Entradas
Source: MB
MANILA, Philippines — The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has urged shipping companies to rigorously apply the IMO guidance and industry-developed best management practices in their entirety to fight against piracy when venturing into the western Indian Ocean region.
During the recent 34th celebration of the World Maritime Day, IMO Secretary-General Efthimios Mitropoulos stressed that no ship is invulnerable particularly those with relatively low freeboards and slow steaming speeds.
Governments need to back up their oft-stated concern over the situation by deploying military and other resources commensurate, in numbers and technology, with the scale of the problem and with a realistic chance of dealing with it effectively,” Mitropoulos said.
“While IMO has positioned itself in the epicenter of the concerted efforts being made, it cannot alone supply an instant solution to the issue particularly since, although piracy manifests itself at sea, the roots of the problem are to be found ashore."
"Nevertheless, through our action plan and other initiatives, and in collaboration with other interested parties, equally determined and committed as ourselves, we feel confident we will be able to make a difference where the problem is being most acutely felt “ at sea,” he added.
Mitropoulos noted that some success in thwarting pirate attacks can already be claimed, as can be seen from the falling percentage of attacks that prove successful.
“Nevertheless, as the statistics so bleakly indicate, piracy and armed robbery against ships remain real and ever-present dangers to those who use the seas for peaceful purposes. So long as pirates continue harassing shipping, hijacking ships and seafarers, we are neither proud of, nor content with, the results achieved so far,” he said.
Concluding his World Maritime Day message, Mitropoulos said: “More needs to be done, including the capture, prosecution and punishment of all those involved in piracy; the tracing of ransom money; and the confiscation of proceeds of crime derived from hijacked ships, if the ultimate goal of consigning piracy to the realms of history is to be achieved."
"We hope that our choice of the theme for 2011 will provide an appropriate rallying point around which all those who can make a difference can focus their efforts.
“In the meantime, our thoughts and prayers are with those seafarers, who, at present, are in the hands of pirates. May they all be released unharmed and returned to their families soon," Mitropoulos added. (EHL)
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jueves, 27 de octubre de 2011
miércoles, 23 de febrero de 2011
Global maritime industry airs urgent need for qualified seamen
Source: MB
ILOILO CITY, Iloilo — Filipino seamen, especially Ilonggos, are urged to fill the global shortage of qualified seafarers.
Stein Eriksen, President of the Philippine-Norway Business Council said there is a bigger opportunity for qualified Filipino seafarers as the world’s shipping industry is facing a looming global shortage.
He said over 90 percent of goods transported worldwide are on board vessels of any kind and the demand continues to increase every year. The task of transporting these goods is undertaken by an estimated 1.3 million seafarers currently sailing across the seas.
“Imagine the world without shipping and seafarers,” Eriksen said, even as he emphasized that there is a current shortage of 50,000 qualified seafarers worldwide and this number is expected to double by 2015.
Eriksen noted that that the Philippines is the leading supplier of seafarers.
Of the estimated 1.3 million seafarers in the world, Filipinos account for more than 350,000. There are also approximately 20,000 Filipinos on board Norwegian-owned ships.
Along with other representatives of the 16 member companies comprising the Norwegian Shipowners Association (NSA), Eriksen was tendered dinner by the John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (JBLFMU), Asia’s first maritime university based here.
During the dinner, Eriksen and his confreres underlined the “increased pressure to get qualified seafarers” with the global financial crisis gradually easing off. He pointed out that even during the period when some 30 percent of total vessels worldwide were not sailing, there was a shortage of from 27,000 to 30,000 qualified maritime officers.
Also, Eriksen pointed out that the biggest shipping organization of cargo owners in the world, the Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO), in a survey undertaken in 2010, also indicated an “increased shortage of seafarers in the next years until 2015, even as in the next three years, up to 8,000 ships to be built, opening job opportunities for some 80,000 seafarers.
He said of the estimated 1.3 million seafarers, 350,000 are Filipinos and of this number, around 5,000 to 6,000 are active sailing officers. However, he added that there is a need to increase the number of officers in the next years.
Eriksen, who is also managing director of the Norwegian Training Center in Manila, challenged Philippine maritime schools to raise its academic standards for its graduates to be highly qualified in the international shipping industry.
He noted that there are 95 maritime schools taking in some 60,000 to 65,000 students but only 5,000 of these maritime students who enroll annually are qualified to work in international ships and become officers.
“There are many seafarers. What the industry needs are qualified seafarers,” Eriksen stressed.
To address this problem, the JBLFMU has a strict screening policy regarding students enrolling in maritime courses.
“We have increased the passing rate for enrollees to 70%,” said Dr. Mary Lou Lacson Arcelo, JBLFMU chairperson
ILOILO CITY, Iloilo — Filipino seamen, especially Ilonggos, are urged to fill the global shortage of qualified seafarers.
Stein Eriksen, President of the Philippine-Norway Business Council said there is a bigger opportunity for qualified Filipino seafarers as the world’s shipping industry is facing a looming global shortage.
He said over 90 percent of goods transported worldwide are on board vessels of any kind and the demand continues to increase every year. The task of transporting these goods is undertaken by an estimated 1.3 million seafarers currently sailing across the seas.
“Imagine the world without shipping and seafarers,” Eriksen said, even as he emphasized that there is a current shortage of 50,000 qualified seafarers worldwide and this number is expected to double by 2015.
Eriksen noted that that the Philippines is the leading supplier of seafarers.
Of the estimated 1.3 million seafarers in the world, Filipinos account for more than 350,000. There are also approximately 20,000 Filipinos on board Norwegian-owned ships.
Along with other representatives of the 16 member companies comprising the Norwegian Shipowners Association (NSA), Eriksen was tendered dinner by the John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (JBLFMU), Asia’s first maritime university based here.
During the dinner, Eriksen and his confreres underlined the “increased pressure to get qualified seafarers” with the global financial crisis gradually easing off. He pointed out that even during the period when some 30 percent of total vessels worldwide were not sailing, there was a shortage of from 27,000 to 30,000 qualified maritime officers.
Also, Eriksen pointed out that the biggest shipping organization of cargo owners in the world, the Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO), in a survey undertaken in 2010, also indicated an “increased shortage of seafarers in the next years until 2015, even as in the next three years, up to 8,000 ships to be built, opening job opportunities for some 80,000 seafarers.
He said of the estimated 1.3 million seafarers, 350,000 are Filipinos and of this number, around 5,000 to 6,000 are active sailing officers. However, he added that there is a need to increase the number of officers in the next years.
Eriksen, who is also managing director of the Norwegian Training Center in Manila, challenged Philippine maritime schools to raise its academic standards for its graduates to be highly qualified in the international shipping industry.
He noted that there are 95 maritime schools taking in some 60,000 to 65,000 students but only 5,000 of these maritime students who enroll annually are qualified to work in international ships and become officers.
“There are many seafarers. What the industry needs are qualified seafarers,” Eriksen stressed.
To address this problem, the JBLFMU has a strict screening policy regarding students enrolling in maritime courses.
“We have increased the passing rate for enrollees to 70%,” said Dr. Mary Lou Lacson Arcelo, JBLFMU chairperson
miércoles, 11 de agosto de 2010
La filipina ICTS invertirá 600 millones dólares en puertos de Latinoamérica
Fuente: Terra
Manila, 11 ago (EFE).- La mayor compañía filipina de operaciones portuarias, International Container Terminal Services Inc.(ICTSI) anunció hoy que invertirá 600 millones de dólares en la expansión de sus actividades en Latinoamérica.
Los nuevos puertos de México, Argentina y Colombia centrarán el monto de la inversión que la compañía hará durante los próximos dos años, apuntó su presidente Enrique Razón en rueda de prensa.
Este proyecto de inversión sigue a otro anunciado unos meses antes por ICTSI para aumentar mediante un desembolso de 123 millones de dólares su capacidad operativa en Brasil, Ecuador, Madagascar y en Manila, donde la compañía tiene su sede.
Según ICTSI, esa inversión en México, Argentina y Colombia, permitirá a la compañía manejar cada año otros 1,5 millones de contenedores de veinte pies, en adición a los cerca de 6,8 millones que en total moviliza actualmente.
En noviembre del año pasado, ICTSI ganó la licitación convocada por la Administración Portuaria Integral de Manzanillo, en México, que supuso hacer una inversión de 769 millones de dólares.
En 2008 ICTSI acordó participar en la construcción del puerto de La Plata, en Argentina, y el año anterior firmó un contrato para aumentar la capacidad operativa del puerto de Buenaventura, en Colombia. EFE
Manila, 11 ago (EFE).- La mayor compañía filipina de operaciones portuarias, International Container Terminal Services Inc.(ICTSI) anunció hoy que invertirá 600 millones de dólares en la expansión de sus actividades en Latinoamérica.
Los nuevos puertos de México, Argentina y Colombia centrarán el monto de la inversión que la compañía hará durante los próximos dos años, apuntó su presidente Enrique Razón en rueda de prensa.
Este proyecto de inversión sigue a otro anunciado unos meses antes por ICTSI para aumentar mediante un desembolso de 123 millones de dólares su capacidad operativa en Brasil, Ecuador, Madagascar y en Manila, donde la compañía tiene su sede.
Según ICTSI, esa inversión en México, Argentina y Colombia, permitirá a la compañía manejar cada año otros 1,5 millones de contenedores de veinte pies, en adición a los cerca de 6,8 millones que en total moviliza actualmente.
En noviembre del año pasado, ICTSI ganó la licitación convocada por la Administración Portuaria Integral de Manzanillo, en México, que supuso hacer una inversión de 769 millones de dólares.
En 2008 ICTSI acordó participar en la construcción del puerto de La Plata, en Argentina, y el año anterior firmó un contrato para aumentar la capacidad operativa del puerto de Buenaventura, en Colombia. EFE
martes, 6 de julio de 2010
IMO Seafaring Conference Ends With All Shipping Safety And Security Measures Approved
Source: Handy Shiping Guide
PHILIPPINES – Today saw the end if the International Maritime Organization (IMO) conference in Manila supported by the government of the Philippines and attended by more than 500 delegates from 85 IMO Member States, as well as by observers from three Associate Members, the International Labour Organization (ILO), the European Commission (EC) and various other interested parties.
The purpose of the conference was to revise the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (the STCW Convention), and its associated Code, thereby ensuring that the necessary global standards will be in place to train and certify seafarers to operate technologically advanced ships for some time to come.
Agreement was reached that the changes would come into force on the 1st January 2012 under the ‘tacit acceptance procedure’ and are aimed at bringing the Convention and Code up to date with developments since they were initially adopted in 1978 and further revised in 1995.
The amendments adopted are those as proposed listed fully in our previous article and include a variety of safety, security and training criteria bringing the international competency of seafaring staff up to a modern and acceptable standard.
Speaking at the close of the Conference, IMO Secretary-General Efthimios E. Mitropoulos said that the adoption of the revised STCW had brought to a successful conclusion the concerted effort undertaken by so many – Government and industry alike, dedicated seafarer representative bodies, maritime training institutions, and the many other interested organizations – over a four-year period.
Mr Mitropoulos stressed that work must commence immediately to ensure the implementation and enforcement of the new framework.
The purpose of the conference was to revise the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (the STCW Convention), and its associated Code, thereby ensuring that the necessary global standards will be in place to train and certify seafarers to operate technologically advanced ships for some time to come.
Agreement was reached that the changes would come into force on the 1st January 2012 under the ‘tacit acceptance procedure’ and are aimed at bringing the Convention and Code up to date with developments since they were initially adopted in 1978 and further revised in 1995.
The amendments adopted are those as proposed listed fully in our previous article and include a variety of safety, security and training criteria bringing the international competency of seafaring staff up to a modern and acceptable standard.
Speaking at the close of the Conference, IMO Secretary-General Efthimios E. Mitropoulos said that the adoption of the revised STCW had brought to a successful conclusion the concerted effort undertaken by so many – Government and industry alike, dedicated seafarer representative bodies, maritime training institutions, and the many other interested organizations – over a four-year period.
Mr Mitropoulos stressed that work must commence immediately to ensure the implementation and enforcement of the new framework.
martes, 16 de marzo de 2010
New maritime convention benefits Filipino seafarers
Source: Malaya
BY PAUL M. ICAMINA
THE Maritime Labor Convention of 2006, a new international labor standard, provides comprehensive rights and protection at sea.
According to the United Nations International Maritime Organization (IMO), not a few of the world’s 1.5 million seafarers frequently work under dangerous circumstances, sometimes in pirate-infested oceans. It says many seamen are not fairly compensated after accidents at sea and are often abandoned in ports.
Crafted by the International Labor Organization (ILO), the Convention becomes effective next year, a year after it was ratified by at least 30 countries representing 33 percent of world gross shipping tonnage. It becomes binding a year after a country ratifies it.
It consolidates and updates more than 65 international labor standards related to seafarers adopted over the last 80 years and sets out seafarers’ rights to decent work conditions, complementing the key Conventions of the IMO.
The Bahamas, Liberia, Marshall Islands, Norway and Panama have ratified the Convention.
It was adopted in 2006 by a record vote of 314 in favor and none against by over 1,000 participants from 106 countries. The almost unprecedented level of support reflects lengthy tripartite consultations among the ILO, governments, ship owners and seafarer organizations.
The Convention ensures that ships of ratifying countries provide decent conditions of work. These ships are protected against unfair competition from substandard ships and will benefit from a system of certification.
To determine compliance, ratifying countries may board and inspect freely and without previous notice ships (500 gross tonnage or over) that are, in turn, required to carry a maritime labor certificate and a declaration of maritime labor compliance.
Because many existing maritime labor conventions have a low ratification level, the Convention is flexible. For instance, it sets out the basic rights of seafarers to decent work in firm statements but leaves to ratifying countries how they will implement the Convention standards.
Flexibility on some provisions is provided by exempting smaller ships (200 gross tonnage and below) that do not go on international voyages. It does not apply, for example, on ships which navigate exclusively in inland waters or waters within, or closely adjacent to, sheltered waters or areas where port regulations apply; ships engaged in fishing; traditional ships like dhows and junks; and warships or naval auxiliaries.
Because it was not clear before whether those that work on board ships but are not directly involved in navigating or operating the ship are considered seafarers, the Convention now defines a seafarer as any person who is employed or engaged or works in any capacity on board a ship.
It affirms the fundamental rights to freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining; the elimination of forced labor; abolition of child labor; and the abolition of discrimination.
Every seafarer has the right to a safe and secure workplace; fair employment terms; decent working and living conditions on board ship; health protection, medical care, welfare measures and social protection.
Employment should be at no cost to the seafarer, except in obtaining a statutory medical certificate; seafarer’s book, passport and personal travel documents. The cost of visas shall be charged to ship owners.
To prevent exploitation, financial advances and similar transactions between the ship owner and seafarers are prohibited. Expected costs should be made public during recruitment.
Collective bargaining agreements should be in place. Seafarers must be informed of their rights under employment agreements, including monthly wages, health and social security benefits and paid annual leave. Any agreement to forego the minimum annual leave with pay is prohibited.
Normal working hours should not exceed eight hours a day. Based on an eight-hour day, one day of rest per week and on public holidays should be provided. Maximum work hours shall not exceed 14 hours in a day and 72 hours in a week.
Ship owners must protect seafarers from being stranded in a foreign port. Advance payment towards the cost of repatriation is prohibited and in no way charged to the seafarer.
The right of repatriation – including food and accommodation, pay and allowances and medical treatment, when necessary – shall not be refused regardless of financial difficulties on the part of ship owners.
jueves, 18 de febrero de 2010
Ship owners pressure gov’t vs tight rules
Source: Business World
THE NATIONAL Coalition of Shipping Associations is threatening to go on strike if Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) head Ma. Elena H. Bautista continues to set rules “detrimental” to the industry.
In a letter to the Transportation department, the group said that “while we recognize the intent to effect strict safety measures in the shipping industry, these circulars are now being issued and effective with little or no consultation with the shipping sector.”
“Ship owners are now faced with Memorandum Circulars that require expeditious appeals and position papers [for] Marina to reconsider several circumstances and consequences that were not considered ... in their haste to issue regulations without consulting the concerned parties,” the group said.
“These circulars have only created costly punitive measures to the shipping industry, and do nothing to prevent another sea disaster,” it added.
It said the dry-docking of all ships for inspections every time one ship is involved in an accident is costing ship owners money.
Ms. Bautista could not be reached for a comment. Marina has tightened its grip on the industry following three sea tragedies late last year involving Aboitiz Transport System Corp. and two smaller operators.
In a letter to the Transportation department, the group said that “while we recognize the intent to effect strict safety measures in the shipping industry, these circulars are now being issued and effective with little or no consultation with the shipping sector.”
“Ship owners are now faced with Memorandum Circulars that require expeditious appeals and position papers [for] Marina to reconsider several circumstances and consequences that were not considered ... in their haste to issue regulations without consulting the concerned parties,” the group said.
“These circulars have only created costly punitive measures to the shipping industry, and do nothing to prevent another sea disaster,” it added.
It said the dry-docking of all ships for inspections every time one ship is involved in an accident is costing ship owners money.
Ms. Bautista could not be reached for a comment. Marina has tightened its grip on the industry following three sea tragedies late last year involving Aboitiz Transport System Corp. and two smaller operators.
lunes, 21 de diciembre de 2009
Gigante atunero invierte USD 45 millones
Fuente: FIS
El principal exportador de atún de Filipinas invertirá un total de USD 45 millones en 2010 para expandir sus operaciones en la ciudad de General Santos (Mindanao), en Papua Nueva Guinea y en Indonesia.
El presidente del grupo de compañías RD Group, Rodrigo Rivera, anunció que invertirán USD 15 millones para modernizar la planta de producción de atún semi procesado y en conserva instalada en General Santos. El objetivo es incrementar la producción diaria de 140 toneladas a 200 toneladas.
El Grupo ya opera seis conserveras en General Santos, y sus plantas en Indonesia y Papua Nueva Guinea producen 80 toneladas y 200 toneladas, respectivamente, según informó Philippine Star.
El proyecto de expansión comenzará en el primer trimestre de 2010 y requerirá la contratación de otros 1.500 empleados, precisó el empresario.
RD provee atún en conserva sin marca para los grandes mercados como Japón, Estados Unidos y Europa. En la actualidad emplea 11.000 trabajadores en Filipinas, con un 90% de su plantilla integrado por mujeres.
El Grupo también invertirá USD 13 millones para ampliar su fábrica en Papua Nueva Guinea y otros USD 17 millones instalar una nueva planta de producción de atún en Indonesia.
RD es responsable de cerca de un tercio del total de las exportaciones atuneras del país. En promedio, despacha unos 14 contenedores por día, cada uno con un valor cercano a los USD 42.000. Exporta en un año 380 toneladas de atún en conserva y pescado trozado.
El Grupo está formado por las compañías pesqueras RD Fishing Industry Inc, RD Tuna Ventures Inc, South Sea Fishing Ventures Philippines Inc y Asia Pacific Allied Fishing Ventures Corp.
La flota pesquera de RD está integrada por 102 barcos: 18 embarcaciones de pesca, ocho barcos congeladores, 17 para transporte de pescado, 49 barcos livianos, un buque cisterna, además de una grúa y ocho barcos de apoyo. La capacidad de sus súper cerqueros oscila entre 450 y 1.200 toneladas y los congeladores pueden transportar hasta 2.400 toneladas de pescado.
Las fábricas de conservas del Grupo procesan langostino, caballa, atún listado, cobia y atún de aleta amarilla para exportar.
El presidente del grupo de compañías RD Group, Rodrigo Rivera, anunció que invertirán USD 15 millones para modernizar la planta de producción de atún semi procesado y en conserva instalada en General Santos. El objetivo es incrementar la producción diaria de 140 toneladas a 200 toneladas.
El Grupo ya opera seis conserveras en General Santos, y sus plantas en Indonesia y Papua Nueva Guinea producen 80 toneladas y 200 toneladas, respectivamente, según informó Philippine Star.
El proyecto de expansión comenzará en el primer trimestre de 2010 y requerirá la contratación de otros 1.500 empleados, precisó el empresario.
RD provee atún en conserva sin marca para los grandes mercados como Japón, Estados Unidos y Europa. En la actualidad emplea 11.000 trabajadores en Filipinas, con un 90% de su plantilla integrado por mujeres.
El Grupo también invertirá USD 13 millones para ampliar su fábrica en Papua Nueva Guinea y otros USD 17 millones instalar una nueva planta de producción de atún en Indonesia.
RD es responsable de cerca de un tercio del total de las exportaciones atuneras del país. En promedio, despacha unos 14 contenedores por día, cada uno con un valor cercano a los USD 42.000. Exporta en un año 380 toneladas de atún en conserva y pescado trozado.
El Grupo está formado por las compañías pesqueras RD Fishing Industry Inc, RD Tuna Ventures Inc, South Sea Fishing Ventures Philippines Inc y Asia Pacific Allied Fishing Ventures Corp.
La flota pesquera de RD está integrada por 102 barcos: 18 embarcaciones de pesca, ocho barcos congeladores, 17 para transporte de pescado, 49 barcos livianos, un buque cisterna, además de una grúa y ocho barcos de apoyo. La capacidad de sus súper cerqueros oscila entre 450 y 1.200 toneladas y los congeladores pueden transportar hasta 2.400 toneladas de pescado.
Las fábricas de conservas del Grupo procesan langostino, caballa, atún listado, cobia y atún de aleta amarilla para exportar.
sábado, 12 de diciembre de 2009
UC-Norwegian firm tieup seen to boost marine education
Source: Global Nation
A partnership between foreigners and a local university is expected to enhance Cebu's maritime education program.
The University of Cebu Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue (UCLM) and the Det Norske Veritas (DNV) SeaSkill Program signed on Thursday a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to ensure that the university's maritime education program follows the rules and standards set by the international maritime industry.
According to its website, Det Norske Veritas is a knowledge-based organization that “helps the maritime industry manage risk in all phases of a ship’s life through ship classification, statutory certification, fuel testing and a range of technical, business risk and competency-related services.”
Its primarily roles are to set standards, verify compliance with set standards and document.
Candice Gotianuy, chancellor of the University of Cebu, said “DNV is the largest classification board in the maritime industry.”
The DNV SeaSkill Program is set to improve UC's maritime program by “benchmarking it against the best training practices in the field” and by identifying what the program needs and incorporate that into the program.
For the Norwegian Training Center Manila and NSA (Norwegian Shipowners Association) Philippines Cadet project, UC’s move to partner with DNV to enhance its maritime program shows its commitment to ensuring the “competence and quality” of maritime education and training.
Another highlight of the event yesterday was the inauguration of the UCLM-NSA Marine Engineering Machine Shop and Global Maritime Distress Signal System.
The Norwegian Maritime Organization Foundation of the Philippines under its NSA Philippines Cadet Project has been in an active partnership with the University of Cebu since 1993.
According to a statement from the University of Cebu, the project is meant to enhance the quality of maritime education in the Philippines and to create a pool of future seafarers under the NSA Training Program. It will promote competence among Filipino cadets as future maritime officers for NSA or Norwegian controlled fleets and to prove that Filipinos can become highly competitive seafarers in the international maritime market.
The Norwegian donation paves the way for new computer-operated facilities that are estimated to cost not less than P25 million.
Gotianuy said she believes the equipment will guarantee a better life for cadets and their families.
The equipment allocated will “exceed the requirements of maritime education and shall provide training that can translate fundamental knowledge to practical application, skills development and comeptence.”
Dr. Tore Forsmo, chairman of NSA, said that Filipinos play a vital role in the maritime industry.
Because of the organization's trust in Filipino' skills, they will not stop in delivering quality training. The NSA is set to sponsor 250 scholars in UCLM by next year.
A scholar would enjoy free tuition and textbooks, school supplies, free board and lodging, computer-based training, shipboard trips, and 10 to 12 months shipboard training aboard “international-plying”
The NSA vessels while receiving a monthly allowance of $450.
A partnership between foreigners and a local university is expected to enhance Cebu's maritime education program.
The University of Cebu Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue (UCLM) and the Det Norske Veritas (DNV) SeaSkill Program signed on Thursday a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to ensure that the university's maritime education program follows the rules and standards set by the international maritime industry.
According to its website, Det Norske Veritas is a knowledge-based organization that “helps the maritime industry manage risk in all phases of a ship’s life through ship classification, statutory certification, fuel testing and a range of technical, business risk and competency-related services.”
Its primarily roles are to set standards, verify compliance with set standards and document.
Candice Gotianuy, chancellor of the University of Cebu, said “DNV is the largest classification board in the maritime industry.”
The DNV SeaSkill Program is set to improve UC's maritime program by “benchmarking it against the best training practices in the field” and by identifying what the program needs and incorporate that into the program.
For the Norwegian Training Center Manila and NSA (Norwegian Shipowners Association) Philippines Cadet project, UC’s move to partner with DNV to enhance its maritime program shows its commitment to ensuring the “competence and quality” of maritime education and training.
Another highlight of the event yesterday was the inauguration of the UCLM-NSA Marine Engineering Machine Shop and Global Maritime Distress Signal System.
The Norwegian Maritime Organization Foundation of the Philippines under its NSA Philippines Cadet Project has been in an active partnership with the University of Cebu since 1993.
According to a statement from the University of Cebu, the project is meant to enhance the quality of maritime education in the Philippines and to create a pool of future seafarers under the NSA Training Program. It will promote competence among Filipino cadets as future maritime officers for NSA or Norwegian controlled fleets and to prove that Filipinos can become highly competitive seafarers in the international maritime market.
The Norwegian donation paves the way for new computer-operated facilities that are estimated to cost not less than P25 million.
Gotianuy said she believes the equipment will guarantee a better life for cadets and their families.
The equipment allocated will “exceed the requirements of maritime education and shall provide training that can translate fundamental knowledge to practical application, skills development and comeptence.”
Dr. Tore Forsmo, chairman of NSA, said that Filipinos play a vital role in the maritime industry.
Because of the organization's trust in Filipino' skills, they will not stop in delivering quality training. The NSA is set to sponsor 250 scholars in UCLM by next year.
A scholar would enjoy free tuition and textbooks, school supplies, free board and lodging, computer-based training, shipboard trips, and 10 to 12 months shipboard training aboard “international-plying”
The NSA vessels while receiving a monthly allowance of $450.
sábado, 21 de noviembre de 2009
Seafarers seeking proof of ship security certificate
Source: Manila Standard
Nelson Ramirez, president of the United Filipino Seafarers, is urging the Maritime Industry Authority to present the certificate issued last month to m/v Princess of the South, allowing it to resume sailing.
He said the call was for the welfare and safety of the passengers and Filipino crew.
Ramirez asked the Marina board through the Office of Transport Security a copy of the National Ship Security Certificate because of reports of undue haste in the signing of the document at the authority’s office in Cebu.
When the m/v Princess of the Stars sank on June 21 last year, Marina grounded all vessels of Sulpicio Lines but later allowed cargo ships to resume operations.
Ramirez said the suspension of the firm’s vessels should remain until safety requirements have been met and the claims of the families of the victims are settled.
Nelson Ramirez, president of the United Filipino Seafarers, is urging the Maritime Industry Authority to present the certificate issued last month to m/v Princess of the South, allowing it to resume sailing.
He said the call was for the welfare and safety of the passengers and Filipino crew.
Ramirez asked the Marina board through the Office of Transport Security a copy of the National Ship Security Certificate because of reports of undue haste in the signing of the document at the authority’s office in Cebu.
When the m/v Princess of the Stars sank on June 21 last year, Marina grounded all vessels of Sulpicio Lines but later allowed cargo ships to resume operations.
Ramirez said the suspension of the firm’s vessels should remain until safety requirements have been met and the claims of the families of the victims are settled.
lunes, 14 de septiembre de 2009
Urgent: Maritime Code of 2009
Source: Negros Chronicle
This long pending bill is close to gathering mothballs in Congress, if not for the latest sea tragedy (one of the many others in the past) which has finally triggered Malacañang to push Congress for the passage of the Marine Code of 2009 , otherwise known as the Merchant Shipping Act of 2009.
It is unfortunate one more sea tragedy had to happen and so many lives lost just to push our policymakers into action. We hope that the Superferry 9 tragedy will be the last, and that this important law be passed NOW so that shipping companies among others will be forced to modernize their floating coffins into efficient modern vessels, and government agencies given more teeth to implement shipping laws.
The forthcoming Marine Code of 2009 is a piece of legislation which is envisioned to be an omnibus maritime code for the country. Sad to recall but those earlier congressional action, including RA 9295 or the Domestic Shipping Act of 2004, had deregulated the shipping industry but our implementers have failed to significantly improve things in the shipping industry. We still are witnesses to many dilapidated boats which are virtual floating coffins mostly left unattended by their owners.
This business of dispersing maritime powers to other agencies could be the culprit in the lackadaisical manner of monitoring and implementing laws of sea travel.
In some instances, the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) has had its powers reduced or transferred to agencies ranging from the Department of Labor and Employment (concerning seafarers) and the Department of Trade and Industry (concerning sea freight forwarders and ship agents) to the Philippine Coast Guard (for determining the seaworthiness of vessels).
We believe, these functions should be returned to Marina in order to centralize and focus the efforts in promoting maritime welfare.
The laws in sea travel should now be consolidated into one omnibus Merchant Shipping Act in the Marine Code of 2009.
The law, when passed, will virtually authorize Marina to handle all concerns ranging from seafarers to shippers to ship owners, including judicial and arbitration powers which had the potential of making the Philippines a regional, if not world center for such maritime matters.
In fact, this new process has received international funding and support from the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation through the Norwegian Maritime Directorate (Norad/NMD). Experts from the University of the Philippines Public Administration Research and Development Foundation Inc. (UPPAF), and the Center for Research and Communication Foundation Inc.
of the University of Asia and the Pacific (CRC/UAP) will be acting as technical advisers and consultants to craft the necessary legislation.
We cannot afford another sea tragedy and waste of lives simply because of slow and poor regulatory mechanisms in the bureaucracy of governing sea travel. The truth is, if only Congress will just walk the extra mile and focus first on public welfare, rather than selves, then, this Maritime Act of 2009 can still make it before the June 2010 elections.
This long pending bill is close to gathering mothballs in Congress, if not for the latest sea tragedy (one of the many others in the past) which has finally triggered Malacañang to push Congress for the passage of the Marine Code of 2009 , otherwise known as the Merchant Shipping Act of 2009.
It is unfortunate one more sea tragedy had to happen and so many lives lost just to push our policymakers into action. We hope that the Superferry 9 tragedy will be the last, and that this important law be passed NOW so that shipping companies among others will be forced to modernize their floating coffins into efficient modern vessels, and government agencies given more teeth to implement shipping laws.
The forthcoming Marine Code of 2009 is a piece of legislation which is envisioned to be an omnibus maritime code for the country. Sad to recall but those earlier congressional action, including RA 9295 or the Domestic Shipping Act of 2004, had deregulated the shipping industry but our implementers have failed to significantly improve things in the shipping industry. We still are witnesses to many dilapidated boats which are virtual floating coffins mostly left unattended by their owners.
This business of dispersing maritime powers to other agencies could be the culprit in the lackadaisical manner of monitoring and implementing laws of sea travel.
In some instances, the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) has had its powers reduced or transferred to agencies ranging from the Department of Labor and Employment (concerning seafarers) and the Department of Trade and Industry (concerning sea freight forwarders and ship agents) to the Philippine Coast Guard (for determining the seaworthiness of vessels).
We believe, these functions should be returned to Marina in order to centralize and focus the efforts in promoting maritime welfare.
The laws in sea travel should now be consolidated into one omnibus Merchant Shipping Act in the Marine Code of 2009.
The law, when passed, will virtually authorize Marina to handle all concerns ranging from seafarers to shippers to ship owners, including judicial and arbitration powers which had the potential of making the Philippines a regional, if not world center for such maritime matters.
In fact, this new process has received international funding and support from the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation through the Norwegian Maritime Directorate (Norad/NMD). Experts from the University of the Philippines Public Administration Research and Development Foundation Inc. (UPPAF), and the Center for Research and Communication Foundation Inc.
of the University of Asia and the Pacific (CRC/UAP) will be acting as technical advisers and consultants to craft the necessary legislation.
We cannot afford another sea tragedy and waste of lives simply because of slow and poor regulatory mechanisms in the bureaucracy of governing sea travel. The truth is, if only Congress will just walk the extra mile and focus first on public welfare, rather than selves, then, this Maritime Act of 2009 can still make it before the June 2010 elections.
sábado, 29 de agosto de 2009
Sin rastro de vida en el ferry hundido en Filipinas
Fuente: RTVE
EFE MANILA
Los equipos de buceo no han hallado rastro de supervivientes en el ferry que naufragó hace tres días a causa del tifón Fengshen en Filipinas y en el que viajaban más de 800 personas. Los buzos, que no pudieron acceder al interior del barco, sí vieron a través de las ventanas a un número indeterminado de cuerpos que flotaban dentro, según un portavoz de la Guardia Costera.
Por el momento, los supervivientes del naufragio son sólo 34 y seis cuerpos han sido rescatados, con lo que hay 822 desaparecidos. El pasado domingo, cuando los equipos de rescate se sumergieron por primera vez en el lugar del accidente, no obtuvieron respuesta cuando golpearon el casco por si les escuchaba alguien.
De confirmarse la muerte de los desaparecidos, será el accidente marítimo más grave desde 1987, cuando casi 4.400 perecieron en el choque de un transbordador contra un petrolero.
A última hora del lunes, 35 cadáveres fueron recuperados en aguas de la isla de Masbate en la región central de Filipinas, pero no todos los cuerpos procedían del barco hundido. Hace ya más de 72 horas que el navío quedó varado en Sibuyan, 60 kilómetros al este de Masbate y unos 300 kilómetros al sur de la capital, por el temporal del tifón Fengshen, que arrasó el fin de semana varias zonas de Filipinas.
Perforarán el casco
Según lo previsto, si los submarinistas no logran encontrar a las víctimas, está previsto que un buque de la Guardia Costera perfore el casco del transbordador, lo que supone el riesgo de causar un vertido de combustible que puede desencadenar una catástrofe medioambiental.
A bordo del transbordador, de unas 24.000 toneladas y propiedad de la naviera filipina Sulpicio Lines, iban 862 personas, incluidos 111 tripulantes, y no 746, como se difundió inicialmente.
Filipinas sufrió en diciembre de 1987 el mayor desastre de la historia de la navegación comercial, cuando cerca de 4.400 personas perdieron en la colisión contra un petrolero del ferry Doña Paz.
En tierra firme, al menos 224 personas han muerto y otras 374 han sido dadas por desaparecidas a causa de las riadas y corrimientos de tierras a causa del tifón a su paso por regiones del centro y del sur del archipiélago, según la Cruz Roja local.
Los equipos de buceo no han hallado rastro de supervivientes en el ferry que naufragó hace tres días a causa del tifón Fengshen en Filipinas y en el que viajaban más de 800 personas. Los buzos, que no pudieron acceder al interior del barco, sí vieron a través de las ventanas a un número indeterminado de cuerpos que flotaban dentro, según un portavoz de la Guardia Costera.
Por el momento, los supervivientes del naufragio son sólo 34 y seis cuerpos han sido rescatados, con lo que hay 822 desaparecidos. El pasado domingo, cuando los equipos de rescate se sumergieron por primera vez en el lugar del accidente, no obtuvieron respuesta cuando golpearon el casco por si les escuchaba alguien.
De confirmarse la muerte de los desaparecidos, será el accidente marítimo más grave desde 1987, cuando casi 4.400 perecieron en el choque de un transbordador contra un petrolero.
A última hora del lunes, 35 cadáveres fueron recuperados en aguas de la isla de Masbate en la región central de Filipinas, pero no todos los cuerpos procedían del barco hundido. Hace ya más de 72 horas que el navío quedó varado en Sibuyan, 60 kilómetros al este de Masbate y unos 300 kilómetros al sur de la capital, por el temporal del tifón Fengshen, que arrasó el fin de semana varias zonas de Filipinas.
Perforarán el casco
Según lo previsto, si los submarinistas no logran encontrar a las víctimas, está previsto que un buque de la Guardia Costera perfore el casco del transbordador, lo que supone el riesgo de causar un vertido de combustible que puede desencadenar una catástrofe medioambiental.
A bordo del transbordador, de unas 24.000 toneladas y propiedad de la naviera filipina Sulpicio Lines, iban 862 personas, incluidos 111 tripulantes, y no 746, como se difundió inicialmente.
Filipinas sufrió en diciembre de 1987 el mayor desastre de la historia de la navegación comercial, cuando cerca de 4.400 personas perdieron en la colisión contra un petrolero del ferry Doña Paz.
En tierra firme, al menos 224 personas han muerto y otras 374 han sido dadas por desaparecidas a causa de las riadas y corrimientos de tierras a causa del tifón a su paso por regiones del centro y del sur del archipiélago, según la Cruz Roja local.
domingo, 24 de mayo de 2009
MFI offers maritime cadet training
Source: MB
MFI Foundation, Inc. (formerly Meralco Foundation) strengthened its reputation as a training institution with a recent announcement of MFI’s partnership with Philippine Standard Shipmanagement, Inc. (PSSI) to provide technical training as part of PSSI’s cadet training program.
PSSI, in behalf of its principal Shinwa Marine Corporation, has tapped the MFI Technological Institute (MFI-TI) to conduct technical upgrading programs starting this month. The program has two-phases, with the first part covering basic subjects for both deck and engine cadets. The second phase will enhance the technical skills of engine cadets through training in electrical, electronics, instrumentation, and marine refrigeration.
PSSI will choose cadets among the fresh college graduates of Marine Engineering and Marine Transport programs. The first batch of cadets began their training at MFI-TI this month. The second batch will start in August.
PSSI, in behalf of its principal Shinwa Marine Corporation, has tapped the MFI Technological Institute (MFI-TI) to conduct technical upgrading programs starting this month. The program has two-phases, with the first part covering basic subjects for both deck and engine cadets. The second phase will enhance the technical skills of engine cadets through training in electrical, electronics, instrumentation, and marine refrigeration.
PSSI will choose cadets among the fresh college graduates of Marine Engineering and Marine Transport programs. The first batch of cadets began their training at MFI-TI this month. The second batch will start in August.
jueves, 12 de marzo de 2009
Training on anti-maritime pollution held
Source: PIA
Davao City (13 March) -- In keeping with the present-day sensitivities on environmental issues specifically on maritime pollution, a training on Anti-Maritime Pollution was held recently conducted by Golden Dragon International Inc., the PPA-licensed outfit tasked to provide services nationwide that are related to maritime wastes collection.
GDTI, founded in 2003, was granted the exclusive function to oversee the control of marine-based pollution.
The enactment of the Maritime Pollution Law or known widely as MARPOL is in accordance with the UN Convention Law of the Sea which the Philippines is among the signatories.
The conduct of the training is in support of the objectives of International Maritime Organization Convention Marpol 73/78 to reduce marine pollution by controlling or prohibiting illegal discharge of waste from ships and to ensure that ship-generated wastes are properly collected, treated and disposed of in environmentally sound ways and in accordance with existing standards and laws.
In the past, the Philippine Ports Authority has received reports that wastes on board vessels were dumped at open sea jeopardizing marine life and gravely threatening the already-threatened lives at sea.
In The Port Management office of Davao, Atty. Christian V. Santillan, Port Manager, have issued guidelines to all Shipping Companies/Agencies, Private Port Operators and Owners regarding compulsory disposal of garbage and wastes from the vessel into the Shore Reception Facility (SRF) installed in the port.
Held in Davao City, last Feb 13, 2009 the training was attended by GDTI PERSONNEL ships' agents and representatives Speakers include those from Philippine Coast Guard and MARINA; Engr. Alex Madamba of the Philippine Ports Authority also lectured on the Information and Education Campaign Program. (PPA/PIA XI)
Davao City (13 March) -- In keeping with the present-day sensitivities on environmental issues specifically on maritime pollution, a training on Anti-Maritime Pollution was held recently conducted by Golden Dragon International Inc., the PPA-licensed outfit tasked to provide services nationwide that are related to maritime wastes collection.
GDTI, founded in 2003, was granted the exclusive function to oversee the control of marine-based pollution.
The enactment of the Maritime Pollution Law or known widely as MARPOL is in accordance with the UN Convention Law of the Sea which the Philippines is among the signatories.
The conduct of the training is in support of the objectives of International Maritime Organization Convention Marpol 73/78 to reduce marine pollution by controlling or prohibiting illegal discharge of waste from ships and to ensure that ship-generated wastes are properly collected, treated and disposed of in environmentally sound ways and in accordance with existing standards and laws.
In the past, the Philippine Ports Authority has received reports that wastes on board vessels were dumped at open sea jeopardizing marine life and gravely threatening the already-threatened lives at sea.
In The Port Management office of Davao, Atty. Christian V. Santillan, Port Manager, have issued guidelines to all Shipping Companies/Agencies, Private Port Operators and Owners regarding compulsory disposal of garbage and wastes from the vessel into the Shore Reception Facility (SRF) installed in the port.
Held in Davao City, last Feb 13, 2009 the training was attended by GDTI PERSONNEL ships' agents and representatives Speakers include those from Philippine Coast Guard and MARINA; Engr. Alex Madamba of the Philippine Ports Authority also lectured on the Information and Education Campaign Program. (PPA/PIA XI)
domingo, 31 de agosto de 2008
$22M vessel launched
Source: Sun Star
AFTER witnessing the launch of a 57-meter car and passenger high-speed vessel they have ordered, government officials of the two provinces of New Caledonia vowed to promote the local shipyard that produced the vessel and Filipino workmanship.
President Neko Hnepeune of the Loyalty Islands Province Government and President Philippe Gomes of the Southern Province Government—the two provinces of New Caledonia—said they are “happy and proud” with the completion of the Betico 2, which hit the sea for the first time off the FBMA Marine Inc. slipway in Balamban, Cebu last Saturday.
“Even if we cannot promote it (FBMA Marine), the presence of Betico 2 itself (is a promotion) because it is (going to be) famous (in New Caledonia),” said Hnepeune as translated by Southern Province external affairs advisor Christiane Waneissi.
The $22-million Betico 2 will replace a nine-year-old high-speed vessel that connects the islands in New Caledonia. It can accommodate 356 passengers and 10 vehicles.
Happy, proud
New Caledonia, a French territory, is located in the south Pacific, near Australia and New Zealand. While its economy is driven mainly by mining revenues—25 percent of the world’s nickel resources come from New Caledonia—its tourism industry is also growing.
Gomes said the two provincial governments of New Caledonia are “happy (with) and proud” of the outcome of their choice of shipyard after seeing the “unique talent” and “performance” of the 500 Filipino workers who constructed the vessel at FBMA.
FBMA, a member of the Aboitiz group, was chosen from among eight companies based in Australia, Italy and the Netherlands. The company was the final pick by a group of international maritime experts.
Gomes said an expert from the Department of Maritime in France had reported to him and to Hnepeune after inspecting the construction of the Betico 2 at FBMA that work on the vessel and the conditions at the shipyard in Balamban are according to requirements.
“That report was very important because the cost of the boat is too high, we cannot take the risk of the boat sinking,” he told reporters in a press conference following the Betico 2 launching.
Challenging
The vessel will be owned and operated by Sudiles, a company established by the economic development ministries of the two provinces of New Caledonia.
FBMA president and chief operating officer Douglas Border said the construction of Betico 2 was “quite challenging” because the vessel is designed according to “very strict” French maritime requirements.
“Sudiles was very specific…(it wanted) a strong vessel (that is able to provide) a comfortable (ride),” he said during the same press conference.
Betico 2, which has an aluminum catamaran hull, is designed for the “some of the roughest open sea crossings” in the Pacific. “It has been specifically designed to meet the harsh conditions while complying with some of the toughest European shipping regulations,” according to a statement from FBMA.
FBMA chairman and chief executive officer Roberto Aboitiz said he is “happy and proud” that the company is able to deliver a “quality, safe and strong vessel on time.”
He said he is grateful for the trust of New Caledonia officials in FBMA, and described their choice to hire the Cebu shipyard as a “leap of faith,” considering that they were evaluating proposals from larger international shipmakers.
Work on the Betico 2 began 13 months ago. Saturday’s launch marks the start of trials at sea for the vessel and work on final touches, like furniture and furnishings.
Aboitiz said all the furniture pieces on Betico 2 are locally manufactured. Instrumentations and engines are imported.
Aboitiz also revealed that FBMA is currently constructing two vessels for Wightlink in the United Kingdom and is trying to secure four more projects.
Apart from officials of New Caledonia, Sudiles and the French Embassy in Manila, the Betico 2 launching was also witnessed by Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia.
AFTER witnessing the launch of a 57-meter car and passenger high-speed vessel they have ordered, government officials of the two provinces of New Caledonia vowed to promote the local shipyard that produced the vessel and Filipino workmanship.
President Neko Hnepeune of the Loyalty Islands Province Government and President Philippe Gomes of the Southern Province Government—the two provinces of New Caledonia—said they are “happy and proud” with the completion of the Betico 2, which hit the sea for the first time off the FBMA Marine Inc. slipway in Balamban, Cebu last Saturday.
“Even if we cannot promote it (FBMA Marine), the presence of Betico 2 itself (is a promotion) because it is (going to be) famous (in New Caledonia),” said Hnepeune as translated by Southern Province external affairs advisor Christiane Waneissi.
The $22-million Betico 2 will replace a nine-year-old high-speed vessel that connects the islands in New Caledonia. It can accommodate 356 passengers and 10 vehicles.
Happy, proud
New Caledonia, a French territory, is located in the south Pacific, near Australia and New Zealand. While its economy is driven mainly by mining revenues—25 percent of the world’s nickel resources come from New Caledonia—its tourism industry is also growing.
Gomes said the two provincial governments of New Caledonia are “happy (with) and proud” of the outcome of their choice of shipyard after seeing the “unique talent” and “performance” of the 500 Filipino workers who constructed the vessel at FBMA.
FBMA, a member of the Aboitiz group, was chosen from among eight companies based in Australia, Italy and the Netherlands. The company was the final pick by a group of international maritime experts.
Gomes said an expert from the Department of Maritime in France had reported to him and to Hnepeune after inspecting the construction of the Betico 2 at FBMA that work on the vessel and the conditions at the shipyard in Balamban are according to requirements.
“That report was very important because the cost of the boat is too high, we cannot take the risk of the boat sinking,” he told reporters in a press conference following the Betico 2 launching.
Challenging
The vessel will be owned and operated by Sudiles, a company established by the economic development ministries of the two provinces of New Caledonia.
FBMA president and chief operating officer Douglas Border said the construction of Betico 2 was “quite challenging” because the vessel is designed according to “very strict” French maritime requirements.
“Sudiles was very specific…(it wanted) a strong vessel (that is able to provide) a comfortable (ride),” he said during the same press conference.
Betico 2, which has an aluminum catamaran hull, is designed for the “some of the roughest open sea crossings” in the Pacific. “It has been specifically designed to meet the harsh conditions while complying with some of the toughest European shipping regulations,” according to a statement from FBMA.
FBMA chairman and chief executive officer Roberto Aboitiz said he is “happy and proud” that the company is able to deliver a “quality, safe and strong vessel on time.”
He said he is grateful for the trust of New Caledonia officials in FBMA, and described their choice to hire the Cebu shipyard as a “leap of faith,” considering that they were evaluating proposals from larger international shipmakers.
Work on the Betico 2 began 13 months ago. Saturday’s launch marks the start of trials at sea for the vessel and work on final touches, like furniture and furnishings.
Aboitiz said all the furniture pieces on Betico 2 are locally manufactured. Instrumentations and engines are imported.
Aboitiz also revealed that FBMA is currently constructing two vessels for Wightlink in the United Kingdom and is trying to secure four more projects.
Apart from officials of New Caledonia, Sudiles and the French Embassy in Manila, the Betico 2 launching was also witnessed by Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia.
miércoles, 25 de junio de 2008
Un centenar de buceadores intenta extraer los cadáveres atrapados en el buque
Fuente: EFE
Manila, 25 jun (EFE).- Cerca de un centenar de buceadores de las fuerzas navales de Estados Unidos y de Filipinas, se adentró hoy en el buque hundido para recuperar los cadáveres que quedaron atrapados en el interior, donde se cree que permanecen parte de los 740 desaparecidos.
Las tarea de sacar a la superficie a los cadáveres, que empezó por el compartimento de primera clase, es lenta y está obstaculizada por el oleaje que mueve casi constantemente el transbordador hundido boca abajo y del que únicamente sobresale del agua su proa.
La popa del barco, de unas 24.000 toneladas de peso y de siete plantas, está asentada sobre una plataforma de coral, por lo que los que los expertos no descartan que ésta ceda y el transbordados se sumerja del todo.
"Están (los buceadores) inspeccionando la cabina de primera clase, luego nadarán más profundo para examinar los otros espacios del barco", explicó el portavoz del servicio de Guarda Costa, Armando Padillo, en rueda de prensa.
Para penetrar en el ferry "Princess of Stars", que zozobró el pasado sábado a unos tres kilómetros al sureste de la isla de Sibuyan, en la región central del archipiélago, los buceadores han perforado escotillas y roto ventanillas.
Fuentes de la Armada filipina indicaron que entre la veintena de cadáveres extraídos del barco durante la jornada, uno de ellos tenía aspecto occidental, aunque precisaron que ese aspecto no se podía confirmar sin un examen forense.
En el barco, de unas 24.000 toneladas, iban a bordo un total de 862 personas, incluidos 111 tripulantes, cuando se hundió al día siguiente de que zarpara, el pasado viernes, del puerto de Manila con destino a la isla de Cebú.
Desde entonces, un total de 48 personas han sido encontradas con vida en distintas islas de la región, y la cifra de muertos se aproxima a 70, según fuentes del servicio de Guarda Costas.
A las operaciones de rescate, se incorporaron unos 30 buceadores del navío de la Armada estadounidense "Stockham, al que se unirá en las próximas horas el grupo naval encabezado por el portaaviones "Ronald Regan", con la misión de participar en las tareas de asistencia a los damnificados por el tifón "Fengshen".
Además del "Princess of Stars", al menos otros ocho barcos de pesca o cargueros se hundieron a causa del temporal que desató el tifón a su paso por las regiones central y sur del archipiélago de las Filipinas, donde gran parte de los buques de la flota son viejos y las autoridades relajan la aplicación de las normas básica de seguridad marítima.
Por orden la presidenta Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, una comisión ha abierto una investigación a la naviera filipina Sulpicio Lines, para aclarar su responsabilidad responsable del desastre.
Sulpicio Lines, que mantiene la versión de que su transbordador zarpó tras recibir la pertinente autorización, era propietaria del buque "Doña Paz", que se llevó consigo al fondo del mar a unas 4.400 personas tras colisionar en 1987 con un petrolero.
El desastre del "Doña Paz" es hasta hoy el mayor de la historia de la navegación comercial.
En tierra firme, al menos 288 personas han fallecido y 275 han sido dadas por desaparecidas a causa de las riadas y corrimientos de tierras provocados por el tifón a su paso por regiones del centro y del sur del archipiélago, según datos de la Cruz Roja local.
El tifón, que el miércoles llegó al sur de China, ha dejado unos 300.000 damnificados, y causado dañó materiales por valor de 1.000 millones de pesos (unos 22,7 millones de dólares), de acuerdo a los datos facilitados por el Comité Nacional para la Coordinación de Desastres.
Manila, 25 jun (EFE).- Cerca de un centenar de buceadores de las fuerzas navales de Estados Unidos y de Filipinas, se adentró hoy en el buque hundido para recuperar los cadáveres que quedaron atrapados en el interior, donde se cree que permanecen parte de los 740 desaparecidos.
Las tarea de sacar a la superficie a los cadáveres, que empezó por el compartimento de primera clase, es lenta y está obstaculizada por el oleaje que mueve casi constantemente el transbordador hundido boca abajo y del que únicamente sobresale del agua su proa.
La popa del barco, de unas 24.000 toneladas de peso y de siete plantas, está asentada sobre una plataforma de coral, por lo que los que los expertos no descartan que ésta ceda y el transbordados se sumerja del todo.
"Están (los buceadores) inspeccionando la cabina de primera clase, luego nadarán más profundo para examinar los otros espacios del barco", explicó el portavoz del servicio de Guarda Costa, Armando Padillo, en rueda de prensa.
Para penetrar en el ferry "Princess of Stars", que zozobró el pasado sábado a unos tres kilómetros al sureste de la isla de Sibuyan, en la región central del archipiélago, los buceadores han perforado escotillas y roto ventanillas.
Fuentes de la Armada filipina indicaron que entre la veintena de cadáveres extraídos del barco durante la jornada, uno de ellos tenía aspecto occidental, aunque precisaron que ese aspecto no se podía confirmar sin un examen forense.
En el barco, de unas 24.000 toneladas, iban a bordo un total de 862 personas, incluidos 111 tripulantes, cuando se hundió al día siguiente de que zarpara, el pasado viernes, del puerto de Manila con destino a la isla de Cebú.
Desde entonces, un total de 48 personas han sido encontradas con vida en distintas islas de la región, y la cifra de muertos se aproxima a 70, según fuentes del servicio de Guarda Costas.
A las operaciones de rescate, se incorporaron unos 30 buceadores del navío de la Armada estadounidense "Stockham, al que se unirá en las próximas horas el grupo naval encabezado por el portaaviones "Ronald Regan", con la misión de participar en las tareas de asistencia a los damnificados por el tifón "Fengshen".
Además del "Princess of Stars", al menos otros ocho barcos de pesca o cargueros se hundieron a causa del temporal que desató el tifón a su paso por las regiones central y sur del archipiélago de las Filipinas, donde gran parte de los buques de la flota son viejos y las autoridades relajan la aplicación de las normas básica de seguridad marítima.
Por orden la presidenta Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, una comisión ha abierto una investigación a la naviera filipina Sulpicio Lines, para aclarar su responsabilidad responsable del desastre.
Sulpicio Lines, que mantiene la versión de que su transbordador zarpó tras recibir la pertinente autorización, era propietaria del buque "Doña Paz", que se llevó consigo al fondo del mar a unas 4.400 personas tras colisionar en 1987 con un petrolero.
El desastre del "Doña Paz" es hasta hoy el mayor de la historia de la navegación comercial.
En tierra firme, al menos 288 personas han fallecido y 275 han sido dadas por desaparecidas a causa de las riadas y corrimientos de tierras provocados por el tifón a su paso por regiones del centro y del sur del archipiélago, según datos de la Cruz Roja local.
El tifón, que el miércoles llegó al sur de China, ha dejado unos 300.000 damnificados, y causado dañó materiales por valor de 1.000 millones de pesos (unos 22,7 millones de dólares), de acuerdo a los datos facilitados por el Comité Nacional para la Coordinación de Desastres.
martes, 24 de junio de 2008
Hallan decenas de cadáveres en ferry hundido en Filipinas
Fuente: La Cronica de Hoy
Por: Notimex en Tokio
Buzos de la Marina de Filipinas hallaron hoy decenas de cadáveres en el interior del ferry hundido el sábado pasado con más de 800 personas a bordo frente a la isla de Sibuyan, en medio de la tempestad por el tifón que azotó el país.
'La mayoría de los cuerpos fueron encontrados flotando dentro de la embarcación después que los buzos lograron abrir boquetes en el casco y localizaro aberturas para entrar en el transbordador', dijo el vocero de la Marina filipina, Edgard Arevalo.
En declaraciones reproducidas por el diario filipino Sun Star, precisó que los buceadores no lograron determinar la cantidad de cadáveres debido a la oscuridad, aunque dijo que eran bastantes y que algunos tenían los chalecos salvavidas.
Arevalo indicó que posiblemente algunos de los pasajeros sobrevivieron inicialmente al naufragio, pero murieron después al quedar atrapados en el interior del ferry 'Princess of the Stars'.
Señaló que ahora la prioridad del equipo de buzos es sacar hasta la superficie los cuerpos, con cautela para evitar que el barco, del que se asoma la proa, se hunda todo y vierta los casi 100 mil litros de combustible.
"Está siendo difícil abrir todos los compartimentos del barco porque hay que pensar también en la seguridad de los buceadores", apuntó el portavoz de la Armada.
En el "Princess of Stars", de unas 24 mil toneladas y propiedad de la naviera filipina Sulpicio Lines, viajaban un total de 862 personas, incluidos 111 tripulantes, cuando naufragó a unos tres kilómetros al sureste de la isla Sibuyan.
Hasta este martes, sólo habían sido localizados 20 cadáveres y 62 sobrevivientes del desastre marítimo, considerado el peor en Filipinas desde diciembre de 1987, cuando casi cuatro mil personas murieron al chocar un ferry contra un petrolero.
El ferry 'Princess of the Stats', que había zarpado de Manila el viernes pasado con destino a Cebu, naufragó el sábado frente a las costas de Sibuyan a causa de las enormes olas provocadas por el tifón 'Fengshen', de ha dejado hasta el momento 163 muertos.
Por: Notimex en Tokio
Buzos de la Marina de Filipinas hallaron hoy decenas de cadáveres en el interior del ferry hundido el sábado pasado con más de 800 personas a bordo frente a la isla de Sibuyan, en medio de la tempestad por el tifón que azotó el país.
'La mayoría de los cuerpos fueron encontrados flotando dentro de la embarcación después que los buzos lograron abrir boquetes en el casco y localizaro aberturas para entrar en el transbordador', dijo el vocero de la Marina filipina, Edgard Arevalo.
En declaraciones reproducidas por el diario filipino Sun Star, precisó que los buceadores no lograron determinar la cantidad de cadáveres debido a la oscuridad, aunque dijo que eran bastantes y que algunos tenían los chalecos salvavidas.
Arevalo indicó que posiblemente algunos de los pasajeros sobrevivieron inicialmente al naufragio, pero murieron después al quedar atrapados en el interior del ferry 'Princess of the Stars'.
Señaló que ahora la prioridad del equipo de buzos es sacar hasta la superficie los cuerpos, con cautela para evitar que el barco, del que se asoma la proa, se hunda todo y vierta los casi 100 mil litros de combustible.
"Está siendo difícil abrir todos los compartimentos del barco porque hay que pensar también en la seguridad de los buceadores", apuntó el portavoz de la Armada.
En el "Princess of Stars", de unas 24 mil toneladas y propiedad de la naviera filipina Sulpicio Lines, viajaban un total de 862 personas, incluidos 111 tripulantes, cuando naufragó a unos tres kilómetros al sureste de la isla Sibuyan.
Hasta este martes, sólo habían sido localizados 20 cadáveres y 62 sobrevivientes del desastre marítimo, considerado el peor en Filipinas desde diciembre de 1987, cuando casi cuatro mil personas murieron al chocar un ferry contra un petrolero.
El ferry 'Princess of the Stats', que había zarpado de Manila el viernes pasado con destino a Cebu, naufragó el sábado frente a las costas de Sibuyan a causa de las enormes olas provocadas por el tifón 'Fengshen', de ha dejado hasta el momento 163 muertos.
lunes, 23 de junio de 2008
Poca esperanza de hallar más sobrevivientes naufragio Filipinas
Fuente: Reuters
Por Romeo Ranoco
ISLA SIBUYAN, Filipinas (Reuters) - Los equipos de rescate abrigaban el lunes pocas esperanzas de encontrar a algunas de las 800 personas desaparecidas tras el hundimiento de un ferry de pasajeros en Filipinas, en medio de un fuerte oleaje tras el paso de un tifón.
Se teme que muchos pasajeros estén atrapados dentro de la embarcación Princess of Stars, ya que un grupo de sobrevivientes dijo que la gente estaba a bordo cuando el barco se hundió cerca de la isla Sibuyan -en el centro de Filipinas- por las enormes olas que provocó el tifón del sábado.
El barco está dado vuelta, con su proa sobre el agua y su popa en el fondo del mar, fácilmente visible desde la costa. La guardia costera dijo que los buzos iban a intentar abrir la embarcación de 23.824 toneladas el martes.
"Creemos que no hay nadie con vida adentro," dijo el teniente coronel Edgard Arevalo, portavoz de la armada filipina.
Hubo informes sobre 15 sobrevivientes que habrían sido vistos en la isla Sibuyan, pero hasta ahora sólo 33 personas fueron halladas con vida.
Washington estaba enviando un barco del Ejército, el USNS Stockham, con helicópteros a bordo, para ayudar en los esfuerzos de rescate, al igual que un avión de vigilancia marítima.
El tifón Fengshen, que se debilitó al grado de tormenta tropical en el Mar del Sur de China, sacudió a las Filipinas durante el fin de semana con vientos de hasta 195 kilómetros por hora.
Además de las víctimas por el accidente del ferry, posiblemente el peor en el archipiélago en más de 20 años, al menos 155 personas murieron, en su mayoría ahogadas, en un torrente de inundaciones en el sur y el centro del país, de acuerdo a la Cruz Roja.
El sexto tifón que sufre el archipiélago destrozó gran parte de la ya pobre infraestructura del país, devastando miles de casas, carreteras y puentes.
ESCENAS DE HORROR
Nueve cuerpos masculinos, presuntos pasajeros del Princess of Stars, aparecieron el lunes en la costa de la isla central de Masbate, ubicada al menos a 70 kilómetros de la isla Sibuyan.
"Los cuerpos estaban hinchados y en descomposición. Lo que hicimos fue envolverlos y enterrarlos enseguida," dijo el alcalde local a la radio.
En la provincia más afectada por el tifón, Iloilo, decenas de miles de personas fueron evacuadas.
"En este momento, están sorprendidas y confundidas. Necesitamos toda la ayuda que podamos conseguir," dijo Rolex Suplico, el vicegobernador. "Esta es la peor inundación que ha sufrido Iloilo."
El daño a la agricultura y la infraestructura en la provincia fue valorado en 38 millones de dólares.
La página de internet que sigue el curso de las tormentas, www.tropicalstormrisk.com, pronostica que Fengshen va a provocar fuertes lluvias y vientos en Taiwán y partes del sur de China en los próximos días.
Veintiocho pasajeros y tripulantes del ferry de pasajeros sobrevivieron luego de pasar más de 24 horas en un bote de goma.
Jessie Buot nadó con un chaleco salvavidas y logró llegar hasta la isla Sibuyan, a unos 2 o 3 kilómetros del lugar del accidente.
"Intenté ser valiente porque sabía que si sucumbía a mi miedo iba a morir," dijo la trabajadora agrícola de 24 años a Reuters. Al menos 15 personas se reportaron muertas.
Las autoridades del transporte filipino dijeron el lunes que habían retiraron embarcaciones de la compañía de ferries Sulpicio Lines para una inspección. Los barcos de la compañía sufrieron otros tres grandes accidentes durante los últimos 21 años.
En 1987, el ferry Dona Paz de Sulpicio chocó contra un buque petrolero, causando la muerte de más de 4.000 personas en la peor tragedia marítima del mundo en tiempos de paz.
Los viajes en ferry en las Filipinas, un archipiélago formado por más de 7.000 islas, son peligrosos debido a las débiles medidas de seguridad, la antigüedad de las embarcaciones y el mal clima, pero para mucha gente pobre es la única manera de viajar.
Los angustiados parientes de los 724 pasajeros y 140 tripulantes gritaban a los empleados de Sulpicio mientras esperaban noticias en la ciudad central de Cebu, a donde debía llegar el Princess of Stars.
"No pueden devolvernos a nuestros seres queridos. Son los responsables," dijo una mujer al personal de Sulpicio.
La compañía dijo que iba a pagar alrededor de 4.500 dólares en compensación a cada persona fallecida en el accidente y que también iba a dar algo de dinero a los sobrevivientes.
(Reporte adicional de Karen Lema y Rosemarie Francisco; por Carmel Crimmins, editado en español por Gabriela Donoso)
Por Romeo Ranoco
ISLA SIBUYAN, Filipinas (Reuters) - Los equipos de rescate abrigaban el lunes pocas esperanzas de encontrar a algunas de las 800 personas desaparecidas tras el hundimiento de un ferry de pasajeros en Filipinas, en medio de un fuerte oleaje tras el paso de un tifón.
Se teme que muchos pasajeros estén atrapados dentro de la embarcación Princess of Stars, ya que un grupo de sobrevivientes dijo que la gente estaba a bordo cuando el barco se hundió cerca de la isla Sibuyan -en el centro de Filipinas- por las enormes olas que provocó el tifón del sábado.
El barco está dado vuelta, con su proa sobre el agua y su popa en el fondo del mar, fácilmente visible desde la costa. La guardia costera dijo que los buzos iban a intentar abrir la embarcación de 23.824 toneladas el martes.
"Creemos que no hay nadie con vida adentro," dijo el teniente coronel Edgard Arevalo, portavoz de la armada filipina.
Hubo informes sobre 15 sobrevivientes que habrían sido vistos en la isla Sibuyan, pero hasta ahora sólo 33 personas fueron halladas con vida.
Washington estaba enviando un barco del Ejército, el USNS Stockham, con helicópteros a bordo, para ayudar en los esfuerzos de rescate, al igual que un avión de vigilancia marítima.
El tifón Fengshen, que se debilitó al grado de tormenta tropical en el Mar del Sur de China, sacudió a las Filipinas durante el fin de semana con vientos de hasta 195 kilómetros por hora.
Además de las víctimas por el accidente del ferry, posiblemente el peor en el archipiélago en más de 20 años, al menos 155 personas murieron, en su mayoría ahogadas, en un torrente de inundaciones en el sur y el centro del país, de acuerdo a la Cruz Roja.
El sexto tifón que sufre el archipiélago destrozó gran parte de la ya pobre infraestructura del país, devastando miles de casas, carreteras y puentes.
ESCENAS DE HORROR
Nueve cuerpos masculinos, presuntos pasajeros del Princess of Stars, aparecieron el lunes en la costa de la isla central de Masbate, ubicada al menos a 70 kilómetros de la isla Sibuyan.
"Los cuerpos estaban hinchados y en descomposición. Lo que hicimos fue envolverlos y enterrarlos enseguida," dijo el alcalde local a la radio.
En la provincia más afectada por el tifón, Iloilo, decenas de miles de personas fueron evacuadas.
"En este momento, están sorprendidas y confundidas. Necesitamos toda la ayuda que podamos conseguir," dijo Rolex Suplico, el vicegobernador. "Esta es la peor inundación que ha sufrido Iloilo."
El daño a la agricultura y la infraestructura en la provincia fue valorado en 38 millones de dólares.
La página de internet que sigue el curso de las tormentas, www.tropicalstormrisk.com, pronostica que Fengshen va a provocar fuertes lluvias y vientos en Taiwán y partes del sur de China en los próximos días.
Veintiocho pasajeros y tripulantes del ferry de pasajeros sobrevivieron luego de pasar más de 24 horas en un bote de goma.
Jessie Buot nadó con un chaleco salvavidas y logró llegar hasta la isla Sibuyan, a unos 2 o 3 kilómetros del lugar del accidente.
"Intenté ser valiente porque sabía que si sucumbía a mi miedo iba a morir," dijo la trabajadora agrícola de 24 años a Reuters. Al menos 15 personas se reportaron muertas.
Las autoridades del transporte filipino dijeron el lunes que habían retiraron embarcaciones de la compañía de ferries Sulpicio Lines para una inspección. Los barcos de la compañía sufrieron otros tres grandes accidentes durante los últimos 21 años.
En 1987, el ferry Dona Paz de Sulpicio chocó contra un buque petrolero, causando la muerte de más de 4.000 personas en la peor tragedia marítima del mundo en tiempos de paz.
Los viajes en ferry en las Filipinas, un archipiélago formado por más de 7.000 islas, son peligrosos debido a las débiles medidas de seguridad, la antigüedad de las embarcaciones y el mal clima, pero para mucha gente pobre es la única manera de viajar.
Los angustiados parientes de los 724 pasajeros y 140 tripulantes gritaban a los empleados de Sulpicio mientras esperaban noticias en la ciudad central de Cebu, a donde debía llegar el Princess of Stars.
"No pueden devolvernos a nuestros seres queridos. Son los responsables," dijo una mujer al personal de Sulpicio.
La compañía dijo que iba a pagar alrededor de 4.500 dólares en compensación a cada persona fallecida en el accidente y que también iba a dar algo de dinero a los sobrevivientes.
(Reporte adicional de Karen Lema y Rosemarie Francisco; por Carmel Crimmins, editado en español por Gabriela Donoso)
viernes, 30 de mayo de 2008
8 seamen discharged from hospital following gas leak incident
Fuente: Sunstar
THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday said eight Filipino seamen who had been hospitalized following a gas leak incident at a shipping yard in Shanghai, China last May 22 have been discharged.
DFA Spokesman Claro Cristobal said a report coming from consul general Maria Rowena Mendoza Sanchez confirmed that 13 Filipino seamen, and not 10 as earlier reported, were hospitalized in the aftermath of the gas leak incident at a shipping yard in Shanghai, China last May 22.
Those discharged were identified as Roger Bibal, 37; Ricardo Alina, 47; Ruel Saberon, 27; Emilio Filmer Lastima, 38; Chalmer Tolabing, 38; Patrick Cantes, 23; Jay-jay de Chavez, 27; and, Edgar de Leon, 28.
Filipino seamen who are still recuperating but are expected to be discharged from the hospital on Saturday are Francisco Hilario, 48; Reynaldo Landingen, 36; Thomas Daradar Jr., 38; Alvin Asentista, 33; and George Pacot, 33.
The gas leak that claimed the life of three Filipino seamen identified as Heracleof Casas, Ferdinand Armandares and Rex Villaruz, released carbon dioxide while the seamen were repairing the Panamanian ship MV Hakone at the Chongming Dadong Shipping Yard.
Consul Aileen Mendiola Rau led the Philippine contingent team in visiting those injured in the hospital. They also met with the Japanese owner of MV Hakone, its manning agents and hospital authorities, to ensure that Filipino seamen will receive appropriate care.
“The Philippine team is coordinating with Shanghai authorities and the employers on the repatriation of the remains of the three fatalities,” Cristobal said.
A mass organized by the shipowner, the manning agents and the consulate for the three deceased Filipino seamen will be said on Friday. (ECV/Sunnex)
THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday said eight Filipino seamen who had been hospitalized following a gas leak incident at a shipping yard in Shanghai, China last May 22 have been discharged.
DFA Spokesman Claro Cristobal said a report coming from consul general Maria Rowena Mendoza Sanchez confirmed that 13 Filipino seamen, and not 10 as earlier reported, were hospitalized in the aftermath of the gas leak incident at a shipping yard in Shanghai, China last May 22.
Those discharged were identified as Roger Bibal, 37; Ricardo Alina, 47; Ruel Saberon, 27; Emilio Filmer Lastima, 38; Chalmer Tolabing, 38; Patrick Cantes, 23; Jay-jay de Chavez, 27; and, Edgar de Leon, 28.
Filipino seamen who are still recuperating but are expected to be discharged from the hospital on Saturday are Francisco Hilario, 48; Reynaldo Landingen, 36; Thomas Daradar Jr., 38; Alvin Asentista, 33; and George Pacot, 33.
The gas leak that claimed the life of three Filipino seamen identified as Heracleof Casas, Ferdinand Armandares and Rex Villaruz, released carbon dioxide while the seamen were repairing the Panamanian ship MV Hakone at the Chongming Dadong Shipping Yard.
Consul Aileen Mendiola Rau led the Philippine contingent team in visiting those injured in the hospital. They also met with the Japanese owner of MV Hakone, its manning agents and hospital authorities, to ensure that Filipino seamen will receive appropriate care.
“The Philippine team is coordinating with Shanghai authorities and the employers on the repatriation of the remains of the three fatalities,” Cristobal said.
A mass organized by the shipowner, the manning agents and the consulate for the three deceased Filipino seamen will be said on Friday. (ECV/Sunnex)
lunes, 26 de mayo de 2008
Shortage of marine officers
Source: Sun Star
THE maritime industry is projecting a shortage of 200,000 trained and competent marine officers in the next four years.
Captain Cedric Dsouza, training consultant of the International Maritime Employers Committee (IMEC), warned about this impending crisis in the naval workforce in an interview with Sun.Star Cebu.
IMEC is an organization based in London representing 125 shipping companies worldwide. Its members operate around 9,000 ships and employ over 145,000 seafarers of different nationalities.
In a few years, more and more ships will be made.
With the projected shortage of maritime officers and the expansion of the shipping industry, IMEC created a program that would meet the needs and interests of its members.
“IMEC has decided to enter into contracts with a number of training institutions in the Philippines, providing for the institutions to run dedicated IMEC cadet training programs starting June 2008,” said Dsouza.
“We want to invest in training for the future seafarers who could pass the standards of the industry,” he added.
Scholarship
The program IMEC offers is called Cadet Training Enhancement Program (CTEP).
This is a scholarship offered by IMEC for the first time in the University of Cebu (UC) with funding from the International Maritime Training Trust (IMTT), a non-profit organization established primarily to develop and train seafarers.
“Visayas has the best training facilities. The Trust chose UC in the region because it already has the infrastructure and facilities,” Dsouza said.
First school
UC is the first school in the country in which IMEC has integrated the program. However, there are plans of expanding the grant to more maritime students in various universities all over the country.
“This year is a learning year for IMEC with only 50 cadets, but next year IMEC will expand to 250 cadets and then I will take on a more challenging role with all the training aspects,” said Dsouza.
He added that the most important thing is to train potential management level officers, those who can be the leading minds and bodies in the ship.
“We are confident in the abilities of the Filipinos. But we need to look at a more comprehensive approach to building leadership skills and confidence for Filipinos to function well as management level officers,” said Capt. Joseph Thuillier, IMTT secretary.
IMEC started building the scholarship program by going through an orientation process in different high schools last January.
Its officials scouted for the top-performing graduating high school students with not lower than an 80 percent grade in any subject. The students went through series of entrance tests. From there, 150 students qualified for the final interview.
“From 150, we have finally selected the best 50, who we think have the knowledge and skills we are looking for,” said Dsouza.
CTEP is a “2-1-1” type of program. The 50 scholars will spend their first two years in school and whole third year “on board” for apprenticeship.
“They will earn around P20,000 a month during their apprenticeship. But they will save half of it for their fourth year educational expenses,” said Dsouza.
IMTT will finance P135,000 a year for each of the 50 scholars. This will cover full tuition, books, board and lodging and other miscellaneous expenses.
Dsouza encouraged the students to see the maritime profession not as a job but as a career offering many good opportunities.
“They don’t have to sail all their lives. They can get out of the ship and be maritime professors and trainers,” he said.
He added that with the kind of skills Filipinos have, “we do not want these people to be subordinates anymore.”
“The Filipinos should lead,” said Thuillier. (Maria Nerissa D. Quiño, UP Mass Comm Intern)
THE maritime industry is projecting a shortage of 200,000 trained and competent marine officers in the next four years.
Captain Cedric Dsouza, training consultant of the International Maritime Employers Committee (IMEC), warned about this impending crisis in the naval workforce in an interview with Sun.Star Cebu.
IMEC is an organization based in London representing 125 shipping companies worldwide. Its members operate around 9,000 ships and employ over 145,000 seafarers of different nationalities.
In a few years, more and more ships will be made.
With the projected shortage of maritime officers and the expansion of the shipping industry, IMEC created a program that would meet the needs and interests of its members.
“IMEC has decided to enter into contracts with a number of training institutions in the Philippines, providing for the institutions to run dedicated IMEC cadet training programs starting June 2008,” said Dsouza.
“We want to invest in training for the future seafarers who could pass the standards of the industry,” he added.
Scholarship
The program IMEC offers is called Cadet Training Enhancement Program (CTEP).
This is a scholarship offered by IMEC for the first time in the University of Cebu (UC) with funding from the International Maritime Training Trust (IMTT), a non-profit organization established primarily to develop and train seafarers.
“Visayas has the best training facilities. The Trust chose UC in the region because it already has the infrastructure and facilities,” Dsouza said.
First school
UC is the first school in the country in which IMEC has integrated the program. However, there are plans of expanding the grant to more maritime students in various universities all over the country.
“This year is a learning year for IMEC with only 50 cadets, but next year IMEC will expand to 250 cadets and then I will take on a more challenging role with all the training aspects,” said Dsouza.
He added that the most important thing is to train potential management level officers, those who can be the leading minds and bodies in the ship.
“We are confident in the abilities of the Filipinos. But we need to look at a more comprehensive approach to building leadership skills and confidence for Filipinos to function well as management level officers,” said Capt. Joseph Thuillier, IMTT secretary.
IMEC started building the scholarship program by going through an orientation process in different high schools last January.
Its officials scouted for the top-performing graduating high school students with not lower than an 80 percent grade in any subject. The students went through series of entrance tests. From there, 150 students qualified for the final interview.
“From 150, we have finally selected the best 50, who we think have the knowledge and skills we are looking for,” said Dsouza.
CTEP is a “2-1-1” type of program. The 50 scholars will spend their first two years in school and whole third year “on board” for apprenticeship.
“They will earn around P20,000 a month during their apprenticeship. But they will save half of it for their fourth year educational expenses,” said Dsouza.
IMTT will finance P135,000 a year for each of the 50 scholars. This will cover full tuition, books, board and lodging and other miscellaneous expenses.
Dsouza encouraged the students to see the maritime profession not as a job but as a career offering many good opportunities.
“They don’t have to sail all their lives. They can get out of the ship and be maritime professors and trainers,” he said.
He added that with the kind of skills Filipinos have, “we do not want these people to be subordinates anymore.”
“The Filipinos should lead,” said Thuillier. (Maria Nerissa D. Quiño, UP Mass Comm Intern)
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