US$8 €12 ¥200
VOLUME IX NO.3 ISSN 1908-0972
PHP120
OCTOBER- DECEMBER 2014
MARINO WORLD
1
EDITORIAL BOARD
Publisher
Editorial Consultant
Creative Director
Lyn Bacani
B. Cortes Lagac
Jhon Henson Ong
Content Critique
Legal Counsel
Commo. Dante Jimenez
Atty. Manuel Obedoza
News and Feature Writers
Eva Tan
Coca H. Strobar
Ligaya Caban
Contributors
Ms. Merle San Pedro
RAdm. Adonis Donato
Atty. Cristina Beltran
International Correspondents
F R Chowdhury
Mark Millar
Photographer
Circulation
Royette De Paz
Joana Marie Tud
EDITORIAL OFFICE
Address
1732 Modesto St., Malate, Manila, Philippines
Email
marinoworldpublication@gmail.com
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(632) 521-3633
(63) 916-6307080
Published by Bacani & Associates Media Services Co. (BASMS)
www.marinoworld.com.ph
4
MARINO WORLD
Publisher’s Note
DUMB AND DUMBER
The current audit by the European
Union’s EMSA of Philippine maritime
policies and facilities have warped into
making suspect work abilities of Pinoy
seafarers.
Yet a little reminder: the stiff upper lip
is no longer politically correct as the sun
now sets in the British Empire. More
cautiously, the world is shifting now
to Asia --- and we don’t have tails nor
forked tongues.
While debatable in terms of State
Sovereignty, EMSA has been given
‘open door’ access by the Aquino
Government into the guts and gumption
of maritime Philippines. Both parties
appear happy on the process of ‘dem
dictating, us followin’.
This sad scenario seems typical of the
“worldview” of some global decision
makers. They can easily see the current
of profits but not as much the crosscurrent of cultural diversity.
This recalls the mindset of the First
Secretary of the British embassy in the
Manila. In explaining how good the
British ban on her citizens from riding
local ferries, he goes on a litany on how
bad is the local maritime industry. He
must have untarnished narcissism on
the greatness of his oratory that after the
boycott and the bashing, the British Flag
will wave proud and shining before awed
natives.
Asia’s differences are borne of its own
culture, not just reactions to that of
the West. We don’t have stone houses
but bamboo lean-tos because we have
no winter. We don’t conquer because
we are content with our pieces of land
and bounty. We bear an ecumenical
perspective in the differences of our
worship and rituals of our tribes; unlike
Christianity that while preaching love
for neighbors is locked for centuries
and more in mortal combat with Islamic
fundamentalists.
As coup d’ grace, he slings into the faces
of Metro Manila journalists that 80,000
Filipino seamen equals 80,000 potential
risks. Of course, he now claims quoted
out of context. Of course, any opinion
contrary to his is out of context. But of
course, My Lord.
Thus, it is more noblesse to shift
crosshair from faulting Filipino seafarers
into reforming relations between
shipping capital and maritime labor.
Let us not dictate ideals for labor yet
complacent on shortfalls of the moneyed.
It takes two to tango; don’t change the
steps without changing the music.
We believe in the capabilities of Filipino
seafarers, from rowing fragile barangays
on our archipelagic waters to working on
supertankers, even taking command on
deck or engine.
Let us not camouflage economic
leverages with reforms of techniques and
trainings. Pinoy mariners have elevated
themselves as a major block of merchant
marine professionals on din of sweat
and dedication. Even saving ship and
crew from Somali pirates as it was with
Capt. Abelardo M. Pacheco of MT Stolt
Strength. Even beyond the call of duty as
their heroics on the sinking of the giant
cruise liner, Costa Concordia.
Our Filipino seafarers have saline blood
for blue waters. They can navigate by the
stars; more so with sextant, comparative
trainings and immersion to cutting-edge
maritime technologies. They could work
by the book, precise on your instructions.
Or react with creative boldness to any
crisis.
It is dumber to think they are dumb.
MARINO WORLD
5
Cover Story
OSM DOF Light Hope in Javier
Government
18
08
EMSA UPDATE
Health
MARCDOC at the Forefront
Education
MARINERS Pioneers in Jr. College
14
24
Shipbuilding
SONAME Drives for Reforms
36
Content
ABOUT THE COVER
Layout by: Jhon Henson Ong
Not just a facet of corporate goodwill. Much more the laughter of
children proclaims both the goodness of the donors and the will
to struggle for a better life by the recipient community.
MARINO WORLD
7
Government
DOTC Sec. Abaya
EMSA UPDATE
ALL’S WELL BUT FOR A BRITON
by Coca H. Strobar
T
he Philippine Government
is optimistic concerns of the
European Maritime Safety
Agency (EMSA) will eventually be
addressed.
“(I)t’s all positive, they appreciate
the direction. They expect more,
ang mahalaga (important) we’re
pushing forward and they feel
positive because they know meron
tayong ginagawa (we are doing
something)… I easily see eventual
resolution of this problem,” Abaya
tells Marino World , Oct. 16th.
The DOTC Secretary’s optimism
is based on the verbal report given
to him by MARINA Administrator
Max Mejia, Jr. which the former
relayed immediately to the
President.
When asked for more, Mejia
refuses to provide further details
of the audit. But he underscores
to “continue the reforms.” He also
refutes report of United Filipino
Seafarers President Nelson
Ramirez that the last audit was a
failure.
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MARINO WORLD
Fly-in-the-ointment.
More arrows.
On October 31st, however, negative
news was carried by a leading
Manila broadsheet: “Pinoy
seafarers face ban in UK, Europe.”
Ramirez, an arch critic of
MARINA, was quick to pick-upon
Lysaght potshots by hammering (in
British Embassy in the Philippines
First Secretary Steph Lysaght
was quoted during an information
session on the latest Travel
Advisory issued by the British
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
(FCO).
“We have an issue at the moment
with the Philippine government
where we are engaging them on the
issue of training seafarers.
We do get questions about why
we put the same here, but the
section says because the ships
keep sinking,” says Lysaght.
“There’s 80,000 Filipinos...if that
(improving training standards)
will not happen there’s potentially
80,000 at risk.”
In an exchange of e-mails with
Marino World, Lysaght claims,
“A number of issues are being
conflated here, incorrectly.”
Pilipino language) on his Facebook
account that it is no longer his
view but of European how “bulok
ang sistema” (rotten system) of
maritime administration here.
The UFS President believes,
“Ngayon, nanganganib na tuluyang
ma Ban ang mga Pilipinong
marino sa Europe kung hindi pa rin
nasosolusyunan ang mga problema
na dating nasilip ng EMSA.”
(Now, there is danger Pilipino
seafarers will be banned in Europe
if problems seen by EMSA are not
resolved.)
Really, not UK.
The British diplomat clarifies “…
Such transport issues (being audited
by EMSA) are decided at the level
of the European Union, although
the UK is of course a member of
the EU. You are quite correct to
say that there is no separate UK
process.
I was asked if this was the fault
of the government and something
that it could fix. My reply was
to commend the government’s
action to improve and make
more consistent the training and
qualifications of its seafarers,” he
explains.
At the Senate.
Senator Sonny Angara is
pushing for the swift passage of
a bill providing comprehensive
protection to thousands of seabased Filipino workers following
reports that they may face ban in
European ships over inadequate
training and ferry safety issues.
Angara has filed Senate Bill
1986, “An Act Instituting
the Magna Carta of Filipino
Seafarers,” on November 27,
2013.
The audit.
EMSA auditors led by Senior
Project Officer Jaime Veiga
stayed in the country for one
week, and started inspections
of three agencies September 29th to
October 3rd.
They inspected MARINA for three
days, CHEd and PRC a day each.
This time, no maritime school nor
training center were audited.
Administrator Mejia expects the
release of the official EMSA audit
report on January 2015.
Meantime, MARINA is sending
a report this November to EMSA
in compliance with the non-
Dr. Mejia of MARINA
conformities or shortcomings
still seen in the latest audit which
highlights on:
•
Implementation of
RA10635 MARINA STCW
Administration;
•
Monitoring system on maritime
schools and training centers;
•
Revisions on the Management
Level Course (MLC);
•
Transfer of PRC examinations
to MARINA.
“Despite Filipino seafarers’ huge
contribution to our economy,
the glaring failure of existing
labor laws and legislation to
safeguard their specific needs is
very apparent, especially now
with the possibility of Filipino
seafarers being blacklisted
in European ships,” Angara
laments.
His concern is based on recent
news reports the British
government has stated it will
not allow Filipino maritime
professionals to work and
operate in European ships unless
concerns regarding training are
addressed.
Angara: Magna Carta for Seafarers
MARINO WORLD
9
PAMTCI, PAMI
REACT TO MARINA
The Association of Maritime Training
Centers (PAMTCI) held a general
emergency meeting to react to various
STCW circulars from MARINA. The
rushed caucus was held November 12th
at the AMOSUP Convention Hall in
Intramuros, Manila.
PAMTCI disagrees with STCW Circular
2014-01 on “Rules on the Preparation
and Approval of STCW circulars,”
submitted by STCW Executive Director
Alvin Tormon and approved by the
Administrator on August 27th.
The circular says “Except in cases
of extreme importance and urgency,
each proposed STCW Circular
must substantially meet the general
requirements of posting, receiving of
recommendations, inclusion of valid
recommendations, timely submission to
and final approval by the Administrator,
and publication.
concerned parties to
give recommendations
on improvements and
revisions.”
While PAMTCI wants
to submit a position
paper, it maybe too
late because the
circulars which they
want clarifications on
are already approved
November 14th by the
Administrator.
The country has more
than 100 maritime training centers, 42 of
these are PAMTCI members.
PAMI concern.
Likewise, the 80-member Association
of Maritime Institutions (PAMI) is
bothered by the show cause order issued
by MARINA to more than 40 schools.
They are required to give
reason why they should
continue to offer BS
Marine Transportation and
BS Marine Engineering
courses.
PAMI Pres. Beth Salabas
Any proposed STCW Circular
originating from the STCW Office
shall be posted in the MARINA STCW
website for a period of seven (7)
calendar days, as a means of public
consultation, for the purpose of allowing
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MARINO WORLD
On November 6th,
MARINA issued Circular
2014-07, “Implementation
of the Enhanced Support
Level Program (ESLP)”
for STCW certification as
ratings forming part of a
watch and ratings as able
seafarer.
Stakeholders claim the
circular is not aligned to CHEd Memo
Order on ESLP previously approved
after public consultations.
The CMO and Circular provide maritime
higher education institutions (MHEIs)
PAMTCI Pres. Fred Haboc
option to convert their BS programs into
the ESLP.
ESLP refers to programs that are
especially designed to take value added
to the training of active Filipino seafarers
—i.e. their exposure to general education
and technical courses at the college
level—in addition to compliance with
the STCW requirements for certification
as Ratings Forming Part of a Watch and
Ratings as Able Seafarer.
RA 10635 IRR Section 14.2 says STCW
functions of CHEd on overall control,
supervision and monitoring of MHEIs
shall continue until December 31, 2014.
CHEd shall also continue under the
direction of the MARINA to,”…
exercise oversight functions for the
Enhanced Support Level Program in
Marine Deck and Marine Engineering
for optional implementation by MHEIs
whose METP is under phase-out
program. This is until an appropriate
mechanism has been instituted by
MARINA or until December 31, 2014,
whichever comes later.
MARINA is expected to release soon the
final list of maritime schools qualified to
offer BS and ESLP programs.
MARINA TACKLES LICENSURE EXAMS
In a radio interview, Administrator Mejia
announces it is accepting applications
for the marine officers’ licensure
examinations on November 17th.
Some quarters doubt MARINA’s
capability to administer licensure
examinations. PRC conducted its last
licensure exams for marine officers on
November 15th.
Mejia says MARINA has already
undergone dry run and targets to
implement the system before November
ends with limited candidates, increasing
as MARINA gains more expertise.
There will be 146 stations for the
computerized theoretical exams in the
National Capital Region. The goal is
to establish examination system in all
regions to make it really walk-in.
•
2014-08, for officer-in-charge of a
navigational watch
•
2014-09, for officer-in-charge of an
engineering watch
MARINA will utilize the AMOSUP
testing center in Intramuros, Manila for
the computerized theoretical exams.
The conduct of practical exams will be
arranged with accredited testing centers.
•
2014-10, for chief mate
•
2014-11, for second engineer
officers
•
2014-12, for master; and
•
2014-13, for chief engineer.
MARINA on November 14th, issued
circulars for the Mandatory Minimum
Requirements for Examination,
Assessment, Licensing and Certification:
TESDA GETS PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY
Certificates of Recognition issued by
TESDA are still valid based on MARINA
STCW Advisory 2014-02, “Provisional
authority in the conduct of ratings
courses in accordance with the STCW for
seafarers as amended.”
for accreditation of maritime training
institutions that offer ratings courses.”
This approved by the MARINA
Administrator November 14th and shall
take effect on the day of its posting.
COPs and COCs.
TESDA rules, regulations and circulars
issued for the purpose of STCW
compliance ended September 30, 2014.
or Seafarer’s Identification and Record
Book (SIRB) and STCW Certificate
of Proficiency (COP)/Certificate
of Competency (COC) through
seamanjobsite.com.
More transitions.
The Advisory says “Pursuant to RA
10635 and its IRR, and the 1978
International Convention on STCW, as
amended, Provisional Authority is hereby
granted to all holders of valid Certificate
of Recognition, including those that
have been certified to have completed
the accreditation process and merely
awaiting the release of Certificate of
Recognition, issued by TESDA pending
issuance of the Rules on Accreditation of
maritime training institutions for ratings
and corresponding approval of ratings
courses.
All entities with existing Certificate of
Recognition from TESDA shall upon
submission of their TESDA recognition,
be issued MARINA Provisional
Authority which shall be valid until
30 June 2015 or until such time that
a MARINA accreditation is secured
pursuant to the new rules to be prescribed
Meanwhile, MARINA has implemented
since September 3rd two-shift schedules
for the issuance Certificates of
Proficiency (COPs), viz:
•
First shift, 5:30 am up to 2pm
•
Second shift, 2pm to 10 pm
•
Mondays to Fridays.
There are now 120 personnel to assist
seafarers applying for COPs needed for
onboard overseas deployment. Some
70,000 seafarers are applying for COPs
per month, 80% renewals and 20% new
applications.
The issuance of COPs has also been
devolved to MARINA regional offices in
Cebu, Iloilo, Davao and Tacloban since
August yet.
On top, MARINA launches on-line
appointment system for Seaman’s Book
Based on RA 10635’s Applicability of
Other Laws, all rules, regulations or
circulars issued by MARINA, CHED,
NTC and DOH for the purpose of STCW
compliance shall remain in force, subject
to amendment or STCW Circulars by
MARINA.
But December 31, 2014 is the cut-off for
enforcement by some Agencies like:
•
PRC and the current Board of
Marine Deck Officers and Board of
Marine Engineer Officers on COGs
for the deck officers and engineer
officers
•
CHED on overall control,
supervision and monitoring of
MHEIs
•
Applications for COGs with NTC;
and
•
Thereafter, by MARINA STCW
Office beginning January 01, 2015.
MARINO WORLD
11
Opinion
Competency-based
Education and Training
PERFORMANCE,
NOT BOOK WORK
by Capt. Richard Teo
I especially enjoyed reading the Letter
by almost every stakeholder and wish
the Industry every success in the
formation of cohesion to once and for
all show EMSA and the world that the
Philippines does not lack the quality of
seafarers.
But perhaps, we lag on the speed to
make the change from archaic maritime
education (MET) training methods
and mindset to one that determines
competence and not regurgitation of
huge chunks of information privileging
examinations instead of attaining
performance outcomes by continuous
and rigorous assessments.
Competency-based education and
training – CBETA, or competencybased learning, is a very well-rounded
method that encompasses underpinning
knowledge directly aligned to the skills
and praxis in the determination of the
competence that is set per the standard.
Candidates are assessed based on
performance not from book work,
memorizing huge chunks of stuff
that are usually superfluous and not
in accordance with the performance
required to attain the competence.
just as useless as none have attained the
standard.
All assessments tools must be designed
to ensure that candidates have the
opportunity to demonstrate competence
to the fullest requirement that the tool
demands and the evidence accrued can
withstand the scrutiny and rigors of the
assessment process and procedures.
It is tough on the teacher and assessor
(rather than the learner) since in the
majority of cases, they may no longer be
current.
A group of professionals (through
GlobalMET and TKF) have undergone
rigorous workshops on gaps between
the STCW Code of Standards and
Competencies and the way that learning
has been provided in Philippines. A
presentation will be made by project
teams on 25th November prior to the
M&T conference.
The author.
Assessments must follow the rules of
evidence and not grades.
Capt Richard Teo has over five decades
in maritime transport, including shipping
and liner operations, offshore marine
services, salvage and towage, marine
surveys, insurance loss adjusting,
shipbuilding and conducting vessel
acceptance trials.
This means you either show you have
attained 100% of the required knowledge
and skill, within determined variables
for the pre-determined competence/
standard or not. There is no such thing as
50% pass and 90% HD. Both grades are
He was also a maritime arbitrator with
the Singapore International Arbitration
Centre (SIAC). His portfolio carries six
years with the Republic of Singapore
Navy , where he ranked a full Major,
then acting Lt. Col in the reserves.
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MARINO WORLD
In the last 20 years, he has been an
educator, mentor, trainer and facilitator
of Competency Based Learning/
Competency Based Education, Training
& Assessment, skills needed in Fisheries,
Food & Safety Management (HACCP)
and ocean going vessel operations.
He was the CEO/Director of the Darwinbased Seafood & Maritime Industries
Training and recently retired as the
Principal of the Papua New Guinea
Maritime College.
Richard is a Chartered Fellow at the
Chartered Institute of Logistics &
Transport, Fellow of the Nautical
Institute (UK) and a Member of the
Australian Institute of Company
Directors.
Academe.
He is a Master Mariner (Singapore
– valid & current to STCW 1995
amendments) and holds Post Graduate
degrees – MSc –Mgt Systems (US) and
Master of International Management
-MIM and Post Graduate Diploma in
Business, the latter two from Australia.
He holds the Australian Graduate degree
(BTeach/Ed) in Adult and Vocational
Education and is an especially qualified
authority on Competency Based
Education and Training (CBL-CBETA)
for the Australian Vocational Education
& Training (VET-TAE10).
The Captain has recently completed his
Doctorate in Business Administration.
Health
HEALTH SYMPOSIUM
MARCDOC AT THE FOREFRONT
by Ligaya Caban
The Maritime Clinics and Doctors
Association of the Philippines
(MARCDOC) are in full force October
8th at the 3rd Philippines Maritime
Health Symposium at the Hyatt Hotel
and Casino Ballroon, Malate, Manila.
About 300 medical practitioners
and manning executives attended,
attracted by the conference theme, “The
Philippines at the Forefront of Maritime
Medicine.”
Important lectures were given, designed
to benefit ship owners, manning
agents, ship managers and physicians
performing medical examinations on
seafarers, viz:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
14
Telemedicine and the impact on
maritime health
Outpatient consultations on-board
and repatriation rates
Why seafarers are declared unfit
Unraveling the mysteries of
cardiometabolic prediseases
Vaccination schedules for Filipino
seafarers
New approaches for the treatment of
appendicitis
Alcohol dependence in Filipino
seafarers
Kidney stones: Seamen’s hospital
study
Medical management of kidney
stones
MARINO WORLD
MARCDOC institutional members are:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Abakkus Medical Diagnostic
Services
Absence Control Manila Clinic
American Outpatient Clinic
Eastern Doctor Medical Services
First Medical Team Diagnostic
Center
Halcyon Marine Healthcare Systems
Health Metrics
Merita Diagnostic Clinic
MICAH Medical & Diagnostic Lab
Notre Dame Medical Clinic
OCW Medical Clinic
Philippine Medical Tests System
Sachly Int’l Health Partners (S.H.I.P
Clinic)
Sanda Diagnostic Center
Transnational Medical& Diagnostic
Center
form and the synchronization of the
laboratories for overseas Filipino clinics
by using a third party contractor.
Atty. Lutero adds, “This is important to
you as doctors and this should aid you in
fast tracking you examinations yet wellmaintained quality standards...
MARCDOC knows the mechanics...
I hope we will be collaborating more...
after all you doctors and clinic owners
and we as policy makers are seeking one
goal in mind and that is to ensure that
our seafarers are in their utmost health
before their deployment…”
Unfitness and Repatriation.
MARCDOC four-year study cites 1.83%
or 5,152 repatriation of Filipino seafarers
in 2010-2013. POEA data shows
280,670 deployments in almost 2,000
ships or 25% of 1.1 million seafarers
deployed.
Health department.
Causes of repatriation:
Department of Health (DoH) Asst.
Secretary Nicolas Lutero III provided
updates on DoH’s efforts to adhere to
international standards.
1.
Injuries, 20.53%
2.
Musculo skeletal, 19.6%
3.
Digestive illness, 17.83%
4.
Genitourinary, 9.05%
5.
Cardiovascular diseases, 7.43%.
DoH on-going projects in maritime
medical examinations include the
standardization of the DoH preemployment medical examinations
Manalo Family
“ Give us data. The data and information of
research is so valuable in lawmaking.”
- Cong. Manalo
According to the 2011-2013 data from
eight MARCDOC clinic members, from
the 309,968 Pre-employment Medical
Examinations (PEME) performed,
1.76% or 5,449 seafarers are declared
unfit.
Top six reasons of unfitness:
1.
Cardiovascular disease
2.
Tuberculosis
3.
Genitourinary
4.
Visual defects
5.
Hearing defects
6.
Cancer
know how to battle the most of these
deadly afflictions.
imposition of appropriate administrative
sanctions.”
“In the case of our seafarers there is an
enormous need to provide them with
periodic informative health seminars and
trainings that will help them learn about
the different types of sickness, the new
and uncommon diseases that they may
encounter abroad.
Collaboration.
If the health sector, the medical care has
proven and has already shown proof the
report of the DoH that we supply healthy
seafarers, who are capable of doing hard
work, then we can actually become a
medical care management center for the
world seafarers.
Research.
“Give us data. The data and information
of research is so valuable in lawmaking,”
appeals to MARCDOC by the keynote
speaker, Angkla PartyList Congressman
Jesulito Manalo.
The lawmaker challenged the medical
practitioners to collaborate with DoH
and the Maritime Industry Authority
(MARINA), to engage in international
conventions, and go to the International
Labor Organization (ILO) to discuss
issues on health.
Manalo thinks more health and medical
research should be conducted to readily
Asec. Lutero
We should develop as that. We should
have continuous research,” clarifies the
lawmaker.
Issues.
Prominently active in the forum was
Jose Albar Kato, Joint Manning Group
(JMG) immediate past president and
director.
Among top issues raised are on workrelated and non-work related diseases,
P & I claims and the contradictions on
POEA seafarer contract vis-a-vis the
Maritime Labor Convention 2006.
No unfit seafarers should be deployed
out of pity nor lack of pool of ablebodies, specially seafarers.
JMG’s Kato calls on the manning agents
to “… always be at the interest of the
industry, the manning industry, not
just a particular seafarer or a particular
manning agency. If you want to shortcut,
that is your fault, that is your risk.”
MARCDOC Immediate Past President
Joseph Bien Abesamis reiterates the
association’s commitment to the
industry, “Our goal is to do a preemployment screening that we think that
the seafarer would be fit for his contract,
as part of the MLC. That a seafarer is not
to be a threat to himself, the crew and
to the company. That he doesn’t have
a pre –existing condition that would
jeopardize the contract.”
Dr. Abesamis also suggests to the
manning agency that it would be its job
to have enough manpower because not
everybody can be fit.
“I think this is the discrepancy that is
arising right now, because there is a
confidentiality clause in the MLC ILO
guideline, whereas in the POEA contract
it is stipulated there that the crew must
disclose. Now this is a really a grey
area,” observes Kato.
The POEA contract provides, “A
seafarer who knowingly conceals
a pre-existing illness or condition
in the Pre-Employment Medical
Examination (PEME) shall be liable
for misrepresentation and shall be
disqualified from any compensation and
benefits. This is likewise a just cause
for termination of employment and
Cong. Manalo
MARINO WORLD
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16
MARINO WORLD
DESIMONE
OFFERS GLOBAL
TELEMEDICINE
Future Care CEO DeSimone
Future Care CEO Christina DeSimone
underscores the role of telemedicine
in global maritime health management
at the MARCDOC 3rd Philippines
Maritime Health Symposium, Hyatt
Hotel and Casino Ballroom, Malate,
Manila, October 8th.
“It is my conviction that telemedicine
will change the world with this ability
to communicate
vital signs and
evaluate critical care situations without
the individual actually travelling to the
doctor’s office or in the case of seafarers
without even having to leave the ship,”
assures DeSimone.
A medical service operating 24/7, Future
Care is a global organization onmedical
care management, claims management
and medical cost containment services,
delivering managed health care
exclusively to the maritime industry.
Future Care is essentially proactive,
anticipating rather than just reacting;
avoiding any I-told-you-so alibi of the
unprepared.
Over uncertainties of health challenges,
it is reassuring Ms. DeSimone’s worldclass services are there to offer solutions;
to suave the pain, to keep the ships on
time and cargo in the market.
Its “Caring for the Crew Program”
provides primary health care advice
at sea helping to reduce repatriation,
increase fit for duty and save lives.
Medical incidents.
In Future Care’s “Breakdown of
Medical Incidents” from January to
September 2014, 3,253 incidents were
managed. 54% of all medical incidents
emailed to or called on Future Care are
illness related while 33% are injury and
13% dental.
Seafarers on board during time period
was 20,000. There were 900 vessels
signed under the program with an
average of 20 crewmembers and a crew
rotation of 1.5.
16.2% of the 20,000 crew were referred
to Future Care for management of
various conditions.
From the study, DeSimone analyses the
cost in crew medical is still in multimillion because of the 78% without
medical facilities.
Crew care.
DeSimone underscores “Primary health
care services provided at sea by trained
physicians has proven to reduce the
amount of medical emergencies that
require deviation of the vessel and
repatriations... keeping the vessel and
its crew healthy.”
Future Care records research analytic
every day that they take a call from the
Captain for medical advice by simply
calling in and placing into its case
tracking system.
Future Care operates 24/7, 365 days.
It provides email contact center that is
managed in real time, provides medical
advice and treatment immediately.
“We’re trying to really have a realistic
idea on what is happening to that crew
member...Concentrate on what we can
do to help minimize illness...we suitably
address the minor medical situation, the
less chance of… growing into a larger
critical medical incident.
The physicians and nurses are working
on both sides of the globe: watching the
emails, making sure responding to the
Captains needs. The trained medical first
responders led by nurses and doctors
react in real time to the concerns.”
96% of call-ins were resolved before
they can even get to the next port call.
The crew were even given the fit for
duty and go back to work.
MLC 2006 Title IV encourages
shipowners and shipmanagers to allow
crew members to have easy access to
health care solutions.
Future Care is headquartered in United
States with offices in Bonifacio Global
City, Taguig, recently opened.
MARINO WORLD
17
MARITIME ADMIN
AFTER THE DEVASTATION
DOF and OSM Light Hope in Javier
Teachers, children and parents joined
hands preparing for the grand ceremony,
humbly and in gratitude of the assistance
making their classrooms like brand new
facilities a year after the super typhoon.
“Despite our excruciating condition, we
have shown resiliency.” Abueva added.
“We are lucky when DOF and OSM
found us and gave us more than what we
need, especially for the school children.”
On 7th November, OSM Managing
Director Allan Falkenberg together
with other OSM representatives flew to
Leyte to officially turn-over the spanky
classrooms to community of Barangay
Comatin lead by Mrs. Jocelyn C. Abueva,
Head Teacher III of Comatin Elementary
School, in far-flung Javier, Leyte.
The school buildings were completed
on schedule by Lanoy Construction
in support of the Restoration and
Rehabilitation Project of DOF and OSM.
DepEd Region 8 Assistant School
Division Superintendent Mario Rodge
Sombilon adds, “For the part of DepEd,
we will sustain this (building) through
constant monitoring and supervision.”
Dr. Sombilon continues, “We believe
that conducive classrooms lead towards
quality education. With this edifice,
this will be an avenue for personal
transformation and eventually will
contribute meaningfully to national
development.”
“In behalf of the whole community of
Comatin, I wholeheartedly accept (the
new classrooms of) Comatin Elementary
School with assurance and commitment
that we will maintain and keep this noble
work of DOF and OSM,” pledges Mrs.
Abueva.
The ceremony is seen restoring both the
ruined facilities and the radiant smiles of
the children.
18
MARINO WORLD
Delegates from OSM were escorted
by drum and bugle band with children
waving flags they created themselves.
“We are here to represent both DOF and
OSM today,” says Falkenberg who also
explained that DOF representative was
not able to travel from Norway due to
unavoidable circumstances.
“I would like everyone to give a big hand
to our partner for their support. It’s really
tremendous not only for this (community)
but also to the affected seafarers,” adds
the benefactor.
For his parting words, he emphasized the
children as the most important part in the
school project. “I want to thank all the
beautiful children standing here, greeting
us both today and the last time we were
here, thanking you for being beautiful,
thanking you for studying hard, as your
commitment to your teachers so that you
can grow up and become future leaders
of the world.”
OPINION
Cover Story
DOF and OSM helping hand.
From relief to rehabilitation, that is
the guiding principle of corporate
commitment towards the Comatin
Elementary School in Javier, Leyte. And
formally, on a memorandum of agreement
more spoken of as ‘Restoration and
Rehabilitation Project’.
The MOA was signed by OSM Maritime
Services President, Radm. Adonis B.
Donato and the DepEd Region 8 Schools
Division Superintendent Ronelo Al K.
Firmo.
The school facility was levelled by the
fury of Supertyphoon Yolanda, November
8th last year. With the help of benefactors,
rebuilding was started in September 2014.
It was completed this November before
the turn-over ceremony a year after the
landfall of the killer howler.
sufficient assistance due to inaccessibility.
The ocular visit found Comatin ES in the
isolated town of Javier when most of
its classrooms were still in ruins many
months after the super typhoon.
The classrooms were not safe to hold
classes. Teachers had to bring pupils
under the shades of trees to hold classes
since the devastated classrooms were
not safe for children, until the newly
restored and rehabilitated classrooms are
completed the pupils now have a better
school to continue their education.
Before this R & R project was even
started, OSM has also conducted various
relief operations by giving relief goods
and clothing not just from the company
but also from the contribution of generous
employees, ship owners and principals
driven by famed battle cry, “It’s All About
People.”
On time of need.
The charity goods were shipped to Leyte
and Palawan through TS Kapitan Felix
Oca when the sufferings of the people
were still hurting. OSM also conducted
a medical mission in Concepcion, Iloilo
earlier this year for another isolated
community suffering the same gravity of
the storm’s aftermath.
E a r l i e r , t h e We l f a r e
Department of OSM
Maritime Services visited
various schools in far-flung
areas of Leyte in search
of a school that has not
yet been given any
MARINO WORLD
19
DOF AND OSM LIGHT HOPE FOR JAVIER
And even before that, as concern for
its seafarers, the whole OSM team
established communication with the
families of the seafarers to find out how
they are doing days after the typhoon.
These info are relayed to seafarers onboard for their peace of mind.
But communications were still unstable
the whole of November, 2013. Thus,
OSM sent two ‘volunteers’ from its
Welfare Department to locate the
remaining ‘uncontacted’ seafarers
in Cebu and Leyte. The OSM
representatives under Department
Manager Carlos Mendoza saw the
devastation, the horror of the climactic
fury on people and property, on life
and limb, on public infra and private
holdings.
Some members of the OSM Seafarers
Family Club Cebu Chapter helped the
Welfare Department representatives
in search of uncontacted families.
Although in Leyte the OSM staffs were
all by themselves.
The team finally found
the uncontacted families
of seafarers; checked out
how they are doing, their
safety, and immediately
relayed the updates to
the Manila office. It took
six days to complete the
mission.
Always with OSM goodwill, smiling Pres. Donato
OSM did that for a
primordial concern of the
firm is the welfare of the seafarers and
their families.
OSM has been doing such social
initiatives whether for the seafarers,
their families and the community they
serve as a way of giving back. Mr.
Falkenberg fervently says, “When you
are running a business and the business
went well, give back to the society that
assist and contribute to your success.”
ABOUT DOF
The firm is a global team of skilled
professionals who, combined with a
fleet of state-of-the-art, purpose-built
vessels, provides services to the Oil and
Gas industries across the entire offshore
life cycle. This is the DOF formula of
our success by delivering solutions to
customers.
DOF management has a crew of
highly skilled professionals (onshore
and offshore) to perform the task of
ship-management,
ship-operation,
and the services. DOF management
provides the experience, knowledge and
flexibility on how to operate offshore
vessels according to the owners and our
customers’ demands.
With systematic development of
expertise and services, the company
remains the preferred supplier to all
major operators within its market
segments.
The company has a strong focus on
quality, health, safety and environment.
It is ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 14001:2004
certified company.
DOF management is based at Storebø
and Bergen, in Norway. In addition
DOF Management has offices operating
out of Aberdeen, UK (via DOF UK
Ltd) and Singapore. In addition DOF
management operates also from Perth,
Argentina and Egypt.
OSM Welfare Manager Mendoza taking of kids, by insight to help.
20
MARINO WORLD
SECURING
FUTURE
OFFICERS
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MARINO WORLD
21
Training
MoA signing solidifies partnership: Sabay of NEWSIM, Salas of DNV-GL
Quality Courses Now in Key Cities
NEWSIM TEAMS UP WITH DNV-GL
Great beginning is in the offing as The
New Simulator Center of the Philippines
(NEWSIM) approaches 14th year
this December, on top of dynamic
achievements in its six operational
offices in Makati (2), Bacolod, Cebu,
Iloilo and Davao.
Optimism is high on the recent teaming
of NEWSIM with DNV-GL Maritime
Academy Philippines for a training
partnership. The formal agreement was
signed November 7th at the NEWSIM
office in Makati City.
This is to carry out joint training
activities of both companies quality
assured courses in the Visayas and
Mindanao. With this collaboration,
the maritime industry will benefit
tremendously by having quality assured
courses available in key cities south of
Manila, as starters.
Pilot courses are set for January, 2015
and conducted at NEWSIM facilities
Cebu, Iloilo and Davao, all major cities
in Western and Eastern Visayas and
Mindanao, respectively.
22
MARINO WORLD
“The partnership between NEWSIM
and DNV-GL (Maritime Academy
Philippines) combines the best of both
worlds. This collaboration benefits
both parties and the entire seafaring
industry with quality-assured courses
now conveniently available in our major
cities,” says Capt. Reynold ‘Burt’ Sabay,
NEWSIM’s Chief Executive Officer.
To top its safety courses, NEWSIM
takes pride of the “NEWSIM ARK”,
dubbed the ultimate basic safety training
facilities in the Philippines, located
in Sariaya, Quezon. NEWSIM owns
four buses for the convenient shuttle of
trainees to and from the site.
In response, “This collaboration is
another milestone for Maritime Academy
Philippines. Our clients within these
areas will no longer travel and incur
additional expenses just to take our
courses and I am glad that NEWSIM
made it possible for us,” adds Manager
Melody Salas of DNV-GL Maritime
Academy Philippines.
On 12 September 2013, DNV and GL
merged to form DNV GL and become
the world’s leading ship and offshore
classification society, the leading
technical advisor to the global oil and
gas industry, and a leading expert for the
energy value chain including renewables
and energy efficiency; more, as one of
the top three certification bodies in the
world.
NEWSIM is the country’s preferred
training and assessment center. Its
corporate mission is to continuously
upgrade the knowledge and skills of
seafarers towards global standards.
This is NEWSIM’s contribution to the
aspirations of every Filipino Seafarer: to
live in freedom, prosperity and dignity in
a country at one with the world.
The partner.
DNV-GL new course portfolio is based
on three core themes: Developing
People, Operating Ships and Building
Ships. The training courses help business
performance and achieve goals through
targeted training.
Education
MPCF Pres. Jimenez convinces PAMI peers.
MPCF PIONEERS IN JUNIOR COLLEGE
Mariners Polytechnic Colleges
Foundation (MPCF), Bicol’s premier
maritime institution, is on the edge again
by pioneering maritime-oriented junior
college in the country.
This is Mariners System’s response to the
expected implementation of RA 10533
or the Enhanced Basic Education Act of
2013 also known as the K+ 12 signed
into law May 15, 2013.
K+ 12 program was launched earlier in
April 2012 which establishes a universal
kindergarten and introduces Grades 11
and 12 to high school education in public
and private schools.
MPCF has already applied for K-11 and
12 to the Department Education (DepEd)
and submitted a position letter to use a
different nomenclature “Junior College
or Pre-College – Maritime Oriented”
instead of Senior High School K-12.
As per study of the MPCF Research
Group, on basic educational objectives,
Junior College and K11 & 12 have
no difference except on the term or
nomenclature used.
K+12 is two years additional grades
equivalent to Senior High School or the
so-called Grades 11-12 on top of the
Grade 7 imposed after the learners in
public schools have completed Grade
6 in the elementary grades. A Junior
College, on the other hand, is a “college
24
MARINO WORLD
offering courses for two years beyond
high school either as a complete training
or in preparation for four-year college
degree.” It is a two-year post secondary
course in many schools worldwide
including the United States and
Singapore.
In the context then of Philippine
education, Junior College can be
considered Grades 11 and 12.
Psychological impact.
MPCF- Legaspi President Dante Jimenez
explains, “What’s in a word? It certainly
means a lot for the long-suffering
Filipino parent who is sending his/her
child to school through painstaking labor.
Meanwhile, the increased self-confidence
on the learner could also infuse more
enthusiasm for him to study better.
Twelve years as a ‘grader’ has a certain
negative connotation that also sounds
oppressive because of the long years of
elementary and high school study; the
word “college” carries an air of optimism
and a certain dignity that parents can
carry with pride and inspiration. It is also
a status when both parents and learners
can look forward in a short time when
the “college student” may soon enter the
labor force and be an income earner.
It is a ‘magical’ nomenclature that has
positive psychological impact in the
community.”
Collaboration.
High School Principals from
neighbouring municipalities have
converged to discuss coordinated efforts
between the MPCF and the public high
schools in the vicinity once the K to 12
program is implemented in 2016.
As of now, preparations are underway
but both parties have admitted that much
is still to be desired on the preparedness
of public high schools under DepEd to
start effectively the program in the target
date.
With this situation, the meeting explored
doable options on how to partially
cushion the negative impact once the
program is started.
Among the problems identified are the
lack of classrooms to accommodate
students who will enter Grades 11 and 12
(Senior High School or Junior College).
The lack of qualified instructors, absence
of adequate equipment and laboratory
facilities needed in the course –oriented
subjects, were also pinpointed.
Along this line, MPCF-Legazpi pledged
to accommodate qualified 4th year High
School students in 2016 as they start with
their Grade 11, with Maritime-oriented
subjects it is offering.
Although MPCF cannot accommodate
all fourth year students coming from
the public high schools in the area, at
least the school can lessen the number
of students who might not have much
option where to go.
state-of-the-art facilities, equipment and
amenities.
Mariners offers scholarship grants
to deserving students, a reason why
poverty should not be a cause especially
for those who will pass the qualifying
examinations.
•
Students who will finish the maritimeoriented grades 11 and 12 course will
be issued Seaman’s Book which will
enable them to get work in international
sea-going vessels. After Grade 12, the
students will have the option to start
working as an ordinary seafarer or
pursue a bachelor’s degree in maritime
education to become a ship officer.
“The issuance of a Seaman’s Book’ to
those who will finish Grades 12 or Junior
College will be of great value for those
in this level grade as this will give them
the opportunity to work outright”, says
Commo. Jimenez.
Capability.
MPCF-Legazpi has the following:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Classrooms with some equipped
with multi-media projectors and
screens
Full mission bridge simulators (2)
Training bridge
GMDSS/ARPA
Engine room simulator
Engineering laboratories equipped
with various marine equipment
Mock-up hotel and restaurant
Speech laboratory
Computer laboratories
Physics/chemistry laboratories
Maritime training facilities
Teachers holding various NCs from
TESDA
Other amenities
MPCF in Canaman, likewise, has the
same equipment and facilities as MPCF
Legazpi save for complete bakery and
culinary apparatus. MPC in Naga City
offers amenities such as training hotel,
radio broadcasting equipment, culinary
paraphernalia and others.
Mariners’ System has the capability of
offering Junior College because of its
MARINERS
PRIDE
Two Mariners from MPCF-Canaman campus again bagged
prestigious awards announced at the recent National Seafarers Day
(NSD) celebrations.
Winners are Midshipman Niño Copones, BSMarE, one of the Ten
Outstanding Maritime Students (TOMS) of Western Union; BSMarE
Cadet Alvin Alvaro, grand winner of the NSD On-the-Spot Art contest.
TOMS is a project of Western Union, a nationwide search for
graduating maritime students who have shown excellence in their
communities, in support of the country’s bid for successful careers
for Filipino seafarers.
Sharing.
Association of Maritime Institutions
(PAMI) Secretary-General Jimenez
also presented the MPCF study to the
organization in a board meeting held at
the Manila Yacht Club last Oct 7th.
In his letter to PAMI President Elizabeth
Salabas, Jimenez cites, “Considering
the tremendous impact on the enrolment
of supposed first year college students
this coming 2016 as per the new law,
the undersigned humbly recommends
to PAMI and/or its member-schools to
consider submitting to DepEd a different
nomenclature to replace the Senior High
School K-12, and that is “Junior College
or Pre-College –Maritime Oriented.”
Related to the objective of MARINA and
CHEd (to prepare those entering college,
this is) the best way.... (Those wishing
to pursue degree program, you will see
as having high grades because there
will be) entrance examinations in the
university, the school has to adopt that.
PAMI directors scrutinized the MPCF
proposal, considered it well, and
calendared for more deliberation in its
next meeting.
TOMS up again for two Mariner cadets, beams
Commo. Dante Jimenez and Ms. Marian Her.
Lazaro, MPCF-Cam Sur VPAA.
“In recognizing the achievements of the maritime student
community, we hope that we instill a lifelong love for learning and
a passion for excellence, establishing the beginning of a brighter
future for the next generation of seafarers,” says Patricia Riingen,
Western Union’s SVP for South and East Asia and Oceania.
MPCF Pres. Dante La. Jimenez comments, “Indeed, this is something
that the Mariners community is proud of. It brings inspiration to
the students as well as to the mentors who believe in the good
things everyone is capable of achieving. This is also reflective of
what Mariners as an institution is and this gives us the challenge to
continue what we have started.”
MARINO WORLD
25
Training
Waving proud, flags of supporters
PARADE OF
COLORS
KICKS OFF
NTC-M Blom with THOME top executives
NTC-M SILVER ANNIVERSARY
October 17th, 25 flags waved proudly at
the Norwegian Training Center – Manila
(NTC-M) honoring the 25 companies,
donors, and top clients for unwavering
support to the training center. As a whole
and for 25 years.
Company representatives walked on the
red carpet, waived flaglets and raised their
official flags as part of the Parade of Colors,
NTC-M’s kick-off celebrations for its Silver
Anniversary in May, 2015.
PMMA Cadets lined the entrance as honor
guards. The Philippine flag was raised by
Capt. Rex Recomite, NTC-M’s Training
Manager and Mr. Rene Leoncito, HR and
Admin Manager.
26
MARINO WORLD
Norway’s colors was raised by Capt. Erik F.
Blom, Managing Director and Capt. Joeran
Noestvik, Deputy Director.
As the standards of both countries were
being raised, national anthems of the two
cooperating States were played lending
solemnity to the ceremonies .
The honored companies include BW
Shipping, DNK, DOF, Eidesvik, GC Rieber,
Grieg Shipping, Havila Shipping, Hoegh
Fleet Services, J.J Ugland, Jo Tankers,
Jotun, KGJS, Klaveness, Knutsen OAS,
Norwegian Shipowners’ Association,
Odfjell, Oldendorff, Olympic Shipping,
OSM, Solstad Offshore, Solvang, Stolt
Nielsen, Teekay SHipping, TSM and
Wilhelmsen.
Representatives lined up for the parade and
assisted by NTC-M’s Electro cadets Batch
21. They simultaneously raised the flags
on vibrant drum rolls, making celebrations
upbeat and positive. The sky was downcast
but rain just drizzled until the flag raising
was over.
Food of different culinary specialties,
canapés, petit pores, wine whetted appetites.
And a lot more delighted the eyes of guests
and employees alike, creating a celebratory
ambience for everyone.
Legacy of Honor
CAPT. GREGORIO S. OCA STREET
Cabildo street was the
common choice to rename
as Capt. Gregorio S. Oca
Street. Back-up data was
provided by Peñalosa to
the two legislators for their
sponsorship in the plenary
mills of the Lower House. A
counterpart bill in the Senate
is still on the works (as of
this writing).
His dreams, our legacy.
W
here he dared to dream dreams
--- and craft by time and
passion the fulfillments, that
street shall be named Capt. Gregorio S.
Oca from Cabildo street.
Two legislators have filed separate
enabling bills to honor the Grand Old Man
of Philippine maritime industry, founder
of the Associated Marine Officers’ and
Seamen’s Union of the Philippines
(AMOSUP).
Cong. Amado S. Bagatsing, 5th District of
Manila, filed in August 7 House Bill 4837
renaming Cabildo Street in Intramuros
Manila to Capt. Gregorio S. Oca Street.
Angkla Partylist Representative Jesulito
A. Manalo filed another in August 14, HB
4884.
Both solons re-acted positively to a letter
dated July 7th by Francis Peñalosa, 59
years old, of Quezon City, which says
in part, “After I have gathered all this
information, not to mention the neverending good words that I hear about this
man, what crossed my mind is that he
would be well-remembered by having the
street where all his dreams came true be
named after him…”
HB 4884.
Angkla Partylist’s Manalo intertwines
the past with the present: “The Street of
Cabildo in Intramuros, Manila, has been
a popular area for the Filipino seafarers.
In fact, Cabildo houses several groups
operating to address the needs of the
seafarers.
The Bagatsing bill recalls that
Captain Oca organized the
Associated Marine Officers’ Union of the
Philippines (AMOSUP) on November 11,
1960. The Philippine Transport General
Workers’ Organization (PTGWO) was
the mother federation. This is to address
the sad plight of the lowly-paid Filipino
seafarers who have little protection from
hazards as sickness, accident and death.
Among these are the AMOSUP Seamen’s
Centre, AMOSUP Slop Chest Manila,
AMOSUP Sailor’s Home Manila,
Seamen’s Hospital and AMOSUP Sailor’s
Home Annex. All these structures on
Cabildo were constructed inspired by the
dreams and passion shared by Capt. Oca
with his fellow maritime professionals
and families.
On top, the Union has started a series
of training programs to upgrade the
skills of Filipino seafarers. These are to
ensure competitiveness against foreign
counterparts.
Ten years thereafter in 1970, AMOSUP
merged with the Associated Seamen’s
Union of the Philippines (ASUP) to form
one cohesive organization and eventually
affiliated itself with the International
Transport Worker’s Federation (ITF). This
significantly improved work conditions
and membership growth.
Seafarers pump into the national economy
some US$5.1-billion in 2013 alone, as it
does those inward net remittances through
the years. Thus, renaming Cabildo Street
– the place where he conceived the vision
and structured the fulfilment – to Capt.
Gregorio S. Oca is appropriate. Indeed,
overdue.
Today, membership stands at over
100,000 and our maritime community
boasts of a Seamen’s Center, Seamen’s
Hospital and Sailor’s Home Manila all
located at Cabildo Street, Intramuros
Manila. Indeed, Captain Oca’s dream of
providing more socialized benefits has
come true and he has helped the Filipino
seafarer earn the respect and admiration
of the global maritime community.
Expansion.
HB 4837.
Capt. Oca passed away in November,
2010. His son, Dr. Conrado F. Oca, now
heads AMOSUP to continue the journey
his father has started.
On November 28, birthday of Capt
Gregorio Oca, will be the ground
breaking of the expansion of Seamen’s
Hospital at Cabildo corner San Jose
streets, Intramuros, Manila. This shall be
besides the old seamen’s hospital and will
occupy an additional 800 sq/m.
An activity center inside the seamen’s
village in Iloilo will be constructed.
Last January, an activity center in Davao
was inaugurated.
MARINO WORLD
27
Feature
Japanese homeboatYakatabune.
PLSE & MII POWERHOUSE TEAM UP
Philippine Life Saving Equipment
(PLSE) forges a partnership with Mikuni
International (MII), a highly respected
manufacturer of advance technologybased products.
MII was incorporated in 1981 and
registered with EPZA (currently FAB)
on September of the same year initially
as a manufacturer/exporter of baseball
caps with a plant at the Bataan Export
Processing Zone in Mariveles, Bataan.
In August 2002, MIC completed a 100foot party boat, a modernized version of
the Yakatabune (Japanese houseboats)
“floating restaurant” - the traditional
“entertainment” boat popular among the
Japanese of the Edo Period (1603-1867).
This accomplishment set a landmark
for the boat-building industry in the
Philippines.
In 1990 Mikuni Industries Corporation
(MIC) was issued EPZA Registration
No. 90-038 to manufacture silkscreen
printing machine, metal sorting, engine
reconditioning, and fiberglass products
such as car bumpers and motorcycle
helmets.
Ishikawa-Jima-Harima Heavy
Industries (IHI), through its Fiberglass
Boat Division, AMTEC, pick of MIC
to be its partner in building the 100-ft.
fiberglass party boat is a benchmark
recognition. For IHI carries historic
credentials dates to 1853 in shipbuilding;
builder of the Yamato, the biggest
battleship in WWII, and the world’s
biggest tanker in the 70’s.
MIC branched out into more technically
exacting fiberglass hull Boats, leisure
watercrafts and accessories. It is now
making boats ranging from 15-foot up
to 45-foot fishing and patrol boats. MIC
is a member of the American Boat
and Yacht Association (ABYC) and
the National Marine Manufacturer’s
Association (NMMA) in America.
To solidify the confidence of IHI,
MIC have undergone rigorous testing,
investigation and evaluation of
shipbuilding skills and technology.
MIC received commendation of the
technical staff of IHI-AMTEC which
found MIC’s facilities as among the few
in the world to have the capability to
“build all” (hull boats and accessories),
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MARINO WORLD
something not commonly found even in
the shipbuilding yards of Japan
Another challenge was hurdled by MIC
in passing the rigid standards of Japan
Government (JG) in the construction
of fiberglass vessels of 20 tons gross
tonnage and above. JG, through its
Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and
Transport is tasked to inspect and
approve MIC’s capability to build the
boat based on stringent Japanese Ship
Safety Law.
With the synergy of the technical skills
of MII and the marketing acumen of
PLSE and its strong connection in the
industry, success for both is just around
the corner.
On top, PLSE marketing gambit for 2015
is unique twice a month leisure tours of
Manila Bay free for selected clients on
board the Mikuni Marine M-2 Cabin
type fiberglass boat.
Small wonder PLSE marketing outreach
could ply well overseas --- to Papua New
Guinea and Micronesia, as starters.
PSLE SERVICES MAGSAYSAY
Industry’s frontrunner Magsaysay
Group is a major and newest client
of Philippine Life Saving Equipment
(PLSE), proof of its strong, steady
growth.
PLSE President Delfin Supapo and
his team recently announced delivery
of brand new lifeboats, davit, liferafts
and other life-saving equipment
for the Magsaysay Training Center
practical training site in Barangay
Bunga, Tanza, Cavite.
Magsaysay Maritime Corporation
President Marlon Rono and VP/Head
of Magsaysay Training Center Engr.
Romeo Piccio signed the supply and
service agreement for the state-of-theart training equipment.
Established in 1970, MTC is a pioneer
in the professional development of
maritime officers and crew. As part
of the Magsaysay Learning Group,
MTC provides quality training for the
Philippine and international maritime
industries that fully comply with
international standards.
Products and services.
PSLE eagerly responds to increasing
inquiries (averaging 200) amid
pressures onstakeholders compliance
to the STCW Convention, 2010
Manila Amendments, and the critical
audit by the European Maritime
Safety Agency (EMSA).
With its affiliate companies, PLSE
provides services to maritime
schools, training centers, shipping
companies, communities, petroleum
(offshore and oil explorations). It
also services government agencies
like the Coast Guard, National
Maritime Polytechnic, Departments of
Environment and Natural Resources,
and Defense.
PSLE’s signature safety equipment is
the Viking davit-launched and throwoverboard liferafts.
A complete range of life-saving
equipment is offered like liferaft,
rescue boat, rigid hull inflatable
boats, rubber boat, davits, fender,
fire fighting equipment, immersion
suits, inflatable lifejackets, protective
clothing, emergency evacuation
systems, self-contained breathing
apparatus, ringbouy, life saving
appliances, respiratory equipment,
chemical protection, parsun outboards,
publications and yachting.
Services include installation and
commissioning of lifeboat and davits,
liferaft annual inspection, augmented
by professional training and allied
marine services.
Rescue and Free Fall), standard
liferaft, marine evacuation systems
and/or liferafts for oil rigs and
passenger vessels, aviation liferafts,
MOB-boats, inflatable lifejackets,
waterproof clothing, fire protective
clothing and immersion suits and selfcontained breathing Apparatus.
PSLE constructs and designs Full
Mission Bridge Simulators, installs
and commissions Transas Brand
Simulator based on international
standards. It also offers door-to-door
transport solutions through Roll-Lift
and Roll-Dock.
Designed from global data on
climactic challenges and engineered
on the ergonomics of human
capabilities, PSLE equipment
have been tested superior over any
competitor.
For more than just selling products,
PSLE is much aware that limbs are
at stakes, that life must be saved.
And these equipment must match the
dedication of rescuers who take risks
beyond duty and self.
PSLE showroom and office is at
148 Yakal corner Talisay streets,
San Antonio Village, Barangay San
Antonio, Makati City with landlines
553-8507 to 09.
PLSE repairs lifeboats (TELB, Fast
Supapo, Rono and Piccio: A handshake seals the terms
MARINO WORLD
29
Feature
V. SHIPS MANILA STRENGTHENS
BONDING VIA MUSICAL
A
bout 200 seafarers, officers, staff
and families of V. Ships Manila
enjoyed the musical theatre, “Once On
This Island” at the Tanghalang Yaman
Lahi Emilio Aguinaldo College Theater
in Ermita, Manila last October 11th.
“Pag masaya sila, masaya rin tayo,”
exclaims Engr. Elmer Pulumbarit, GM
of V. Ships Manila. Translating from the
Pilipino, it means we are happy when
they are.
The musical is a captivating legend of
romance between a peasant girl and
a rich city boy whom she saves from
death.
This calypso-flavoured re-telling of
“The Little Mermaid” opens on a
Caribbean island where villagers
comfort a little girl with the story of the
orphan Ti Moune, destined to love too
much for the human heart to bear.
Presented through special arrangement
with Music Theatre International
and staged with minimal props, sets
and costumes, Once On This Island
V Ships Family after the musical play.
30
MARINO WORLD
delivers melody, love and joy in tropical
abundance.
Support.
V. Ships Manila sponsored the musical
theatre produced by Ephesus Treaton
Group, one of the most significant
theater companies in the Philippines
bringing intelligence, excellence, and
passion to the stage.
Director is Ms. Baby Barredo, a pillar
of the Philippine theatre industry.
Ephesus Teatron Group produces
local and international productions
that entertain, educate, inspire, and
enrich, thus, providing a unique
theater experience that surpasses the
expectations of the audience, bookers,
and workshop participants.
“Following the performances at this
theatre, Once on This Island hopes to
tour, bringing showcase to schools and
other venues in the provinces and we
are all very excited at this prospect,”
says Sweet Samaniego Buchanan who
performs as Erzulie in the play.
Sweet is Ephesus Treaton Group
President and wife of Robert Gerald
Buchanan, President of Genco Shipping
and Trading.
More from V. Ships Manila.
It was also announced during the event
the forthcoming Christmas Party this
year, readily spreading cheers to their
seafarers and staff. It is now a tradition
that when V. Ships Manila throws a
party, it is a swinging one for all.
At the same time, the different manning
agents of V. Ships in Manila will soon
be transferring offices from its current
location in Ermita and Makati to posh
Aseana City, a sprawling master-planned
community along Roxas Boulevard and
Manila Bay. New facilities, and more
accessibility are offered by the new
location at Aseana Two BPO Building,
inside Aseana City, a strategic in the
metropolis.
Congratulations!
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Feature
Hon. Jesulito A. Manalo
First Nominee, Angkla PartyList
XVIth Congress, Philippines
Angkla’s Nominee bonds with his Seafarers.
SAILING HIGH WITH THE WIND
Surprising when earlier Jesulito was
flogged a wrong choice. Angkla should
be represented by a gung-ho marino, not
by a suave abogado.
But critics are now eating humble
pie. Surprising (again!) the sterling
performance of Manalo: in Plenary
sessions, in the Committee hearings,
in public consultations as he surfs to
understand industry problems and find
acceptable solutions.
For what most don’t know is the fuel
inside the man. He is the son of a
weathered merchant mariner, reared in
the pain and perks of plying blue waters.
And fewer realize the historic challenge
of chartering the passage in Congress of
RA 10635, the single most defining act
of the Philippine Government to appease
the European Union into keeping the
recognition of our competencies in
maritime work.
Over 100,000 jobs could be lost; in
a time the Administration is being
hammered for not creating enough jobs
for the growing labor force.
Manalo has to cope with Inter-Agency
wars clinging to their turfs against
the streamlining of STCW functions
exclusively to MARINA. Politicians
dilly-dally the passage of the critical bill
while EMSA (European Maritime Safety
Administration) sharpens the axe to cut
our berth on the jobs.
32
MARINO WORLD
by Ligaya Caban
Legislative action.
The first quarter of 2014 was a good
head start. On 13th March, Angkla’s first
bill was enacted into law as Republic
Act 10635. This establishes the Maritime
Industry Authority (MARINA) as the
single administration to enforce the
Standards for Training, Certification, and
Watchkeeping (STCW) governing our
seafarers. This law checks confusion
as to which government agency should
regulate and implement the standards of
competency.
•
•
•
RA 10635, however, is only a flagship of
over 70 House Bills Angkla pursues. The
advocacy includes:
•
•
•
•
Protection of seafarers with
monetary claims due to occupational
hazards and illnesses against
abuses of ambulance chasers
taking advantage of the seafarers
(Approved by the main committee
and to be heard by the House for
Second Reading).
Parallel to said bill, Manalo met
with commissioners of the National
Labor Relations Commission
(NLRC) seeking help curtail
ambulance chasing.
Modernization of the practice of
naval architecture for a new face
of our country as ship building and
repair hub to generate employment.
(On Second Reading before Plenary
debates.)
Organizing a comprehensive Ship
Registry system for the regulation
of vessels carrying the flag state,
as well as collateral income for the
State.
Establishing a state-run maritime
school in Mindanao, hopefully
supervised by the Philippine
Merchant Marine Academy
(PMMA) to provide aspiring
seafarers in the regions with quality
education and training.
Tax exemption of domestic ship
owners to boost the growth of the
domestic fleets; and
Enhancing on-line registration and
voting to allow more seafarers and
other Overseas Filipino Workers
(OFW) to actively participate in the
elections.
Apart from pet bills, Cong. Manalo is
pretty much involved in painstaking
deliberations of House proposals,
especially those focusing on maritime
safety, seafarers’ rights, and maritime
labor issues, such as insurance,
repatriation, delineation of the Overseas
Workers Welfare Administration
(OWWA) contributions of the seafarers
from those of land-based OFWs.
He stood in defense of the MARINA
budget, to ensure it best complies with
its mandate, plus additional functions
under RA 10635. Fact is, Manalo was
able to defend funds for a new, modern
MARINA building. Seafarers and
stakeholders will have a bigger, safer
edifice to transact business with.
On a tour of the Tsuneishi shipyard.
On social legislation with national
impact, Cong. Manalo is always
active in Committee hearings. He
is a member of House Legislative
Committees like Justice, Transportation,
Overseas Workers Affairs, Ways and
Means, Suffrage, Higher and Technical
Education, Foreign Affairs, Tourism,
Agrarian Reform, as well as Labor, and
Science and Technology, wherein he
both sits as Vice Chair.
Policy and enforcement.
A great chunk of quality time is
devoted by Cong. Manalo with the
various agencies of government,
pushing for reforms and enforcement of
programs for seafarers and the shipping
industry.
Given the crucial position of MARINA,
he is in constant communication with
its key officials, to further develop
regulatory systems, to resolve sad
plights seafarers face. Primordially, to
promote sustainable programs for the
improvement of the industry.
He keeps close coordination with
Foreign Affairs (DFA), Labor
and Employment (DOLE), and
Transportation and Communication
(DOTC), including sub agencies, to
ensure labor rights, statutory benefits
and safety of our seafarers and their
families are amply safeguarded. These
coordination proved effective in that
with the active help of Angkla, four
seafarers wrongfully accused and
detained in Argentina for six months
were successfully repatriated to their
families. This was in January this year,
with all benefits settled soon thereafter.
In consistently touching base with
the DOTC Secretary, he helped pave
the way for MIAA to recognize the
exemption of OFWs from terminal fees
to be collected when purchasing airline
tickets in the country.
On Cong. Manalo’s suggestion, DFA
will post special maritime envoys to
represent us in relevant international
organizations, such as the IMO. These
maritime attaches will surely bring about
positive developments as they directly
participate and gather information for
the roadmap of the industry.
Last May, Cong. Manalo joined chosen
congressional delegates to Europe for
discussions with officials of primary
international maritime organizations,
specifically the International Maritime
Organization (IMO), the International
Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the
International Group of Protection and
Indemnity Clubs (P & I Clubs).
This opened doors for these
organizations to look at our maritime
industry more intently, to provide more
assistance for further development of our
domestic fleets. They have recognized
the need to strengthen linkages working
for significant changes.
MARINO WORLD
33
SAILING HIGH WITH THE WIND
IMO officials hear Manalo’s views.
Reaching out.
All these hard work cater to the
needs and demands of members and
stakeholders of the seafaring industry.
Fundamentally, Angkla exists to
represent the people of this vast sector.
Angkla is ensuring seafarers who are no
longer employed will be supported and
receive medical services and medicines
from the government.
Angkla’s advocacy for proper education
and training is concretized by its 1,033
scholars in many parts of the country,
pursuing studies in maritime schools.
Still a lot to be done, Manalo admits, a
work in process. This is why he does not
cease to seek support from fellow solons,
seafarers themselves, stakeholders,
government agencies, and the academe.
Last September, Angkla has entered
into a preliminary Memoranda of
Understanding with both Professor Jay
Batongbacal and Atty. Winston Cruz, of
the University of the Philippines Institute
for Maritime Affairs and Law of the
Sea (UP-IMLOS) forming a Maritime
Policy Trust. It will focus on energies,
resources, and expertise on the maritime
industries of the Philippines, serve as
its policy-research and support arm.
The Trust hopes to fill in a major gap in
providing a forum through which parties
34
MARINO WORLD
can work together in a multi-disciplinary
and multi-professional setting.
Cong. Manalo has accepted invitations
to speak in fora in schools, and maritime
associations. Therein, he reports
on Angkla’s activities and listen to
the issues raised. Angkla, likewise,
regularly holds and attends sectoral
conferences and summits for exchanges
of perspective that lead to clearer
understanding of issues.
Last 10 November, a conference,
“Transforming the Philippines into a
Maritime Nation and Developing the
Essential Roadmap” was concluded.
It was attended by heads of the
industry, members of the academe
in the Development Academy of the
Philippines (DAP), and UP-IMLOS, as
well as other government agencies like
MARINA and OWWA.
The forum zeroed in on the formulation
of the roadmap with emphasis on the
need to push for quality education
and training of our seafarers and our
people. Cong. Manalo stressed that,
notwithstanding the premiere position
held by our maritime professionals in the
international fleet today, there should be
no room for complacency. Striving for
global competency and efficiency has
and will always be the key.
He also stated that if we take into
account the several ancillary services
related to the seafaring industry, such
as port operations, cargo handling,
ship building and repair, ship or crew
management, maritime education and
training, or even in investment banking,
the prospects available for us are
limitless.
Maritime voice.
It has been a busy and productive year.
Without a doubt, the seafaring industry’s
course has started to change with the key
programs advanced by the government.
With Angkla’s presence, there is a new
found importance provided to Philippine
maritime industry: its voice to constantly
reverberates in the national and global
landscape.
Based on his tract, national observers
consider Manalo as an emerging breed
who are public servants, noble and gutsy.
More so with the public turn-offs against
so many reported scandals of greed, of
corruption in government.
He could be a candle lighting the
darkness. This freshman solon could
show veterans how it is, what should be.
Manalo is a lawyer, a good one. But
foremost, a borne Seafarer navigating
vicious waters of governance and policy
compromises.
ISP SECOND OFFERING
The Integrated Seafarers of the
Philippines (ISP) adds another step
towards success for seafarers wishing
better employment. ISP now conducts
free seminar on manning, ship
management, maritime education and
training.
ISP seminars on investment and
livelihood has been conducted for
seafarers and their families every last
Friday of the month from 9am to 4pm.
This new seminar is every Saturday,
same time and venue, for eight Saturdays
to complete.
“Graduates” of the seminar will be listed
at the ISP pool qualified persons for
employment in the manning sector for
free charge.
Among the lecturers are ISP Board
of Directors Capt. Constantino ‘Jun’
Arcellana, Capt. Reynold ‘Burt’ Sabay,
Capt. Hernando ‘ Nanding’ Eusebio and
other Invited Speakers.
Basic knowledge in Crewing and Ship
management seminar includes:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Understanding POEA Rules and
Regulations
POEA Standard Employment
Contract and CBA’s for Seafarers
Human elements in recruitment
Communication with principals and
ship managers
Flag state regulations
ISO and ISM regulations
MLC and STCW Convention
Charter Parties and Insurance
Other Related topics
Basic Knowledge in Maritime Education
and Training Seminar includes:
•
•
•
•
Understanding MARINA and
regulations
MLC and STCW Convention
CHED Regulation
Primer of 6:09 and 3:12
•
•
•
How to make Syllabus/Module
Teaching Methodology
Other related topics
ISP President Gaudencio ‘Jess’ Morales
underscores such projects make concrete
the principle of payback: sharing to the
community time and talent for the better
of all.
Radio.
Capt. Jess Morales also hosts ISP’s radio
program, Gabay ng Pamilyang Marino
(GPM or Guide of Seafarers Families). It
airs over DZ\IQ Radyo Inquirer, 990 AM
every Saturday at 4:30 to 6:00 pm.
Co-hosts are Ms. Marielle Tibayan, Atty.
Jann Pelayo, Dr. Jill Casacop and Ariane
Langit.
Gabay o GPM is primed to broadcast the
various projects of ISP and developments
in the maritime industry and related
areas.
MARINO WORLD
35
SHIPBUILDING
SONAME Chairman Sam Lim calls for industry reforms.
SONAME DRIVES FOR REFORMS
There never was a dull moment in the
Society of Naval Architects and Marine
Engineers (SONAME) Technical
Symposium held October 24th at the
Bayleaf Hotel, Intramuros, Manila.
Executive Director Pedro Aguilar, Philippine
Registry of Shipping President Procopio
Vergel de Dios and Orient Registry of
Shipping VP Miguel Gonzales are agreed
also for the implementation of only one CS.
truly implement first of all standards and
implement consistently in order to ensure
maritime safety.”
Industry leaders, stakeholders, practitioners
and students actively participated in the
seminar dubbed as “Sharing Best Practices
in Ship Technologies.”
From eight in 2001, the country presently
has six recognized agencies classifying local
vessels.
Vergel de Dios says that discussing the issue
is a taboo because it has already been closed
by MARINA Circular 2009-24, adopting a
single government recognized classification
society.
Realities of the industry were presented,
data collated and analysed, knowledge and
views shared for pushing for reforms as
common goal.
SONAME Chairman Sammuel Lim
facilitated the discussions, throwing in
challenging leads and recommendations.
One class.
“...So what are we waiting for…We’re all
part of this Philippines, Inc. Our image
is at stake here. Yes, we’re No. 1 Filipino
seafaring supplying nation of the world.
We’re very proud of that.
But the result is we are also Guiness Book
of World Recordholder for the worst
maritime disaster in the world,” exclaims
Engr. Lim after hearing that the panellists
are in common agreement for a one
classification society (CS).
Philippine Interisland Shipping Association
36
MARINO WORLD
“Some shipowners would try to go from one
CS to another if a shipowner wants to save
a certain requirement on the ship, we have
seen that with the advent of so many local
class.
I’m not saying that totally, nagkakaroon
ng (having) deterioration of the quality
of standards, the quality of service that is
being rendered by classification society. But
somehow there were, mayroong konting
pagbaba sa (there’s a little downside to)
quality,” observes Aguilar.
Gonzales admits, “...as also observed
and recognized by IACS (International
Association of Classification Societies),
is that the weakness of CS is that they are
paid by the shipowners, and therefore they
competed for business and this now leads to
a less stringent implementation of the rules
than their competitors, in order to stay in
business.
(I)nthe ORC we are okay for a single
class provided, however, that this CS will
Regulations.
De Dios reiterates that circular was adopted
as response to their group’s position against
the then MARINA Administrator Atty. Oscar
Sevilla Circular 165 in 2001 opening the
classification of ships to other groups “to
avoid monopoly and level the playing field.”
But De Dios insists, “A classification
society is not there for business. This
monopoly being under the Constitution only
applies to commercial undertakings. Class
society is like a quasi government agency
because its objective is to help or assist the
government in the promotion of safety of
life and property at sea and the protection
of the marine environment. In fact, that’s
the reason why all class societies to be
accredited must be registered non-stock nonprofit.”
He further states, the circular took effect
Dec 31, 2009, “(H)owever, then DOTC
Secretary Leandro Mendoza issued an
advisory, not a memo circular, addressed
to then Administrator Len Bautista,
deferring Circular 2009-24 … until further
consultations are made.”
Almost five years have passed, they have
not conducted any public consultations. So
up to now, Circular 2009-24 is not being
implemented due to an advisory and lack of
public consultations.
Feeling there is a legal anomaly here, De
Dios wrote then MARINA Administrator
Emerson Lorenzo who did not reply even
with follow-up letters.
He wrote again MARINA, hoping the new
Administrator Max Mejia, Jr. will be more
responsive.
CS arose from requirements of and only for
marine insurance. Underwriters then should
be able to determine the risks they are
entering in insuring vessels. Surveyors have
to look at the vessel’s condition, estimate
the risk and then ask for the right premium.
•
Lawmaking.
•
“The problem with circulars is it will be
passed and subject to change by the winds
or feeling of whoever is the Administrator
or the Secretary. A law cannot be change...
come up with the position paper... let’s bring
this discussion into a proposed bill, and I
am committed to sponsor it. Let’s move
forward now.
Because safety is an issue that belongs to
Backdrop.
De Dios further
recalls that MARINA
conceptualized the
single CS in 1978 and
supported the PRS.
“When a Letter Authority
of Import is issued,
among the conditions is
that classification must
be by one governmentrecognized CS which
Manalo with De Dios and Dela Torre on discussions.
was then PRS. So we are
able to develop and for
12 years we are the only
the shipowners, to the government and
single CS supported by government.”
more importantly to the riding public... And
I feel this one area that can be inserted,
In 1989, the Philippine Association of
incorporated or look into very carefully,”
Naval Architects and Marine Engineers
reacts Manalo.
(PANAME) was registered at SEC as the
PRS.
Manalo is in-charge of the sub-committee
for the national safety transport board that
“We just had our Silver Anniversary last
is now being created. Among his bills filed
June 26. So for 25 years we have been
to improve the countrys’ domestic shipping
classing vessels and I’m proud to say that
are:
for those 25 years no casualty arose which
can be traceable to faulty classing.”
•
HB 03270 “An act Modernizing the
Practice of Naval Architecture and
De Dios was with MARINA from 1975 to
Marine Engineering in the Philippines
1989, sometime in 1978 as board secretary
and Repealing for this Purpose
and legal counsel. MARINA came up with
Republic Act 4565, otherwise known
a project called the establishment of a
as ‘The Naval Architecture and
Philippine class society patterned after the
Marine Engineering Law, pending
IACS trending with major countries with
with the Committee on Civil Service
just one CS.
and Professional Regulation since
November 2013;
HB 04550 “An Act Amending Certain
Provisions of Republic Act No. 7471
as Amended by Republic Act no.
9301, entitled ‘An act to Promote
the Development of the Philippine
Overseas Shipping’ and for Other
Purposes, pending with the Committee
on Ways And Means since June, 2014;
HB 03647“An Act Establishing the
Scope and Procedure for Philippine
Registry, Recognition and Enforcement
of Maritime Claims and Limitation of
Liability, as well as Providing Essential
Incentives, which Collectively will
Promote a Comprehensive and Orderly
Philippine Ship Registry System for
the Regulation of Vessels Carrying
the Flag State, pending with the
Committee on Transportation since
January 2014.
Engr. Lim believes,
“… a shipowner
would like to pay
the right fees with
the right value. So
if I am paying fee to
the CS I know I get
something out of it
because he will be
telling if my vessels
are seaworthy. So
that’s ok, that’s really
acceptable.”
In the meantime, he
suggests to implement the transfer of class
procedure like what IACS is already doing.
Before an owner could transfer from one
class to another, the owner needs to finish
all the recommendations first.
Moreover, Engr. Ronie Bontor, GM of Safi
Shipyard proposes: If a single CS is not
feasible yet, MARINA should ask the six
existing CS to submit their minimum tariff
rates. And in order to minimize charges,
send our naval architects/ surveyors to other
regions, then the six CS adopt the regional
class surveyors.
Editor’s Note: Abstract from proceedings
of SONAME Technical Symposium, Oct. 24,
2014)
MARINO WORLD
37
Atienza-Alampay-Enrile Views
Ph Registry Issues and Reforms
In 1988 there are around 400 ships
registered under Philippine flag. In 2013, it
plunged to 117.
In 2005, the highest tax payment of bareboat
chartered ships was P105,515,000; in 2013,
it declined to P46,000,832 only.
Presently, there are 110 bareboat chartered
ships and two owned- ships registered under
Philippine flag. Mostly bulk carrier, general
cargo and RORO and trading in Asia and
Europe. There are 65 accredited overseas
shipping companies with MARINA.
“Hindi pa naman kami nawawalan ng pagasa. In fact by next year, may naka pipeline
na 25 kasi pag nag-iimprove naman ang
ating international maritime community,
kasama rin naman tayo roon, mag mo
move forward. At sana madagdagan pa,”
says MARINA Overseas Shipping Office
Division Chief Nenita Atienza. (Loosely,
we have not lost hope. There are 25 in the
pipeline. When the international situation
improves, we expect additions.)
The world’s top ten registries are Panama,
Liberia, Marshall Islands, Hong Kong,
Singapore, Greece, Malta, Bahamas, China
and Cyprus. The Philippines has been
ranked 29th or 0.01% of the total 17,000
registered worldwide.
38
MARINO WORLD
the economics which we need to move
forward.
Liberalize.
Atienza admits MARINA and stakeholders
are agreed the decline on Philippine registry
since 2000 are due to:
•
Time-bounded and less attractive fiscal
incentives
Atienza is sad incentives expired last
July and they have been following up
the revival.
•
Antiquated and unresponsive ship
mortgage law
MARINA is awaiting for the passage
Manalo’s HB 04450 to update the
country’s antiquated shipping laws.
•
Lack of financing scheme to fund ship
acquisition
•
Limited foreign equity participation
(60% Filipino-owned and 40% foreignowned)
Other flags such as Panama, Liberia,
Marshal Islands and Hong Kong do not
require nationality share in ownership.
But we suspend dual flags here.
Atienza laments when Constitutional
amendments are discussed, only the
political aspects are touched and not
•
Nationality requirement
In open registries, with incentives,
others have no nationality requirements.
If you get a ship in the Philippines, you
must have 100% Filipino crew aboard.
Tax Incentives.
Fililpino Shipowners Association President
Dario Alampay confirms, “(One of the
hurdles) on how to improve further ships
under Philippine registry are the fiscal
incentives (because in) major registries
(their) fiscal incentives are unlimited not
time bound…
We in the overseas shipping sector are
pushing our government to adopt the
same… We have been saying if you have
a strong, substantial fleet of Philippine
registered vessels, national registered
vessels, somehow it will help the country in
other ways (not only in) tax.
(We see in) Panama, Liberia they are small
nations but they are reaping the fruits of
having a registry that is considered major
in the world. (This is shown) in terms of
foreign exchange earnings, fees being
collected from ships being registered.
Even Singapore, a late-comer in the shipping
industry, is fast becoming a major ship
industry. When it liberalized its ship registry,
many ancillary and auxiliary services
positioned their offices in Singapore. This
resulted into many ship managers; ship
repair industry improved since they are at
the crossroads of international fleet, explains
Alampay.
Capt. Ronald SJ Enrile, Senior VP for
Marine Management of Philippine
Transmarine Carriers, observes the
Philippines 32% on net income or 2% of
gross profits whichever is higher.
But Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong,
Thailand, Greece, Panama, they are all
exempted; except for Vietnam with the same
32% tax on bareboat.
Income taxes of seafarers are all exempt; tax
on bareboat charter, we levy 4.5% .
“These are the things that we have to look
at so that we can be competitive in the
international market,” underscores Enrile.
Furthermore, Alampay recalls Marcos
Presidential Decree, that as incentive,
Philippine registered ships shall be given
priority to carry government-owned cargos.
But Enrile confirms “trading arrangement
relative to government cargo is not
implemented properly.”
Support.
Enrile, also Angkla sector representative,
asks to support HB No. 3647 filed their first
nominee, Cong. J. Manalo, adding “...And
once this is passed, we still have a lot of
things to do..(I)n international conferences,
in the exhibitions, there a lot of flag states
offering their ship registries…
Other measures.
MARINA is also undergoing technical
assistance project studies, to develop an
online application, processing and issuance
of certificates.
Atienza confirms measures to market the
Philippine registry such as setting up offices
in other countries was already proposed by
the Agency, hoping for the approval of the
budget next year.
Confidence.
Enrile continues, “So this is a challenge.
We have the people. I think we have the
advantage. And the other question is can
MARINA handle this?”
During the transition of RA 10635 wherein
all STCW functions moved to MARINA,
there were some glitches, there were delays
on the release of certificates. But Enrile
believes these are being addressed now.
Taking more on the issue of flag registry,
Capt. Enrile expounds, “We need to prepare
for this or we can have it privatize. If you
look at Panama, Liberia, Marshall Island,
their main registry offices are not in their
own countries…Liberia and Marshall
islands in the US..Can we do it? I think we
can. It depends on how we will formulate
the law.”
Alampay says, “Many experts are saying
that maybe if the Philippine government can
put its acts together not only in the registry,
the Philippines is a much suitable place to
really improve our maritime industry.
Then as we go on, Philippine ship
industry by natural flow of events will
increase its fleet and with the support of
government especially now that we have
our Congressman pushing for all these
legislative maritime bills ... Then by natural
course of events, we will have a strong
maritime nation.”
Editor’s Note: Abstract from proceedings
of SONAME Technical Symposium, Oct. 24,
2014)
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MARINO WORLD
39
MARINA Daniel Reyes on progressive import ban.
NO TO TOTAL BAN OF USED SHIPS
PISA Executive Director Aguilar says the
association is not supporting the proposed
importation ban of second-hand vessels for
the time being.
“While we are supportive of our local
shipyards and naval architects, the
shipowners are adhering to the realities,
present state of doing business. Talagang
napaka expensive dito sa atin (It is really
very expensive here).”
Aguilar cites the cost of electricity and
drydocking as examples. Aside from the
lapsed incentives on tax for the shipowners.
He also notes in their survey that it costs
3.5% times less to have their vessels dry
docked in China than in the Philippines.
Depends.
While calling on the government regulators
and lawmakers to take into account to
make the environment for shipbuilding
more competitive to shipowners, Society
of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers
(SONAME) Chairman Sammuel Lim
expressed support on the progressive
restriction of importation of vessels.
Although Philippines is ranked No. 5 in the
world as a shipbuilding nation because of
the Tsuneishi and Hanjin, those are mostly
for export vessels.
MARINA Shipyards Regulation Service
Officer Daniel Reyes says at the moment
there is no ban on importation of ships.
40
MARINO WORLD
But as the law says, MARINA is now
conducting the assessment on the Philippine
ship building capability.
“We roughly analyze the demand for local
construction… determine the number, types
of ships locally built in shipyards according
to its capacity…Once assessment (is over),
recommendation is progressive restriction
of importation (gradual implementation),”
clarifies Engr. Reyes.
Lim supports the program. He explains,
“Yes its cheaper and everything (to import)
but hopefully the shipowners would take
into account the stability, the suitableness,
the sitting characteristic of these vessels, to
observe how it was originally designed and
operated in the Philippines is also observed.
Because I see and note a lot of modifications
being done…that’s why we have these
accidents. We’re here to be consulted, for
free.
Naval architects are there all over the
country. And they’re all capable, competent
designers and shipbuilders… Of course
here, as naval architects we’ll love to design
our own vessels really suited for Philippine
waters….of course it’s so expensive to
build…We will still do, start with small
vessels and go up,” says Lim.
Engr. Edward Cruz, President of Sea Rudder
Corporation recalls “In Marcos time, they
already banned importing vessels. What the
Philippines did, we construct vessels in our
own. (That’s why shipbuilding increased
here.) (Because of the boom, I took up
Naval Architecture. But on graduating came
the coup d’ etat), After one year, in Cory’s
time, opened importation. That’s the time
naval architecture (flourished due to so
many imports of vessels). After decades
(they say Pilipinos no longer build ships).
They already forgot in Marcos time, (we
were building classed vessels. We were
building ABS before, wonder why we have
forgotten.)”
Recycling.
The Association of Shipyards in the
Philippines, through its representative
Engr. Glenn Dela Torre, underscores that
we should review the policy of banning the
importation of vessels.
Dela Torre explains, “We have tried it so
many times in the past. It cannot be done
because Number One that would be against
it is the shipowner. Because you have to
have in mind that when a shipowner invests
on the ship, the window opportunity for him
to have an acceptable return of investment is
5 to 7 years.”
Marcos era.
It was in the Marcos regime when
importation of vessels was banned, making
naval architecture in demand.
He also underscores opportunities and
challenges in ship recycling.
“(W)hether it is feasible (importation ban),
we have came to an agreement among our
association… In order to comply with
and satisfy the requirement between
new building and importation of
second-hand ships proposed the in
between called recycled ships.
We have found an alternative in
between. The Number One problem
if we build a local ship is that 80% of
the components are all imported.
You have an option wherein you can
dismantle the ship, get some of its
parts which can be re-use(d), then
you put it on the ships which are now
under so called new built. In that way,
there’s clear definition, so that the
financing companies will come in.”
He challenges the naval architects,
“Although I can perhaps say that up to
this time there have been significant
improvements in the capability of local
designers to come up with innovations in
order to adjust and react to what is needed in
today’s needs.
We have to react and respond to the needs,
you have come up with modifications so
that these existing fleet can be modified
and operated in accordance with the local
requirements so that it can become a
sustainable activity.”
It also addresses concerns raised about the
working and environmental conditions
at many of the world’s ship recycling
locations.
International confab.
The text of the Hong Kong Convention was
developed over three and a half years, with
input from IMO Member States and relevant
non-governmental organizations, and in
cooperation with the International Labour
Organization and the Parties to the Basel
Convention.
The Hong Kong International Convention
for the Safe and Environmentally Sound
Recycling of Ships, 2009 (the Hong Kong
Convention), was adopted at a diplomatic
conference held in Hong Kong, China, from
11 to 15 May 2009, which was attended by
delegates from 63 countries.
The Convention is aimed at ensuring that
ships, when being recycled, do not pose any
unnecessary risks to human health, safety
and to the environment.
The Hong Kong Convention intends to
address all the issues on ship recycling,
including the fact that ships sold for
scrapping may contain environmentally
hazardous substances such as asbestos,
heavy metals, hydrocarbons, ozonedepleting substances and others.
Regulations in the new Convention cover:
the design, construction, operation and
preparation of ships so as to facilitate
safe and environmentally sound recycling
without compromising the safety and
operational efficiency of ships.
It also includes the operation of ship
recycling facilities in a safe and
environmentally sound manner; and the
establishment of an appropriate enforcement
mechanism for ship recycling, incorporating
certification and reporting requirements.
As of October 17, 2014, Philippines has not
ratified the Hong Kong Convention of 2009.
SONAME Officers’ Perspective
SHIP BUILDING BEST PRACTICES
DESIGN AND BUILDING TECHNOLOGIES
Bontor, Safi Shipyard GM
Cruz, Sea Rudder Pres.
Four officers of the Society of Naval
Architects and Marine Engineers
(SONAME) have expressed professional
views on the country’s potentials in
shipbuilding, ship design and ship repair,
namely:
•
Engr. Edward Cruz, President of Sea
Rudder Corporation;
•
Mr. Ricardo Tuliao, President of Tuliao
Shipyard (SONAME- Luzon)
•
Engr. Jerome Manuel, Operations
Manager of Southern Philippines
Shipbuilder and Shiprepair
Corporation; and
•
Engr. Ronie Bontor, General Manager
of Safi Ship Shipyard (SONAMEVizMin)
Tuliao, Tuliao Shipyard Pres.
average of 50 vessels being constructed
in GenSan every year. He and Engr. Celso
Buenafe, manager of Cubname Marine
Services, built a roro ferry in Samal.
Philippines... (Should MARINA initiates
that we a) standard for the Philippine-made,
(it can be done and) if possible care of
SONAME.”
“(Maybe GenSan) in the next five years,
(will be) center of repair ship, (will develop)
into a technical hub.
Technology.
Actually right now we really need naval
architects there. (Those shipyards without
naval architects yet), we do the retraining for
them. (But we cannot absorb) for the next
two or five years. (We need to involve more
people as volume increases each year),” says
Manuel.
National Standard.
“In GenSan, it is really a silent-type doing of
shipbuilding. (There’s no update on what we
are doing in Mindanao), ” says Bontor.
He adds, “(S)hipyards in GenSan do 120
tunnel service boat/carrier and maybe next
year will increase to 160 tunnel vessels
depending on the budget of the shipowners.
Service vessel can be done within 2 to 3
months as long as materials and finances are
there. The owners are funding the vessel.
It can also be funded by a shipyard, it
depends upon the MOA. Materials used are
purchased from Manila and Korea.”
Engr. Manuel reports that there are an
42
MARINO WORLD
Manuel, SPSSC Manager
The four agree on the implementation of a
national standard in shipbuilding.
“When the shipbuilding in the Philippines
started, Lloyd’s Registry and American
Bureau of Shipping (entered and) they
have different standards. Although they
have similarity but sometimes they differ in
(terminologies).
For us to progress in shipbuilding, we need
to come up with national standard but it
needs people to work on it on different
levels,” says Manuel.
Bontor adds, “(A)ctually, we would like
to encourage MARINA if possible if they
can conduct a certain quorum inviting
naval architects to realize this program
like the standard for shipbuilding in the
SONAME President Ma. Teresa DaguioMamisao reports the purchase of Maxsurf
software costing PhP2-million, as endorsed
by MARINA Shipyards Regulation Service
and approved by Administrator Mejia.
Maxsurf provides naval architects, offshore
engineers and shipbuilders with a complete
range of software tools for all phases of the
vessel design, analysis and construction
process. All modules in the range operate
from a single 3D surface model which
allows design changes to flow through
automatically and facilitates smooth
communication and coordination between
different design activities.
“It is now with our back committee… (We
selected Maxsurf we check the plans) for us
to make it easier, (faster and better to) check
stability, loadline and everything…it will be
used by the central office for Phase One of
the project; (thereafter, to the regions),” says
Mamisao.
Other topics.
Other subjects presented in the symposium
are:
•
Enhancing MLC 2006 Compliance
thru Modern Communication
Systems by Bernard Santos of Smart
Communications;
•
Safety and Reliability Technology by
Engr. Joylan Nadal, Vice President of
Aguila Group of Companies;
•
Anti-Fouling Technology – Silyl
Acrylate by Mr. George Lim, Regional
Manager of Jotun (Singapore) Ltd.;
•
Auxiliary Engines Overhauling and
Maintenance Course by Muramatsu
Akihiro, Sales Manager of Daikai
Philippines Corporation.
New generation.
The present generation of naval architects
and marine engineers remains optimistic
despite the discouraging realities in their
profession and the industry.
Lian Elucero, a Naval Architecture
graduating student of the Asian Institute
of Maritime Studies (AIMS), says, “For
me I will continue in this career ‘cause I
know that there are some people who wants
or willing to help for us to surpass these
problems… I hope that someday when I
become a licensed naval architect these
problems have some solutions already.”
Arby Rose Habayhabay, also from AIMS,
says in Tagalog, “It seems our parents
are just forcing us into this. But comes
the realization we are meant to be Naval
Architect despites the Math and the
drawings.”
Primrose Rodas board topnotcher in 2009,
“It’s not a secret to all of us that there
is really a problem with regards to our
industry. And we will be hypocrite to say
that were already at our peak, rather in
our best. But I really believe that it’s not a
matter of how we start but how we end it,
how we end our career. “
We may … start lower… but look at where
they are now… (H)ow much more, how far
can we go from there. So I believe that with
the current active participation of everybody
in the naval architecture field this will not
stay the same. This will be the lowest we
will ever be…
Softwares coming in, trainings are being
held, symposiums are being conducted,
surveys are being done, so it simply shows
we are proactive, we are going somewhere.
It’s also an indication that it should not stop
with Sir Sam and the second generation,
it should proceed, It’s not meant to be
stagnant, it’s about being proactive.”
Promising.
In the registry of PRC, there is like 700
registered naval architects since 1960. Out
of that, SONAME has only half at 250
membership. The rate of board passers then
was 5 to 10 from a batch of 20 examinees,
or 30 at best.
This year, more than 100 took
the exams and 57 passed.
Still small but already recordbreaking with an upward to boot.
And for the first time, a PartyList
Congressman from Angkla
is representing the maritime
industry, arguably focused on the
concerns and directions of the
sector.
Lim keeps strong faith Filipinos
can design and build ships and
insists, “We have a very big pool
of naval architects. Our masters
and engineers are all world
class… (T)echnical experts are
there I think it’s just a matter of
restructuring what we do in this
maritime safety regime.
Practically, naval architects
have been overtaken by Pinoy
seafarers to be Number One in
the world … We have a good
pool of captains, chief engineers
and it is now a good opportunity
that naval architects be the third
and final cog in that structure for
maritime success.
We can be a global power, definitely, in a
true sense of the word...because we have
shipowners here, shipyards, shipbuilders,
ship registry, but we need to do all the
structural reforms to make this work, so for
us.
SONAME is just one part (of many
organizations). We need to work together.”
And with stirrings in his voice, Lim ends
with, “I challenge all our stakeholders
here. Let’s get our act together, once and
for all improve our maritime safety in the
Philippines. It’s about time.”
Editor’s Note: Abstract from proceedings
of SONAME Technical Symposium, Oct. 24,
2014)
From the Editors of
Marino World
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Informative. Entertaining.
Published by BASMS
521-3633
maritimanews@gmail.com
MARINO WORLD
43
Training
WSP Maritime Training Center, Inc.
NOW IN FULL MISSION
The WSP Maritime Training Center, Inc
(WSPMTCI) launches its latest Transas
NTPro 5000 Full Mission Bridge
Simulator last September 3rd.
David recalls the center started in
2011 as in-house training center of its
manning agency, Western Shipping
Southeast Asia, Inc.
This is a significant addition to the
facilities in the expanded WSPMTCI
simulator room located at the Room
1802 Prestige Tower F. Ortigas Jr.
Avenue at the posh Ortigas Center in
Pasig City.
“And it evolves through the years
as a legitimate Training Center with
accredited training courses by then
Maritime Training Center, and now by
the Maritime Industry Authority,” Mr.
David shares.
The state-of-the-art simulator is a
grant from the International Maritime
Training Trust IMTT). This will enable
WSPMTCI to offer Full Mission Bridge
Simulator Courses and Deck Watch
keeping Course as soon as MARINA
accredits the courses.
The mission and vision of WSPMTCI,
is to continuously enhance its training
standards to the fullest potential and
consequently meet the general and
specialized requirements not only of
their own Principals but of the Philippine
manning industry.
Also, during the said launch, WSPMTCI
President Mr. Manuel V. David
announced the plan for the acquisition
of the Full Mission Engine Room
Simulator that would complement the
new Full Mission Bridge Simulator.
Partners.
The event also shows tripartism with
industry leaders like:
Ceremonial ribbon with David, Estaniel, Oca and Tormon
44
MARINO WORLD
•
Capt. Alvin Tormon, MARINA
STCW Executive Director;
•
Mr. Michael Estaniel, International
Maritime Employers Committee
Philippine Representative; and
•
Dr. Conrado Oca, Associated
Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s
Union of the Philippines President.
Capt. Belal Ahmed, CEO of Western
Shipping Pte. Limited of Singapore says,
“We know training is expensive. We
need the support from the authorities like
MARINA, from the industry body like
IMEC and obviously we all know how
much AMOSUP has always dreamed
for the quality training of the Filipino
seafarers.
We believe that deep in our heart, we
really wish to see more of these as doing
something for the officers and crew of
this company, the Filipino seafarers
and the Manning Industry as a whole.
We wish that one day in the future,
WSP execs and guests at the full mission bridge simulator
everybody will say that Mr. David has
done a good job to give the Filipino
seafarers the proper trainings needed.”
Dir. Tormon on his part reported on the
updates on MARINA’s efforts to satisfy
EMSA, and calls on the stakeholders
present to, “Let us all help each other.
Rest assured that this new facility of
yours will be inspected in due time.”
While, Dr. Oca remarked, “Thank you
for having this training facility for the
benefit of our Filipino seafarers…We are
all partners here, social partners. (I) wish
everybody who will study and train here
will be more successful and gainfully
employed.”
Courses.
At present the WSPMTCI offers
MARINA accredited courses for officers
and ratings, viz:
•
•
•
Consolidated MARPOL 73/78
IMO Model Course 3.19 SHIP
SECURITY OFFICER 2012 (SSO
2012)
IMO Model Course 3.26/3.27
Security Training for Seafarers
•
•
•
•
with Designated Security Duties
and Security Awareness Training
(SDSDSAT)
IMO Model Course 1.14 Medical
First Aid (MEFA)
IMO Model Course 1.27 ECDIS
2012 (utilizing TRANSAS
SIMULATORS, NTPro
5000/NAVISAILOR 4000)
IMO Model Course 1.07
RNRPA (utilizing TRANSAS
SIMULATORS, NTPro 5000 /
NAVISAILOR 4000)
WSPMTCI also offers Maritime
Resource Management (MRM), a four
(4) days course that is recognized by
the stakeholders as an important full
course for seafarers. The MRM is a
special course developed in India to train
officers to work together and understand
each other. Part of the course is going
forward with the use of the simulator to
put the officers in real-life situations, to
train them to work together and avoid
the accidents and disasters that have
been seen for the last 20 or 30 years.
WSPMTC also offers in-house training
courses, viz:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
ISM
Steering Course with the use of
Simulators
PADAMS with HIV
SATPRO/Injury Prevention
HAZMAT/Dangerous, Hazardous
and Harmful Cargoes
Collision Avoidance
Voyage Planning with Chart
Correction and Publication
Correction
Risk Assessment and Management
with Incident Investigation
Automatic Identification System
Oiler Record Book Familiarization
and Training
Seafarers from companies who are
members of the International Maritime
Employers Committee (IMEC) are
privileged with an additional 10%
discount.
WSP Maritime Training Center Inc. is
conveniently located at 1710 Prestige
Tower, F. Ortigas Jr Avenue, Ortigas
Center, Pasig City.
MARINO WORLD
45
Manning
OROLA
FOR
HEALTH
WATCH
“Although we are valued professionals
in this global industry, we have to
remember that many nationalities are
aiming to replace us.
We have to fight to stay on the top.
We can do this only by being ahead,
keeping up with technological
developments and doing the best
that we can in our job as a seafarer.”
Fiery words, from Engr. Tom Orola,
as guest speaker at the Professional
Regulation Commission Oath-taking
ceremonies for new marine engineers
on August 13th at the Centennial
Hall, Manila Hotel.
46
MARINO WORLD
“Now is not the time to be
complacent. We have to adhere to
the changes affecting compliance
to STCW requirements. We need to
have the necessary compliance in
terms of qualification, competence,
over-all health and mental condition
for this profession. These are the
primary aspects in achieving our goal
of maintaining our post as the indemand supplier of marine officers,”
adds Orola.
The multi-awarded engineer recalls
being in the crewing industry for
almost 34 years. Having been a
seafarer, he knows firsthand and have
seen the struggle and challenges
that seafarers encounter in each and
every contract.
Being away from family and loved
ones, trading rest and recreation just
to review, take the licensure exams,
attend numerous trainings and
seminars are the sacrifices that one
takes in advancing career, reminds
Orola to the graduates.
Body, too.
All of these are every important,
admits Orola, on top of overall mental
fitness.
Year 2008 brought in adversities,
increased P & I claims. What
shipowners fear most is ailments on
the seafarers. By and large, Filipinos
at 40 years gets sick and perpetually
take maintenance medication. They
go home from the hospital and die
later for illness they are not even
aware of.
Orola confides manning agencies
are aware of these and watch out
medical certificates and the results.
Diabetic persons are increasing but
not much of a problem because the
malady can be regulated. So with
hypertension. But it cannot be hidden
that at 40, physical health goes down
even with those working on land.
Diet watch is a good way to control,
better done with the help of wives
and partners. Relatives will be of help
as a fit seafarer will continuously be
aboard, in-demand by principals,
assures the engineer.
About Orola.
For almost 34 years, Engr. Tom Orala
is president of Orophil Shipping
International.
He initiated three sister companies
involved in shipbuilding and dry
docking operations, specifically in
steel and iron works.
OKT Corporation, Kura Philippines
and Philippine Nippon AOI Industry
teamed to provide a training
ground for marine engineers and
Filipino welders. He pressed ties
with Japanese Shipyard Kawazaki
Souzen, Miyoshi Souzen and
Kurinoura Dockyard.
He
established
Orophil
Ship
Management
Corporation
and
instrumental in acquiring in 1987
Visayan Maritime Academy now
named VMA Global College
Orola is a Trustee and corporate
secretary
of
Asian
Maritech
Development Corp, owns and
operates VMA Global College,
VMA Training Center, VMA Security
Training Institute
He holds a Masters degree in
maritime management and only
units away from a doctoral degree in
maritime management. But he holds
a doctorate in divinity, honoris causa,
for his devoted services to God and
fellowmen.
Engr. Tom Orola has been recognized:
•
2008 Tinig ng Marino Most
Outstanding Marine Engineer
•
POEA 2005 Agency
Performance
•
2002 Most Outstanding
Professional (Marine
Engineering)
•
2000 Most Outstanding Seafarer
MARINO WORLD
47
FEATURE
EDUCATORS AMONG
PCG AWARDEES
Salabas with The President
Maritime educators are among the 24
awardees of the Philippine Coast Guard
announced during the 113rd Anniversary
celebrations last October 16th at the
PCG headquarters, in Port Area, Manila.
Salabas is the Chairman of VMA
Global College in Bacolod City
and the President of the Philippine
Maritime Association of Maritime
Institutions (PAMI).
•
CG Station of the Year Class
“Bravo”
•
The awarding is the highlight of
this year’s celebrations dubbed as
“Matuwid na Pagtatanod Baybayin
Tungo sa Maayos at Mapayapang
Karagatan.”(Correct Coastline Watch
Towards Proper and Peaceful Waters)
•
For invaluable support to the
Philippine Coast Guard, for
providing world-class maritime and
nautical training since 2009 and for
the utilization of its facilities during
the conduct of the PCG Aptitude and
Battery.
President Benigno Simeon Aquino
III handovers the plaques assisted by
Transportation and Communication
Secretary Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya and
PCG Commandant Isorena to Coast
Guard officers, personnel, civilians and
private institutions with outstanding
contributions.
Commo. Elizabeth Orola Salabas,
PCGA, Best Auxiliary Officer of
the Year
Instrumental in the creation and
implementation of the PCG NSTP
CWTS Program and persuaded
schools to adopt the said program.
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MARINO WORLD
CG Station Aparri (CG District
North Eastern Luzon)
CG Station of the Year Class
“Charlie”
•
CG Sub-station Liminangcong
(CG District Palawan)
CG Sub-station of the Year
•
SN2 Oliver M. Mazo 007422 PCG
(CG District Palawan)
Enlisted Personnel of the Year
Arlene and Lino are the President
and Vice President of AIMS,
respectively.
Among them are:
•
Commo. Lino Paterno Paderanga,
PCGA and wife Arlene
Plaque of appreciation for the
Asian Institute of Maritime Studies
(AIMS)
CG Station General Santos (CG
District Southeastern Mindanao)
•
Other awardees are:
•
CG Station Cebu (CG District
Central Visayas)
CG Station of the Year Class
“Alpha”
Mr. Antonio T. Villamin Jr. (CG
District NCR-CL)
Civilian Employee of the Year
•
Diesel Fast (DF) – 314
Small Craft of the Year
•
•
DA BFAR MCS - 3003
CG District Southwestern Mindanao
Category I Vessel of the Year
Coast Guard Distinguished Service
Medal and Ribbon Awardee
•
•
BRP Nueva Vizcaya (SARV -3502)
Category II Vessel of the Year
•
602nd Auxiliary Squadron
PCGA Squadron of the Year
•
•
Coast Guard Distinguished Service
Medal and Ribbon Awardee
Coast Guard Working Dog “Bosh”
Best Auxiliary District of the Year
•
Joint US Military Assistance
Group (JUSMAG)
•
Col. Bruce M. Murray AM
Australian Defence Attache
•
•
Director, Bureau of Fisheries and
Aquatic Resources
Plaque of Appreciation bestowed for the
invaluable support to the PCG:
Best Auxiliary Division of the Year
Best Auxiliarist of the Year
Mr. Noriaki Niwa
Chief Representative, JICA Phil
PO2 Marcelino Alemania PCGA
•
M/Gen Rene C. Samonte APF
(Ret)
President, AFPBAI
•
Commo. Leopoldo V. Laroya
0-9856 PCG, District Commander,
•
Atty. Asis G. Perez
RADM William M. Melad 0-8684
PCG, District Commander CG
District Central Visayas
CG Auxiliary District National
Capital Region-Central Luzon
612.3 Auxiliary Division
President, Chinese General Hospital
and Medical Center; FilipinoChinese Charitable Associations
Dr. James Go
Award of Coast Guard Search and
Rescue Medal and Ribbon
For being instrumental in recovering
four cadavers during the search and
retrieval operations in the aftermath of a
7.2 magnitude earthquake in Bohol.
PCG is a multi-mission maritime
agency tasked to promote safety of life
and property at sea, protect the marine
environment, enforce maritime laws and
conduct maritime security operations.
While actually the third uniformed
service of the country, it is most
aggressive, and effective, in its
partnership with the private sector in
coastal watch and disaster responses.
Abuid-Paderanga couple, PNoy and Sec. Abaya
MARINO WORLD
49
Ports
PPA GM Sta. Ana.
UNCTAD Workshop
PPA GEARS UP FOR ASEAN 2015
“What is the impact of this to our ports,
to the supply chain and to all of us? What
must we do to be able to prepare well for
this economic integration?”
This is the challenging opener of Ports
Authority (PPA) GM Juan Sta. Ana as
he opens the First International Port
Performance Workshop in Manila.
Some 25 senior port managers from the
Philippines, Benin, Indonesia, Namibia,
Tanzania and Peru attended the training
at the Traders Hotel in Manila on October
28-31 organized by PPA in collaboration
with the United Nations Conference on
Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
For the Philippines, participants include
managers from PPA regional ports,
Cebu Port Authority Asian Terminal and
Manila North Harbor Port.
“I find the objectives of this workshop
very timely not only for our organization
but also regionally as we move closer to
the integration of the ASEAN member
countries and that is happening in 2015.
With this integration there is a need for
us to have common matrix on which to
compare performance, competitiveness
of our ports nationally and regionally and
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MARINO WORLD
this will allow us to determine exactly the
areas where we must improve and invest
on our resources. So as not to lag behind
from our connecting and neighboring
ports,” explains Sta. Ana.
we can do together, in getting a set of
indicators that will be relevant to us to
measure the performance, and a kind of
benchmark so we can say we are in the
right direction, and we can prove it with
some sets of figures,” says Assaf.
UNCTAD.
Established in 1964, UNCTAD promotes
the development-friendly integration
of developing countries into the world
economy. UNCTAD has progressively
evolved into an authoritative knowledgebased institution whose work aims to help
shape current policy debates and thinking
on development, with a particular focus
on ensuring that domestic policies
and international action are mutually
supportive in bringing about sustainable
development.
Participants were given the opportunity to
be prepared on the changes and strategic
reforms on modern seaports towards
greater competitiveness based on higher
standards of performance.
Several courses have so far been
implemented by UNCTAD for PPA to
increase its capabilities including the
modern port management training as
the first cycle in a span over a two-year
period, from 2013.
Competitiveness.
UNCTAD Chief for Human Resources
Development Mark Assaf and Drogheda
Port Company Director Joseph Hiney
facilitated the workshop focus on
technical matters of data definition and
sharing, as well as discussions on the
structures required for a sustainable data
sharing port community.
“..We are trying to capitalize on what
we build together using that privilege
knowledge sharing, trying to see what
As a backgrounder, GM Sta. Ana cited
the ASEAN economic blueprint adopted
by the ASEAN leaders in 2007 to serve as
a master plan in the establishment of the
ASEAN economic community in 2015.
The AEC envisions the following key
characteristics:
•
A single market and production
based;
•
•
•
A highly competitive economic
region;
A region with equitable economic
development;
Conceived region that has and fully
integrated with our global economy.
These areas of cooperation include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Human resources development
capacity building;
Recognition
of
professional
qualification;
Closer consultation on macro
economics and financial policies;
Trade financing;
Enhanced
infrastructures
and
communications connectivity;
Development
of
electronic
transactions through ASEAN;
Integrating industries across the
region for regional sourcing;
Private sector involvement for the
building of the ASEAN economic
region.
Global rankings.
Department of Trade and Industry
Zenaida Maglaya quoted World Bank
Logistics Performance Index. The Global
Ranking shows that out of 160 countries,
Southeast Asia economies like Singapore
ranked 5th, Malaysia 25th and Thailand
35th. Top 3 are Netherlands, Belgium and
UK.
•
Timeliness of shipments in reaching
destination within the schedule or
expected delivery time
“Efficient port management where there
are minimal and no delays in shipping
and low rates of port congestion play an
important role in lowering the cost of
doing business, the cost of trade services,
logistics and this encourages more
investors to do business in a country.
Supply chains are crucial to achieving
competitiveness. I guess it is very
important for the importers and exporters
to really know exactly what to expect
when it comes to shipping, when it comes
to delivery because delays really entail a
lot of cost,” says Maglaya.
Department of Transportation and
Communication Undersecretary Julianito
Bucayan keynote speech was delivered by
DOTC Asst Sec Lino Dhabi, for project
monitoring and evaluation. RAdm Dhabi
cites the important inputs from the 20132014 Global Competitiveness Index
recently released by the World Economic
Forum.
“In the period covered, the Philippines
made dramatic improvements in different
areas that lead track the country to 59th
position out of 148 countries. 6 steps
higher than its previous report and one
track higher than India. This is by all
measures, not a small accomplishment.
Though this is a cause for joy, the report
however pointed out where the country is
…one thing in improvements..one of the
areas mention is our seaports facilities,
I believe includes port services as well.
We got a rank of 116 for seaport facilities
the lowest under the infrastructure
component indicators for the country
while our airport facilities got 113.
This is a far cry from the ranks of some
of our neighboring Southeast Asian
countries with Singapore getting the
highest rating,” observes Bucayan.
Malaysia is 24th, Brunei 26th, Thailand
37th, Indonesia, 38th, Cambodia 88th,
Myanmar 139th.
Port congestion.
Bucayan underscores the adverse impact
of port congestion in the Manila ports.
“Overall cost of the delays and lost
business opportunities are estimated at
more than 300 million according to the
Federation of Philippine Industries. Some
experts argue that congestion experienced
in Manila ports was not just caused by
expanded truck ban but by a lot of other
contributory factors.
Understandably some quarters were
asking why was this not predicted? But
to me a more up question would have
been this, how can we prevent this from
happening again?
…The present state of our port facilities,
infrastructure and services contributed
I’m sure to the crisis we had in our ports
in Manila… I think it is more important
On the World Bank Logistics Performance
Index (LPI) Report 2014, the Philippines
slipped to 57th place in the biennial report
from 52nd in 2012, a fact unmentioned by
Maglaya.
This study used these Indicators:
•
•
•
•
•
Customs efficiency or clearance
process,
Infrastructure, the quality of trade
and transport infrastructure
International shipments, the ease
of arranging competitively priced
shipments,
Logistic competence, quality and
competence of the logistic services
Trucking and tracing (ability to track
and trace consignments,
DOTC A/Sec Dhabi discusses with UNCTAD Assaf.
MARINO WORLD
51
PPA GEARS UP FOR ASEAN 2015
The delegates with guests.
that we look first at where we are now
like in terms of facilities and services
we provide at out ports. In short, our
competitiveness.
If we want to impact the overall
competitiveness of our country and
increase our contribution to national
development, we can start at looking
at our data, at how we collect them and
how we can utilize them, to determine
our future strategies and plan to
better competitiveness of our ports,”
clarificatories from Bucayan.
Reactions.
Participants were toured to the facilities
of the Manila International Container
Terminal (MICT) of the International
Container Terminal Services (ICTSI) in
Port area, Manila.
Marino World sampled observations of
foreign delegates, viz:
•
52
Widuz
Mutwa,
NAMPORT
(National Port Authority in Namibia)
operations
manager,
container
terminal, says: “The time was too
short, cause I by choice wanted
to talk more to the operational
MARINO WORLD
the smallest manageable. Anything
beyond that is such struggling if you
don’t have, if you dump it anywhere,
productivity suffers.”
people… what we saw there is the
space challenges because of the port
congestion.
It happens with all our ports,
sometimes we are congested, just
how you deal with the congestion...
utilize your technology… how you
handle the automation process.
It happens sometimes, particularly,
we are not yet congested, end of
November December gift items for
Christmas, time to release, it’s a
peak that normally have some kind
of congestion. But our congestion is
not so much on the length side, on
the truck side, it’s more on the vessel
side waiting to be given its berths.
The way we address the congestion
is we are in constant communication
with our clients.
So what we do is that we do
monitoring, we know the capacity of
our yard, if the yard is moving up, we
can already warn shipping lines that
we want them to evacuate. Because
most of the problems is coming
from the empty containers … once
yard reached its leveled at 60-70%
•
Ntandu Mathayo, Tanzania Ports
Authority principal planning officer
says:
“Actually, we didn’t have enough
time to go at least to all the terminals
…we went to only one terminal..
we want to visit the key site, to see
the actual berth of ships…the info
brought in the reception was good
enough, it was the impression, how
import parts, capacity, facilities
available... yes, at the moment for
the National Port, it’s very congested
port because of at least 3 reasons. 1.
The port doesn’t have enough space
2. The access roads to and from the
port; congested because the port is
within the city 3. Road facilities are
minimum…
To address: open for more ICDs
(international container depots) put
more facilities, example now we
are planning to build two berths for
containers. So congestion within the
ports will no longer be a problem.”
Shipping
Following FAL Convention Approval
MANDATORY ELECTRONIC
INFORMATION EXCHANGE SOON
The revised FAL Convention annex
would introduce the mandatory
electronic exchange of information on
cargo, crew and passengers.
The Facilitation Committee (FAL),
meeting for its 39th session, approved
a revised annex to the Convention on
Facilitation of International Maritime
Traffic (FAL), 1965, as amended,
following a comprehensive five-year
review aimed at modernizing the
Convention.
To be circulated for adoption at the
Committee’s next session (FAL 40
on March/April 2016), the revised
annex would introduce the mandatory
electronic exchange of information on
cargo, crew and passengers.
The FAL convention includes, in its
annex, “Standards” and “Recommended
Practices” on formalities, documentary
requirements and procedures which
should be applied on arrival, stay and
departure to the ship itself, and to its
crew, passengers, baggage and cargo.
Important proposed changes in the
revised Annex include the introduction
of a new standard relating to the
obligation of public authorities to
establish systems for the electronic
exchange of information, within a period
of three years after the adoption of the
amendments.
There would be a transitional period of
not less than 12 months from the date
of the introduction of such systems to
make the use of electronic transmissions
mandatory, during which period paper
and electronic documents would be
allowed.
for crew, including the addition of a
paragraph in the standard to say that
there should be no discrimination, in
respect of shore leave, on grounds of
nationality, race, colour, sex, religion,
political opinion, or social origin, and
irrespective of the flag State of the
ship on which seafarers are employed,
engaged or work.
Standards and recommended practices
relating to stowaways are also updated,
to include references to relevant sections
of the International Ship and Port
Facilities’ Security (ISPS) Code.
A further recommended practice
encourages the use of the “single
window” concept to enable all the
information required by public
authorities in connection with the arrival,
stay and departure of ships, persons
and cargo, to be submitted without
duplication.
A new standard requires Governments to
incorporate into their national legislation
legal grounds to allow prosecution of
stowaways, attempted stowaways and
any individual or company aiding a
stowaway or an attempted stowaway
with the intention to facilitate access to
the port area, any ship, cargo or freight
containers.
Other revised standards cover shore
leave and access to shore-side facilities
The IMO Standardized Forms (FAL
forms) on will be updated, viz:
•
IMO General Declaration
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
•
Cargo Declaration
From:
•
Ship’s Stores Declaration
•
Crew’s Effects Declaration
•
Crew List
•
Passenger List; and
•
Dangerous Goods.
SEA WORLD MARITIME CORPORATION
124-126 Sinciego Street, Pasay City 1300, Philippines
Tel. Nos. 526-4331 to 33 / 5254542 Fax No. 521-7386;
E-mail: operations@swmc.com.ph
Website: www.swmc.com.ph
Please Contact : Capt Benjamin V. Advincula
Chief Mate Antonio C. Dimangondayao
“The Best Choice for Marine Services – Sea World”
Definitions will also be revised and
references to persons will be made
gender neutral (“his/her” instead of
“his”).
The new revised annex could enter into
force 15 months after adoption, under the
tacit acceptance procedure.
MARINO WORLD
53
Feature
BENCITO KEEPS THE FIRE
President Irene de Padua Bencito keeps
the shine on her Rotary Club of Makati
Buendia (RCMB) as one of the biggest
club in District 3830 of the Philippine
territory.
Established in 1996, RCMB is one of
the 34,000 Rotary clubs worldwide. It
is an international family of neighbors,
community leaders and global citizens
from morethan 200 countries and
geographical areas. They come together
to exchange ideas and take action to
improve communities around the world.
•
•
•
•
•
Disease prevention and treatment
Water and sanitation
Maternal and child health
Basic education and literacy
Economic and community
development.
The iconic Four Way Test on a Rotarian
personal thinking, action and speech
are: Is it the TRUTH? Is it FAIR to all
concerned? Will it build GOODWILL
and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? Will it be
BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
Shining moments.
Rotary International is on its 109th year
with “Light up Rotary” as the theme for
2014-2015.
This inspires Ms. Bencito to focus
Rotary’s Four-Way Test on:
•
Peace and conflict prevention/
resolution
On top of civic works in RCMB,
LadyIrene gained a fellow Lifetime
Achievement Award for Leadership
during the 2014 International Leadership
Conference and Chaplaincy Summit of
ACTS-Philippines last May 24th at the
Manila Ballroom, Manila Hotel.
Team RCMB with Rotary District 3830 Officers.
54
MARINO WORLD
Earlier on May 14th, Ms. Bencito was
conferred the Testimonial of Recognition
as Outstanding Public Servant in the
Field of Leadership for her dedication
in shaping the lives of constituents as
Provincial Board Member of the 7th
district of Cavite. She adheres to the
Moral Recovery Program of the national
government through the Chaplaincy
Program.
Public life.
BM Bencito filed the benchmark
ordinance that created the Migration
Resources Center (MRC) of Cavite to
help thousands of overseas Filipino
workers (OFWs) and their families.
Among so many others, Irene also filed
the resolution supporting the House bill
of Cong. Leopoldo N. Bataoil declaring
Baybayin as the national script. Also
called Alibata, it is a writing system or
alphabet used by Filipinos before the
arrival of the Spaniards up to the second
century of their colonization.
The old alphabet is composed of 17 basic
characters, three vowels and fourteen
consonants.
It is on the brink of extinction; hence, the
passion of Ms. Bencito to help preserve
the Filipino script as a national heritage.
MARINO WORLD
55
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ARTIST’S PERSPECTIVE
ARTIST’S PERSPECTIVE
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56
MARINO WORLD
ARTIST’S PERSPECTIVE