The Philippine Government and the European Union have launched a Technical Assistance Project to improve seafarers’ training, education and working conditions in the Philippines.
The project – running from September 2024 until November 2027 – will support the improvement of the training, certification, and well-being of Filipino seafarers so they can continue working abroad and under good labor conditions.
Seafarers need to have properly recognized certifications to be able to work worldwide.
The shipping sector is a key pillar of the Philippine economy, substantially contributing to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In 2022, the industry directly accounted for 4% of the Philippine GDP, with seafarers’ remittances adding another 1.7%. With approximately 1.15 million seafarers, the Philippines is a leading supplier of maritime talent, providing approximately 25% of the global seafaring workforce.
Key Philippine institutions collaborating on this project include the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Maritime Higher Education Institutions, and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
MARINA is in charge of overseeing and implementing the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) and the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC).
“The European Union is partnering with the Philippines to improve and sustain the quality of the country’s system of maritime education, training and certification, and of recruitment and placement of seafarers for the benefit of its people, economy and of ultimately also of global trade,” said H.E. Massimo Santoro, EU Ambassador to the Philippines.
Ms. Fotini Ioannidou, Director for Waterborne Transport at the European Union’s headquarters, added: “I’m happy to assist at the official launch of this technical assistance project, as announced by President Ursula von der Leyen in her discussions with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. This initiative aims to further strengthen the Philippines’ education, training, and certification system for seafarers, demonstrating the solid partnership between Philippine authorities and the European Union. The project will not only bring mutual benefits to both the Philippines and the EU but also contribute positively to the global shipping industry, recognizing Filipino seafarers as a cornerstone of the maritime workforce worldwide.”
Philippine Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista said: “A law was recently signed – the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers – ensuring the protection and benefits of our highly-skilled mariners. We most welcome the assistance of the European Union at strengthening the education, training and certification of our seafarers who remain the top choice as crew of the global shipping industry.”
The Seafarers Technical Assistance project will also carry out activities benefitting Indonesia and ASEAN. This form part of the EU-ASEAN Sustainable Connectivity Package (SCOPE). With a total budget of 60 million EUR, SCOPE addresses several shared connectivity priorities to strengthen economic and cultural ties between the EU and ASEAN.
The EU-ASEAN SCOPE is part of the larger Global Gateway initiative, the European strategy engaging with partners globally and promoting investments around shared priorities such as transition to a green economy, renewable energy and green hydrogen, education and research, and digital infrastructure, among others.
The SCOPE Seafarers Technical Assistance project is implemented by a consortium led by NTU International A/S, in partnership with the World Maritime University, Ernst & Young, and Fondazione Accademia Italiana della Marina Mercantile.