring that policies are aligned with global standards and responsive to the future needs of the industry,” the statement read.

The delegates, led by Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) Office Executive Director Samuel Batalla and Philippine Maritime Attaché in London Atty. Sharon L. De Chavez-Aledo, held discussions with the UK MCA on onboard training, implementation of the electronic Training Record Book (e-TRB), and the development of a simulator equivalency for mandatory sea service.

The Philippine delegates compared Marina’s implementation of the STCW with their counterpart from the UK MCA, and both parties agreed to consider working on areas of mutual improvement.

“The UK MCA highlighted the introduction of the Cadet Training and Modernization (CT&M) Project, the modernization of the deck syllabus to align with prevailing and evolving standards, and shared insights on the emerging Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) and its implications on the role of seafarers,” the Marina said.

Further, the Marina said that the UK MCA also presented updates from the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a discussion on remote operator training and certification, and the review of short course approvals, including the integration of additional training modules on cybersecurity and the Internet of Things (IoT).

“Specific focus was also placed on the certification of seafarers, including Ratings Forming Part of a Navigational Watch – II/4, Able Seafarer Deck – II/5, Restricted COCs, and Officer-in-Charge of a Navigational Watch under Regulation II/3 of the STCW Convention,” it added.

A presentation on the modernization of the engineering syllabus, particularly for Officer-in-Charge of Engineering Watch – III/1 and Chief Engineer – III/2, was also showcased by the UK MCA, according to Marina.

“The Philippine delegation also received a comprehensive presentation on the e-TRB, followed by workshop skills, changes to the Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) course, and the proposal for senior ETO training. Discussions on small vessel engineering and operation of vessels using alternative fuels added a practical aspect to the collaboration,” it stated.

The Marina said it continues to explore innovative solutions “to better equip Filipino seafarers for the challenges of tomorrow’s maritime landscape.”