Harborscope Volume 2 Number 3

2

Celebrating

20

years of manning service in the Philippines

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OSG Manila visits Kythe

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GMA OKs port projects

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December 2008–January 2009 issue

Vol. 2 No. 3

‘Help us help you’

Subic Bay Freeport, from the air

Philippines renews commitment to world shipping M

agsaysay Maritime Corporation chairman Mr. Eduardo U. Manese, who was awarded Lifetime Achievement Award during the recent LSM Conference, made a remarkable message to all stakeholders, delegates and participants at the conclusion of the convention.

“Help us help you!” – A simple message yet directly addressing the present concern of the industry.

The worldwide financial turmoil the industry is experiencing today have already created a considerable impact on the shipping industry resulting to vessel lay ups, reduction in trading capacities, cancellation of newbuilding orders, and bankruptcies, among others.

The shortage of officers is still there and is yet being addressed. Manese said this is the time when all must work together and tackle problems that will surely affect the industry.

Magsaysay Maritime Corporation chairman Mr. Eduardo U. Manese

By Jun G. Garcia “In today’s setting, addressing the needs of our Principals, in terms of seafarers embarking on their ships, cannot be left to just one party – it is a shared responsibility we must commit to – the Principals and the manning agents – if we are to succeed. I speak for most of my colleagues when I say we will do our part,” he maintained.

The Lifetime Achievement awardee also encouraged the stakeholders to extend every possible assistance in the training of Filipino seafarers in order to keep their qualities and competencies – if they (ship owners/managers) will still choose them.

“We have committed during the past few years that improvements will be made to maintain the high quality and competency of our seafarers and address the issue of officers’ shortages. I can say that quite a lot have already been done. And as can be gleamed from our Roadmap, we intend to pursue

more initiatives to better address your concerns,” he said in conclusion.

True to his words, just few days after the LSM Conference, Manese, together with some members of Joint Manning Group (JMG) and Filipino Association for Mariners Employment (FAME), and representatives from the International Maritime Employers’ Committee (IMEC), has recently convened with the government at the convention hall of the Associated Marine Officers and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines in Intramuros, Manila, to discuss the present situation and how they can come up with a feasible solution.

FAME president and JMG chairman Marlon R. Roño stressed that “the world has not come to a standstill, it has only slowed down.”

“This is an opportunity for us to rationalize our plans. Let us ask the government to help us with our foreign principals so that together we can embark on an awareness campaign about the present crisis and how best to address the concerns of the seafarers,” he said.

The impact of aftermath Roño, who is also the chief operating officer of the Magsaysay Maritime Corporation presented …continued on page

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Kythe Foundation – OSG Manila Staff Christmas Outreach C

aptain Eduard Tkalcic, Head of International Crewing, proposed that all OSG Manila staff should consider the proposal of submitting a Christmas gift to a charitable organization rather than exchanging gifts between themselves, which is the social norm. From this suggestion, the idea of choosing a suitable charity, which would enrich, enhance, and benefit those less fortunate was born.

The Kythe Foundation at the Armed Forces (A.F.) hospital in Quezon City was selected because this charity cares for children aff licted with cancerous ailments. The final total monetary sum collected from all OSG Manila staff at OSG House was Php131,200.00 which is an overwhelming response in this amazing humanitarian effort and endeavor and all contributions are sincerely and gratefully accepted.

In addition, there were individual parcels containing food, toys, and gifts handed to each child for

December 2008–January 2009

this festive time of year. Captain Ken Macleod was chosen to be “Father Christmas” and distributed the parcels to each child and spoke with many family members who attended this wonderful occasion.

It was a heart-wrenching experience and one that many of the staff were not prepared for, when they witnessed the unfortunate situation of the children.

It is a testament to the human spirit that these young children, many with amputated limbs, should be so happy and positive when they attended the party organized by the Kythe Foundation. The

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contributions by the OSG staff will ensure a happy Christmas for all 150 children attending this annual party. The OSG Manila staff should be very proud of this selfless initiative, which portrays the true meaning of the Christmas spirit of helping others – the less fortunate than themselves.

The OSG party consisted of Cristina Paras, Regina Vicente and husband Jovelle, Marichu Ty, AJ Lopez, Guilbert Llamado and daughter Shanika, along with Ken Macleod who all participated on Saturday, 6th December. All from OSG found this an extremely

touching and memorable experience with many children being victims to bone cancer, but all were amazed by the courage and bravery of these young victims who were smiling and accepting their adversity and medical condition.

This will be the commencement of another OSG charitable initiative, which will hopefully be established for many years to come, with the support and blessings of all OSG Manila Staff who sincerely believe in committing themselves to Christian values in helping and assisting the less fortunate.

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December 2008–January 2009

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Introduces satellite phone products

Shore Access.com opens Manila office

S

hore Access.com International Inc. – a leading provider of telecommunication gadgets for Filipino seafarers, recently inaugurated its Manila office at the 3rd floor of Ermita Center Building, Ermita, Manila. Gracing the event were known maritime personalities and shipping executives, which includes Engr. Nelson P. Ramirez, executive editor and publisher of the Tinig ng Marino newspaper and president of the United Filipino Seafarers.

On that same day also, Shore Access have launched its new product – the Thuraya satellite phones – in Bayview Park Hotel, Manila.

Not long after its launch, Shore Access then graced the induction of the new set of officers and board of directors of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy Alumni Association, Inc. (PMMAAAI), which coincided with its Christmas fellowship at the World Trade Center in Macapagal Avenue, Pasay City.

Shore Access.com representatives introduced the Thuraya phone sets to the top brasses of PMMAAAI, who are mostly presidents and owners’ representatives of leading manning agencies in the country. The PMMA is the premier maritime institution in the country and has produced world-class ship officers since its inception a couple of decade ago.

The Thuraya phone won the interests of a good number of shipping executives present during the event, which include Capt. Walfredo C. Rivas Jr., president and general manager of Pearl Grace Shipmanagement, Inc. in Agoncillo Street, Malate, Manila.

With the Thuraya phone set, calling Philippines from Europe to Asia while in the middle of the sea could be as cheap as USD0.65 per minute. This will definitely give our seafarers a good run for their hardearned money.

Ms. Mizpah V. Sarino, secretariat head of the Masters and Mates Association of the Philippines, Inc. – the only legit and duly recognized and accredited association for marine deck officers – found the satellite phone for seafarers as “A Must.”

“My husband is also a seafarer. I will not only request but really demand him to buy one so he can call me every now and then. I know he misses me all the time,” she said chuckling.

Thuraya satellite phones feature free incoming calls and free incoming text messages. Its outgoing SMS is only $0.25 per message. All phones are GMPRS enabled-access to the internet. The Thuraya phones are the smallest and cheapest satellite phones for seafarers.

Shore Access.com International Inc. is the official distributor of Thuraya satellite phones. Its Manila office is located in Suite 305 Ermita Center Bldg., 1350 Roxas Boulevard, Ermita, Manila. Its telephone numbers are (Philippines) +632 4975119 or mobile +63.919.728.95.67 and +63.922.881.24.28 (Japan) +81.80.3436.2990 and (Singapore) +65.6260.3850.

Its email addresses are info@shore-access.com (Philippines), crewservice@shore-access.com (Japan), and Singapore@shoreaccess.com (Singapore).

December 2008–January 2009

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mate check

MATECHECK Philippines renews… from page some valuable figures recorded since 2005, wherein the world fleet has 46,222 total ships consisting of general cargo vessels (18,150), bulk carriers (6,139), container vessels (3,165), tankers (11,356), passenger ships (5,679) and other ships (1,733).

In three years time, it has grown to a total of 50,525 vessels. From January 1, 2005 to January 1 of last year, there is an addition of 4,303 new ships – an average of 10% growth per year.

More fleet expansions were seen as early as 2007.

Reports said some 10,000 ships were due for delivery until 2013 – an estimate of 2,000 new buildings per year was recorded over the next five years.

Hence, shortage of competent officers was then seen and predicted by BIMCO. The scarcity of qualified officers triggered poaching practices, escalation of salaries, and crew retention problems, among others.

However, what has been predicted during the boom years of shipping have slowed down and appeared to be quite the opposite in the latter part of 2008.

According to Roño, the “declaration of bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers rocked financial markets.”

As a result, newbuildings are affected. Order books have swollen to a 3-year backlog but the credit crunch is making it harder for shipowners to raise money to pay for ships they have ordered and 75% is not yet financed. Some shipowners have cancelled orders even if these would mean facing hefty lawsuits.

Manese, who also heads the Philippine-Japan Manning Consultative Council, (PJMCC) Inc., revealed that “owners prefer to forfeit their down payments than go through deliveries with no revenue streams expected after delivery of these ships.”

Roño said the new buildings were ordered when charter and freight rates were then at much higher levels.

“Present charter rates range between USD 5,000 to 20,000 compared to USD 30,000 to 120,000 per day some five months ago,” Roño revealed.

IMEC representative Michael J. Estaniel, on the other hand, reported that spot time charter for capesize was down to USD7,340 per day (in October 2008) compared to USD233,988/day only last June 2008.

Estaniel explained that “Trade is built on several interlocking acts of trust: that the goods you have paid for will turn up, and that the goods you have dispatched will be paid for.”

“What is happening now is that importers and exporters no longer trust each other, or their banks and cargo is piling up at export ports waiting to be shipped. This breakdown in trust, mirroring mutual suspicion in the interbank loans market is now seriously undermining global trade flows and by default, shipping,” Estaniel further explained.

Consequently, a lot of ships have been laid up. Reports said there were applications for lay up of 1,000 ships in Greece. There are some ships now laid up in Subic, Zambales, Philippines. Singapore is also another target to anchor their ships.

The IMEC rep added that a rebound, particularly in the dry bulk market, which was the first casualty of the economic crunch, will not happen before bank credit becomes more widely available again.

Former board examiner Capt. Constantino Arcel-

lana Jr. thought likewise. “The industry may feel the impact of the crisis in the first quarter of 2009 and it will last until the second and third quarter. But in the last quarter of 2009, I think everything will return to normal,” said Arcellana.

C/E Antonino Gascon of the Protect Marine Deck and Engine Officers Training Center thought otherwise. “The impact of the crisis is being felt as early as now. There are just so many ships being laid up here and there. Now the seafarers who took advantage of the situation wrongfully will face the consequences of their acts.”

No salary increase During the consultative meeting with the government and manning stakeholders, AMOSUP leader Capt. Gregorio Oca assured that his union will cooperate with the industry.

He agreed on freezing the wages until a rebound is clear in the market. But he did not agree on reducing the salaries of seafarers, especially those under AMOSUP CBA. “You need experienced people to run highly-technical ships. No increase, no reduction. You have happy crew onboard,” assured Oca. With earnings at ebb low, the situation may force seafarers’ salaries to be reduced to more realistic levels to some agencies. Roño recalled that “the situation that happened in 1980’s when the shipowners chose Filipino crew to cut down on cost could happen again and shipowners may get cheaper crew from other Asian markets.”

Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Marianito Roque, in response to the looming financial crisis, said the government agrees with the industry in preserving the wages and cutting of cost if that is what it will take to maintain employment.

Roque even mentioned the possibility of reducing the number of crew onboard to preserve the wages and reduce cost.

This possibility has been proposed by Capt. Arcellana a year ago when he thought about re-engineering the industry. Quoting him, he then said that, “one management level officer and two or more operational level officers can suffice now for the operation of the ship.” (See Harborscope December 2007January 2008 edition).

Arcellana clarified that his concept maybe unorthodox but it could be a logical way of solving the crisis by using our reserves practically without inflicting additional cost or burden to the principals or shipowners.

Nonetheless, Roque encouraged the private sectors to maintain our position in the world maritime fleet and maintain the competitiveness of Filipino seafarers.

“We must improve the marketability of Filipino seafarers and maintain their competitiveness. So when the situation might reverses, then we are ready,” said Roque, who even called for a cooperation to come up with a tripartite group to formulate a strategy in responding to the global financial meltdown.

In order to come up with a strategy, a monitoring office was then proposed, which will be headed by Maritime Training Council administrator Noriel Devanadera.

The monitoring office will be the reporting agency wherein all manning companies will report in strict confidence on how many ships were ordered and cancelled and how many ships are laid up. According to DOLE Secretary, that will be the basis of their actions and decisions.

“We will tally and interpret, and then we analyze.” said Roque. “We are willing to help. We are partners in getting their ships at sea,” he added.

“The situation is not so oblique. We have a shared destiny. We all share the future,” Devanadera said.

Dip in employment Secretary Roque divulged that there will be a “little dip in the hiring of Filipino seamen for cargo ships in the first quarter of 2009” due the present economic crunch that is being felt worldwide.

According to the Secretary, the reason for the “little dip” is due to the cargo vessel lay ups that is happening around the world. There will be an estimated 30,000 Filipino seafarers to be laid off should the situation worsens.

Roño said there is also a decline in cruise employment. From 38,508 in 2006, it was reduced to 35,807 in 2007. There is no statistics yet on 2008 cruise personnel deployment as of this writing.

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Roque, who just attended the recent International Maritime Organization (IMO) meeting, said however, that the industry might be able to “recover towards the last part of 2009.”

In his meeting at the IMO, Roque was encouraged to just continue the training and upgrading program for the Filipino officers as the industry still sees a shortfall of 34,000 in the next two years.

Dets Norske Veritas (DNV) SeaSkill – Asia general manager Amit Ray, in his personal opinion, said the shortage is so severe even if there is a bit of lay ups and even if there are some new building slow down.

“Yah, maybe there might be a bit of dip, maybe the shortage gap narrow a bit, but I don’t think

‘This is an opportunity for us to rationalize our plans. Let us ask the government to help us with our foreign principals so that together we can embark on an awareness campaign about the present crisis and how best to address the concerns of the seafarers.’

Magsaysay Maritime Corporation CEO, FAME President, and JMG Chairman Marlon R. Roño mate check

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it would create unemployment because of no job.

Most of the cases, unemployment among sea-going officers, in rating there is surplus. But among officers, if there is an unemployment not because there is no ship, but it is because they don’t have the right skill,” said Amit during an interview at the LSM conference.

“While the international shipping has shortage of qualified officers, there is no shortage of people in this world. There is shortage of competent, experienced officers. This is what Philippines has tremendous potentials to fill in the gap. But that gap can only be filled in by improving the quality of competence and training that must meet the needs of the shipowner/managers who are the clients here,” he added.

Estaniel concluded the consultative meeting with a “farsighted approach to crew crisis: Maintain recruitment and training levels, Improve standards and results, and check on Pool costs and share benefits.”

“As a result, we will have more qualified officers, we maintain quality, we will ensure reliability and consistency at lesser cost,” concluded Estaniel.

December 2008–January 2009

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Training centers to issue COP

T

he Maritime Training Council or MTC has recently issued a regulation decentralizing the issuance of Certificates of Proficiencies or COP of seafarers.

Under the said resolution, the physical issuance of the COP will now be passed to the training centers. However, the certification will still be under National Assessment Center or NAC of MTC. The resolution covers only five courses namely the basic safety training which includes the four modules (the BST, firefighting, first aid, and personal safety and social responsibility), the PSCRB, the advance firefighting, the MEPA and MECA. Philippine Association of Maritime Training Centers, Inc. (PAMTCI) president Merle San Pedro explained that the resolution 04 series of 2008 is actually an approving guideline in recognition of assessment of seafarers’ competence by the accredited maritime training centers for the issuance of COP by the MTC. The resolution was signed by MTC Undersecretary Luzviminda Padilla last July 30, 2008 and it was published in the national gazette on September 17, 2008. It was supposed to be implemented 15 days after publication and should have taken effect since October 2008.

However, according to Ms. San Pedro, not a few training centers would apply for the decentralization of the issuance of NAC certificates.

“We have long been doing the assessment because we have our own assessors, etc. even before this resolution 04 has been passed.” she said.

MTC head Noriel Devanadera said that the said resolution would rather “fast-track the processing of the documents of the seafarers.”

“This will help minimize the seafarers in queuing at MTC for their COPs. The training centers themselves will facilitate the administrative and documentary requirements, submit to MTC and after 15 days, it can picked up and they can distribute it to the seafarers in their respective centers,” Devanadera explained.

Under the present system, the COPs are being issued by the national assessment center (NAC), which is under the MTC. It will still be issued by the NAC. Now, by virtue of resolution 04, the training centers were already tasked to do the assessment function for the NAC. As of this writing, Devanadera said the MTC and PAMTCI will be coordinating with Landbank of the Philippines for the payment of their NAC fee. Based on the guidelines, NAC fee can be paid at all OWWA branches nationwide.

PAMTCI Profile

T

he Philippine Association of Maritime Training Centers, Incorporated (PAMTCI) is the umbrella organization of thirty three (33) maritime training providers offering basic and upgrading courses for prospective and active seafarers utilizing IMO Model Courses to comply with competency training requirements of STCW ‘95 as amended. PAMTCI members are accredited by the Maritime Training Council.

Since its inception in 1993, the Association’s activities included, among others, the following: • Conduct pedagogical and assessment workshops for maritime Instructors and assessors of member-training centers, marine academies, and non-member training centers ; • Represent the members in different industry fora and in discussions with the Maritime Training Council on issues, problems and concerns about maritime training and education in the country; • Representing members to the Philippine delegation to International Maritime Organization (IMO) and STCW session meetings and conferences to put forward our concerns in maritime education and training.

• Facilitating exchanges of resources between and among members.

• Reviewing curricula and material for new and existing courses developed, implemented, and/or adopted by member training centers; • Hosting workshops, symposia and seminars on relevant issues and concerns; • Organizing bi-monthly and annual general membership meetings; • Participating in initiatives seeking to improve systems, procedures and processes in government and other agencies that would redound to improvement of services to seafarers; • Promotes self-regulation to ensure that standards of training and good business practices are adhered at all times.

Vision PAMTCI is an internationally recognized association that is: • a source of sustainable strength to its members

• a leader in the development of the maritime training industry • a strong advocate of professionalism and integrity Mission The mission of PAMTCI is to: • promote the interest of the members • creating a culture of professionalism, quality and integrity in the maritime training industry • foster a climate of scholarly research, resource sharing • and meaningful information and knowledge exchange.

Objectives 1. To provide welfare support programs and initiatives to the members.

2. To establish a resource center for members.

3. To conduct research on maritime training issues and practices.

4. To facilitate programs that promote best practices in maritime training.

5. To promote ethical awareness among members.

6. To initiate and facilitate scholarly exchange and development of ideas and information about maritime training industry.

7. To provide opportunities for professional and self-development for seafarers and members.

8. To establish meaningful and beneficial linkages with other sectors in the maritime training industry.

9. To ensure financial sustainability of the Association.

PAMTCI is committed to the promotion of the general welfare of its members by: • Fostering fellowship and unity among members • Engaging in advocacy work on issues affecting maritime training • Pursuing development of maritime training programs

Exact receives MTC recognition for issuance of Certificate of Proficiency

A

ttesting to its unrelenting commitment to lead initiatives for the interests of its seafarer-trainees, Excellence & Competency Training Center, Inc. (EXACT), is the first ever recipient of the recognition by the Maritime Training Council (MTC) for the implementation of MTC Resolution No. 04, Series of 2008.

Said Resolution pens the approval of the guidelines in the recognition of assessment of seafarers’ competence by the accredited maritime training centers for the issuance of certificate of proficiency by the Maritime Training Council.

The recognition, dated 11 November 2008 has been granted for the courses Medical First Aid (MEFA) and Medical Care (MECA) as provided for in the said Resolution, after duly meeting the prescribed requirements that includes the center’s Manual of Assessment System.

December 2008–January 2009

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As the very first training provider to have been given the said recognition, Excellence & Competency Training Center, Inc. (EXACT), unquestionably continues to be a strong provider of simulator-based courses, a leading innovator in customized courses as well as an accredited entity for training assessments.

For related inquiries and training concerns, please do not hesitate to call telephone numbers 733-8897, 733-2119, 735-4908 and 735-9369, or send messages via the center’s email address exact@pldtdsl.net. mate check

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FEMFI moves to resolve the issue in legal cleaners T he seemingly endless dispute between the Far East Maritime Foundation, Inc. (FEMFI), the country’s leading maritime training center, and its competitor, the PNTC Colleges, had worsen with the former determined to take the latter and its officials to the “legal cleaners” allegedly for spreading false and malevolent information about FEMFI’s operational status which has affected its reputation and business operations.

Apparently, the PNTC Colleges has persisted and pursued in questioning the legality of FEMFI to offer Maritime Training Council (MTC)-accredited training courses for a fee to non members despite earlier decisions handed by the MTC and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

FEMFI asserted that the case was then dismissed, and that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved the amended Articles of Incorporation [of the former], junking the same complaint filed by PNTC Colleges for lack of merit.

However, just recently, the Office of the President (OP) through a resolution signed by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, reverses the August 2007 decision revoking the accreditation of FEMFI on the alleged grounds that it is a foundation and is not entitled to offer training courses for a fee to non members.

Immediately upon receipt of the resolution from the OP, FEMFI reasonably elevated the case to the Court of Appeals. FEMFI legal counsel Atty. J. Antonio Z. Carpio said the training center is willing to take the issue to the Supreme Court should the eventual circumstances warrant.

Reports said the PNTC Colleges filed a Motion to implement the decision of the OP with the MTC. FEMFI accused PNTC of orchestrating a media propaganda claiming that the decision to revoke the accreditation of FEMFI is now final and executory and that the FEMFI is about to be close for good, causing confusion and panic to the latter’s seafarer-trainee base.

PNTC executive vice president and director for quality Juan Miguel Gonzales retorted saying, “The smear campaign is alleged to be orchestrated by PNTC Colleges, who stand to benefit should FEMFI

By Jun G. Garcia is eased out of the picture, is unfair, without basis and uncalled for. We are pursuing this case as a matter of principle and we do not want to stoop to their level in using the media just to further their interest.”

However, just a couple of weeks after making that statement, Gonzales’ voice was aired during a recent radio interview over Buhay Marino news program defending their position in pursuing the case versus FEMFI. In a press conference last November 14, 2008, Carpio explained that the Motion to Implement filed by PNTC Colleges is devoid of merit since the decision of the Office of the President is not yet final and executory.

“The appellate courts cannot be pre-empted on whatever decision they will come up with in the exercise of their appellate jurisdiction. Despite the publication of several articles in the local media, obviously on the behest of PNTC Colleges, that the closure of FEMFI is already imminent, there is no reason for FEMFI and its seafarer-trainees to be alarmed,” claimed Carpio.

He explained that “Under the Corporation Code of the Philippines, the proper exercise of powers cannot be inquired into by PNTC Colleges nor just any party; more so considering that PNTC Colleges is a business competitor of FEMFI. It is only the Solicitor General who can do that. And the Solicitor General can only do that in a specific quo warranto proceeding before the proper commercial court of Manila.

The previous proceedings in the MTC, DOLE, and the Office of the President are void ab initio on this regard.”

It can also be recalled that in a resolution issued by the MTC dated March 31, 2006, the MTC maintained that it found “no sufficient evidence to prove commission of misrepresentation by FEMFI.” It also claimed that “these matters which the MTC under its regulatory scheme can determine and resolve cases [like this] accordingly.”

The Labor Department then came up with a decision made on September 21, 2006, dismissing the petition for review filed by PNTC Colleges for lack of merit affirming the March 31, 2006 resolution of MTC Acting Executive Director Ramon T. Tionloc Jr. FEMFI president Capt. Constancio Salasab strongly denied reports and allegations that a closure is imminent and assured its clients and seafarer-trainees that they are still in business.

At present, FEMFI accounts for the largest share of enrollees in the Filipino seafarer training market in its 16 years of operations. Majority of the thousands of Filipino seafarers presently deployed in ocean-going vessels are holders of FEMFI training certificates.

Harborscope tried to get a statement from Ms. Merle J. San Pedro, president of the Philippine Association of Maritime Training Centers, Incorporated (PAMTCI) – an umbrella organization of thirty three (33) accredited maritime training providers where both FEMFI and PNTC are members. However, according to her staff, she was too busy because of yearend commitments.

But on cases like this, perhaps, an association like PAMTCI could have done something to settle the issue amicably to prevent the animosity that has gone worst between the two parties.

Some industry players believe that something can still be done to settle the issue. After all, PAMTCI is committed to the promotion of the general welfare of its members by “Fostering fellowship and unity among members.”

But in any case, what could be the contingency measure of the government? What will MTC do?

Records show that FEMFI has been compliant to all the standards and requirements mandated by the STCW and IMO. Needless to say, the competency being developed among seafarers in every training

conforms to the international standards and to what is required by the shipowners. Hence, the certificates being issued by FEMFI to its trainees conform to the competencies developed among the seafarers.

A technicality in the corporation paper of FEMFI, which has been corrected, amended and accepted

by SEC, should not be an acceptable ground to recall the certificates of seafarer-trainees because the training, the competency and the purpose which have been delivered conform to what is required as mentioned above.

A recall in the certificates of FEMFI seafarer-trainees might affect the seafarers; it might affect the shipping operations; it might affect the image of country; it might affect our reputation.

Are we seeing some kind of economic sabotage here or business sabotage? We hope there is NONE. It happened in the recent past when all the certificates issued by the defunct Admiral Maritime Training Institute of the Philippines, Inc. (AMTIP) to its then seafarer-trainees were recalled just because of the two (2) fake certificates that was discovered allegedly issued by the training center.

In a span of a month or two, AMTIP was wiped out. Some seafarers were sent to re-training by their principals incurring additional expense. Some trades were delayed. The country’s reputation and image was affected for a time.

With the present dispute between the FEMFI – PNTC, we cannot help but ask what image do we want to portray before the international fleet. What do we expect to see? What do we want to achieve here? Can’t we just correct a technicality and just let the stakeholder do his part in empowering our country as the number one maritime nation?

Training is so important to the world shipping industry. Despite the present financial crisis, the Philippines is being asked to continue with the training.

This means more cooperation, more united steps, and more opportunities for all industry players.

Maybe the FEMFI – PNTC wrangle can still be resolved. It might be the right time for PAMTCI and MTC to step in and help solve the issue amicably. It will only happen if they start burying the hatchets and do something better – together!

DNV SeaSkill out to reduce competence gap D

uring the LSM conference on November 2008, Capt. Gregorio Oca, governing board of the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific, was quoted as saying that the Philippines produces an average of 9,000 graduate officers every year.

And out of this number, only 20% get a place onboard to start their career as an officer. This means some 80% don’t get an opportunity to start their career and will need to go up to the ladder. In spite of this, ship owners/managers clearly state there is an acute shortage of officers.

Det Norske Veritas (DNV) SeaSkill – Asia general manager Amit Ray believes that an acute shortage of officers can only happen when there is some kind of “competence gap” between what training providers are providing and on what ship owners/managers have been asking.

According to Amit, the DNV SeaSkill is a service line from Dets Norkes Veritas predominantly focusing on justification of seafarers’ competence and verifies effectiveness of training.

“So if a client is aiming to develop fleet specific competence beyond STCW convention, and if they want to sustain seafarer performance in the industry where technology is changing, operational procedure is changing, rules and regulation is changing, that is where I think they can ask the DNV SeaSkill on all these services,” he said.

Like the rest of the major stake players in the shipping industry, Amit completely believes that the biggest challenge of ship owners/managers today, is to have competent seafarers onboard.

While training has been taking place here and there, Amit said in many cases, training is not effective and actually not really having value to the seafarers.

The ship owners and managers and the manning agencies also, are looking for the kind of seafarers and the kind of competence that is really relevant to this continuously developing industry.

And that is where DNV SeaSkills works.

“We go and work with ship owners/managers in identifying what competencies they need, most specific tasks and then we ensure that training providers provides similar competence through their education and training. In that manner, there will be a match between what the customer is asking, and what is the service provider is providing,” said Amit.

Matching the technology Maritime Accident Casebook administrator Bob Couttie, durmate check

By Jun G. Garcia ing an interview, said that one of the reasons for sea accidents is that the competency of seafarers does not match the technology of the vessels.

Amit commented saying, “Correct! Exactly! And that is exactly where I’m coming to. The training is being provided at the training academy and training centers often in isolation without any relevant specific feedback from the ship owners/managers. Technology onboard has taken several steps forward. Whereas the technology, based on which training is provided on the training center or training academy is way behind time.”

“So there is a mismatch. What the DNV SeaSkill does is work with the huge classification societies. We already got tremendous information on what kind of technology ships have. Over and above that, when we are working closely with international ship owners/managers, we thoroughly study what kind of technology they have onboard; what are their operational procedures, what are their rules and regulations, and we identify the competence standard and we help the training academies / training centers provide training accordingly,” affirmed Amit.

“That is how we address it and that is the reason it is likely on the training and the need for competence. There is a match. There is more similarity. Then only, human error-related incidents or accidents can be reduced or addressed,” he added.

How about offering DNV SeaSkill in the Philippine domestic fleet?

DNV SeaSkill, at this time, has no client from the Philippine domestic fleet.

The Philippines has been contributing much for the international fleet – providing officers and crew for international ship owners/managers and doing so much in terms of education and training for international waters where lost of lives is significantly low. It will not even be in hundreds.

In other countries, number of lives lost in territorial waters is counting to thousands. Sadly, this includes the Philippines and yet, nothing is distinctively done in terms of specific competence

the seafarers should have in order to prevent domestic sea accidents.

Reports would say accidents do happen due to hardware problems, but Couttie strongly believes that the most predominant reason as high as 85% or 90% is due to human error.

If DNV SeaSkill can do something to match the competency requirement of seafarers in international front, then perhaps, it can also help the Philippine domestic fleet. While the Philippines is enjoying the privilege of being the number one supplier of competent seafarers in international shipping, its domestic shipping should not be neglected or left behind.

There is nothing wrong with matching the competence of domestic crew with that of the ocean-going seafarers. There is always room for improvement but there should be willingness to achieve this dream.

“In my [personal] opinion, DNV Seaskill can significantly contribute there [domestic shipping] provided, there is a willingness and we take strategy approach from what we have taken in international shipping,” said Amit.

“Just for its own reputation, the Philippines is basically a great country with its tremendous contribution to international shipping. If Filipino seafarers stop working today, international shipwww.harborscope.com

ping will come to a stop. As simple as that!” he stressed.

In this aspect, where a country produces such large number of competent seafarers, it must ensure that its domestic shipping also got competent people. The Philippines is basically composed of several islands connected by islands so seafaring is so very important. It is high time they look at it in a more structured, in a more consolidated effort and DNV Seaskill can definitely contribute the way it is contributing to international shipping and ship managers.

“We can contribute in exactly identifying what kind of technology is there in domestic shipping, and for that technology, and for that operational procedure, what kind of competence is needed. We will identify that and upon identification, we will ensure whether this domestic officer has been trained, and that they are trained according to that competence needs,” he assured.

Amit admitted though that the idea of proposing DNV SeaSkill to domestic waters should first be discussed internally and would probably propose something tangible to the relevant authorities in the next few months.

The DNV SeaSkill Asia covers New Zealand, Australia, Southeast Asia, India, and right of Iran. For more information about DNV SeaSkills, visit www.dnv.com.

December 2008–January 2009

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Call +632 484 8685 General Maritime exhorts crew to get into training

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By Zeny P. Magnial

he General Maritime Crewing PTE Ltd conducted a two-day team building seminar for its fleet on December 5-6, 2008, coinciding with their Christmas party at the Island Cove Resort in Cavite, Manila.

Almost a hundred seafarers brought their wives and children in the fun-filled activity being held annually by the General Maritime for their loyal crew.

PTC FCSD program facilitator Rachel Cabato facilitated the seminar and focused on the importance of teamwork in an organization – an interactive program where participants were taught working as team while growing interdependently to reach specific goals through a common mission.

GenMar vice president Capt. Kevin Coyne, on the other hand, assured his crew that the company remains stable despite the present economic slump and instead, encourage them to continue upgrading their skills by going into training, which the company is paying for them.

“The best way to make more money is to take advantage of the training they can get, which we paid for. All they (seamen) have to do is invest their time and then that will qualify them to maybe make a promotion where you automatically get more money. So even when it’s a very tight economy, here’s still an opportunity for them to make more money and move up the ladder so when the economy gets better they’ll be at the higher position and then they make more money,” says Coyne.

The company, according to Capt. Coyne, allocates good budget the training of their seafarers. “We do a tremendous training. Our training budget is USD1.5 million and we spend that every year. We do a lot of training here in the Philippines,” Coyne reports.

C/E Miguel O. Marasigan, GenMar owner’s representative, maintained that in this time of global crisis, his crew should rather continue to get the right training.

“Instead of worrying of what is going to happen, better they get into training because that is exactly where the company is coming into,” he concluded. (extreme far left) Capt. Coyne with the GenMar crew and their families. (far left) C/E Marasigan sings with a GenMar talent. (left) GenMar crew during the seminar at the Island Cove Resort in Cavite.

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The Two-Level Examination is approved in principle. Its implementing rules and regulations is being polished at present to ensure the general welfare, benefit, and protection of the marine deck officers.

PTC program empowers crew and allottees

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By Zeny P. Magnial

he Philippine Transmarine Carriers (PTC) Family and Crew Services Department (FCSD) has been very diligent in bringing out the best and improving the lives of its crew and their allottees, which include parents or spouses, their children and siblings and PTC employees as well.

The PTC FCSD, led by its manager, Normie S. Hernandez, has been conducting Life Skills Programs that helps every participant in creating personal goals and reaching it. They were being taught and trained to effectively manage the use of time to their best advantage. Taking care of the environment also plays an integral part in the training.

Aside from conducting the said program in the First Maritime Place building in Makati City, which houses all PTC crew, the program was brought to as far as Cebu, which is the most recent as of this writing, wherein participants were given an opportunity to re-discover themselves, learn, meet new friends and be empowered.

“PTC Life Skills Programs is where we have learned tools to take bolder steps in our lives. We were able to meet our own selves, stress the importance of taking control of our finances, and even nurture and value our nature,” said Hernandez.

Through this training, she says, “everything will begin to move in the direction you desire for yourself and for your family as well. One thing is certain: That is the power of belief, the power of thought, will move reality in the direction of what we believe.”

December 2008–January 2009

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Every last day of the program, attendees or participants were required to give their verbatim comments and suggestions at the end of the day.

According to Rachel A. Cabato, program facilitator, they never failed to receive positive responses from participants. Some are even requesting for another round of training so they can learn more. Some were even thinking of bringing their relatives and friends for the training.

The objective of the Life Skills Programs is to empower every individual, develop their entrepreneurial skills, and mold them into becoming an active and involve citizen of the country.

The program helps promote cooperation and understanding among themselves, create awareness and preserving the environment, and provide opportunities for development in entrepreneurial skills.

“Life is best lived by being bold and daring. People tend to grow fearful when they taste failure, face a daunting challenge or fall ill. Yet there is precisely the time to become even bolder. Those who are victors at heart are the greatest of all champions,” said Hernandez. mate check

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WOW – All heart for the community T

he Women of Wallem (WOW) – an association of seafarers’ wives in Wallem Philippines recently held its very first General Membership Assembly at the AMOSUP Convention Hall in Intramuros, Manila.

The first membership assembly on November 15, 2008 was not only meant to convene the members but also to help the special children at the Wilijado P. Abuid foundation, who are actually the beneficiaries of the said event.

WOW president Cely Peñaranda said, she and her officers “felt he conviction of helping this simple foundation” thereby raising some Php20,000 for the improvement of the facility at the Wilijado P. Abuid foundation.

“Though these children are not normal, they still deserve what is best for them, after all they are indeed blessings from above,” said Mrs. Peñaranda.

A week after the assembly, WOW visited the White Cross Children’s orphanage for their Medical Mission/Feeding Program with volunteers from Wallem Maritime Services Inc. (WMSI) and Manila Doctors hospital.

“Thanks to the special participation of Wallem general manager Engr. Art Serafico and their vice president Ms. Cristina Nazareno and their staff as well in this very special activity. We were delighted to help children ages 2 to 6 years old,” said WOW president.

“Thanks also to the special participation of the good doctors from the Manila Doctors Hospital led by Dr. Ramon Estrada. They conducted free general check ups, donated vitamins, and conducted de-worming procedures for the orphans,” she added.

The WOW volunteers, on the other hand, spent time preparing hefty meals for the children. The orphans received books, vitamins and medicines.

WOW’s corporate social responsibility did not stop there. On December 6, 2008, they partnered with the Department of Social Welfare and Development in helping out families from San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan. They prepared 150 grocery bags for 150 families.

DSWD, in turn, was gracious to WOW that they even awarded them a plaque of appreciation for the wonderful initiative and the good works they have done for this depressed sector.

Indeed, the pride and joy of helping others is truly irreplaceable. Wallem Maritime has truly made WOW members all better persons. The Women of Wallem truly have a big heart for the poor and needy.

As per Mr. John Wood of Wallem Hongkong, WOW has three objectives. WOW is for its mem-

bers to improve the lives of the members and their families, Establish connectionsgive support services to one another, and CSR- corporate social responsibility, helping the needy and less fortunate.

Its future projects include livelihood programs like soap making, beads making, cooking lessons etc. Early this year, WOW had conducted a seminar on Financial Management sponsored by BPI bank.

It educated people on proper spending and saving money. These and all among the many projects of WOW. This is such an extraordinary effort a seafarer’s wife can do. Who would have thought that a simple housewife would lead a multitude of what could be the strongest wives organization in all of the shipping companies in the world? Who would have thought that a simple housewife could lead such a marvelous activity such as this?

WOW is open to all wives, daughters and mothers related to Wallem Seafarers. This humble organization aims to establish support networks for its members, improve their lives and lastly help the community in dire need. With all these three objectives, team WOW gives uttermost importance to corporate social responsibility, caring for the community – sort of giving back to society the blessings given to them.

IMEC cadets attend 3 day Felicitation Programme in Manila

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he International Maritime Employers’ Committee has recently agreed with MAAP to train 150 deck and engine cadets commencing in 2009. these Cadets will join the current contingent of 68 Cadets already sponsored at MAAP in a programme commenced during 2006 and 50 Cadets at the University of Cebu, where the programme commenced in 2008.

As the world’s largest employer of crew from the Philippines, with approximately 65,000 Filipino seafarers (of which 20,000 are Officers) serving on members’ ships, the development of the fully sponsored Cadet programme is seen as a major step towards ensuring the continued supply of quality seafarers to IMEC members.

Under this programme, the Cadets are all selected to IMEC standards having undertaken various entry tests and will be trained in classrooms solely for IMEC Cadet use, in smaller than normal group sizes. The Cadets will be trained using equipment and training materials provided by IMEC and utilize the services of lecturers specially selected for their skills in educating maritime trainees. The Cadets are provided with free tuition, board and lodging and will also be provided with the necessary sea experiences mate check

to complete their training programmes aboard IMEC member vessels.

IMEC has recently established a local training group and committee to support the IMEC training consultant in reviewing all IMEC training activities in the Philippines, which includes the rating to officers upgrading programme, as well as the cadet training programmes at MAAP and UC-METC. The Felicitation programme takes place in the Malate training facility of Marlow Navigation, an IMEC Member Company, where 97 of IMEC’s cadets presently studying at MAAP and UC-METC have been invited to attend over a period of three days from November 7th to 9th.

Captain Jes Andresen of Marlow Navigation commented, “We are very pleased to be able to assist IMEC in hosting this event in our training facility

here in Malate. We recognize the importance of this initiative and believe that the steps being taken by IMEC in this very area are a great opportunity to showcase the ability of young Filipino trainees and develop their skills to become effective Officers.”

As well as the planned celebrations, the cadets will have a chance to meet and talk with their sponsoring companies, who will provide them with their shipboard training during the third year of their fouryear course.

Among the sponsor companies present include Marlow Navigation Philippines, Inc., Wallem Maritime Services, BW Shipping Philippines, Inc., Lydia Mar (Manila), Inc., Transocean Shipmanagement Philippines, Inc., Western Shipping Southeast Asia, Inc., BSM Crew Service Center Philippines, Inc., Epsilon, Meco Manning and Crewing Services, Inc., Net Ship Management, Inc., Anglo-Eastern Crew Management Philippines, Inc., and Crossworld. They will also undertake various team building and social activities and having originated from all parts of the Philippines will be able to meet their counterparts and discuss and share views on academic, career, and cultural issues. www.harborscope.com

Giles Heimann, Deputy Secretary General of IMEC, from London provided a welcome address and stated “we believe that the provision of dedicated Cadet training programme will continue to enhance the reputation and provision of quality Filipino seafarers to our global industry. These young Cadets represent the future of this industry and we are pleased to be taking this major step to not only our own future, representing major shipowners, but also to the future of the Cadets themselves. Through the provision of dedicated IMEC facilities, equipment and lecturers, we are confident that we will be producing the very highest standard of Officer on the completion of their training.”

The International Maritime Employers’ Committee (IMEC) is an employers’ organization based in London. IMEC represents over 130 companies located all over the world that operate almost 7,500 ships and employ over 185,000 seafarers of all nationalities.

The members are individual shipping companies, both owners and managers, large and small, operating all types of ships, including dry bulk, container, cruise liners, livestock carriers, reefers and tankers.

The ships they operate are registered in more than 40 different countries.

December 2008–January 2009

Special Feature From left (back row) Capt. Antonio Nombrado, president of Elburg, Mr. Hermanus Heyns, managing director of Maritime Performances (ARCOIN), Mr. Massimo Comelato, senior crew manager of Group Motia Seaarland and Synergas, Mr. Adrianus Cornelis Viveen, quality manager of ARCOIN, Capt. Nicolo Terrei, general manager of Italian Maritime Academy of the Philippines, Mr. Alessandro Mura, crew department director of Enterprise Shipping Agency (ESA), Capt. Giorgio Pascazio, general manager of Maran Maritime Inc., and Ms. Terrei, daughter of the chairman of the board. (front row) Ms. Cherry of Crewtech, Ms. Eva Racho, office manager of Elburg and the conference host, Ms. Sabrina Gerbi, senior fleet manager of ESA, Capt. Romina Perrone, company security officer and safety department of Martinoli Consulting SRL for K-Ships, Ms. Youla Garalla, crew department officer of Maran, and Mrs. Procerfina Terrei, president of Elburg.

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he Elburg Shipmanagement Phils., Inc. and Crewtech Shipmanagement Phils., Inc. have successfully convened their pool of seafarers to meet their principals face-to-face in its First Annual Crew Conference held on November 19 and 20, 2008 in conjunction with its training partner, the Italian Maritime Academy of the Philippines (Imaphil), Inc. at the Mandarin Hotel in Makati City.

The principals who graced the initial convention designed

by Elburg and Crewtech Chairman of the Board Mrs. Procerfina Terrei and Managing Director Capt.

Nicolo Terrei include Mr. Hermanus Heyns, Managing Director of Maritime Performances (ARCOIN), Mr. Massimo Comelato, Senior Crew Manager of Group Motia Seaarland and Synergas, Mr. Adrianus Cornelis Viveen, Quality Manager of ARCOIN, Mr. Alessandro Mura, Crew Department Director of Enterprise Shipping Agency (ESA), Capt. Giorgio Pascazio, General Manager of Maran Maritime Inc., Ms. Sabrina Gerbi, Senior Fleet Manager of ESA, Capt. Romina Perrone, Company Security Officer and Safety Department of Martinoli Consulting SRL for K-Ships, Ms. Youla Garalla, Crew Department Officer of Maran.

According to Ms. Evangeline Racho, Elburg Office Manager and the conference host, the convention aims to inform the Filipino seafarers and the principals as well about the present status of the maritime industry in the Philippines, and a comprehensive report on the present standing Elburg and Crewtech in terms of crew deployment, retention and repatriation, and vessel acquisition.

Racho also discussed the importance of training, among

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December 2008–January 2009

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other essential information concerning the welfare and future of Filipino crew.

The shipowners and owner’s representatives lend their ears to every sound of concern voiced out by the officers - seniors and juniors alike – on how they can better serve their fleet and what they can contribute to meet the expectations of the owners and company goals.

Officers debating on the level of professionalism, attitude, and competency of Filipino seafarers and on intellectual and practical approaches towards work made a sudden steal of the show splendidly.

The very cold conference room suddenly became warm when all well taken points were stressed with dignity and vindication by the ship officers – who created a rather positive impression before the investors that majority of Elburg and Crewtech seafarers were truly competitive, rational and openminded.

Capt. Terrei thanked the gentlemen for speaking their thoughts, but then he immediately reminded the officers about one important aspect. “They (the principals) all must feel comfortable to have you as crew,” he said.

Nonetheless, he lauded them for doing a good job onboard.

“The company grew up because you made your job onboard.

You made the company grow,” he said.

Addressing the shortage Racho reported that there is an average of 491 successful passers for the PRC examinations for master mariner per year over the last three years; 925 for chief mates, and 2,082 for OIC. On the engine department, 422 chief engineers, 748 1st engineer and 1,020 engine OIC. There is a projection of 2,450 masters, 4,625 chief mates, and 10,545 OIC. On the other hand, 2,100 chief engineers, 3,740 1st assistant engineers, and 5,455 OIC. All in all, there is a total of 17,620 new deck officers and 11,285 new engine officers projected for year 2008.

Racho also reported that there was an increase in the number of Indian officers and a great shortage of crew in the engine department and on January 2008, Racho said they have a total of 772 seafarers, 256 of which are officers. As of October 2008, they have some 1,335 total seafarers and 430 of which are officers. There is an increase of 40% in the number of officers or 174 to be exact.

She also said that there might be a shortage in third and fourth engineer due to promotions and those seeking higher salary.

Part of the solution that was pointed out is an increase in cadet training onboard.

They are also picking trainees

1

st Elburg marks

for Fitters in Don Bosco, aside from sponsorship of cadets.

Capt. Terrei said they will be “reducing their own income to facilitate more cadets.”

Racho also disclosed programs for ratings, fitters and chief cooks. “We have a program for ratings. We need to check your evaluation first before we invest on you,” she said.

Capt. Terrei was also asked if the company is willing to shoulder the training for Management Level Course or MLC for junior officers who want to upgrade their licenses.

“We are willing to shoulder but we must get an engagement. If you leave, you will pay,” he said.

“I don’t want to pay all the licenses of Filipino seafarers in the country,” he quipped saying that he was cheated a number of times. After they (officers) get free advance training, they left for other companies.

He said he has been a seafarer for 26 years and that he knows how it feels to be one, but he affirmed that he don’t want to question about money during his time.

Nevertheless, he promised to make his crew comfortable onboard in cooperation with the principals. “I don’t get principal that don’t respect our seafarers,” he assured.

Impact of Crisis The crisis has affected the shipping business so much. As reported by Brokers to major operators in Japan, there are over 100 new building cancellations from the Chinese and Korean yards.

These are the orders from other countries which are scheduled for delivery by 2010.

Accordingly, owners prefer to forfeit their own payments than go through deliveries with expected no revenue streams after delivery.

The bulk sector is heavily affected.

Charter hires nose-dived tremendously and manufacturers slowed down in their productions.

Ms. Teresa Mendoza, Quality Manager revealed that the industry is faced with the following concerns: increase with wage due to shortage of crew and crisis

Special Feature

Annual Crew Conference

on employment - some operators might start thinking of reducing the number of crew.

“Revitalizing Crew Retention is the immediate solution to address the present crises,” said Capt.

Terrei.

In a recent consultative meeting with the Secretary Marianito Roque of Philippine Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Administrator Jennifer Manalili of the Philippine Overseas Employment (POEA), Mr. Marlon Roño of Filipino Association for Mariners Employment (FAME), Capt. Gregorio Oca of the Associated Marine Officers and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP), and Mr. Noriel Devanadera of the Maritime Training Council and ten of the biggest manning agencies in the Philippines, which includes Elburg, a monitoring system has been set up to identify the present concern and the status of maritime industry in the Philippines in order to find out how to address it.

This cooperation calls for the local maritime industry and the Philippine government to bring about a better solution for the problem on the shortage of seafarers and the present crisis.

It can be noted that the Philippines control the 23% of seafarers in the world, but it is also alarming to note that from 2006, there was a total of 7,944 decrease of seafarers’ employment in 2007. It is the first year that the trend of deployment went down since 1996. For the last two years, shortage of crew resulted to poaching and wage war.

According to Racho, this raises up some questions” Is it an effect of the escalation of wages? Is it a question of competency? Or are other nationalities catching up on us and covering the employment that is supposed to be for the Filipinos?

“We can only speculate…. but we must also be alert!” the conference host strongly said.

Considering the fact that the present crisis is expected to last for at least two years, Elburg and Crewtech are determine to combat it by instead producing more officers despite the present situation, and considerable reduction on crew shortage and the consequent stabilization of crew wage.

The 9th LSM Conference conducted on 4th and 5th of November 2008 mainly discussed an

(1.) Analysis of the current manpower supply and demand, (2.) Appraisal of industry and training institute initiatives in retaining crew and enhancing standards, and (3.) Review of international regulations.

TradeWinds reported possible worldwide shortage of officers of 90,000 in 2012. In 2008, officer shortage grew as high as 34,000.

According to the report, for the period 2008 to 2012, the Dry-Bulk Fleet will be in need of 26,160 officers, Containerships will need 15,793, Chemical tankers will require 9,735 and Oil tankers 8,088.

Racho said the “bottom line remains the same and it is the fact that the worldwide fleet is requiring more and more officers each year and the supply is not enough.”

The Italian Maritime Academy The Elburg and Crewtech can truly be thankful for its reliable partner – the Italian Maritime Academy of the Philippines (IMAPHIL) – for developing the nautical professionals for its fleet.

The IMAPHIL is an in-house training center designed to assist and equip seafarers with knowledge and skills to enhance competence and confidence for shipboard assignments and hasten their promotion on board.

It was created in response to a need of the maritime industry for available, licensed, skilled and competent Deck and Engine officers and ratings, prepared to man ships to the best interests of ship owners, charterers, ship managers and ship operators.

IMAPHIL is governed by a Scientific Committee which consists of representatives of the Italian Maritime cluster: Italian Maritime Shipowners, CONFITARMA and the Italian Classification Society, RINA. The Scientific Committee supervises the principles and methods of work applied by the Italian Maritime Academy as certified by RINA under ISO 9001:2000.

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The Italian Maritime Academy Philippines, Inc. envisions to provide preemployment qualification assessment and training to ship officers and crew to better meet the standards set forth by the STCW; the standards set forth by our Principals and Ship Owners, the Rules for Certification of Training and Competency Management Systems of Registro Italiano Navale (RINA) and other applicable National and International Standards.

What the principals say Before the program ends, each principal was given an opportunity to speak some short responses to the seafarers.

“You are welcome at ESA. We have a policy to comply but we cannot transfer one employee for another principal,” Mr. Mura said. “But I can give you my calling card so you can call me,” he added chuckling.

“The words of Capt. Terrei are really encouraging,” said Mr. Pascasio.

“Be with us to succeed with you,” said Capt. Perrone.

“We will support the crew, give us competent people,” said Mr. Herman.

Elburg president Capt.

Nombrado thanked the officers and crew for spending time with them and for meeting the visitors from Europe. He challenged every one to “work together to make this company grow.”

Mrs. Terrei concluded the conference with a simple but very meaningful remark.

“Thank you very much everybody and I love you all.”

December 2008–January 2009

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FSA Updates DOMESTIC NEWS FSA elects officers, holds induction The Filipino Shipowners Association held its election of Officers for the year 2008-2009 last 28 October 2008 at its Members Meeting at the Manila Yacht Club. Elected as member of the Board of Trustees for two year terms are: Mr. Dario R. Alampay, Baliwag Navigation, Inc.; Mr. Philip S. Tuazon, Star International Shipping, Inc.; Ms. Josephine J. Francisco, Dolphin Ship Management, Inc.; Mr. Pedro Miguel F. Oca, Naess Shipping Philippines, Inc.; Mr. Jesus E. Avecilla, Jr., Selma Shipping Phils., Inc. The Officers were thereafter elected as follows: Mr. Carlos C. Salinas, Chairman; Mr. Dario R. Alampay, President; Mr. Edgar J. Ramirez, Vice President; Mr. Bibiano O. Reynoso IV, Secretary; Mr. Jose Mari Moraza, Treasurer.

The induction of the Officers and Members of the Board of Trustees was held during the Association’s traditional Christmas Luncheon held on 12 December 2008 at the Manila Diamond Hotel. DOTC Undersecretary and MARINA OIC, Maria Elena H. Bautista was the inducting officer.

Proposed increase in pilotage fees The Association attended the public hearing conducted by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) on the request of the harbor pilots for an increase in pilotage fees last 22 October 2008.

The Association voiced its opposition to the request for increase citing the fact that pilots bill shipowners in US dollars. Moreover, it was pointed out that the price of oil has substantially gone down in the world market and corresponding decreases in domestic gasoline prices had been implemented thereby negotiating any necessity for an increase. There has been no resolution yet by the PPA of the request and it appears that any decision thereon will be made next year.

BIR spares overseas shipping companies from 3% common carriers tax In an opinion expressed by the Bureau of Internal Revenue on 12 August 2008, sought by one of the member-companies, it upheld that Philippine

overseas shipping companies are not liable for the 3% common carriers tax for outbound cargo as it is already subject to VAT at zero rate.

Usec Bautista meets members on bunker convention The Association, during its Members Meeting held on 28 October 2008, discussed with DOTC Undersecretary and MARINA Officer–in-Charge Maria Elena H. Bautista, the effects on Philippine-flag ships of the effectivity of the Bunker Convention.

The Bunker Convention, which became effective on 21 November 2008, requires owners to secure insurance coverage for pollution damage for ships over 1,000 GT. Since the Philippines is not a signatory to the Convention, USec Bautista said that it will coordinate with ratifying countries to allow Philippine flagships to secure the certification from them.

PCG to deputize more men to guard RP shorelines Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) commandant Vice Admiral Wilfredo D. Tamayo said he will beef up his personnel from the present 5,300 to 25,000 to be able to effectively watch some 25,000 coastal barangays located in the country’s 36,000-kilometer coastline.

Admiral Tamayo made the announcement at the PCG headquarters in Manila as the Coast Guard and the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) started implementing President Arroyo’s directive for the deputation of the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Philippine National Police Maritime Group (PNP-MG) and local government units (LGUs) in the enforcement of MARINA-prescribed safety regulations on passenger-carrying motor bancas in areas beyond the reach of PCG stations and detachments.

This year, the PCG recruited some 1,000 new coast guardsmen and next year, another 1,000 will be taken in.

The deputation order of the President now covers not only large and medium-built vessels but also smaller sea craft, including motorized passenger and cargo bancas.

PLSA eyes cut in trucking rates

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ocal shippers can expect a further cut in trucking rates at the starting this year as oil prices, specifically diesel, continue to fall.

The percentage of decrease would be larger if the price would fall faster than forecasted by the oil players and the Department of Energy.

To date, diesel pump price ranges from Php33 to Php35 per liter, down Php23 per liter from a high of Php58 per liter in July this year.

The Philippine Liner Shipping Association (PLSA) said they will ask the trucker led by the Integrated North Harbor Truckers Association (INHTA) for another round of rate rollback after diesel price already breached the Php35 per liter level.

Trucking rates are billed by PLSA on behalf of the INHTA members. The proposed rate cut, on the other hand, will again only be applied to shippers signatory to the automatic rate fuel adjustment pact worked out last July.

The group added that they are just waiting for the official oil price matrix before starting negotiations with INHTA. “We would again be asking for another cut in trucking rates as diesel price continue to fall,” a PLSA official said.

“Based on our agreement with INHTA, a rollback in trucking fees or about P3 would be deducted from the current bill for every Php5 reduction in diesel prices,” PLSA explained.

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December 2008–January 2009

“We will try to enforce early next year,” the official added.

INHTA, on the other hand, said they are open for another rate rollback but would like to evaluate current condition due to the worsening business condition in the country brought about by the global economic crisis.

To date, the delivery of 10-foot containers is Php3,926.65; Php5,674.65 for 20-foot containers; and Php9,754.65 for 40-foot container or tandem scheme within 40 km radius from the North Harbor after INHTA reduced their rates by 6% at the start of the month.

The new rate cut, once approved and implemented, will reduce the 10-foot container trucking rate to Php3,808.85; Php5,504.42 for 20-foot container; and Php9,462.01 for 40-foot container or tandem scheme.

Earlier, the Confederation of Truckers Association of the Philippines (CTAP) announced the scrapping the 30% rate hike it implemented in July when diesel price was drastically reduced by more than Php20 per liter since July.

However, despite the downtrend in diesel prices, the truckers are not expecting business to be any better next year compared to this year brought about by the financial crisis being experienced worldwide.

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The FSA inducted its officers and members of the Board of Trustees for the year 2009 on 12 December 2008 at the Diamond Hotel, Manila with Marina OIC DOTC/Undersecretary for Water Transport, Maria Elena H. Bautista as inducting officer, L-R Maria Elena H. Bautista, Carlos C. Salinas of PTC as Chairman, Dario R. Alampay of Baliwag Navigation as President, Josephine J. Francisco of Dolphin Ship Management, Mr. Victor Gomez representing Mr. Pedro Miguel F. Oca of Naess Shipping Philippines, Inc., Mr. Philip Tuazon of Star International Shipping, Inc., Ms. Theresa Paguio of Aboitiz Jebsen Bulk Transport Corp., Mr. Jose Mari Moraza of United Salvage & Towage Corp. as Treasurer, Mr. Vicente Raymundo Brillantes of Intermodal Shipping, Inc., Mr. Roberto Umali of National Marine Corp., Mr. Edgar J. Ramirez of Eastern Shipping Lines, Inc. as Vice President, Mr. Bibiano O. Reynoso IV of Aurora Shipping, Inc.as Secretary, Atty. Erwin F. Pobre of Keeper Maritime Co., Inc. and Mr. Jesus Avecilla, Jr. of Selma Shipping Phils., Inc..

At present, there are many municipal coastlines without Coast Guard detachments. Hence, the urgent need for deputation of local government personnel who will be trained by the Coast Guard on search and rescue, safety of passengers and sea craft.

The deputation of PNP Maritime Group, the PPA and LGUs is a “must” for the effective enforcement of maritime regulations to prevent overloading, over crowding, ensure the safety of motor bancas, other measures to prevent sea accidents.

Filipino crew on Japanese ships increase Filipino seafarers in Japan have risen to 50,000. The increase averages some 67 percent higher than last year’s 30,000.

Capt. Takao Manji, chairman of the International Mariners Management Association of Japan (IMMAJ) said Filipino mariners are “disciplined, hardworking, flexible and reliable,” making them the nationality of choice by Japanese shipowners.

“We truly appreciate the efforts of the Philippines in expanding the Japanese shipping industry,” he said during the recent International Migration for the Benefit of Workers: Best Practice from the Business and Professional World forum held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) on 28 October 2008.

Ratings receive salary ranging from USD1,000 to USD1,250 a month while officers are paid about USD2,500 to USD3,000 a month.

He said 65 percent of Japan’s maritime personnel or over 50,000 are Filipino sailors who are working in 3,000 merchant ships.

Japanese shipowners have invested significant amounts of money for training to ensure the competency of the Filipino sailors.

DOTC approves storm guidelines The new storm guidelines for ship voyage submitted by the Philippine Coast Guard has been approved and ready for implementation.

PCG commandant Vice Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo said they are putting more emphasis on the liability of the shipowner instead of putting the entire responsibility on the shoulders of the Master of the vessel.

Under the guidelines, during public storm warning signal (PSWS) number 1, vessels above 1,000 gross tons are allowed to sale with the discretion of the company.

During PSWS number 2, no vessel regardless of size are allowed to set sail except to seek shelter but should be without passenger and its cargo properly stowed and should take the proper precautionary measure to ensure safety.

While sailing either under PSWS no.1 or seeking shelter, the vessel and its operator should maintain constant communication until the vessel reaches its destination.

Any shipping firm found violating the new guidelines will face stiff penalties without prejudice to any legal suit that may arise from an incident involving any of their vessels during bad weather.

OVERSEAS NEWS UN adopts resolution 1846 (2008) versus piracy off Somalia The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) adopted last 2 December 2008, Resolution No. 1846 (2008) to further strengthen the measures undertaken to fight piracy off the coast of Somalia.

The wording of the Resolution has been strengthened, particularly in Clauses 9 and 10.

In Clause 9, states are called on “to take part actively in the fight against piracy and armed robbery at sea off the coast of Somalia... by deploying naval vessels and military aircraft, and though seizure and disposition of boats, vessels, arms and other related equipment used in the commission of piracy and armed robbery ...”

The Resolution lasts for twelve months and allows states to enter into the territorial waters of Somalia ... (and) ... “use within the territorial waters of Somalia, in a manner consistent with such action permitted on the high seas with respect to piracy under relevant international law, all necessary means to repress acts of piracy and armed robbery at sea.”

IMO approves mandatory ECDIS The Maritime Safety Committee of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has approved the amendments to SOLAS Regulation V/19 to reflect a mandatory carriage requirement for ECDIS, with a view to adoption at its 86th session. The proposed amendments will, if adopted at MSC 86, be applicable to tankers as follows: The proposed draft amendments will require ships engaged on international voyages to be fitted with an ECDIS as follows: Tankers of 3,000 gross tonnage and upwards constructed on or after 1 July 2012; Tankers of 3,000 gross tonnage and upwards constructed before 1 July 2012, not later than the first safety equipment survey on or after 1 July 2015.

Administrations may exempt ships from the application of the requirements above when such ships will be taken permanently out of service within two years from the implementation date specified.

‘Stolt Valor’ pays ransom for release Somali pirates released last 16 November 2008 twenty two (22) hostages and the “Stolt Valor” after a 2-month ordeal off Somalia. The chemical tanker was released after a ransom was paid reportedly in the sum of USD2.5 Million.

Eighteen of the 22 crew on the Japan-flagged vessel were Indian, who were on their way to Mumbai; there were also two Filipinos, a Russian and a Bangladeshi. Stolt Valor was on an Egypt – Mumbai route transporting 23,818 tonnes of oil products when it was taken in the Gulf of Aden off Yemen’s coast on 16 September. The pirates took it to Eyl on the northern Somalia coast.

ASF seafarers committee meet in KL The Seafarers Committee of the Asian Shipowners’ Forum was held on 21 November 2008 in Kuala, Lumpur, Malaysia. The FSA was represented by the FSA Chairman, Carlos Salinas, Eduardo Manese of Magsaysay, Inc. and FSA Executive Secretary, Augusto Y. Arreza, Jr. The Meeting specifically discussed the continuing attacks and hijacking of ships in the Gulf of Aden. It called on the governments through the United Nations to take immediate action to ensure safe navigation of ships and securing of seafarers.

FASA holds annual general meeting in Hanoi The 34th Annual General Meeting of the Federation of Asean Shipowners Association was held in Hanoi, Vietnam on 1 December 2008. The Association was represented at the Meeting by the FSA President, Mr. Dario Alampay and FSA Executive Secretary, Augusto Y. Arreza, Jr. The Meeting expressed deep concern on the increased incidence of piracy and hijacking of ships in the Gulf of Aden. Other matters discussed include FASA’s commitment to protect the marine and air environment which it reaffirmed.

ASF Shipping Economics Review Committee meets in Tokyo The Shipping Economics Review Committee of the Asian Shipowners Forum met in Tokyo, Japan last 10 December 2008. The Association was represented by Eduardo Manese of Magsaysay Maritime, Inc. The Meeting discussed among others the implications of the global financial crisis and encouraged members to review their business models. Concerns were also expressed on the continuing private attacks and hijacking in the Gulf of Aden.

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PPA gears up 10 ports to become world standard T he Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is earmarking at least Php7 billion this year to procure additional cargo-handling muscles for the country’s 10 major gateways.

The additional cargo-handling equipment will complete the dream of the 10 ports to be at par with world standards by 2010.

The 10 ports include the North and South Harbor in Manila, Manila International Container Terminal, Batangas, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Zamboanga, Surigao and General Santos.

In an interview with PPA general manager Atty.

Oscar Sevilla, he said the improvements of the 10 terminals are almost finished but would not reap the benefits immediately due to lack of cargo-handling facilities.

“Our problem really with the 10 terminals is the cargo-handling equipment since without which, we would not be able to lure more shipping lines to bring in more cargo to the ports,” Sevilla said.

“So this early, we are budgeting some Php7 billion to procure the necessary equipment such as quay cranes, rubber-tired gantries and other facilities to gain more efficiency and productivity at the ports,” he added.

“We experienced this kind of problem in Batangas before and we would not like to deal with it again involving the other ports,” Sevilla further said.

Batangas Port remained idle for at least two years after construction due to lack of equipment. PPA, however, recently installed the facilities and is now marketing the port to port users.

To date, six out of the 10 ports being groomed by PPA to be at par with world standards by 2010 could take in 30% more cargoes and the percentage would again increase further to 40 to 45% this year with the completion of phase I of the port modernization projects.

The additional 50-55% cargo capacity for the entire 10 ports, however, could be realized after the completion of the project in 2010.

PPA is currently concentrating with the six ports in Mindanao to take in the increasing cargo volume since these ports lags behind the remaining four ports in terms of infrastructure and facilities and needed to be improved earlier.

The ports include the completion of the Iloilo International Container port for Php320 million; Davao for Php398 million; General Santos, Php397 million; Zamboanga, Php382 million; Cagayan de Oro for Php397 million and Surigao, Php382 million.

The improvement include expansion of current capacity to more than 100%, extension of wharf, dredging of current depth to accommodate panamax vessels and procurement of cargo-handling facilities to bolster turnaround time.

The six ports handle about 35% of the entire international cargo traffic of the country and about 40% of the domestic traffic.

The four remaining ports, on the other hand, which handle the remaining 35% of international cargo traffic, have already been completed or almost complete that includes the North Harbor, Manila International Container Terminal, South Harbor and Batangas Port.

Earlier, international carriers, which are members of the Association of International Shipping Lines, expressed their intention to expand their Philippine operations by tapping the Mindanao market.

The carriers said they have been actively watching activities in the southern part of the country and they are upbeat over the market potentials in the region.

Among the places that they are looking as possible destinations for their direct calls include the Makar Wharf in General Santos and other international seaports in Mindanao such as the Sasa Wharf in Davao.

They said that they should have been expanded their operations to the southern Philippines three years ago if not for the poor port facilities in the area.

To date, almost all carriers are sending self-sustaining vessels to pick-up cargoes from the South, which according to them forced them to accommodate low cargo volume to avoid delays in vessel turnaround time.

GMA approves port projects T

he government is securing an official development assistance from a French firm to deploy modular ports as part of its initiative to boost infrastructure spending and stimulate employment to cushion the unemployment problems of the country brought about by the global financial crisis.

The project, dubbed as GMA Maritime Port Access, costs about Php11 billion involves 74 ports nationwide.

The local counterpart funding for the projects have been sourced out after President Gloria MacapagalArroyo approved the Php100 billion budget for the infrastructure spending this year.

“We are laying down the groundwork to narrow the unemployment gap due to the global financial crisis,” Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) general manager Atty. Oscar Sevilla said in an interview.

“The port project has already been approved by the National Economic Development Authority and we are just waiting for the approval of our request to temporarily exempt the PPA from remitting 50% of its revenues to the Government while paying the loan,” Sevilla added.

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The cost of the modular ports, on the other hand, ranged from Php40 to Php50 million, depending on the size and features, and can be installed within three months, including the time for delivery.

The President will choose where the modular ports will be placed.

All of the ports will use state-of-the-art technology and will be powered by solar panels. The modular port will last between 30 to 50 years.

This is the latest ODA that PPA will embark upon since the signing of the Php6.16 billion Batangas Port Development Phase II. PPA earlier said that it is avoiding the directly securing an ODA since it is more expensive compared with the state firm financing the project on its own, such as the recent Php2 billion domestic bond flotation.

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ICTSI, ATI restructures investment plans T

he country’s top two port operators are looking to restructure their investment plans for their ports of operations as they expect to be hit by the global economic crunch making it difficult for them to recover.

The operators, International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) and Asian Terminals, Inc. (ATI), want to stretch the implementing timetable of the projects dependent on what the economy would allow.

According to Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) general manager Atty. Oscar Sevilla both operators have already asked his agency to negotiate the possible restructuring of their investments until the effects of the crisis wears off.

Sevilla added that while both are still committed to carry out their commitments in their new 25-year contracts to operate the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) for ICTSI and the South Harbor for ATI, the firms would just like to slowdown while sourcing out the needed funds for the development of the two main international gateway of the country.

“Both ICTSI and ATI do not know what will be the effects of the crisis to their operations and the slowdown is just a precaution,” Sevilla said.

“They are not down-scaling their investments but they are merely holding it in order to reduce the effects of the crisis to their operations,” Sevilla explained.

Prior to the start of the crisis, ICTSI is already set to advance the expenses for the dredging of the Manila channel to accommodate larger vessels.

ICTSI is shouldering the dredging expenses as a condition to their new contract that was approved two years ago.

ICTSI is set to inject an obscene amount in the next four years to further enhance its grip on the increasing international containerized cargo market including the extension of the current berthing area and the procurement of additional cargo handling facilities.

ICTSI has also agreed to pay the PPA higher fees compared to their existing charges.

MICT handles the bulk of cargo in and out of the country.

ATI, on the other hand, is committed to invest USD300.5 million from 2009 to 2022, for the rehabilitation, development and expansion of the South Harbor facilities in accordance with the Investment Plan in the Third Supplement.

The commitment is dependent on container volume, and the Investment Plan is subject to joint review every two years, or as often as necessary as mutually agreed, to ensure that the same conforms to actual growth levels, taking into account introduction of new technologies and allowing the Company the opportunity of a fair return on investment.

This year, ATI is set to spend Php975 million for the planned improvement of the cargo handling equipment and civil works in South Harbor.

ATI is also planning to include the extension of crane rails and adding one more quay crane at Pier 3; the building of crane rails and two additional quay cranes at pier 9 and the development of additional container yard at adjacent to its Eva Macapagal Domestic Terminal to improve efficiency of the port.

PPA increases wharfage fees T

he Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has increased its port tariff and domestic wharfage fee at the start of the year as a safety net to the expected strong backlash of the global economic crunch to its entire operations.

The increase is the last tranche after President Arroyo issued a freeze order on all increases in port charges in 2003, 2004 and 2005 and rescheduled it in 2007, 2008 and 2009 as the country is still reeling from an economic downturn at that time.

In a memorandum issued by PPA assistant general manager Leopoldo Bungubung late last month, showed that domestic port charge is increased by 14% while domestic wharfage fee is increased by 28%.

The amount is on top of the increases allowed by PPA to the existing cargo-handling rates in different ports nationwide.

Under the order, domestic port charge is increased

by Php10 to Php82 per calendar day or fraction thereof for the use of any government port for vessel 6 to 100 GRT while over 100 GRT per GRT will have to pay Php0.80 per calendar day or fraction thereof.

Domestic vessels calling at officially registered private ports shall be charged one-half of the domestic dockage fee at a government port.

The memo also covered registered bay and river vessels that will be charged one-half of the required domestic dockage fee but in no case less than or

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more than the following charges for a calendar day or a fraction thereof: Not less than will be Php82; and Not more than will be Php413.

Lay-up fee for domestic vessels, on the other hand, will be one-half of the applicable domestic dockage fee.

Meanwhile, non-containerized cargoes like those in sacks, bags, bulk, uncrated, live animals, steel products, logs and lumber, and heavy lift now charged Php9 per metric ton while others aside from mentioned will be charge Php7 or 16% higher than the existing rate. Minimum charge, on the other hand, is Php15 or 25% higher.

For containerized cargo, the rates were increased by 20-21% from the previous levels. For 10-footer or shorter the new fee is Php63; 20-footer is now charged Php126; 35-footer is charged Php157; 40footers is billed Php189; and 45-footer is charged Php221.

Domestic cargoes, whether containerized or not, that are loaded/discharged at anchor without using any government wharf or at officially registered private ports shall be charged one-half of the usual domestic wharfage fee.

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APEC security team lauds Davao port best practices

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AVAO CITY—Top officials of the Philippine Ports Authority Port District Office-Southern Mindanao and the Port Management Office - Davao recently met with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Port Security Visit Program (PVSP) team to forge stronger alliances on transnational security.

Evans, an Australian national and current Program Coordinator of the PVSP team said that they

have chosen the archipelagic Philippines as the first destination in the APEC to be able to draw out from the members and integrated needs assessment and analysis on maritime security.

Mr. Evans was accompanied by representatives Mr. Takeshi Suzuki of Japan, Mr. Changyong Lee of Korea, Ms. Karly Pidgeon, an official observer and Australian government Counsellor for Transport of the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government. Also present were Atty. Eliezer Gojas, the Legal Counsel of the Philippine Department of Transportation and Communication-Office of Transport Security (DOTC-OTS) and the Cebu Port Authority Security Manager Mr. Oscar Lopez.

Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Port Security Visit Program (PVSP) team holding a press conference in Davao City

The PVSP is hinged on two main objectives: 1) To identify the needs of participating economies in terms of security interface and; 2) To promote a level of consistency in the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code implementation. Likewise, it is an avenue for partnership and for assistance on capacity-building on security.

Evans assured that the preliminary report from the audit that the PVSP team is conducting during its visit will remain strictly confidential among

members of the APEC and which will later be discussed with the Maritime Security Experts Subgroup (MEG-SEC).

“We are glad to welcome you to the Southern Mindanao Port District and hopefully, you can learn much about how we manage our ports, particularly the security plan and needs of the Davao Port,” PPA Port District Manager Abdussabor Sawadjaan said during the courtesy call of the team to his office.

CDO port services continue to improve with 90 installed reefer outlets

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he port services of Cagayan de Oro (CDO) port continue to improve with the installation of 90 reefer outlets operating 24/7.

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) port manager Efren Bollozos said the port continues to enjoy the trust of both the government and private sector of its fast and efficient port services.

This is evident through the entry of Fresh Del Monte Produce which has chosen the CDO port for the export of its products mainly because of the newly installed reefer outlets and the National Food Authority (NFA) prefers the CDO port for rice importation because of the port’s faster turn around time as compared to other ports.

Fresh Del Monte Produce, although using the “Del Monte Shield” mark, is not affiliated to Del Monte Philippines and is based in George Town, Cayman Islands, in South American countries. Here, it is a major producer and distributor of fruits, such as pineapples and bananas and other agricultural products grown locally in Bukidnon and other areas in Mindanao.

Port manager Bollozos said that the port actually had an existing 36 units of these reefer outlets but only 6 are operational. All these, however, are scheduled to be rehabilitated before the end of this year.

He added that compared to other ports operating in Mindanao, the port of Cagayan de Oro has trained personnel able to handle this kind of operation.

American President Lines is also a regular user of these reefer facilities.

Another factor which perked up cargo volume handled in the port is that the NFA also prefers the port’s services in the importation of rice than to other ports in the country most especially in Mindanao.

This is due to the dispatch of its cargoes which earns them discounts as compared to other ports where NFA gets a demurrage. Manager Bollozos said that the NFA management informed him of the port’s efficiency as the cargo handling of its rice shipment finished ahead of its allocated time.

Mindanao ports gear up for ISO 9001-2000

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AVAO CITY—Twenty-one (21) employees of the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) from the Northern and Southern Mindanao Port Districts recently completed a two-day Appreciation Course and Introduction to International Organization of Standardization (ISO) 90012000.

10 short-listed ports for development.

These priority baseports include the Manila International Container Terminal, North Harbor, South Harbor, Batangas, Iloilo, Davao, Gen. Santos, Zamboanga, Ozamiz, and Cagayan de Oro. ISO 9001:2000 refers to standardized, predictable, and globally understood process language hinged on an international agreement on Smart Management Practices. It offers assurance Participants listen during the two-day seminar that an organization’s services will consistently meet an expected quality Held at the PPA Port District Office-Southern Min- standard through a strategic upgrade of processes danao (PDO-SoMin) Training Center (TC) on Octo- or documentation. It is also granted or renewed on ber 8-9, 2008, the seminar comprehensively tackled a per-function basis, hence, there are about 14, 000 the standard Quality Management Systems (QMS) known ISO accreditations known worldwide. which refers to the specifics of what must be done The move is also pursuant to Executive Order 605 to meet customer requirements. The QMS embod- Instituting Structure, Mechanism and Study to ies the string of assessments, audits and compliance Implement the Government Quality Management tests undertaken by agencies, organizations or of- Program (GQMP) of Philippine public offices. Its fices ultimately leading to a grant of an accreditation primary aim is to standardize the national competiby the ISO, a federation of national standards bodies tiveness agenda particularly on the frontline serbased in Geneva, Switzerland. vices or government to business transactions (G2B) PPA Port District Manager for PDO-SoMin Ab- needed by a customer. It likewise serves as a baromdussabor Sawadjaan earlier disclosed that the series eter for organizational effectiveness in achieving inof ISO 9001:2000 trainings is to give flesh to the dividual office QMS objectives.

2010 PPA corporate mandate to meet international PPA’s Batangas baseport in Southern Luzon is bestandards in port facilities and services in at least ing currently tapped as the pilot site for the initial

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ISO 9001:2000 refers to standardized, predictable, and globally understood process language hinged on an international agreement on Smart Management Practices. assessment of its QMS on Port Entrance and Exit Procedure. Once it is able to obtain its ISO 9001: 2000 accreditation within 2009, all other 2010 Vision priority baseports will also have their individual timeframe for the full-swing rollout nationwide.

At the helm of the two-day course was Mr. Rene Julian, the ISO Consultant for the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Maritime Transport Group. He was assisted by PPA

TC Head Office Acting Industrial Relations Development Chief of the Port Equipment Maintenance Training Section Arvin Dadulo.

Julian shared that PPA’s general requirement in securing the accreditation will include the identification of the following: 1) Key process and activities from initial contact to final delivery (including outsourced services); 2) Flowchart of work cycle; 3) Internal and external control measures; 4) Timelines; 5) Performance evaluation and; 6) Prioritization of improvement based on performance results.

Port entry and exit procedure, an essential G2B function of PPA-managed gateways, was identified as the first to be slated for an ISO 9001: 2000 accreditation not later than 2010 based on its impact in public transactions. Common port users as well as prospective clients will then expect to have debureaucratized systems which mean faster, reliable, prompt, standardized and globally-competitive port business. port side

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Keppel takes 3 tugboat projects

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eppel Cebu Shipyard, Inc. has bagged three tugboat projects during the end of the year, which forms part to the USD200 million contract gained by its foreign firm Keppel Offshore & Marine Limited.

Keppel Cebu – a wholly-owned subsidiary of Keppel Philippines Marine, Inc., a publicly listed company in the Philippines has continuously upgraded its facilities and equipment to keep pace with the rapid changes in shipyard technology.

The construction of the three tugboats - two for repeat customer Keppel Smit Towage Pte Ltd and one for the Port of Salalah of Oman show the further development of Keppel Cebu Shipyard as a specialized shipbuilding yard.

Tong Chong Heong, currently managing director and chief operating officer of Keppel O&M and chief executive officer designate, said, “the new orders are a creditable wrap-up for a year in which the second half has been ravaged by very negative financial and economic factors.

“The fundamentals of the industr y remain sound even though the pipeline of projects

has slowed down. There are still projects in the market but we would only ta ke on those that are cash f low positive. This prudent approach protects our shareholders’ interest as well as sustains us during this highly volatile period.”

The contracts worth SGD200 million consist of upgrade and conversion project of a Floating, Storage and Off loading (FSO) vessel into a Floating Production, Storage and Off loading facility (FPSO Okha) by Keppel Shipyard for Single Buoy Moorings. Also the building of 2 Rampage 5500 Z-M offshore support tugs by Keppel Singmarine for Seaways International Pte Ltd and the construction of three tugboats at Keppel Cebu.

Keppel Cebu upgrades and re-trains its sk illed work force, engineers and technicians under its comprehensive training programs.

The company has implemented various initiatives on qua lit y, productivit y and people development.

The work on the Floating Production, Storage and Off loading Okha will start in the first quarter and targeted to be completed by the fourth quarter next year.

The two DP2 multi tasking Anchor Handling Tugs (AHT), each with 100-tonne bollard pull, are due for completion in the first half of 2011 and will be deployed in West Africa, Asia or the Middle East. This is a repeat order from Seaways.

Keppel Singmarine is currently building a similar AHT for the same owner for delivery in end 2009.

For 2009, Tong said, “Our focus in the new year is to further strengthen our business fundamentals through excellent project execution, robust risk and governance management and pro-active technology development.

“Our strong balance sheet and healthy order book in excess of SGD10 billion give us the muscles to pursue our strategic goals of nurturing our people and seizing opportunities to develop new markets and technologies,” he added.

IMOSTI supports gas explorations I

nternational Maritime and Offshore Safety Training Institute, Inc. (IMOSTI) vice president for operations, Mr. Tristan Aris B. Diaz, said the institution is presently working on a long term relationship with countries like Angola, South America, and Southeast Asia, among others, on gas explorations.

TO is an industry-funded Oil and Gas Academy and employer-led organization committed to developing the oil and gas industry’s workforce capability now and in the future. It has been working with employers to identify and agree action on workforce issues that matter to them and are affecting their business. It partners with any organization where joint “We believe that the offshore training requirement is a developing need having a large scale of oil and gas activities worldwide. This is also an increasing worldwide demand,” said Diaz.

IMOSTI training manager Mr. Daks Villanueva confirmed that there is really a big demand in the offshore rigs industry. This is one industry that is not affected by the financial crisis. And in fact, offshore personnel receive lucrative compensation packages with shorter work contracts.

Since gas explorations is continuous business operations, offshore companies require personnel safety and competence. With that, IMOSTI was created to support this industry.

Villanueva revealed that IMOSTI is the 3rd and newest offshore training provider in the country.

And because they are a new player, all their facilities and manuals are all updated.

IMOSTI is dedicated to train people on how to work safely in different working condition in this sector and deliver the appropriate training on international standards.

“We do have the skills intended for that industry.

With other nationals, I am not sure of they have the proper education,” said Diaz.

“Once they train at IMOSTI, they are being taught of the importance of following strict programs. We ingrain unto them the international standards related to health and safety as we promote preservation of environment while ensuring quality of life,” he added.

Proof of which is that IMOSTI are getting trainees from other neighboring countries.

IMOSTI recently passed with flying colors the fourday audit conducted by OPITO representatives. OPIBUCK YARD

action would add value to its purpose of building and sustaining the supply of relevantly qualified people into the oil and gas sector.

By passing the audit, IMOSTI is found qualified to relevantly train and qualify people in this sector as it vows to take offshore training to new dimensions. IMOSTI has the competence on delivering the requirement and safety programs.

The IMOSTI is a center for learning and competence development dedicated to administering training services for both the marine and offshore sector. Being one of the few forward-thinking developmental training centers in the Asia-Pacific region, IMOSTI provides business-focused professional human resource solutions to ensure maritime and offshore safety at all times.

These are made possible by providing its partners with an efficient, highly-skilled and welltrained talent pool that would provide efficient and technically sound solutions to old and new challenges.

The OPITO – standard trainings being offered by IMOSTI are Basic Offshore Safety Inductions and Emergency Training (BOSIET), Emergency Breathing System (EBS), Further Offshore Emergency Training (FOET), Helicopter Underwater Emergency Training (HUET), Tropical BOSIET, Tropical – EBS, and Tropical – FOET. Dynamic Positioning IMOSTI is also engaged in offering Dynamic Positioning (DP) courses. IMOSTI is also the third institution to be accredited by the Nautical Institute.

According to Diaz, DP sector is also a growing opportunity for many of our officers. Dynamic positioning is an equipment onboard ship controlling the position of the vessel. DP Officers (DPO) are being trained to monitor the control of the vessel.

Originally, Survey ships are the ones using the satellite-aided positioning.

Other ships using it include cruise ships, FPSO, Anchor-handling, among others.

Also, IMOSTI has trained number of foreign DPO consisting of Australian, Malaysian, Japanese and other DPO from East Europe. www.harborscope.com

The most recent trainees are Malaysian named Kumaresan A/L Gopal Krishnan and Mohd Khairul Nizam B. Abd Razak Khalim.

According to them, training in the Philippines is cost efficient because they get the same quality of training at lesser expense.

With that, IMOSTI vows to expand its training facilities to accommodate more trainees starting January 2009.

IMOSTI offers Dynamic Positioning Course, Nautical Institute Approved Course Program, Dynamic Positioning Simulator Course, Nautical Institute Approved Course Program, Helicopter Underwater Emergency Training (HUET), Hydrogen Sulfide Familiarization Course, Risk Assessment and Accident Investigation, Shipboard Safety Officer Course, Ship Handling and Maneuvering, OSV, Tugboat/Supply, AHTS Steel Maintenance Course, Blasting and Painting courses.

For more details about the IMOSTI trainings, please contact (+632) 524-7983 and (+632) 302 3168 or email them at sales@imosti.com.

December 2008–January 2009

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Port agency has new finance chief T

he Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has announced the appointment of Atty. Gloria J. Victoria-Bañas as Assistant General Manager for Finance and Administration during a simple turn-over ceremony held on 06 January 2009 at its main headquarters.

PPA General Manager, Atty. Oscar M. Sevilla said Atty. Bañas is not exactly new to PPA as she has been an active member of the PPA Board Com during her stint as the second top-ranked executive at the Maritime Industry Authority.

“Atty. Bañas’ goal of securing a highly respectable and recognized role for the maritime industry in terms of safe, secure, efficient, responsive and environment-friendly mode of sea transport comes in handy as she begins to steer PPA’s financial footing towards continuing stability amidst the extraordinarily difficult global eco-

nomic environment we are in,” GM Sevilla added.

Prior to her post at PPA, Atty. Bañas was appointed as Deputy Administrator for Planning of the Maritime Industry Authority in November 2003 and had direct supervision over MARINA’s Planning and Policy Office, Management Information Systems Office, Administrative and Finance Office and Manpower Development Office.

As Deputy Administrator for Planning, Atty. Bañas had been directly involved in the formulation, revision and implementation of national maritime policies and regulations and counts among her various achievements MARINA’s successful participation in PGMA’s flagship SRNH or Strong Republic Nautical Highway Project and successful laying of the groundwork towards the crafting of the Philippine Maritime Industry Development Bill.

GM Sevilla likewise commended the outgoing PPA Finance Chief AGM Aida P. Dizon for everything that she has done for the organization.

IMEC appoints new training manager T

he International Maritime Employers’ Committee, Ltd. (IMEC) has recently appointed Captain Anand Dalela as the new IMEC training manager in the Philippines replacing Captain Cedric D’Souza, who will be moving to the United States to meet new challenges in his career.

An experienced professional in the marine industry, Capt. Dalela will assume office effective January 1, 2009.

He has seaboard experiences on product tankers, VLCCs and bulk carriers. He started his career as a cadet in 1993. Since then, he did well in every endeavor and pursued his dream to attain the Master’s Certificate in 2002 after passing the examinations and sailed as Chief Officer until 2005. He was given his first command at the bulk carrier Federal Rhine.

He went on to sail as Master of various vessels through Anglo-Eastern Ship Management of Hong Kong until April of 2008.

More recently, he was appointed as Training Consultant to FMFI Maritime Foundation Inc. in Manila and has gained invaluable knowledge in the training and development of Filipino seafarers, which will be put to excellent use in his new role.

Capt. Dalela finished a Bachelor of Science degree from Ajmer University in Rajasthan. He has acquired experience in management both at sea and ashore in key areas such as human resource practice, finance and the operation of quality management systems that will being add value to his role with IMEC where he will administer its growing commitment to recruitment and training initiatives in the Philippines.

This includes working on doubling the number of cadets under sponsorship at the University of Cebu and sponsoring 150 cadets at the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific for the first time. The new training manager will be based at the recently opened IMEC office in Malate.

“We are very pleased to be able to appoint Anand to this role. Whilst of course, we are very sorry to lose Cedric, who has more than meet our expectations

Trans-Global president and IMEC Company Representative Michael J. Estaniel awards a token of appreciation to former IMEC training manager Cedric D’Souza. Looking on is his successor, Capt.

Anend Dalela. Cedric will be leaving for the United States to face another episode of his career. in the start up of IMEC’s training initiatives in the Philippines. We understand that he wishes to follow other opportunities and we feel that Anand is a highly suitable replacement to build on the work already started,” said IMEC chairman Ian Sherwood.

“I believe his range of skills and enthusiasm will undoubtedly assist in the development of the IMEC training programmes and that he will very rapidly become a focal point for the co-ordination of our activities in the Far East,” he concluded.

UFS warns seafarers of dubious agencies The 13 of the 20 full F Filipino crew of tanker ilipino seafarers should be very careful in choosing an agency or they might regret in the end.

United Filipino Seafarers (UFS) stalwart, Engr.

Nelson P. Ramirez, warned Filipino seafarers to be very cautious in dealing with manning agency they chose to apply.

The sad plight of the 13 Filipino seafarers languishing in Nigerian Jail for almost two months now since November 12, 2008 is something unbearable for their families.

The 13 of the 20 full Filipino crew of tanker MT Akuada was arrested by Nigerian Navy allegedly for oil smuggling activities. Seven of them were able to elude arrest by jumping into the water at that time their vessel was about to be apprehended by the Nigerian Authorities.

Reports said the seafarers were conducting illicit oil transport operations and were believed to have dealings with rebel groups in the Niger Delta on the behest of their Greek shipowner known as Maritime Management Synergy.

The UFS leader divulged that the local manning agent of the notorious Greek shipowner of the unseaworthy tankers plying the Nigerian Coast trade is

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December 2008–January 2009

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Seagem Maritime International, Inc. Ramirez strongly accused Seagem of violating a directive of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration since late 2007 banning the blatant deployment of Filipino crew to Nigeria.

The arrested Filipino seafarers include C/O Erwin Antas, 2/E Ronie Fabricante, C/E Celso Zapanta, Electrician Pedro Gementiza, AB Marcelo Galola, Bosun George Balore, AB Ruel Dosdos, AB Arjay Alvarez, OS Rolan Rao, Oiler Richard Peniano, Oiler Celso Baez, Messman Reagan, 3/E Sebastian Teodosio.

They were all detained at the Delta Naval Base before they were eventually transferred to the custody of the Port Harcourt Economic Finance and Crime Commission in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

The whereabouts of the 13 Filipino seafarers was first disclosed by Mrs. Jona B. Teodosio, wife of 3/E Teodosio, to the Department of Foreign Affairs, a couple of weeks before Christmas when she got worried that she has not heard from her husband since November 2, 2008. From the DFA, she also went to

MT Akuada was arrested by Nigerian Navy allegedly for oil smuggling activities.

Seven of them were able to elude arrest by jumping into the water at that time their vessel was about to be apprehended by the Nigerian Authorities.

the office of the United Filipino Seafarers to disclose to Engr. Ramirez the details of the detention of the 13 Filipino seafarers.

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Facing ‘happy’ problems T

he year 2008 has been very exhausting so to speak. With all the seemingly endless challenges the industry has faced, it is good to see how the stakeholders and the government come together for a common good.

During the Christmas party of the Joint Manning Group, Marlon Roño described the challenges as “happy problems” – completely positive in his perspective about it. He lauded the government, particularly Labor Secretary Marianito Roque, for extending the much needed support the industry needs.

He also lauded the manning agencies, their partners, and the seafarers, who stood by them, cooperated and coordinated, in meeting one common solution for the betterment of all.

Mr. Dario Alampay noted, however, that we have seen an unprecedented growth. Now, indeed, we are facing uncertainties. Nonetheless, he wished everyone with peace, happiness and hope, and exhorted them to set aside worries. Instead, focus on what they have started.

AMOSUP leader Capt. Gregorio Oca, likewise, thanked his “Friendly Enemies” for inviting him. He lauded JMG for coming together in one voice – the united front of the industry.

Japanese player, Capt. Takao Manji, also hailed JMG for its effort to invite all stakeholders to join hands in addressing the challenges, which is

truly a commendable act and was appreciated by Japanese shipowners.

Capt. Manji said they, the Japanese shipowners, share the same enthusiasm with the industry to move forward, to take corrective steps, to work with systematic approach, and to work hard together to surpass the crisis.

Mr. Ed Manese said it took a long time for them to get together and to come as a cohesive group but it is really a pleasure working with them all. Nonetheless, he hoped for a better 2009 for each key players.

Mr. Ericson Marquez, likewise, encouraged everyone to be grateful for all the things they have. According to him, it is just a matter of perspective on how we treat problems. He said “we will all succeed because we believe all is possible.”

Roque said 2009 will be a greater challenge because of the present crisis out there. If we bind ourselves together, we can sail better. And together, we face the challenges of the New Year.

Binding ourselves together – this is also the clamor of Capt. Burt Sabay of NewSim training center. He said training is a vital part of compe-

tency, therefore, according to him, the training providers should also be included in the next Philippine Manning Convention like how LSM always do. Every year, they come up with ‘Manning and Training Conference.’

“Why not put our axe together?” he asked. Sabay also said that training is complimentary to manning because they play support role to them.

Well, why not? When Roque attended a recent meeting at the International Maritime Organization, he was told to just continue training our seafarers to continually produce the much needed competent officers.

Maybe Capt. Sabay, or PAMTCI in general, has a lot more to contribute to the industry to support the concreting of the ‘Roadmap’ that was designed by the members of the manning convention.

Maybe Philippine Manning and Training Convention will sound interesting too. Maybe it would further bring forth good result.

Maybe, Amit Ray of DNV SeaSkill - Asia is right too when he said that the much needed skills required on highly-technical ships should complement the training being provided

to our seafarers to avoid competence gap.

In that case, manning and training indeed should come together to expediently achieve the much needed success.

Maybe Capt. Sabay is right when he said it is not a crime to go beyond the ‘minimum mandatory requirement’ if that will make our seafarers the best of all globally competitive.

Maybe we can achieve more if we can unite every player in the industry – be it mainstream stakeholders or competence or support providers, in meeting the common objective.

After all, everyone, every player in the industry could be affected when all else fails. Its domino effect could be very difficult to contain and regret will always come in the end game.

Well, just maybe…

May 2009 be brighter and better for all players in the industry!

Cheers!

MR. Jun G. Garcia Managing Editor Harborscope

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This space will not be enough to mention all your contributions and achievements. All the best for you in 2009! Cheers!

– Jun Garcia and Zeny Magnial

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PMMA Alumni inducts new set of officers

By Mizpah V. Sarino

T

he Philippine Merchant Marine Academy Alumni Association, Inc. (PMMAAAI) has recently inducted its new set of officers for year 2009 – 2010 which coincided with its Christmas fellowship on December 4, 2008 at The Mezzanine of the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

The newly-elected set of officers of PMMAAAI include Capt. Jaime D. Quiñones, president; Capt.

Reynold Sabay, VP – Internal Affairs; C/E Guilbert Llamado, VP – External Affairs; Capt. Tomas Cristino, Secretary-General; Capt. Hernando Eusebio, Treasurer; Radm. Fidel E. Diñoso, Ex-Officio; Capt.

Ramon P. Leonor, PNS Rep; and Directors: Capt. Joel Y. Abutal, Engr. Ronald Dela Cruz Barro, C/E Edgar C. Baronda, Mr. Antonio M. Espinosa, Engr. Ronald G. Magsino, C/E Chito Felix Majabague, Mr. Danilo M. Ocmer, and C/E Ernando A. Rodio.

The Electoral Committee was headed by Capt. Jesus V. Cabrera as chairman, Mr. Francis E. Medina as co-chairman and Mr. Ronald E. Castro, member, together with immediate past president Capt. Vic-

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December–January 2009

tor Del Prado and members of the outgoing board of directors of the alumni.

Outgoing president Capt. Vic Del Prado handed over the flag to newly elected president Capt. Quiñones, which symbolizes passing of responsibility.

PMMA president Radm. Diñoso also made his address and exhorted the new set of officers to do well for their alma mater for the benefit of the future students.

The event, which highlighted its theme “Bunkmate Ko, Kitakits Tayo Part 2,” paved the way for another heart-warming reunion for every PMMAer. The fellowship was even made livelier with the special hot dance number of the Go Girls! – also published in The Navigator

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