Marino World January-March 2015 Digital Edition

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VOLUME X NO.1 ISSN 1908-0972

PHP120

JANUARY - MARCH 2015

MARINO WORLD

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EDITORIAL BOARD Publisher

Editorial Consultant

Creative Director

Lyn Bacani

B. Cortes Lagac

Jhon Henson Ong

Content Critique

Legal Counsel

Commo. Dante Jimenez

Atty. Manuel Obedoza

News and Feature Writers Eva Tan

Coca H. Strobar

Ligaya Caban

Contributors Ms. Merle San Pedro Atty. Cristina Beltran

RAdm. Adonis Donato Capt. Rodolfo Aspillaga

International Correspondents F R Chowdhury

Mark Millar

Photographer

Circulation

Royette De Paz

Joana Marie Tud

EDITORIAL OFFICE 1732 Modesto St., Malate, Manila, Philippines marinoworldpublication@gmail.com

Tel. / Fax

Mobile

(632) 521-3633

(63) 916-6307080

Published by Bacani & Associates Media Services Co. (BASMS) www.marinoworld.com.ph

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Publisher’s Note

OF JUPITER AND MARS Again, another maritime tragedy in the sinking of MV Bulk Jupiter off Vietnam waters. A very tragic one as only the Chief Cook survived of the 19-man crew. And a major blow to the country’s seafaring prestige; the crew is all Filipino --- young and able, in high spirit, in the cheerful holidays. But maybe because of those, we will never know. Investigations will deal operational aspects. Not on feelings nor personal and situational perceptions. Agencies will expectedly out-do each other with announcements of benevolence. They declare so many

mandatory follow-ups by survivors still in grief. Or downscale totals with so many requirements for documentation More sickening, practically none for the survivor! Just the usual photo ops and taps on the shoulder burnished with plaques of bravery, post-trauma counseling. Then workline. Hopefully re-hired, if at all.

So many international Conventions are in force but mostly demands on the seafarers. Yes, for the good of the industry, safety of the mariners, integrity of the environment, so goes the list. Bottomline, more time and expenses for the crew as they are the ones attending in-house seminars instead of enjoying quality time with the family. They are the ones preyed by unscrupulous businessmen disguised as educators mulking with atrocious tuitions for basic and new curricula. Of course, all the do-gooders have at that. Just like a stiffer anti-ambulance chasing law could have prevented the to Indonesia because of unreasonable

Filipino seaman. Yet, stiffer law could stiple legitimate grievances. Again, wishy-washy laws could provide loopholes. France is " pay damages to Somali pirates caught doing the crime. That court says human rights are violated because the French military did not bring these criminals to a judge on the required time. Where is the proper balance? Neither

here nor there, all glaring but confusing. Are we talking goldigooks? Almost. For the search at best is a Gordian knot. At worst, a locking of horns between labor and capital. For each event, each tragedy, has seams and stitches variable to both parties. It is continuing confrontations of the gods. Without disrespect nor pun, the Jupiter incident calls for Mars to thunder rights for the victims. Yet, among the #$ %& ' ( ) was for synergy, not dissent -- pitching for cooperation and awareness of mutual dependence. An enigma in any business is the continuing “struggles� between cooperation. But each one leverages for its own interest, often regardless of impact to the other. Visioning a seamless convergence is " * pragmatics, proceed with noblesse and goodwill. Maybe even with cunning to preserve the gains and upload to better deals. Meantime, Olympus shall continue to Jupiter confronts the laboring Mars. MARINO WORLD

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Berge Bulk, one of the world’s leading independent dry bulk owners since 2007, is built upon a strong shipping heritage dating back to 1935. Our stand-alone business focuses on large bulk carriers, with a fleet of over 30 vessels specialising in delivery of iron-ore and coal. Committed to delivering safe, reliable and efficient transport for our customers, we value performance, loyalty and integrity in our staff.

work with h

the best team for r the be best wages & thee best

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We are looking for exceptional people to join as...

MASTERS CHIEF OFFICERS CHIEF ENGINEERS & SECOND ENGINEERS You will be ambitious, highly motivated and excited about sharing the Berge Bulk vision to be the best in the world – you must have proven experience sailing on bulk carriers larger than 150,000 DWT (Engineers must have experience with 10,000 kW, or more, main engine output).

MASTERS : CHIEF OFFICERS : CHIEF ENGINEERS : SECOND ENGINEERS

EMAIL your application & CV: recruitment.philippines@bwfm.com BW Shipping Philippines Inc. 5th Floor, Goodland Building, 377 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Avenue, Makati City, Philippines 1200. License number: POEA-382-SB-121713-R-MLC . No Fees to be Collected . “Mag-ingat sa illegal Recruiter�.

Feature

Only One Survivor TRAGIC, TRAGIC JUPITER

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Union AMOSUP HONORS ITF SEC GEN

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Feature

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OSM in the Philippines

A DEFINING MOMENT Cover Story DOXCHECK, PAMI, PAMTCI

TEAMING FOR RECORDS SECURITY

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Event SEAMEN BAG MOFYA MAJOR AWARDS

24 Content

ABOUT THE COVER Layout by: Jhon Henson Ong

A great initiative of the private sector to secure the integrity of documents of Filipino seafarers. Hopefully, Government enhances the effort of using +

MARINO WORLD

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ONLY ONE SURVIVOR

Rojas (in black) with crew mates

TRAGIC, TRAGIC JUPITER by Coca H. Strobar

MV Bulk Jupiter, festooned with holiday dĂŠcor, with an all-Filipino crew, lifted anchor at 20:00 local time, 30th December 2014, from Kuantan Port, Malaysia. It shall ply to China with a bulk cargo of 46,400 metric tons of

Sole survivor.

As the ship slithers to blue water, the weather turned more wicked. At about 7am Friday, January 2, the general alarm sounded when the vessel listed to one

have pitched to one side as bulk cargo cannot be harnessed.

When the abandon ship command blasted on the intercom, Rojas clutched a life jacket and jumped into gnarling

and prayers, picked up only at about 4pm on that harrowing day.

MV Jupiter issued January 1st a distress signal at 22:54 hours UTC (universal time) and posted location at latitude 9�.01’ 01.001N, longtitude 109�.15’ 26.01E. But all communications to reach the hapless vessel failed. Of the 19 crew, only one survived. Two bodies were recovered, all 16 are still missing but are presumed dead since survival is improvable with the elapsed time.

Only survivor was Chief Cook Angelito Capindo Rojas. The Tubungan, Iloilo, native was picked up by the MV Olng Muttrah, a tug boat from the Netherlands.

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Their bodies were repatriated second week of January. Nothing more.

When rescued, he did not see any of his mates. After medical check-ups in Vietnam, Rojas was repatriated to his home town January 7th. His medical check-ups continue with post-trauma counselling with the support of his family. Two bodies.

After some nine hours from the sinking, the two bodies were recovered: Captain Ronel Acueza Andrin and 3/O Jerome Maquilang Dinoy. In its January 14th

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statement, the Norwegian ship owner, Bergen-based Gearbulk, declared !" the two bodies have now been completed by the Vietnamese authorities. One #$% & Karl Resos Abogadie from Baybay, Leyte ' be Captain Ronel Acueza Andrin, from Polillo, Quezon.�

Posted January 14th on the Gearbulk website: “As all our efforts have gone into the search and rescue operation and to support the families left behind together with Magsaysay (its Philippine crew manning agent) we acknowledge that there are many questions unanswered and a need for more information both onboard and in the shore organisation. Although the Vietnamese MRCC has scaled down their search activities Gearbulk will continue to allocate

Feature

vessels transiting the area in the weeks to come to search through the projected drift pattern any debris or remains would have been expected to follow. This drift pattern has now extended well into Malaysian waters, and an area with a number of offshore installations and offshore support vessels. Malaysian MRCC has been kindly requested by Gearbulk to notify installations/vessels in the area to maintain a sharp lookout. Nothing further has been found to this date, and how hard it may seem we have to accept that time is working against 0 share this information with you.� Magsaysay view.

In a phone interview with Marino World, Magsaysay Maritime’s Arnold Javier, VP 0 23 crew have been declared dead by the principal.

possibility that some of the crew were trapped inside the vessel.

3 67 K 0 $ Q Manila

However, Javier says Gearbulk has consulted with experts and the Vietnam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) has no specialized equipment. With the depth of the sunken ship, only a submarine can do the underwater search.

U K X ) Palauig, Zambales [ > (

' X 0 Juan, Batangas 9. AB 1 Renato Flores Toribio II, Bantayan, Cebu

Observers know this is very expensive and may well be beyond insurance coverage.

10. AB 2 Wynfred Penaranda Balazo, Butuan City

The missing crew.

22 80 2 ] $ > Lanao del Norte

2 678 ( $ ' Lapulapu, Cebu

2D 80 D ) > ( Cebu City

2. 2/O Gibbson Ladica Ranara, Camiguin 26 ^ ' X $ 3. Jr. 3/O Alexis Thomas Piala Bacalla, ' % = %7 ( > ' Alaminos, Pangasinan

asked Gearbulk to try an underwater @ D7 E 8 % > search and rescue operation. There is a Lanao del Norte

14. Motorman Rosilo Navarro Sansolis, Iloilo City 15. Wiper Gilbert Feliciano Flora, Iloilo 23 ) > $ ] ' Causarin, Cavite City

Capt. Andrin

Jr. 3/O Bacalla

AB Balazo

Building a house he will never see

Cum Laude, DMMA College of Southern Phil. (2011)

His two-year son will never see a father

C/O Abogadie

3/O Dinoy

Motorman Sansolis

Just married in 2012

Magna Cum Laude, University of Cebu (2011). Extended his contract to buy the land he promised as a birthday gift to his father.

With a daughter barely six years

Electrician Gapasin

2/O Ranara

Bosun Aleta

Engaged to Ms. Jacky Mora

An officer at prime of youth

Son in the Excellent Roll, but will never see him

MARINO WORLD

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TRAGIC, TRAGIC JUPITER

The ill-starred MV Bulk Jupiter

.

The Philippine government’s Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) assures the families each

*++ +++ P20,000 burial assistance, and other ' from their employer and manning agency. Under the AMOSUP Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the 8;<= >++ <? +++ @ maximum of four under 18 years. But a question hangs on Chief Cook Rojas, 43, and has been with the bulk carrier for 20 years. Will he get the Y

The Philippines and Vietnam have been invited to join. Gearbulk will also have a representative in this investigation. Gearbulk has established a group that will investigate all aspects of the sinking. On the second week of January, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has sent a two-man team to Vietnam and Malaysia, Atty. Hershel F. Magracia, OIC-Law enforcement Service, and Mr. Samuel L. Batalla, Chief-STCW Service. As of January 24th, Atty. Magracia tells Marino World they are drafting a report to the MARINA Administrator, Dr. Max Mejia, Jr.

Investigations.

The Japanese Coast Guard received the distress alert and immediately initiated search and rescue operations.

Gearbulk claims what it knows â€œâ€Ś is based on the statement made by the cook.â€?

Bahamas Maritime Authority has launched an investigation of the sinking.

It happened very fast. From the general alarm sounding in the early morning

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The vessel had loaded bauxite, declared as Group C cargo. Under the IMSBC Code, Category “C� is neither prone to liquefaction nor a chemical hazard. Gearbulk together with NHC (H&M) and Britannia (P&I) have contracted external experts to investigate the cargo properties vs the cargo manifest, and the corresponding liquefaction risk. Until the report is at hand Gearbulk has stopped taking bauxite cargo. Bulk Jupiter.

The Gearbulk website requests for caution: “(T)here is a lot of work to be done, and caution must be exercised not to prematurely arrive at conclusions.

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hours of January 2nd, and abandon ship was heard on the intercom, it took only minutes before the vessel had developed a heavy list to starboard. The cook made his way starboard and jumped overboard. The vessel sank shortly thereafter.

The vessel was built in 2006 and docked in May, 2014. The initial review of technical documentation, maintenance records and inspection reports do not indicate any technical issues with the vessel. She was in good technical condition and in the hands of an experienced Gearbulk crew.

Shipping

MARPOL DEMANDS LOWER SULPHUR Beginning January 1st, ships trading in designated emission control areas will have to use fuel oil with a sulphur content of no more than 0.10% from 1 January 2015, against the limit of 1.00% in effect up until 31 December 2014.

;@ & ?{ which covers emissions of Sulphur Oxides (SOx) and particulate matter from ships. These requirements were adopted in October 2008 by consensus and entered into force in July 2010.

This was contained in Briefer 44 of December 23, 2014.

The emission control areas established under MARPOL Annex VI for SOx are:

The stricter rules come into effect under the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from ships (MARPOL), Annex VI (Regulations for the Prevention of Air Pollution from Ships).

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Baltic Sea area; North Sea area; North American area (designated coastal areas off the United States and Canada); and US Caribbean Sea area (around Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands).

Outside the emission control areas, the current limit for sulphur content of fuel oil is 3.50%, falling to 0.50% m/m on and after 1 January 2020. The 2020 date is subject to a review, to be completed by 2018, as to the availability of the required fuel oil. Depending on the outcome of the review, this date could be deferred to 1 January 2025. Ships may also meet the SOx requirements by using gas as a fuel or an approved equivalent method like exhaust gas cleaning systems or “scrubbers�.

CRUISE SHIP MUST DRILL New requirements for musters of newlyembarked passengers prior to or immediately upon departure is now in force since 1 January 2015. Further SOLAS amendments entering into force address enclosed-space entry and rescue drills and the code for recognized organizations. Passenger muster

The amended Regulation III/19 in the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea was adopted in 2013 in the wake of the Costa Concordia incident. This is to ensure passengers undergo safety drills, including mustering at the lifeboat stations, before the ship departs or immediately on departure. Previously, the requirement was for the muster of passengers to take place within 24 hours of their embarkation.

Enclosed-space entry and rescue drills

Code for Recognized Organizations

Also an amendment to SOLAS Regulation III/19 (on emergency training and drills) makes mandatory the carrying out of enclosed-space entry and rescue drills, which will require crew members with enclosedspace entry or rescue responsibilities to participate in an enclosed-space entry and rescue drill at least once every two months.

The Code for recognized organizations (RO Code) becomes mandatory, on 1 January 2015, under SOLAS, MARPOL and the Protocol of 1988 relating to the International Convention on Load Lines, 1966.

The International Code of Safety for HighSpeed Craft (HSC Code), the Code for the Construction and Equipment of Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (MODU Code) and the Code of Safety for Dynamically Supported Craft (DSC Code) have been similarly amended. The aim of the amendments is to try and reduce the fatalities which might occur if crew enter enclosed spaces without adequate training or protection.

[ \ ; ] certain responsibilities for surveying @ ! ^ ^ _ \

] State. ' &% # @ ; standards mechanisms for the oversight, assessment and authorization of recognized ^ \&% ] responsibilities of such organizations.

MARINO WORLD

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Union

AMOSUP HONORS

ITF SEC GEN

ITF Sec Gen Cotton

' [

~ % Seamen’s Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP) hosted a dinner reception in honor of Stephen Cotton, newly-minted Secretary General of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF). The evening was practically a tripartite shipowner executives and crewing managers at the Rigodon ballroom of historical Manila Hotel, last November 26, 2014. SecGen Cotton emphasized the friendship with the AMOSUP family, “We’ve been in a long journey together to do the best we could. And doing the best for Filipino seafarers means an improvement of the maritime industry.� AMOSUP Pres. Conrado F. Oca gallantly responded, “Steve is a very good friend of the family, a very good friend of AMOSUP, and very good friend of the Filipino seafarers. Before my father Capt. Gregorio Oca passed away, he always tells me “take good care of Steve because he will take care of you.� The Secretary General.

It’s not surprising Steve is ITF’s headman since August, 2014. He was Acting Secretary General November,

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2012 with a mandate from the Executive Board given October of that year.

strategies for the objectives.

And he was elected, unopposed.

He maintains effective links with key decision-makers and stakeholders to exchange information and views; negotiating with shipowners and other bodies to secure effective outcomes.

His leadership comes from an ability to motivate; guiding staff to develop within a high standard of delivery. He is motivated by international trade union principles. And pragmatic enough to work entirely in and around a political world. He synergizes ethics with € as inclusive as possible. Special Seafarers Dept.

He devoted 12 years (2000-2012) here as Maritime Coordinator and Secretary. His responsibilities include leading, managing, coordinating and monitoring maritime activities; providing strategic guidance and direction to achieve agreed objectives.

The annual budget for Maritime was under his care, so with communication and education processes to ensure employees and Inspectorate receive continuous development. Assistant Secretary. For three years (1997-2000), his tasks in the post include: | |

He also shares strategic advice to the General Secretary, the Joint Chairs of the FPC, FPC Steering Group, IBF Secretariat and senior Maritime Management, informing them of developments within industry to develop

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Contribute to developand implement ITF policy Assist to develop and implement of Section targets Prepare documentation for meetings Mediate and negotiate for ITF and

Links with mass media and writes articles for ITF publications

AMOSUP teams up with MARINA

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Oversee the ITF Inspectorate, assess and approve its budget Participate in negotiations, dispute resolutions

Admiral of the Ocean Sea. Steve received the prestigious ‘Admiral of the Ocean Sea (AOTOS) 2014 Award’ presented by the United Seamen’s Service (USS) November 7th. USS confers the award yearly to individuals

to the maritime trade. The citation for Steve notes under his leadership, ITF’s maritime sections had made important achievements, including expansion of the ITF Inspectorate from 35 to 124 inspectors and 26 other contacts, with a total of 9,503 vessel inspections across 52 countries in 2013, < = { + recovered for seafarers.

At the hospital groundbreaking

The number of collective agreements covering seafarers on board vessels had also increased from less than 2,000 to more than 12,000. Steve’s role in the International Bargaining Forum to improve seafarers’ pay and conditions was also cited, as well as his work in the creation, @ Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC) – the “seafarers’ bill of rights.� Described as an “Unlikely Admiral of the Ocean Sea,� USS noted Steve made his mark in the industry ! fortune, connections or extensive education.� His only link to international trade unionism was his paralegal work. Then 21, Steve was on the litigation side, fortuitously the ITF a client. He became interested with defence litigation involving FOC issues, as well as policy development. Tight bond. Steve says “the Philippines is very very very important for me because it’s the largest supplying country in the maritime industry. But it’s also sometimes a country where injustice happens and continues to happen. Strong unions, likewise good leaders, continue to

‚ @ „ _ He has graced two events of AMOSUP last November 28th; the inauguration of its MARINA National Assessment # ; ; (MNACS) and the groundbreaking of its Seamen’s Hospital Manila South Wing. The twin occasions commemorated the 88th birthday of the venerable Capt. Gregorio S. Oca, AMOSUP founder. Challenge. The ITF SecGen tells Marino World his priority concern now is the Maritime Labor Convention (MLC). ~†# potential to protect seafarers. He pledges ITF and the new maritime coordinator will be supporting all the ITF maritime the ILO; the ability to communicate to

‡ Mr. Cotton sees, “ (T)he challenge is to continue to build strong unions led from the members and ensure all transport workers get fair share of the private @ rich may be very very rich, the working people have less so for me it’s very important the ITF has quite a lot work to @ _ Given the ITF SecGen’s visioning, it is not surprising why he and AMOSUP are soulmates, with the Oca family at the helm to institutionalize the synergy.

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Feature

OSM in the Philippines

A DEFINING MOMENT by Ligaya Caban

“IT’S ALL ABOUT PEOPLE,â€? pulsates the heart of OSM; and places good business and values on its Filipino partners --- handling crew management and support functions of OSM operations in the Philippines! RAdm Adonis Bonto Donato, with OSM for more than 20 years, is President of OSM Maritime Services (OSM MSI) and Chairman of the Board. His daughter, Ms. Cheri Marie Donato-Villasin, has joined the Board as Vice Chairman. Came 2015 year-opener, Ms. Mailyn Perena Borillo took over from Allan Falkenberg, as Managing Director of OSM ROHQ. And Adrien Jesus S. Luntao started as General Manager for Global Training, OSM Ship Management (ROHQ). Borillo and Luntao both come from global shipping companies. OSM MSI and OSM ROHQ operate from the OSM Building in Ermita, Manila, employing about 6,000 Filipino seafarers and 4,300 shore-based personnel. Milestones. OSM MSI eagerly awaits its Silver Year in 2016, with Chairman Donato expressing core corporate value, â€œâ€Ś I discovered the character and values of the founder himself, Bjorn Tore Larsen, to be very friendly, responsible and sincere. He was a person with high respect for people’s rights, welfare and capabilities. And so the same has been the company values and motto to this day‌ IT’S ALL ABOUT PEOPLE.â€? It’s not meteoric but steady at the helm:

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1989, OSM was established in Arendal, Norway

and that Ms Cheri would be trained and groomed to be the successor of her father, Admiral Donato, when the right ?ŠŠ? ‹ time comes in order to preserve the contract. legacy that both Admiral Donato started in partnership with OSM Founder, Mr. ?ŠŠ{

Larsen. ‡ ' 2000, acquired Arendal-based company to have a working Chairman CH Sørensen Management, in who will be the face of OSM dealing continuous operations since 1881. with government and industry issues, OSM’s corporate social responsibility 2003, acquired shuttle-tanker/ (CSR). offshore-rig operator Rasmussen Maritime Services. Admiral Donato joined OSM in 1993

The vision gets clearer: to create the best ship management company in the world based on sound ethical principles and close relationships with all employees. Its ambition is to be one of the best employers and recruiters in the world. Down-streaming, OSM has always aimed at creating a big, united OSM family, with fair treatment and equal opportunity for all. Today, the OSM Maritime Group {Â +

@ *Πthe world, employing more than 10,000 skilled and motivated employees from about 30 nations --- all dedicated to serve with professionalism and best practices. The human face. Vice Chairman Cheri Marie recalls it was in September of 2014 when they were invited to Norway by OSM Founding Chairman Bjorn Larsen. This was when the great news was revealed by Bjorn that Admiral Donato would be assuming the role of a more active Chairman of the Board of Directors of OSM Maritime,

as a shipmaster; a year after serving in as OSM Norway as Manager for Crew and Welfare Development. Shortly, he was appointed President and General Manager of OSM Maritime Services in the Philippines. Changing of the guards. With the new challenges unfolding in her new role, Ms. Cheri is determined to explore and discover new heights. The new Vice Chairman can’t wait to start afresh, taking her credentials rooted in the academe. Ms. Cheri holds a degree in Psychology; a decade in the teaching faculty of De La Salle School SystemPhilippines. Ms. Cheri Marie started with OSM in 2003 as Cadets Coordinator after three Arendal, Norway. She was promoted to Cadets Manager in 2013 for being instrumental in producing 900 from the NSA Cadets Pool. OSM has already yielded its home-grown Masters and Chief Engineers from the program of sixteen years now.

DONATO dad and daughter: Sparkling in a common career and legacy.

OSM IN THE PHILIPPINES: A DEFINING MOMENT

to a foreigner managing ROHQ. And a man, please. But Borillo sees this not as a challenge but an opportunity both ways. But peering into OSM with 24 years of good reputation, Borillo now exclaims, “It’s exciting and promising! There’s a lot of opportunity for OSM to grow, even bigger than what it is right now.� And she’s got the mettle for the task. She headed Torm Shipping-Phils from 2011 to 2014. During that stint, Mailyn also had an opportunity to head the Global Purchasing Team and the Global Marine HR team. In both departments, Mailyn headed teams in India and Denmark. She was also top honcho at Maersk Filipinas Crewing from 2009 to 2011, up the ranks from 1994. This is where she had the chance to work in different facets @@

@ and crewing, not only in Philippines but in Denmark, too.

BORILLO. With passion to make a difference.

RAdm Donato provides the pallette: “(We cannot stop time, moreso turn back time. I have also to prepare for the transitional stage (from active president to working chairman).� And comes May this year, Ms. Mailyn will assume the Presidency from Admiral Donato for the daily operations of the OSM MSI while at ROHQ supporting ‘ @ With Filipinos in key posts, fusing MSI and ROHQ could mean an all-Filipino operations for OSM in the Philippines and its satellite range. As he opts to stay on, RAdm Donato will focus more on Board activities, affairs in the industry government relations, and the community. He will also train

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and groom Ms Cheri about the external affairs, industry and governmental relations to prepare and equip her in assuming the role of Chairman of the Company, when her father Admiral ’ near future. Sustainable. “What we need now is to ensure that the growth of OSM will be sustainable,� says ROHQ Managing Director Borillo. “We will continue to be ambitious and with continuous focus on quality and competence, with the ultimate goal to deliver record speed and error free services to our customers,� she adds. An initial challenge is how the organization adapts. People here are used

“I think it was the value of grit, perseverance, integrity, and most specially my desire to make an impact that brought me to where I am. I didn’t plan all these. I was just so blessed to be surrounded by great people who were kind to share knowledge and wisdom. Customer service. “We are here to be a long term business partner of our customers,� declares Adrien Jesus S. Luntao, GM for Global Training. Luntao observes OSM works closely with the customers in identifying training needs and addressing those. It also tries to accommodate what they require for the seafarers. He confesses to a paradigm shift. His previous employer was a shipowner. A shipowner can formulate the safety and learning culture on board the vessels based on its company values. But now as a shipmanager, he has to work with the customer to deliver additional value

FEATURE

because the customer is the owner of the ships being managed by OSM. Whatever initiatives introduced won’t work if the customer don’t buy nor apply it onboard, he submits. Cooperation is needed because the best training ground is on the ship. And he sees the challenge in earning that cooperation exciting. Adrien recognizes being part of the OSM family is their motivator. The family orientated approach of OSM is well known and it shows in its seafarers’ retention levels. Thus, he is always mindful to respect the traditions in OSM; never to lose that culture which made OSM so successful today. Having 10,000 seafarers with 6,000 of them Filipinos is not a small thing but a world class achievement. He believes the challenge in training € equip them with the right knowledge, skill and attitude to match demanding requirements onboard. Technology is evolving very quickly and all the equipment on ships are always changing, so with regulations like STCW 2010, ballast water regulations and ECDIs carriage requirements. Wary of a shortage in specialised skills, OSM has been investing a lot in its cadetship program, approaching to 900 cadets, in order to develop ' @ on Adrien’s shoulders, together with a Cadet Manager, as core to OSM long term manning strategy. Adrien believes they are on the right path but have a long way to go, even consorting with White List maritime schools to maximize results. But OSM cannot leave its guards with the schools; it must make certain performance is always on the upgrade, not just for compliance. %;~ @ 2015, at least six in Manila to share best practice and foster teamwork. OSM has

Conventional @ types of deep sea vessels such as bulk carriers and tankers;

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% @ types of vessels in the offshore industry

Political Science from the University of the Philippines in the Visayas (1988). Great wind ahead. With almost three decades of excellence, OSM may rest easy on its laurels. But it is not in its core to take things for granted. On the contrary, OSM

About 40 different customers attend these seminars to focus on LUNTAO. Clearly makes his points. safety issues, environmental concerns and changes in regulations the seafarers need to know. Luntao earlier headed the global training and development of Teekay Shipping based in Glasgow, United Kingdom and brings with him 15 years of experience in maritime training. € Prince2 Practitioner, Master Mariner, Predictive Index Analyst and DNV Trained Auditor for Maritime Training Centre and for Crew ~ % He is enrolled for a Masters in Business Administration at Strathcly-de University, Glasgow.

provisions early for the new horizon.

Adrien also holds a diploma in Human Resources Management (De LaSalle University-College of St. Benilde, Philippines).

The family vision stays as the main pillar: it’s all about people. And owners give meaning to what it speaks of, people. The Philippine operations will be managed by the people whom OSM has annealed through the years with corporate professionalism and industry competence.

He has a degree in Marine Transportation, Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (1992) and AB

Incidentally, they are Filipinos.

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Fueling the historic adoptation of the digital records system: Salabas, Sarmiento and Haboc.

DOXCHECK, PAMI, PAMTCI

TEAMING FOR RECORDS SECURITY by Ligaya Caban Observers are in bated breath anxious on Government reaction to a teaming { maritime education and training. This, at a time our educational system is

$0X Maritime Safety Agency with its critical audits on MARINA open-house cooperation. And sneered at by a British functionary posted at its Manila embassy as he buffs his country’s boycott of our local ferries and maritime training shortfalls. That historic reform is the cooperation security maritime education and training records. This was sealed with the agreement between the Association of Maritime Institutions (PAMI) and the Association of Maritime Training % |{X$]%#} '8~% %€ The Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was signed January 9th at the Makati

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MARINO WORLD

Sports Club, Salcedo Village, Makati City. '  { + specializing in documents security, digital data management and customized business solutions. It is the author, '8~% %€ Q browser, mobile application and SMS platform. PAMI has 80 members while PAMTCI 3D Q basics and competency skills to international standard and Convention requirements.

demand for their members access to cutting-edge and secure technological solutions. '8~% %€ ƒ technologically-advanced, secure, Q facility trusted to facilitate documents + * '8~% %€ protocols, PAMTCI and PAMI members are equipped to address the global need, pave the way to a gold standard in documents security, authentication and

The MoA highlights the clamor in the global maritime and seafaring scene to set a gold standard in documents

PAMTCI and PAMI shall encourage secure, centralized, online, real '8~% %€ considerations for PAMTCI and PAMI members.

PAMTCI and PAMI recognize these challenges of documents security,

Government, vessels operators and to realize the positive implication of

Cover Story

Bautista welcomes the idea ‌ She said it’s good that PAMI and PAMTCI started ‌ we are grateful that the organizations have started it.� Model {X$# { Q 0 recalls they were inspired by the maiden '  ${]% (Mariners Polytechnic Training Center) initiated by Ms Merle Jimenez-San Pedro, then President and of PAMTCI, now VP for Luzon.

ƒ counterfeiting and credentials fraud. Support X ƒ „ „

„ „

% ] Â… ' Joint Manning Group (JMG) Consultant Wenifredo Sola, PhilJapan Manning Consultative Council (PJMCC) OIC Arthur Minon, MARINA % '

% >X ^ Q % ' X { † 0

Also industry notables witnessing a {X$]%# Glenn Mark Blasquez, Capt. Arsenio Padilla, Antonio Galvez, Jr. and Capt. Reynold Sabay.

' Â " 0 0 ' Â hires network experts just to doubly protect its core business, security. Hacking could ruin its whole business and investment. It partners with other The document is produced and uploaded

Œ '  nor encode anything. It just provides the facility to the training centers and other sources of documents.

${]% '  June 2013 for a 100% counterfeit-free system. MPTC’s trainees and clients Once a document is assigned a '   type and quality of the training earned. with that global unique code. % ' ( Q ${]% Board Chairman and founding Chairman of VACC (Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption) adds, “This is a very laudable undertaking of PAMI and PAMTCI. Congratulations to both the Presidents, for this legacy that they will be leaving. “ Genuine PAMTCI President Alfredo Haboc shares, “I’m very proud to say that Philippines delegation is one of the supporters of avoidance of fraudulent # { position that other countries were amazed how we do it.�

Quijano says, “For the longest time we have had problems about the authenticity of the documents of our seafarers. Now this is a step towards removing that stigma‌â€?

Haboc is a Philippine delegate to the International Maritime Organization |#$8} " Nations on global maritime concerns.

“We can easily verify through online so it is a big help to the industry and to MARINA to verify and check the ‰ Minon.

] % '  D=7U meaning 24 hours a day, seven days a week. And it liberates Filipino seafarers from the claw of vultures from the ŠK " ‰ | in Manila known for counterfeiting any document).

^ Q Š* '  presented to us (the system), Comm.

Security

'  { ( 0 expounds crew and applicants do not need to submit original documents to hiring agencies. Photo copies may do for '  on these documents. The manning agency can just access www.doxcheck. com or the training centers’ website to '  a plug to websites. By simply using the '  From anywhere and at anytime. ^ That’s how simple, how powerful '  ] & ' Â

the port authorities, and the crew himself. ' Â important on the application of the CoP |% { } $XK#Â?X& % { ' to issue the document.

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19

TEAMING FOR RECORDS SECURITY

A known crime buster, Doxcheck system.

MARINA may even have its own system for Port State control. Whether MARINA will link-in or adopt its own is not an issue. The pragmatic concern is the application of the principle of regularity to eliminate burdensome copies which could even be debased unlike the digital signatures embedded in ’ „ Salabas says she has several dialogues with MARINA Administrator Max Mejia, Jr., discouraging the latter from establishing the government’s own, independent system. The better tact is to link-in, saving man hours and other resources of both parties. The private sector complaints of frequent lost or waylaid document in the current processing system. Schools and training centers have to hire more staff to follow-up, to get results. And more staff to answer mounting visits, calls, text and email inquiries from clients angry on the delays and loss of documents that pend career promotion and income. All these change with the quick and easy ’ „ To impress a point, Salabas relates an experience of a bridger that needs a

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TCROA requirement. He arrived from Bohol at 2am, at the MARINA at 4am and with the excruciating wait, reaches Salabas at 6pm, both already dog-tired. This is avoidable with the split-second accuracy of the Doxcheck. Challenge. Capt. Quijano explores a working liaison with MARINA as the legal authority He thinks a protocol should be put in place where MARINA uses the same system so that all Port States can access immediately to the documents. An earlier problem is that the Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) issues the documents but lacks data updates on-line. A linkage will make things easier for the users, both local and global at anytime and anywhere as Doxcheck provides the facility. PAMTCI’s Haboc sees the ideal situation is government-to-government agency “ „ @ sector facility is a pragmatic option given that government has less incentive @

interests.

Link-in and how is â€œâ€Ś another challenge for Doxcheck and the Administration,â€? Haboc adds. Optimism. Sarmiento waxes poetical in that, “Doxcheck will remain your vigilant partner in reclaiming the industry’s rightful place in the global maritime scene.â€? The formal signing of the cooperation between PAMTCI, PAMI and Doxcheck is a milestone for the Philippine maritime education and training industry. For years the industry has been hit by negative criticism, mostly on documents counterfeiting and forms of documentary fraud. Heads high, Sarmiento predicts, “(T) hat noise will not only be silenced but @@ these two biggest industry movers have taken this bravely by setting the gold standard in document security _ Asked on what’s next, Sarmiento exudes, “Will work for more partnerships!â€?

From the Editors of

Marino World

F R EE! ! !

Informative. Entertaining. Published by BASMS 521-3633 maritimanews@gmail.com

Manning

V. SHIPS AT ASEANA CITY V. Ships relocates anchor in the

in a posh, brand new building within a sprawling, masterplanned business community by the Manila Bay.

!"#$ % & ' building, located at Bradco ( ) & * + / % December, entrenching the 012 as the largest ship manager in the world. 3 4 5 % ) ) 0+ 22

MARINO WORLD

2 6 4 4 7 45 $th at the classy Diamond Hotel, Manila. V. Ships-Manila GM Elmer 45 44 Manager Jamie Stewart jointly took the opportunity to thank 4 4 +

5 % 4 % + 4 celebrate,� says Engr. Pulumbarit. 2 % ) 8 % 5 ) + ; 6 4 % % 1 + % 5 < % = 4 4 + % +

8' % 5 + Without you, we would not be ; 4 % = + !"#9 5 % 5 % 6 and commitment. But we cannot 4 + be complacent. We need to : 4 % much hope, much strength, to and work together to maintain 5 4 4 4

4 = +> and to enjoy a wider and new and

MARINO WORLD

23

Event

SEAMEN BAG MOFYA MAJOR AWARDS

Capt. Bartolome C. Cadavero and Family Model Sea-based OFW Family of the Year

Seafarer families grabbed major awards in the 10th Most Outstanding OFW Family Award (MOFYA) held January 23rd at the Blue Leaf Filipinas, Aseana City, ParaĂąaque, Metro Manila. MOFYA continues to be the vehicle that recognizes the achievements of exemplary OFW families, even facing hardships of labor migration while maintaining a strong, happy family life. Overseas Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Rebecca Calzado says, “We are truly proud of all our MOFYA awardees, both past, the new roster as well as the future winners, because they exemplify what every OFW aspires for—success both in their family life.â€? Awardees. Capt. Bartolome C. Cadavero and Family, Puerto Princesa, Palawan (Region IV-B) bags the National Award for Model OFW Family of the Year, seabased category. Capt. Cadavero became Captain after 33 years at sea. He funneled income to acquisition of farm lands, real estate,

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and a plantation of high-value trees like rubber and gmelina. He believes  children. They are now all grown up with their own lucrative careers. All keep the values of hard work, diligence and sharing of responsibility. The Captain is still active with SSM Maritime Services, joined by his three same manning agency. Cadavero and Family receive an honor trophy, P500,000 in cash and household appliances. Special Awardees. # $ % ^ of Ag-agrao, Sta. Maria, Ilocos Norte (Region 1) is Best in Community Projects. Isidro’s 15 years as seafarer reaped for the family a farm land planted to rice and corn, raising hogs. The family is also in crop trading and other investments with the adept assistance his wife and three children. He strongly believes in teaching by example and in volunteerism.

Capt. Juan M. Cope and Family, from Tabaco, Albay (Region V) adjudged as Best in Entrepreneurship. Juan’s earnings from 39 years plying to various parts of the world allowed him to acquire vehicles, house and $ founded a hospital and a school with the assistance of his wife and three children. ] in health and education, with spin-off employment for the community. Cabantac and Cope families receive plaques of recognition and P100,000 cash each. Cadavero, Cabantac and Cope families are winners in their corresponding regions. They are among the 34 Regional winners who each received P40,000 in cash. Regional winners. Other regional winners for sea-based ƒ „

% $ 8 0 ^ Camarin, Caloocan City (NCR)

„

( > ) Family, Sta. Maria, Alfonso, Ifugao (CAR)

Engr. Isidro M. Cabantac and Family Best in Community Projects

„

8 Â’ ^ Isabela (Region II)

„

% ) 0 Cunanan and Family, Arayat, Pampanga (Region III)

„

Â? $ X and Family, Bacoor, Cavite (Region IV-A)

„

X ) ) Jr. and Family, Concepcion, Iloilo (Region VI)

„

„

] ' ^ Santiago City, Isabela (Region II)

8 € ^ Siquijor (Region VII)

% K * 0 ^ |K ~##}

„

^ 0 ^ 0 Josefa, Agusan del Sur (CARAGA)

„

Reynaldo C. Cachuela and Family, ] Â? |K ###}

„

" $ E ^ ' 0 X Maguindanao (ARMM)

„

Pedro L. Arellano and Family, Calamba, Laguna (Region IV-A)

„

Andrew V. Cayetano and Family (Region IV-B)

„

Maria Tereza M. Marana and Family, Sagron, Old Albay (Region V)

„

Norberto R. Buyoc and Family, New Washington, Aklan (Region VI)

„

X ' % ^ '

% |K Â’##}

„

^ ) € ^ ' E |K ’###}

„

Ladjakaya S. Abubakar and Family, Talon-Talon, Zamboanga City |K #~}

„

Wilfredo C. Ancajas and Family, Lugait, Misamis Orinetal |K ~}

„

Regina S. Ruferos and Family, > 0 % |K ~##}

„

Rogelio S. Quino and Family, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur (CARAGA)

„

$ 8 ^ Maranatao, Lanao del Sur (ARMM)

„ „

„

„ „

' > $ ^ Maasin, Southern, Leyte (Region VIII)

Land-based category

ƒ „ % ' X Gamonez and Family, K  ' Quezon City (NCR) „ # ] Mayos and Family, Baguio City (CAR) „ Alberto C. Calsada and Family, Ilocos Norte (Region I)

X % ^ Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte |K #~}

Landbased winners.

% ] K ^ Linamon, Lanao del Norte |K ~}

^ 0 E ^ > ' 0 |K ~#} National Award for Model OFW Family of the Year, land-based category.

> X { ^ > ' % |K ~#}

The family receive trophies, P500,000 in cash and household appliances.

Capt. Juan M. Cope and Family Best in Entrepreneurship

MARINO WORLD

25

SEAMEN BAG MOFYA MAJOR AWARDS

Antolin, Cavite

Panares, Davao

Catacutan, Zamboanga del Norte

Cunanan, Pampanga

Gabayan, Ifugao

Lamalan, Maguindanao

Ramos, Lanao del Norte

Sarmiento, Region XII

Senagan, Agusan del Sur

Criteria. E 0 K ' + Baldoz who chairs the MOFYA Board of Judges, cites the selection of MOFYA ƒ „

Wholesomeness of the family

„

Success in their profession

„

0 management

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Sepe, Caloocan City

„

Community involvement or leadership

„

" members

„

Adherence to traditional Filipino values

Š$8^“X  among Filipinos, who, despite distance, continue to show support to one another,� adds Baldoz.

Vallejo, Isabela

Ms. Lea Salonga delivered an inspirational message before representatives from the public and private sectors, NGOs, social partners with OFW Family circles. This year’s MOFYA major sponsors are the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), ' > { |'>{} > 8 |>'8} # E ' ^ { are Minor Sponsors.

F R Chowdhury is a former Director General of Shipping, Bangladesh. He is also an Ex-Deputy Chief Examiner of UK-MCA, Maritime Administrator of Gibraltar and Maritime Adviser to GOP, Kingdom of Bahrain.

TRUE SPIRIT OF DEMOCRACY By FR Chowdhury Editor’s Note. The author is an acknowledged expert in maritime issues and concerns, with

!

"

# " € E Government had come to power led by Tony Blair with a massive victory in general elections in 1997. Mr. Blair was hugely popular but lost support after joining the " 0 #  of searching for hidden nuclear or chemical weapons. He eventually resigned in 2007 and Gordon Brown took over as Prime Minister. The Labour Party lost the general elections in 2010 when Conservative Party and Liberal ' { Government. In the 13 years of Labour Government, a $ ' > % member under both prime ministers heading departments at different times. He was Home Secretary from 08-June-2001 to 2@+' +D••= who moved around with a guide dog. But minister who never showed any disability nor incapacity. Mr. Blunkett had a Filipina domestic aid. This maid was always busy running around 8  7 status. Whenever Mr. Blunkett asked for her, 8 minister. One morning, the minister asked his { 0 ' # the status of his maid. In a few minutes his secretary told him that the problems had been solved. The minister looked happy. The happiness did not last long. Within the next two days, he faced questions in Parliament. He was accused of overexercising or mis-using his powers. He replied that he merely wanted to know the status of the case and nothing more. The members of Parliament reminded the minister as to what it implies to a director when the

minister wants to know the status. ] Œ $ ' > resigned as Home Secretary. The obvious realization is the minister is the person overall in-charge of the entire ministry. As such he could even ask for the matter to be settled as per his wishes. When I talked to a Spanish friend about this matter, his views were also similar. The minister could take a decision and ask the director to act accordingly. I cannot blame their understanding. After-all, Spain was under military dictatorship for a long time. ' standards and tradition. # " € % servants carry out all day-to-day operational work in accordance with rules, procedures and guidelines given by the government/ ministers. The ministers do not interfere with delegated functions. Ministers oversee the work done by civil servants (on behalf of the government). The minister can ask for explanations of the relevant civil servant when s/he feels there has been violation of procedures that compromises policy of the government. This is because at the end of the day, the minister remains answerable to Parliament. What the minister cannot do is to dictate on the civil servant what to do or how. That would be interfering with functions delegated to civil servants. This would also mean misuse of power. At the same time, the civil servants are also intelligent and matured enough to understand when to refer to the minister a case that may have political implications. These matters are set out by practice and procedures. Mr. Blunkett acted beyond the usual when he asked his private secretary to ring up the director in respect of a particular

case. That was not acceptable to the tradition of British democratic governance and he had to go. In the process it set up a benchmark, a precedent for future reference. This is how democratic governance works in Britain that has no written Constitution. In developing countries, most of which were under colonial rule, the relations between government/ministers and civil servants E documented procedures and government guidelines is to blame. This is a big obstacle for democratic governance. It becomes a serious problem when the ministers are corrupt. They try to get the civil servants also involved in their corrupt practices. The ministers even pass un-written orders and instructions. In most cases, civil servants are not bold enough to take a stand. Civil servants also remain afraid of losing their jobs. This is how state machineries are used for partisan political gains. The idea behind this article is that there should be rules-regulations and documented procedures in addition to governmental policy guidelines for conducting routine operational duties by the civil servants on behalf of the Government. The minister must ensure that every decision is arrived at in full compliance of the procedures. After all, it is the minister who is answerable to Parliament. It must not be necessary for everything to be referred to the The civil servants should be trained and functions. This delicate balance should be maintained. That is the true spirit of democratic governance.

MARINO WORLD

27

Special Report

PIRACY & SURVIVAL By Ligaya Caban

P

iracy has always been news, much similar to militant bannerings and military ballistics. Most likely, these land on front pages. More so if with gore and grueling of the crew (plus growling on dollars lost by ship principals and posturing of state politicians). We have no piracy on Philippine seas. Yeah, technically. Piracy can only be committed on international waters; otherwise, this maritime crime is only armed robbery on police blotters. Even movies contribute to jaded attitudes, romanticizing Capt. Hook or serializing pun on the pirates of the Caribbean. New breed politics even resurrect the ancient meaning of piracy: that of freedom and endless horizon of adventure on your whim. Thus, the political sub-culture of Pirate, International of which a former congressman here is advocating as he forks protection for OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers). For merchant mariners, piracy is a clear and imminent danger as they ply their trade on blue waters. In an encounter, all dreams could be nightmares. Worst, lives may end as do snapped limbs on careers. Sampling. No need for howlings to underscore the menace of piracy on merchant mariners. Too many then and so many now. And counting. And expanding from the Gulf of Aden to the horn of Africa. We simply recall deaths on the M/V Eglantine, > + hijacked a day before getting its Navy escort. Instead of usual negotiations that often drag into months, the Iranian Navy was irate and decided to blast its way 8 exchanges, two Filipino seafarers died; one hit on the head, the other suffocated in the engine room.

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Naval authorities keep the pirates in check

On the Beluga Nomination hijacked January 2011, a pirate was shot dead by the rescuers from the Seychelles Coast Guard and Royal Danish Navy. In retaliation, the pirates killed Farolito Vallega, a Filipino boatswain. Earlier on March 10, 2010, the Panama K K M/V Iceberg was boarded by pirates just ten nautical miles off the coast of Aden, Yemen, the last leg of its voyage to Dubai. The vessel was even used as a mothership to capture others. The ordeal made some of the crew deranged, committed suicide, missing, suffered from both mental and physical abuse. Pirates were always chewing khat or qat or gat (catha edulis or “Arabian tea�) and often irrational, erratic with mood swings. The Puntland Maritime Police Force went “Rambo!� and carried a siege for two weeks as the crew begged them to desist. Every assault of the authorities created hell for the captives as irate pirates hit back on them. Gerald was the only Filipino of the 24 crew. He survived on deep prayers, internalizing little dreams for his family; closing eyes to protect himself, staring blank for freedom in utter silence. Rescued after 1,000 days in hell, he was made to wait for three days for the closed, in celebrations of the Christmas holidays. And back on the employment � he did not die.

Sealed in sea land. The MT Stolt Strength on October 25, 2008 loaded phosporic acid in Dakar, Senegal for Kandla, India through the Suez Canal via Algeciras, Spain, plying the Mediterranian. The International Coalition Navy Forces instructed the vessel to ply within the MSPA (Maritime Security Patrol Area). The Filipino Captain of the Philippine to steam as closely to the Yemeni coast, the usual route. The sea lane imposed by the Coalition Force is just too big for a handful of random patrols, in the middle of pirateinfested area. The situation is a classic example of pragmatic reasons giving way to political relations. On November 10th, the vessel was ambushed by a craft suddenly swerving on the Stolt Strength’s port quarter --- that craft hiding from a big LPG tanker. It was kept for months with so much danger and damage to the crew. The Captain even placed his life between pirate guns and his crew. For 162 days, they clinged to hope for help. Wishing for military for rescue but maybe not, for principals and agent and government for reasons and ransoms. And still believe when belief is already lost. # the vessel was almost hijacked again because it could not steam being out of fuel and escort.

And for 1,288 days, MPHRP (Maritime Piracy Humanitarian Response Program) monitored the situation of the crew of M/V Albedo hijacked 27 November 2010, sunk in 7 July, 2013 and crew transferred to the bush land of their captors.

Foremost, accept the situation but keep mental control as you allow physical control to them.

Abandoned by the owners and other parties, MPHRP picked-up the begging cup. For more than three years, MPHRP was on deck squeezing for funds and volunteers to help seamen families spread over India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

Cooperate, never insult nor be stubborn to any of the pirates.

Of the 23 crew, only 11 were saved and negotiated for release (7 Bangladeshi, 2 Sri-Lankan, and one each from India and Iran). The rest died in captivity or went missing when the vessel sunk.

Faith and culture.

Marino World makes major effort to follow-up details and data from the perspective and perceptions of victims the maritime magazine could reach. This is to highlight whatcould-havebeens.

” @ @ and observant.

Expect isolation and manipulations. Bottom line, you are more valuable to the pirates in top shape than damaged or dead.

Somali pirates are Muslims, picking values and attitude from the Qur’an, their holy book. Never touch this even if no one is looking. One might and that’s good night for your “unclean hands� desecrating a holy item of faith.

If you don’t, you are confronting their ego. Never interrupt as they speak. If you

@ considered good-breeding to them. Eye-to-eye contact is bad. Just a quick look at the face, lowering quickly to the shoulder or chest and downward to his feet and you are the humble and cultured one. “No� can be the “tsk� sound of clicking your tongue. It is rude to show the sole of your feet. Much more, never point to a person for pointing is only for things or animals. Khat we out. Most pirate chew khat to increase alertness and energy. It is a plant which is a weaker alternative to amphetamine or cocaine. It affects users in different ways. Some become talkative, others manic and hyperactive. Politely refuse when offered as you may loose control of your head. And lost it permanently should you lost control of your behavior in captivity.

No need for howlings to underscore the menace of piracy on merchant mariners.

Figures are alarming, family dislocation so touching. The POEA (Phil Overseas Employment Administration) keeps a tally of our seamen captured. We are disappointed these have not trigger forceful policy reforms for redress and | | | |

2009, 222 incidents 2010, 167 incidents, 2011, 152 incidents Mid 2012, 31 incidents

Band aid. Solutions are being continuously discussed and hammered but like international covenant takes years to conciliate, ratify and enforce. Meantime, incidents could happen and we have but tv cameras to suave the problem and the victims. No rescue protocol yet nor forthcoming. Just each reacts to particular

#

‹ [ @ For actual captives, we abstract survival notes from Coping With Capture issued ’ % @ with Citadel Solutions. Data from open media clips of incidents on 23 vessels were factored in the survival kit.

They are superstitious and believe in black magic. They fear the unknown and darkness, therefore, edgy at night. Keep things as sedate so they do not over-react. Many carry a charm (hirshior amulet) intricately wrapped quote of Verse 255 Second Chapter:â€? The Verse of the Throne.â€?This is similar to the Christian â€œâ€Ś the Lord is my shepherd, I will not want‌â€? They look menacing with scars tattooing their body. These are not battle scars but of the “medicalâ€? practice to burn or cut the sick part. Suck the blood with the ailment off the body. Never stare on the scars as they are irritated with the curiosity. In effect, respect their religion by not touching their religious items, by being prim and proper as they do ritual prayers. Be serious, your life could hang on the line.

All told, calm yourself and expect intimidations and uncertainties. Pirates will bully but essentially want you crisp and primed for better ransom. Principals or agents may “abandon� perhaps as a strategy to lower ransom or within insurance coverage, if any. This is also to open windows for other “do-gooders� to come into the act (governments, civic groups, UN and NGOs, etc). Keep control of emotions. Even at the point of release, things could falter by just an early crank of the engines or unacceptable swagger of any participant in the negotiations. [ @ @ known to bid farewell with, “See you again.�

Etiquette. They spit anywhere. Nothing personal, just a cultural habit. Don’t take offense nor twitch your nose. That’s dangerous to your health. Be attentive and answer every question.

Smile weakly and lower head as you answer, Adaa mudan, naludgalyo. (Thank you, goodbye --- and then, really swear back as you deplane in Manila for the beaches of Boracay and the wonders of Palawan.)

MARINO WORLD

29

Opinion OPINION

A Reflection Paper

PRESIDENT AQUINO’S DAANG MATUWID by Capt. Jones T. Tulod

Political Tradition For past decades, political leaders carefully craft platform of governance before, during and after elections – which they will religiously implement as the basis of governance. ] + + successful in carrying out those platform and promises? Majority of presidentiables focus so much on anti-corruption campaign, varying in words and phrases but substancially against graft and corruption.

precedes all actions and motivations before governance can be successful – ETHICS. Unfortunately, this value is overpowered by the social cancer of GREED. Sadly, we are the “tutors� and enhancer of corruption by willingly submitting ourselves to to corruption through bribery in exchange of convenience. And worst, most people whom we elect are the big “thieves� covering Š08{ / Kickback system�. What do we need?

President, TSM Shipping (Phils). PMMA graduate. Completed Business Admin., ICS Pennsylvania, USA. Winding up for a Masters in Business Admin. from Ateneo De Manila University.

8^* economy against external vulnerabilities.

The message? Simply, that corruption truly exist and is permeating in most sectors of the society, private and public entity. All past and present leaders failed to arrest this social and political enigma that prevents our leap to higher level of social, political and economic development. A World Bank study in 2008 states corruption in the Philippines is considered to be the worst among East Asia’s leading economies. The country has sunk even lower among those seen to be lagging in governance reforms. The 2009 Corruption Perceptions Index global watchdog Transparency International, shows the situation had improved slightly but still remains serious. The Philippines ranked 3rd among 180 countries included in the Index, up from its previous 141st ranking in 2008. The nation scored 2.4 in the TI index ( 2.3 in 2008)equal to Pakistan, Bangladesh and Belarus.

We need a strong leader who has the intellectual and moral ascendancy to implement heroic leadership through realistic and truthful change in governance. Without nor debt of gratitude. Partisan politics and true governance. The President’s “Daang Matuwid.� Has it worked given the time (4 years plus) in � # predecessor for the nation’s problems. Now, everything depends on how he leads. He did not carry any baggage nor promises. His was a simple message: “kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap.� In a nutshell, he promises to introduce good government and eliminate corruption; that the nation’s economic affairs could be straightened up.

Corruption exists in all levels of the government, especially among highlevel civil servants, according to the US Department of State Investment Climate Statement 2013. Companies generally { judicial system. This is due to the allegedly incompetent court personnel, corruption and long delays of court cases.

Accomplishments.

What is wrong?

] was matched by continued strength of the country’s foreign exchange position. 0 Â

Inmanagerial concept, this leads to Governance. But there is something that

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The most impressive achievement so far is that the economy is in good shape. This is not to say that it cannot do a lot better. The improvement of the macro framework is the result of good management of the public unrelated to who the president is.

The major international credit rating agencies took notice of the country’s state of macroeconomic health by giving corresponding raises in its credit ratings. By 2013, the country merited “investment grade� from all three. Rising to investment grade represents a unique climb in economic respectability. Its investment prospects are enhanced. The cost of borrowing also is reduced. Moreover, it increases positive perceptions about the country’s economic prospects. % improvements in tax administration. The government was able to push for higher taxes through adoption of tobacco and alcohol taxes. Through prudent use of spending cuts, it was able to raise the allocation of the under public health, and assistance to the poor. ] effort of the government for improvement of # + ] 8 the President of the previous administration. This has led to the incarceration of the immediately preceding president, charged with plunder. The impeachment and removal of the chief justice of Supreme Court was another signal moment. Finally, the pork barrel plunder cases (PDAP) – exploded in the public consciousness against three senators of the Republic. And it promises more. The government’s campaign

accountable is one of the most comprehensive anti-corruption cases ever attempted in the country’s history. For now, these moves are seen as succeeding. Although some see political color in these moves, if these cases are brought to successful completion for the government, against corruption. A most important accomplishment of the Aquino presidency is the passage of the RH | } ƒ is empowered to dispense assistance to poor parents to plan the family. This will impact on the future population level, but only in the long run. Without the additional direct push { X have languished in Congress with the strong campaign against it by the Catholic Church. Another notable accomplishment is the proposed “BangsaMoro Basic Law.� If approved in both Houses and enacted into law, this will bring the elusive peace in the southern border of our country. Weaknesses, liabilities. There are serious weaknesses and liabilities that threaten or limit what could, otherwise, be a successful and popular presidency. Many of these deal with sector policies and leadership. In these problematic sectors, either there are unremedied weaknesses because of poor leadership or these are guided by contradictory policies that make it impossible to succeed. Leadership is lacking in articulating the proper reforms or they have been hampered by poor or indecisive actions. Food prices. The agricultural sector has been a captive of highly protectionist policies, making the country pay a high price for food items. It begins with the country’s main ƒ 0 the inadequate investment in the sector, to in trade, and to poor governance in the running of the agencies involved. ' X � ^ Authority are beset with problems ranging from rampant smuggling to internal collusion from within the organization itself. What has the President done? Instead of replacing the controversial head, he instead appointed another person creating vague department associated with almost the same function resulting to overlapping of function and authority. Energy. The high cost of energy results encourage a higher base load for generating power. This was inherited from the previous administration but it was met with inaction in the early years the Aquino government. PHOTO BY:ofJHON HENSON ONG The inadequate base load capacity continues

to hamper future growth prospects. Infrastructure. The incompetent handling of transport expansion issues is well documented. The much vaunted PPP (private-public partnerships) was delayed by indecisions, postponements and wrong decisions. The congestion in the Port of Manila plagued the whole Metro Manila Metro Rail Transit (MRT) malfunctions give inconvenience to commuters. Only lately that major contracts are getting bidded out. Legal. ] {'X^ common source of high scale corruption in the government through project overpricing, SOP, ghost delivery, kickbacks, etc. The Supreme Court has voted a unanimous NO % {'X^ method. What has the President done? He challenged the validity of the decision; highly dangerous in questioning the independence of co-equal body. Should he be successful in reversing this decision, the integrity of the Supreme Court is compromised. Missing reforms. (1) The ‘restrictive’ economic provisions of the Constitution and |D}  ‰ President Aquino is not a big-vision president. If he were, he would understand the need for pressing on two major missing reforms that can substantially attract a larger quantity of foreign direct investments and make a dent on erasing direct poverty through employment creation. (G.P. Sicat, Phil Star) Conclusion. In the context of overall governance (i.e., political, social and economic stability) there was somehow some improvement as indicated by the economic growth. Pres. Aquino is committed to curve graft and corruption through his Daang Matuwid platform. This is,however, hindered by some of his unpopular political decisions that creates questions on his serious drive against scalawags within his political structure. These ƒ political patronage and party loyalty.With so many issues hounding different agencies, he should have been more radical and resolute, demonstrate no-nonsense drive to establish social order, trust and a more vibrant economy. Wang Wang (Horn/Siren). The most visible and successful action implemented early in his Presidency is the prohibition in the uses of “wang wang� (alarm/horn) with impunity curtailing arrogance of power in the road. How the President may lead. 2 # 2010 SONA, he has emphasized the current misappropriation of funds, corruption, etc.

requiring urgent attention. If we can recall, Pres. Aquino imposed a moratorium on all on-going gov’t projects and carefully studied the validity, regularity and created a master plan of gov’t expenditures plugging potential holes of corruption. 2. Creating the guiding coalition – There were issues hounding competency, integrity and capability in some of his appointees. Because Š€€€‰ 6 ' Â&#x; ŠE by example,â€? the only vision I found in his series of statement. He has displayed good leadership by not engaging in a corrupt practices (so far as I know of). But he lacks in articulating the proper reforms or they have been hampered by poor or indecisive actions. 4. Communicating the vision for buy-in – His Daang Matuwid and Kung Walang Corrupt, Walang Mahirap. These have been widely disseminated with some success realized. But still he needs more efforts and should not give up to detractors. @ + Â&#x; Removing barriers to justice is one of his |8 7 Supreme Court Justices) though considered partisan politics by some sector. 3 ) Â&#x; actions (impeachment) provided this example. 7. Never letting up – this can be considered as one of his drawback as he refuses to replace people with questionable performance and integrity. 8. Incorporating the changes into the culture –this is highly visible but resistance occur in some segment of the society specially the left leaning sector. In summary, President Aquino has an Individualist leadership in transforming change in his governance anchored on ] Above transformation effort may fail as the process change goes through a series of phases that usually requires considerable length of time. This is now the challenge of his presidency ending in barely a year and a half. 36% of Pinoys believe PNoy failed (ANC Oct. 14, 2014) X { X 63 of Pinoys believe President Noynoy Aquino path (“tuwid na daanâ€?) or his anti-corruption policy. This opinion was more pronounced in Class A, B, and C, where 43% disagreed that Aquino has kept his promise of a straight path.

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OPINION

ON GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN ECOSYSTEMS

Container Ports Empower by Mark Millar

There is no question that containerised ocean freight is at the heart of the majority of 21st century global supply chain ecosystems. However, challenges with infrastructure, regulations and operational issues - both within and outside the port - frequently result in congestion that adversely impact cross causing delays and adding cost for supply chain stakeholders. The container shipping industry has continued to develop and expand across volumes, technologies, vessel design, container handling equipment and scale of operations. Today over 90% of all global trade travels on the water - the majority in containers - so any obstacles or developments that impede the timely and cost effective movement of millions of containers could have a profound effect on the health of the world’s economies. Container port infrastructure is consequently an essential and critical component that empowers and enables global supply chain ecosystems. Container ports have developed their infrastructure to become pivotal points in the supply chain ecosystem, with extensive land-side capabilities including container yards (CY), advanced handling equipment, container freight station (CFS) warehouse facilities and multimodal transportation linkages to the hinterland.

include landside connectivity, overall and the extended logistics network – involving multiple stakeholders across many operational activities. Terminal Operator, a Stakeholder in Extended Port Operations. As the primary custodian of the container port facility and operations, the Port Operator manages a highly assetintensive business model, requiring ‘hardware assets’ such as land, quay construction, container yard, machinery and handling equipment, not to mention the software aspects of sophisticated IT systems and the human capital resources to manage the whole operation. However, the port operator is but one player - albeit a critical one - within an inter-dependent network of multiple stakeholders – including the allimportant Port Authority or equivalent government body - that together enable the port’s functionality as a critical transit point in the supply chain ecosystem. X  Port Operations Model in Figure 1, the full extent of the port’s operational activities embraces many organisations and functions that are literally and

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Nevertheless, all these different activities undertaken by the variety of organisations involved will impact the & transit point within a cargo owner’s supply chain ecosystem. It is essential therefore for all the stakeholders to work in harmony to positively impact the overall performance, economic viability and ultimately the port’s economic contribution in the local, regional or national economy.

Mark Millar leverages 25 years global business experience to provide value for clients with informed and independent perspectives on their supply chain strategies in Asia. His ‘Asia Supply Chain Insights’ series of corporate navigate the complex landscapes in China and ASEAN. Clients have engaged Mark as Speaker, Moderator, MC or Conference Chairman at over 350 events in more than 20 countries. Author of “Global Supply Chain Ecosystems� published by Kogan Page of London, Mark is a Visiting Lecturer at Hong Kong Polytechnic University and has delivered Guest Lectures at Georgia Tech (Atlanta), RMIT (Ho Chi Minh) and SP Jain (Singapore & Dubai). He is named in the “Who’s Who of Power Players in Supply Chain Management in China�, the “Pro’s-to-Know Thought Leaders in Supply Chain� and as “One of the most Progressive People in World Logistics.� Mark@MarkMillar.com

Unlock the power of your supply chain. Gain access to a network of experts with over 100 years’ experience in Asia

Although they are often referred to as points of origin and destination, within a supply chain ecosystem, ports are a critical point of transit, rather ) from their origin point of production (typically a factory) – transit through various container ports – to the point of example a retail store. Therefore, in the context of the container port’s role as a transit hub that ecosystem, there are many factors above and beyond pure capacity within the port that are equally important as critical enablers of the supply chain. These will

metaphorically ‘outside the gate’ of the port terminal – and therefore beyond the Terminal Operator’s direct control of the operations within the port.

Supply Chain Operations Tangible improvements in lead times, inventory & working capital

Infrastructure Master Planning Strategic planning & economic analysis for ports, airports and logistics parks

Sustainable Supply Chains Environmental programs that reduce costs & enhance carbon footprint

Market Research and Intelligence Expert research and analysis on all aspects of the global logistics industry

Logistics Outsourcing International best practices in benchmarking, evaluation and selection of your 3PL

Executive Search and Recruitment Mark Millar

High performance recruitment services for supply chain and logistics talent

M Power Associates is your gateway to empowering superior performance in supply chain and logistics, through an exclusive network of best-in-class business partners Contact Managing Partner, Mark Millar on enquiries@mpowerassociates.com

M.POWER

gateway to knowledge

Ports

8TH PHILIPPINE PORTS AND SHIPPING

MAJOR BIMP-EAGA PORTS CONFAB All sails lead to the Philippines as it hosts the biggest biennial Container Ports and Terminal Operations Exhibition and Conference for the region of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippines, the East Asia Growth Area (BIMP EAGA). Now on its 8th successful year, the Philippine Ports and Shipping 2015 exhibition and conference take place ‹ ' Manila, February 12 and 13, 2015.

on global transportation and logistics. Expected audience is about 400 senior executives, harbour masters and engineers, port engineers, maintenance supervisors and procurement decision makers.

' Philippine Ports Authority.

With the big guns are the region’s leading shippers, cargo owners, importers/ exporters, shipping lines, freight forwarders, logistics companies, ports, terminal operating companies, railway operators, port equipment and services suppliers from the BIMP EAGA region.

Top of the attraction are 30 world-class speakers on topical issues and challenges

Commercial opportunities are open for 60 exhibitors and sponsors to network

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directly with the delegates at this major biennial international maritime transport trade event focused on the BIMP-EAGA regional potential. Exhibits open 9am to 5pm on Thursday 12th February and 9am to 3.30pm on Friday, 13th February. Earlier on Feb 11th, technical site visits are arranged at the Manila North Harbor’s International Container Terminal and at the Asian Terminal, Batangas Container Terminal at the Port of Batangas.

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