25 June: The Day of the Seafarer

25 June: The Day of the  Seafarer

By: Jeff Rex Calambuhay

The conference for the STCW held last June 21-25, 2010 which was participated in by 85 member states adopted the Resolution 19 declaring June 25 of each year as the “Day of the Seafarer” in recognition of the adoption of the amendments to the STCW convention and Code which made a very significant day for the maritime community and those who serve it on board ships.

The Philippine government supported the aforementioned event thus proclaiming June 25 of every year to be observed as “Day of the Filipino Seafarer”, pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 183, signed by President Benigno S. Aquino III. This is in recognition of the Filipino seafarers for their invaluable contribution to the national development of the country and has become “sailing ambassadors” of the country for having demonstrated its role in the growth of world trade and economy, as well as the development of the global shipping industry.

The 2012 Filipino Seafarers Convention has a theme “Onward to a Brighter Seafaring Future” was held at the MARINA Multi-Purpose Hall with its slogan “Saludo Kami, Marinong Pinoy! Bayani Ka Talaga!” This was a two-day event with six sessions or topics focused on latest updates on maritime industry were discussed. Three resource speakers were assigned each day with an open forum at end of the every presentation. This was well participated by Filipino seafarers, school, shipping/manning representatives and other stakeholders of the maritime industry.

The following were presented:

Day 1:

First Session: Positive or Negative? A Close Look on EMSA’S 2012 Audit Report of the Philippine Maritime Industry, presented by C/E Alfredo Haboc, President of the Philippine Association of the maritime centers, Inc. (PAMTCI)

Second Session: Manila Amendments: How is the Philippines and the Filipino Seafarers Faring? This was presented by C/E Miguel A. Marasigan, Chairman of the PRC Board of Marine Engineer Officer.

Third Session: The Rights of Seafarers during Maritime Accidents, presented by Mr. Arnie Santiago, Director of MARINA’s Enforcement Office 

Day 2:

Fourth Session: What’s Up in the Walk-in Examination System for Filipino Seafarers . C/E Miguel A. Marasigan, Chairman of the PRC Board of Marine Engineer Officer discussed the topic in behalf of Mr. Erwin Cruz, IT Consultant of the PRC.

Fifth Session: Opportunities or Woes? Situationer of the Overseas Seafaring Labor Landscape, presented by Ms. Nini Lanto, Director of the POEA Pre-Employment Services

                          Challenges and Opportunities for the Filipino Global Maritime Professional, presented by Mr. Gerardo Borromeo, Vice Chairman of International Chamber of Shipping.

Sixth Session: Single Maritime Administration: What can the Industry and the Filipino Seafarers Expect? This was the most awaited topic which was tackled by Atty. Nicasio Conti, the OIC Marina Administrator, as the implementation of the EO 75 will take effect soon.  

EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 75  designates the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), through the Maritime Industry Authority, as the single administration of the Philippines responsible for oversight in the implementation of the 1978 International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, as amended.