MANILA, PHILIPPINES (April 2, 2023) — The Joint Manning Group (JMG) welcomes the positive announcement by the European Commission of the continued recognition of Filipino Seafarers’ Certificates. The Commission’s continued recognition will ensure the stability of employment for Filipino seafarers.
As the largest single nationality of seafarers serving the world’s shipping fleets, the JMG has been advocating the importance of building and continuously improving a trusted Philippine brand of seafarers and officers who reflect the highest standards of quality training, education, and professionalism.
Under the directive of President Marcos, Secretary of Migrant Workers Susan Ople, and Secretary of Transport Jaime Bautista, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Administration and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) have been working on institutionalizing the changes needed, augmenting the efforts made by MARINA Administration that was cited by the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) as their basis on the decision to continue the recognition of certificates issued to Filipino seafarers.
In a meeting with European Shipowners associations in Brussels in December 2022, President Marcos directed the formation of a Council composed of European Community of Shipping Associations (ECSA), International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), International Maritime Employers Council (IMEC), International Transport Federation (ITF) and JMG in representing the Manning Industry to provide input to the country’s quality systems.
The manning industry, our seafarers, and their families express our deepest appreciation and thanks to His Excellency President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and the Department of Migrant Workers for their unwavering support and personal efforts in engaging all the stakeholders of the maritime industry and the global shipping communities.
Mabuhay ang Marinong Filipino.