The Lifesaving Role of Education and Training in the Maritime Industry

(manila.locanto.ph)

The Philippines has become a newly industrialized country and one of Southeast Asia’s growth leaders thanks to thoughtful reforms and stable finances. In the beginning of 2016, the Philippine economy was the fastest growing economy in Asia and even overtook China for a few months.

Due to the country’s booming success, the demand for consumer products and tourism has risen. One sector that plays a vital role in their transportation is the maritime industry.

This poses pressure to several maritime schools in the Philippines. As the nation soars to greater heights, the expectations also rise.

What’s the challenge?

One of the main areas that explicitly need to be addressed is proper education and training. Around 80 to 90 percent of maritime accidents are ascribed to human error. Hence, it is critical that seafarers be well-educated and trained, able to follow orders, manage risks, solve problems, and must be psychologically and emotionally happy to ensure safe, secure, clean and efficient operations for your life at sea.

The lack of proper training should greatly be emphasized because it can cost you your life. If you’re an aspiring mariner looking for a position at sea, make sure to opt for a maritime school in the country that offers state-of-the-art facilities, skilled instructors and top-notch training courses.

Solutions

Several training courses pave the way to a safer, cleaner and more competent environment and one of which is the implementation of the 2010 revised Standard Training and Certificate Watch keeping (STCW) Convention and Code.

In 2010, several amendments were adopted to ensure that the industry is well-regulated. Some of the most notable amendments were: revised requirements on hours of work and rest and new requirements for the prevention of drug and alcohol abuse, as well as updated standards relating to medical fitness standards for seafarers; new requirements for marine environment awareness training and training in leadership and teamwork; and new requirements for security training, as well as provisions to ensure that seafarers are properly trained to cope if their ship comes under attack. On top of these, you also have to undergo SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) training, basic safety training for aspiring maritime workers. The course syllabus includes Personal Survival Training, Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting, Elementary First Aid and Personal Safety and Social Responsibility. This is a prerequisite before fulfilling your dream of becoming a full-fledged mariner.

There are only a number of school and colleges that offer these maritime training courses. Make sure that your chosen institution is accredited by the Maritime Training Council of the Philippines and MARINA (Maritime Industry Authority).

The increasing demand from the shipping industry requires high-quality of manpower at all times. Maritime schools in the Philippines should also take note of this because they primarily contribute to the role of proper education and training of every maritime student and, eventually, future maritime workers.