Nov-Dec 2011 by Marino World

VOLUME VI • No. 2 • ISSN 1908-0972

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NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2011 AMOSUP

On STCW Compliance

Challenges out front

YEARS 1960 - 2010

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CONTENT Cover Story

10 On STCW Compliance: Challenges out front

Training

16 Fil Compass hosts Danish Meca

Shipping

18 Bad weather, Mates 24 Pinoy grenades face-off vs pirates 26 ISC calls for more navies in Indian Oceans

Event

20 The President commits to Coast Guard upgrades

ABOUT THE COVER

Government

MAAP graduates face the blue yonder, keeping brave fronts towards the future. After all, they are well-prepared and at their prime for the challenges of their maritim e careers.

28 PH will ratify Seafarers Bill of Rights

Unions

31 Comfort zones for seafarers

Profile

34 Sabay on sea and on land

Ports

38 PPA reduces increase and by two tranches 39 US$10-million investment saves ICTSI 20% on fuel

Columns

14 Ms. Merle San Pedro’s Training Matters 36 Atty. Dennis Gorecho’s Maritime Law

MARINO WORLD MAGAZINE…. Fusion of Maritime News and Views

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publisher’s note

Onwards to the bigger world

n our sixth year struggling to set standards, Marino World sails defiant of bigger challenges against our wider vision. All the more poised, to live up to its name.

From inception in 2005 and through the years, Marino World holds on to its focus of helping create a synergy between Government and the private sector in addressing concerns of our seafarers and their families. We shall continue our media partnership with like souls and events; even international ones like the Asia Pacific Manning and Training Conference. Marino World shall bridge to China Maritime 2012 organized by a partner and offshore correspondent, Baird Maritime Magazine and Baird Events, for Philippine business to get a beachhead into the booming China market. Apart from being an exhibitor, we shall be coordinating with the Government and Philippine- based companies for their participation which shall feature a “Philippine Maritime Day” for us to showcase our nation’s achievements and potentials. The Baird project features a major international maritime exhibition plus a range of conferences covering vessel operations, the marine environment, ship financing, shipbuilding, ballast water treatment, vessel enclosed spaces, and tugs and offshore vessels. And as we journey to China, the world’s faster growing economy, with a Philippine delegation of world-class entrepreneurs, Government policy makers and a quality pool of professional merchant mariners, Marino World will deftly slide to a quiet corner to get the unbiased data of the zoom, of the boom… of fingers crossed in a wish for gold to roll. And we protect our corner while crafting the news, analyzing the views. For amid the hustle and bustle, we march to our own blares: we are six years now --- and going solidly monthly, to a larger audience, with a finer readership. Cheers, Marino World!

LYN BACANI Publisher

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Editorial Board

Columnists

News and Feature Writers

LYN BACANI Publisher/Executive Editor

Ms. MARISSA OCA Ms. MERLE SAN PEDRO Ms. MINDA GOMEZ RAdm ADONIS DONATO Capt. RODOLFO ASPILLAGA Capt. EDWIN ITABLE Capt. Ireneo Delos Santos Capt. JONES TULOD Dr. CONRADO OCA Atty. DENNIS GORECHO

Coca H. Scobar Ligaya Caban

B. CORTES LAGAC Editorial Consultant GEN DY News Editor WALDENGRAFIX Layout & Design

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JOMELYN TUD JOAMIRICA TUD CHAI CUBILLA JANE CABANBAN ARNALYN CABANBAN VANESSA CABANBAN Marketing Assistants

Editorial Office Unit 3810 Manila Executive Regency, 1200 J. Bocobo St., Ermita, Manila Tel. : 975-7578 ; 666-5618 Telefax : 353-8841 Hotline : 0917-5964526 MARINO WORLD is published by

“...For the greater good” I take my hat off to the publisher and publication staff of Marino World as the news magazine celebrates six years of dedicated publication and providing the reading public a window into the affairs of the maritime world. Your news magazine has been a rich source of some of the most essential and timely information on issues that affect the maritime sector today, particularly education and training, certification and licensing, crew welfare, employment practices, legal and legislative issues, and sustainability and growth of the industry. Aside from these, featuring well respected personalities from the different sectors of the society, as well as stakeholders in the maritime industry, provides inspiration to your readers, giving your publication added dimension. It is heartwarming to know that Marino World has sustained its commitment of imparting valuable knowledge and information to its audience, despite the intense competition among maritime-related publications. I am sure that your news magazine will continue to grow in substance and patronage as you untiringly devote your publication for the greater good of the industry.

ROSALINDA DIMAPILIS-BALDOZ Secretary Department of Labor and Employment

On behalf of the Department of Labor and Employment, I wish Marino World and the men and women behind this news magazine a meaningful 6th anniversary. May you continue to promote the maritime industry through your valuable contents and relevant features.

“...A credible media” Allow me to convey my sincere congratulations to the Management and Staff of the “MARINO World” on the occasion of its 6th Founding Anniversary. Undoubtedly, the “MARINO World” has served as a catalyst in the promotion, growth and development of the Philippine Maritime Industry. It has effectively articulated contemporary issue ranging from maritime safety to maritime training and education which resulted into adoption of meaningful policies to maintain the competitiveness of the our maritime industry. Fully aware that issues relating to the welfare as well as education and training of Filipino seafarers have become an important concern of national interest, the “MARINO World” has again proven itself as a credible media institution by coming out with this issue that will not only analyze the present state of our country’s maritime training and education but also bring greater awareness of the need for the government and industry to put their acts together to address pressing concern of our international seafaring industry.

Hon. Emerson Lorenzo Administrator Maritime Industry Authority

The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) assures and commits itself to support the worthy causes of the “MARINO World” as it wishes more years a productive and meaningful partnership for reforms and issues of mutual concerns. NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2011

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Through the years...

WALLEM

AMERICAN OUTPATIENT CLINIC

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Greek Cooking

cover story

Engr. Chiongbian of PAMI

Maambong of CHED TPME

Marquez of JMG

On STCW Compliance

Challenges out front By Lyn Bacani

ddressing deficiencies identified by the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) actually opens opportunities for the Philippines in the next few years to level up to 50% of the total requirements for seafarers globally. Filipino seafarers compose more than 30% of the world’s merchant mariners; we are Numero Uno, almost a Pinoy in every vessel on waters any where in the world… and we still could max it! Labor Undersecretary Danilo Cruz expresses full confidence we can address the deficiencies and that the European Union will continue its recognition of the country’s education, training, and certification of seafarers under the STCW Convention. The Philippine report was submitted to EMSA ahead of its August 31 deadline. “The corrective actions we have undertaken are directed towards ensuring the continued improvement in the quality of education and training and competencies of our seafarers,” adds Cruz. EU expressed its profound concern to the Philippines in a letter to Ambassador Enrique Manalo, of

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the Mission of the Republic of the Philippines to EU in Brussels, Belgium on 06 May 2011 quoted in part, “… (we are) fully aware of the importance of the seafaring profession in your country, as well as of the relevance of the Philippine seafarers for the European shipping industry, and therefore of the effects that such a decision could have. It is however precisely for this reason, that I would strongly urge your authorities to take all the measures needed to comply with the STCW Convention.” C/E Miguel Marasigan, OIC- Board for Marine Engineer Officers of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) also conveys positive outlook on EMSA findings as an opening to fully comply with the STCW Convention, thus, gaining the trust of more shipowners. “… if we are already fully compliant (with STCW), we will increase in numbers especially on management level officers. More Europeans are retiring,” remarks Marasigan. The Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO) projects an officer shortage of about 32,000 by 2015. The Joint Manning Group (JMG) observes the Philippines need to produce 24,206 new officers by 2015 or 4,841 per year

starting 2010. Cadets are the long-term source of officers. JMG is a federation of five leading manning associations in the country: the Filipino Association for Mariners’ Employment (FAME), Filipino Shipowners’ Association (FSA), International Maritime Association of the Philippines (INTERMAP), Philippine Association of Manning Agencies and Ship Managers (PAMAS) and Philippine-Japan Manning Consultative Council (PJMCC).

The challenge. C/E Christopher Maambong, Vice Chairman of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Technical Panel on Maritime Education confirms the focus of the EMSA deficiency findings is on the education system. “Yung EMSA Audit sa Pilipinas, ang CHED ang may pinakamadugong sitwasyon, sa CHED na lahat ang tutok dahil sa* non-compliance, because of the education system,” says Maambong in a meeting of CHED with stakeholders. (*On the EMSA Audit on the Philippines, CHED has the bloodiest situation. It is focused on CHED because…) Maambong reiterates that revisions are being done so that maritime schools

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serious deficiencies in 2006 and 2011. Atty. Julito Vitriolo, executive director of CHED, says the Agency denied last September 12th the school’s motion for reconsideration. “Thus, no new students shall be admitted to the said programs, and the students of the other year levels shall be transferred to other CHED-compliant and recognized programs that shall accept said students,” declares Vitriolo in a public notice dated 14 October. CHED’s Metro Manila office will facilitate the transfer of students affected to other recognized institutions in the region. However, graduating students in the current academic year are exempt from the order.

Shipboard training. Under the new CHED order on “Policies and Guidelines on the Implementation of Shipboard Training Requirement for the Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation (BSMT) and Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering (BSMaRE) Programs,” shipboard training is categorized into two: 12 months seagoing service and the other, 36 months.

would meet the requirement for the Philippines to comply within a given time element. “We cannot challenge EMSA, they are the providers of our seafarers. The world is watching us, we have to be unified, or else wala tayong patutunguhan (we come to naught),” adds Maambong.

Closed down. CHED shut down the BS Marine Transportation (BSMT) and BS Marine Engineering (BSMaRE) programs at the Quezon City and Manila campuses of PMI Colleges after EMSA noted

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All maritime HEIs offering BSMT and BSMaRE programs shall be required to have partnership with manning/ shipping companies with a Memorandum of Agreement or Understanding (MOA/MOU) for providing shipboard training for all cadets. Schools may opt to provide their own training ship that is at least 500 gt and propulsion power of 750 kw, or more. These schools are required to maintain a shipboard training office for the administration and coordination of other requirements for student cadets undergoing the said training. Moreover, the said CHED memo revises the table of major and minor deficiencies that may be incurred by an HEI’s BSMT and/or BSMaRE programs.

Failure to fully address and rectify a major deficiency within three months or a minor deficiency within six months shall be substantial basis for the revocation of government recognition and the subsequent phasing-out/closure of BSMT or BSMaRE programs. CHED will now add inspectors to monitor all the 94 maritime schools nationwide. It should be noted that by January 1st, 2012 under the Manila STCW 2010 amendments, all flagged States (and not just EUnion) may visit the Philippines to inspect or evaluate its maritime education, training and certification system.

MSAP imprimatur. CHED records show that an average of 18,000 students are enrolled to a maritime course every year from 20052011. However, the Maritime Schools Assessment Program (MSAP) results indicate that only about 18% of the enrolled students per year would meet industry standards. MSAP aims to set a benchmark for Philippine maritime schools via a nationwide standard examinations given to all second year students taking up BSMT and BSMarE. These cover English, Mathematics and fundamental Deck/Engine technical subjects, each with corresponding weight distribution. The program seeks to identify the schools’ strengths and areas for improvement based on the test results. Likewise, the program aims to assist students who performed well in the MSAP. JMG Vice Chairman and FAME President Mr. Erickson Marquez points out that MSAP is meant really to give the school a chance to produce quality students. Marquez confirms that currently, the industry’s bench marks are the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) and the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP). He observes MAAP gives entrance examinations all over the country and enrolls the top 500 from among the 7,000 to 8,000 aspirants. “Napagpilian na (already winnowed),” claims Marquez. JMG is pushing for a mandatory

implementation of MSAP among all maritime schools to determine whether students can proceed to get a BS degree.

HEI apprehensions. Aware of the anxieties of the maritime schools, Engr. Benito Chiongbian, President of the Philippine Association of Maritime Institutions (PAMI) appeals to government agencies concerned to help them comply with the set standards. “Please help us. Kami (us) I can assure you, we’re trying our very best to comply. Kapag mabigat (when heavy), let’s talk to each other. Hindi tayo ang magkakalaban (we are not the enemies). We should not be fighting each other, let’s help each other,” calls Chiongbian.

reality) The FAME top official is also proposing to get our ratings from the bachelors degrees. “Mahirap lang sabihin na dapat ang TESDA huwag ng magaccredit ng ratings course. ang ratings natin kunin na natin sa bachelors degree*,” exhorts Marquez.(* its hard to say for TESDA not to accredit the ratings course. Take away the ratings from the bachelor degree).

Financial assistance. Marquez urges maritime schools to find financial source to help out deserving students in tuition fees. He cites the Davao Merchant Marine Academy (DMMA) as a good example.

The PAMI president asks CHED to consider the huge investment each of the maritime schools has already committed on the ownership of the property or the schools properties.

DMMA partners with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) in a Study Now-Pay Later scheme in its pilot class for the Honor Class System, the number proportionate to the total enrolment per year. Under the program, DBP will pay for the scholars’ tuition and other school expenses, from first year college to graduation, targeting beneficiaries from poorer localities across the country. Marquez explains this Honor Class System has also a manning agency guaranteeing OJT and employment after cadetship. Other schools are putting cost of money and applying 5% interest, notes Marquez.

China Maritime returns to exciting Hong Kong

He also airs his concern on the difficulty to hire quality instructors along with the CHED’s requirement on instructors with masters degrees. Chiongbian frankly says he cannot accept the suggestion of FAME for an 85% passing rate for entrance examinations for BSMT and BSMarE courses.

EXHIBITION, FORUMS and PRODUCT PRESENTATION SEMINARS

“Even the policy of the President is to give equal opportunity to everybody. Sure, we have good students from private schools, pero pupunta ba sila sa (but will they go) maritime, no way. Help us. Huwag masyadong mabigat (not too heavy),” appeals Chiongbian.

HONG KONG Tuesday, February 28 to Thursday, March 1, 2012

Ratings prospect. Marquez tells the maritime schools who still would like to accept students of below passing marks to encourage them instead to take the Ratings Course. “Kasi karamihan naman sinasabi ang ambisyon nila maging seaman hindi maging Kapitan…basta makasakay ok na… yan ang reality*,” describes Marquez (* majority say their ambition is to be seamen, not captains. Just to be onboard, it’s alright. That’s the

For Exhibiting and Visiting details, please contact: Marino World PH: +63 2 9757 578 FX: +63 2 353 8841 Email: marinoworldpublication@gmail.com Web: www.marinoworld.info

COMMERCIAL � GOVERNMENT � MILITARY � SHIPPING � PORTS www.bairdmaritime.com

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2011

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Disconnects in the world of seafarers

s the Year of the Seafarer draws to a close, we realize that the feeling of disconnection by the maritime industry from the mainstream industries of manufacturing, financial/banking, telecommunication, entertainment among others is global. Not only in the Philippines has that deep sentiment of wanting seafarers’ vital role be recognized as they carry the burden of bringing practically 90% of the world’s goods to the hands of the consumers across the world.

obliged to meet its commitment to EMSA on quality of education among colleges, many observers in the know believe that more strategic action should be taken to redefine and re-align policies and standards on METIs, including its governance, if the PHL hopes to fully resolve the issue it faces not only with EMSA but as well as with the IMO.

Taking the cue from the IMO’s declaration of the Year of Seafarers in 25 June, European countries actively propagated the call to highlight seafarers’ contribution to society in the big events that capped their Seafarers’ Awareness Week.

The STCW single maritime administration issue continues to hound the country — with DOLE through MTC being the implementing agency on STCW matters on one hand (notwithstanding the critical roles played by PRC and TESDA in the issuance of certificates under Regulation 1/2 of the STCW) and DOTC through MARINA performing the flag/maritime administration functions coordinating with the IMO on maritime safety.

Tapping social networks urging the world to “tweet” and “like”, the IMO had to innovate on its campaign strategies through social media to reach non-maritime people and break on what they call “sea blindness” afflicting majority of the world communities.

Since the 70s during the time of the Marcos administration, labor export was government’s landmark policy and seafaring then was seen as a potential source of dollars for the country that now stands at around US$3.8B as of 2010.

In the Philippines, considered as world’s leading seafarer provider — this campaign in June (apart from the typhoon factor) was not mainstreamed in national media networks as much as interest generated in the affairs of the heart and scandals of showbiz and political personalities, including that of President Noy’s.

The latter years saw schools and training centers mushrooming all over the country churning biggest number of seafarers for overseas requirements until the 1978 STCW began to be implemented and in 1995 saw the PHL pooling its efforts, at all cost, to land at the so called “IMO whitelist”.

TRAINING MATTERS

Neither were national media so moved with stories of tragedy that struck M/V Beluga Farolito Vallega in January and M/T Sea King’s Christopher Cepado I May of 2011, both victims of piracy off Somalia and West Benin. MET and governance connection At the core of the unresolved issue of STCW Administration in the country is maritime education and training (MET) — where and how it stands, including its governance. The recent closure of maritime programs in the biggest maritime college (PMI Colleges) may be one major blow in PHL METIs, indicative of the strong signal the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) sent to all other maritime colleges to shape up or ship out after overwhelming pressures from EMSA. While CHED’s move to order the closure of the maritime programs of PMI reflects its seriousness being

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As major supplier of seafarers all over the world which now stands at about 25%, the officer share is a measly 39% of 206,526 seafarers per POEA records of 2010. Critics claim the old curriculum was characteristically “ratings oriented”. Internationally, maritime colleges offer degree programs in both engine and nautical purposively for potential officers. Acute shortage of shipboard opportunities in the country remain a challenge for some 90 CHED accredited maritime institutions. As an archipelagic country with the sea transport interconnecting provinces and regions, our domestic fleet, if only supported and nurtured by government could provide enough opportunities for shipboard to our thousands of cadets orphaned by the dire lack of shipboard programs locally. Ideally, MET system should have a seamless and cohesive set up, having distinct programs in education and training. Course structure in Warsash Maritime Academy of Southampton Solent University in UK

has Officer Cadet Programme consisting of a number of training phases, alternating between phases at the Academy and phases at sea board. Programmes are structured into phases at the Academy where officer cadets develop the “underpinning knowledge” required for professional certification (COC) by MCA. In addition to their academic studies, they undertake a number of safety and survival courses during their cadetship. Operational competence as wathckeeping officers and practical shipboard experience are gained while aboard ship with adequate shipping companies as partners. Because Britain is a major force in the international shipping and its commercial shipping a significant contributor to the economy, this cadet programme has proven to be successful. Those who take a diverse path from being Masters and Chief Engineers have the chance to move ashore and pursue other equally exciting opportunities available to experienced officers in shipping and port management, ship broking, maritime law, surveying etc.

curriculum and even in governance. PHL academic curriculum integrated STCW courses/ modules in cadets’ curriculum in maritime colleges whose core competence through the years has been only in the delivery of education. While Training Institutions developed a distinct niche in the early 80s training thousands of seafarers and investing on facilities and resources in the conduct of STCW courses. Realizing the great challenge of meeting the requirements internationally, METI associations such as PAMTCI and PAMI have closed ranks to enhance their capabilities independently and jointly. While it’s tough act to replicate a system similar to that of UK without the right economic (and political) environment hinged on a vibrant shipping industry, METI institutions need to continue to work with other sectors specifically shipping and manning to find the best fusion of quality in the performance of METI function and avail of shipboard opportunities.

And maybe not forget, relentlessly “tweet” the portals of power to decisively lay down policy and infrastructure support to CONNECT the I was privileged to have visited the campus together DISCONNECTS in maritime. with some of members of the PHL delegation during the ___________________________________ review of the IMO’s STCW in 2009 and had a chance  MS. MERLE JIMENEZ-SAN PEDRO. President of to be oriented with their refreshing MET system. In contrast to a ship owning country’s roadmap, the PHL being primarily “labor supplier” has embarked on a route less travelled -- that spells complications in

the Mariners’ Polytechnic Training Center (MPTC). Past President of the Philippine Association of Maritime Training Centers (PAMTCI). Auditor of the Women in Maritime Philippines (WIMAPHIL).

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TRAINING

Compass President Daks Villanueava.

Another First

Fil COMPASS hosts Danish MECA

gain, COMPASS leads the pack after posting the first training center in the country to offer Tanker Officers Training Standard (TOTS). Now, COMPASS marks another milestone by being the first to offer the Danish Medical Care (MECA) in the Philippines. Competent Maritime Professional and Sea Staff or COMPASS underscore that before, these critical courses may only be studied in Denmark or India. COMPASS President Daks Villanueva says these twin headstarts are testaments to their corporate commitment of a quality training center, world-class on its vision. A pilot class was held last August 29th at the convenient COMPASS classrooms located at Taft Avenue, a major commuter hub in Malate, Manila. Villanueva underscores, “Just imagine leaving your family to go to Denmark or India spending for visa, fare, and

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Practical training.

board hotel accommodation plus the course fee of US $2,200 (US$2,600 in Denmark).

treatment onboard (mostly management level officers) must take the course,” explains Gyaard.

With the successful launch, COMPASS executives are well-prepared to service seafarers and manning agencies, more so with Danish shipowners.

He also clarified that only instructors from DMA are licensed to conduct the course. He says they are 10 instructors from DMA with about 1,200 to 1,500 students in Denmark.

Mandatory Course. Under the Danish law, all masters and/or designated medical officers responsible for treatment onboard Danish owned and controlled vessels must take the MECA. Senior officers are trained as officers in charge of medical care on board Danish ships. Junior officers are trained as assistant officers, primarily with extended training in first aid. Mr. Rene Gyaard and Mr. Kent Jensen, both experienced nurses and employees of DMA, conducted the pilot classes for the Danish MECA. “It’s a mandatory course. In order to work on Danish-flagged vessels, the master and persons responsible for

DMA will certify MECA compliance only upon successful completion of the course.

Stringent Training. The Danish MECA is a five (5) whole day course conducted only by authorized medical practitioners from the DMA. The course is more specific to Danish flagged regulations - very strict and advance. However, the content of this course could also be useful to other nonDanish flagged vessels that require more advanced medical care training for their officers on board.

Included in the MECA syllabus are first aid, malaria prevention and treatment, teeth examination and treatment, medicine handling, intravenous needle and drip, and dealing with mental crises and illness. Trainees are limited only to eight (8) participants per instructor. This allows each trainee to have a practical experience on the equipment they will be using during their training. “We want to see everything they do, each single thing. They do the injection on each other. Some of these procedures are potentially dangerous if you don’t do them correctly, so we need strict supervision,” explains Gyaard. The Danish MECA is a mandatory training requirement for all Master and/or designated medical officer boarding Danish flagged vessels. This Danish legislation was already enforced in the 90’s but Danish nationals complying Denmark’s maritime industry (specially those in Management Level) is not open to foreign nationals. It was only in the recent years that the Danish maritime industry accepts foreign Management Level Officers in their vessels. Thus, the need for the course to be offered in the Philippines. For inquiries, contact COMPASS Sales and Marketing Department at (632) 536 2368, (632) 528 1035, (632) 450 0138 or email sales@ compass.ph.

Trainees do the injection on each other.

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MARITIME GLOBAL SITUATIONER

Armed and getting vicious.

BAD WEATHER, MATES! By Coca H. Strobar

t’s more than an inter-tropical convergence zone, fast developing into a super typhoon --- and tsunamis all over other sectors: economic, political, cultural, ad nausea. Should we be alarmed? Bet your life on it, Mate! The global economic situation makes it grinding for the maritime industry; not even to expand but merely to survive. Prophet of doom, yah? Not yet, but deeply alarmed. Fact is, shipping giants have already sunk into bankruptcy: Korea Line, The Containership Co. and Omega Navigation Enterprises, big ticket casualties just for this year.

traditional (again!) peak-of-season freight surcharge, shipping rates are expected to fall further in the last quarter, predicts Geofrey Cheng, analyzing for BOCOM International.

European routes tumbled 56% to an average $807.86 per 20-foot-equivalent unit (TEU) against $1,842.67 for the Third Quarter per data from Shanghai Containerized Freight Index (SFCI).

The second whammy, oversupply of vessels, is due to delivery of new ones ordered about three years ago when times were good. And this is compounded by current surplus capacity of the world’s fleet that used to move 80% of goods worldwide.

Rates from Shanghai to the US West Coast fell 40% year-on-year to $1,639.93 per BOCOM International, tracker of index compiled by Shanghai Shipping Exchange. Shares of Hong Kong-listed container shipping firms have lost more than half of their market value, dropping 27% in the blue chip Hang Seng Index.

The third is piracy which is a major factor, unabated and expanding in areas and frequencies. Pirates are now even using “motherships” to intensify buccaneering raids that are so profitable for the brigands. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned the West could slip back into recession if solutions are not quickly applied to the economic problems. Obviously, travails of the West will infect the rest of the world.

A triple whammy is haunting the maritime industry: low freight rates (and sinking), a glut of vessels (and increasing) and piracy in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean (and expanding).

The downward spiral is seen on the 6.8% drop of China COSCO Holdings and 3.5% on Orient Overseas (Intl) Ltd. In real terms, COSCO dived 63% while Orient melted 60% in current trading last week.

Rock-bottom freight rates were occasioned by the recent recession in the United States and Europe. Movement of goods went down hence freight rates lowered in the fierce competition for clientele.

COSCO is China’s premier shipping firm and given faltering Western demand (i.e. on shoes, clothes and furniture from the world’s factory of China), it joins other shipping firms sit on extra capacity this month. This is alarming as October is traditionally a peak season due to Christmas orders.

The banking industry, a major partner of the shipping sector, has taken a proactive initiative. Executives from the world’s top banks (i.e. Dnb NOR, HSH Nordbank and Deutshe Bank) have met in Singapore at the tail-end of September with maritime moguls. They tandem “to discuss survival, recovery and opportunities in this gloomy economic environment” (Reuters).

Instead of being able to levy the

In their usual caution, banks are now

“We can’t see any major factors that can help stimulate US economic recovery and Europe’s situation is

even worse,” laments Executive Director Sunny Ho of the Hongkong Shippers Council (representing main exporters in Hongkong; in turn, a major international shipping centre).

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demanding 50% down payment to get a loan, up from the usual 20% only of the value of the vessels. This spins another nightmare. Challenged already by a depressed freight market, shipping companies are forced to use their reserves to buy vessels and expand their operations since banks have tighten credit lines. This is how medium-sized firms are staying afloat berthed against industry giants as A.P. Moller-Maersk and Mediterranean Shipping Co (MSC).

Piracy also takes a huge toll on both shippers and shipping. Just recently, a Mongolian-flagged but Vietnameseowned vessel paid $2.6 million to free 24 Vietnamese sailors and its 22,835 ton bulk

carrier, Hoa" #%! Son Sun.

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NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2011

FUSION OF MARITIME NE WS & VIE WS

THE PRESIDENT COMMITS TO COAST GUARD UPGRADES By Coca H. Strobar

or the first time in Coast Guard, the President of the Republic graced its anniversary celebrations.

President Simeon Benigno C. Aquino III reviewed the honor guards who welcomed his arrival at the 110th founding year of PCG last October 18th, inspired by “Tanod Baybayin ng Pilipinas: Para sa Malinis at Ligtas na Karagatan Tungo sa Kaunlaran (Philippine Coast Guard: For Clean and Safe Seas to Progress). With the President is Secretary Manuel Roxas II of the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) to which PCG is an attached agency. Among honored guests are other senior Government officials, and executives of the international and domestic maritime community.

expertise.) PNoy also highlights PCG’s service in the recent series of super typhoons where its Deployable Response Teams (DRTs) rescued and evacuated some 4,548 residents. PCG distributed some 3,000 packs of relief goods in communities isolated by typhoons Pedring and Quiel.

The President concludes with a commitment of support to PCG. “Makakaasa kayong habang ginugugol ninyo ang inyong oras at pagod sa pagbabantay ng ating karagatan, doble kayod din ang ating administrasyon sa pagtugon sa inyong pangangailangan. Bakit nga ba natin ginagawa ang lahat ng ito, dahil sa mahabang panahong nabalewala, hindi lamang ang mga pangangailangan ng ating Coast Guard kundi maging ang mga aspeto na dapat ay nagpapatatag sa isang bansa.”

(Rest-assured that while you are spending time and effort in watching our seas, the Administration is also on double-time to answer your needs. Why are we doing all these; because for a long while it was for naught, not just the needs of our Coast Guard but even other aspects that should stabilize our nation (again, a usual dig against the past administration).

Support. PCG Commandant Admiral Ramon C. Liwag, in expressing gratitude cites Executive Order No. 57 which hands on the responsibility to PCG in spearheading the National Coast Watch Center under the National Coast Watch System. The Center converges and processes information on threats to Philippine maritime security, and the coordinating center for operations against poachers, pirates, terrorists, and other threat

Speaking mostly in the national language in his keynote address, the President underscores the pivotal role of PCG, viz: “Sa mahabang panahon naging masipag at tapat na katuwang natin ang tanod baybayin ng Pilipinas para sa ligtas, malinis at payapang karagatan. Mula ng pagkakaroon ng Lighthouse service at ng pagpapatrolya laban sa iligal na pagpasok ng mga dayuhan, wala talagang itulak kabigin ang husay ng inyong propesyon.” (For a long time, we have partnered with the hardworking and loyal Coast Guard of the Philippines for a safe, clean and peaceful seas. Since having the Lighthouse Service and patrols against illegal entry of aliens, we cannot find fault in your professional

FUSION OF MA RI T I ME NE W S & VI E W S

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2011

Admiral Liwag with the President and DOTC Secretary Roxas.

groups. “The PCG will hit the ground running at the launching of the National Coast Watch Center since the skill set necessary for coast watch operations are already embedded in every Coast Guard personnel per our experience in the operation of Vessel Traffic Monitoring Systems, coordination of search and rescue operations, and information fusion,” says Liwag. Further, Congress raises PCG’s budget from Php2-billion to Php3-billion. With the funds, PCG can procure multi-role response helicopters that can inter-operate with the agency’s vessels in search and rescue operations and armed encounters.

Recognition. President Aquino gave out awards to PCG, auxiliary volunteers and groups which supported the PCG in its mission as ‘guardians of the sea’, search and rescue operation, marine environmental protection, and humanitarian undertakings like medical missions. Among the awardees are PCG Special Operations Group (SOG), SAR emergency medical and relief operations teams as major players in life-saving tasks during the onslaught of typhoons Pedring and Quiel. Commo. Luis Tuason, Commander of District National Capital Region – Central Luzon, received a Coast Guard Legion of Honor with the Degree of Maginoo for the effective and sustained Coast Guard operations in the provinces of Batangas, Pampanga and Nueva Ecija. Mr. Norio Matsuda, the Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) received a plaque of recognition for JICA’s continuing support.

Activities. PCG and the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) carried nationwide search and rescue (SAR) exercises, orientation and briefings; medical, dental and optical missions; community, family care and humanitarian undertakings with spiritual enlightenment, the latter led by Mrs. Maria Fe Genabe-Liwag, the Commandant’s wife. To date, PCG has a roster of 6,000 uniformed personnel complimented by 10,000 PCGA members headed by Vice Admiral Higinio Mendoza.

The Commandant with the foreign dignitaries.

PCG READY FORCE LEVELS UP ON 4TH YEAR

n impressive field arrival honors welcome Admiral Ramon C. Liwag as he graces the Fourth ( 4th) Anniversary celebrations of Coast Guard’s Ready Force. Force Commander Capt. Leopoldo V. Laroya led the honors immediately followed by ceremonies and program inside the covered court of HCGRF at Pier 13, Port Area, Manila., morning of 14 September. The two-week affair actually kicked off August 25th with a mini sportfest between Manila and Cavite personnel. The contest among those afloat and ashore is actually a team-building technique for a stronger esprit de corps. A series of seminars was packaged to ensure those manning PCG vessels have proper knowledge and skills. These complements the anniversary theme, “Responsableng Paglalayag Tungo sa Matuwid na Landas” (Responsible Sailing Towards the Straight Path). Capt. Laroya emphasized his priority of properly maintaining floating assets, a total of 47 composed of of 14 capital ships and 33 small crafts. He proudly acknowledged PCG teamup with the private sectors, prominently with Gen Diesel, Exact Training Center (ETC), and Philcamsat. Gen Diesel gave repairs to the Force’s small crafts. At the same time, PCG personnel are sent to Gen Diesel repair centers to train on engine maintenance while engines are being overhauled. This is a hands-on approach complimented by on-site guidance by experts. ETC provided free trainings on safety. Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS), engine resource management, engine and radar simulator, radar navigator, deck watch keeping, shiphandling and manning. Philcamsat pitched in free trainings that include various simulators on ECDIS,

collision avoidance, bridge teamwork, ship buildings and other navigational skills. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) was cited as a partner and consultant on human resource development. JICA’s Masahiro Hasegawa initiated talks with Magsaysay Shipping on the use of the latter’s local vessels for job training abroad. An agreement is now being prepared to operationalize the concepts. JICA also distributed 20 sets of life vests and hardhats, a part of its donation that includes two seven – meter utility crafts with outboard motors. Talks were also initiated by JICA with the Manila Yacht Club for basic sailing training to know the effects of wind and current on ships. Twenty PCG personnel may be trained to form the core group. Aside from mandated duties, the group may compete in local and international sailing events. Presented to Admiral Liwag were sets of Ore Manual Books 5 and 6 for MCS vessels since PCG mans this type owned by BFAR (Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources) of the Department of Agriculture. A batch earned the Boat Captain Badge for new small craft skippers. Boat Captain plaques were awarded to those who finished their billets as Boat Captains. As a matter of Command priority, Capt. Laroya stressed a strict regimen of fuel management. Ready Force is committed to respond immediately and, thus, maintains an 80% fuel capacity to meet even sudden emergencies. A touching highlight of the celebrations was the memento given to Admiral Liwag, his portrait from a mosaic of photographs of his childhood and career path. The Commandant, visibly emotional, proudly lifted the gift for everyone to appreciate its artistry.

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2011

FUSION OF MARITIME NE WS & VIE WS

Academy in the offing

JICA ON EDUCATION, MARLEN By Ligaya Caban The headquarters of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is by scenic Manila Bay, leap-frogging through the piers to Parola (lighthouse), a PCG base that holds a few of its Commands. To access, one has to snake through a community of informal dwellers: hodge-podge, threatening, marginal. The area never recovered from its past. An “address” and a promenade in the Spanish era, it was ruined in World War II. Yes, Japanese Axis forces did some torching and explosives. But it was really the mortars, howitzers and bombs of the Allied liberators that powdered Manila. In all the war theaters, only Warsaw, Poland suffered more. But at the gates of the Parola camp, there is an interesting sign on the wall. Not the usual lewd, angry graffiti of blighted areas. Instead, a declaration of pride, a statement of hope: Coast Guard Education and Training Command ALMC Class 05-2006 “Pagkakaisa” To a jaded bureaucrat, it is just another signage; of groupies aping PMAers mistah tradition.

Positive implications. Perhaps. But one should read pride in its achievement “memorialized” at the entrance of the base. From years unremembered but still heralding PCG has the aspiration to grow professionally. And this, through education and training. Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is the major mover, consistent with its role as a channel of Japan’s goodwill and wealth. But we give it the respect we do to balikbayans with her chocolates and goodies. And cash. There is not much warmth, just gratitude and polite thank yous. Until we can feel genuine concern from the staff. Until we can build a comfort zone of mutual assurance. Genuine

FUSION OF MA RI T I ME NE W S & VI E W S

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2011

partnership, a sincerity to help without lording it over. And currently, there is that gentleman on the JICA seat at the PCG Parola.

A driving force. Masahiro Hasegawa earned in 1981 a Nautical Engineering degree from Tokai University at Shizuoka prefecture. Following year, he went on board as a Merchant Ship Deck Officer and plied Southeast Asia and the Gulf for eight years. Even on a full-time stint, he managed to earn six professional licenses and certificates like IMO’s COW, STCW’s Master/Chiefmate, Engineer Officer, Advanced Training and Project Cycle Management (PCM), both participatory and monitoring. He went offshore in 1992 to join Japan Intl service Center and became a JOCV Volunteer on nautical engineering in Honiara, Solomon Islands. The next 14 years, Hasegawa traveled for JICA as expert/adviser on coastal fishing technology and resource management. From Kanagawa Center, he went to the Domincan Republic (’93), Argentina (’97), El Salvador (’01) and Morocco (’04).

Education and training. With JICA’s technical cooperation agreement with the Philippines via PCG, Hasegawa was first dispatched here on September, 2005 as a coordinator and technical adviser on shipboard training and general project management. On November 9, 2007, JICA’s Norio Matsuda and PCG’s Ramon C. Liwag signed another five-year technical cooperation, PCG’s Education and Human Resource Management System Development Project. Hasegawa’s tour was renewed in January 2008 as Ship Operations Expert/Coordinator and technical adviser on Shipboard training and general management of this project. He being a senior on the job, Marino World sought his views on the status and import of the joint Japan-Ph PCG

JICA’s Project Coordinator Mr. Masahiro Hasegawa.

upgrade project.

The core of commitment. Hasegawa confirms JICA commits to three major tasks, viz Dispatch Japanese experts Provide machinery and equipment Train Filipinos in Japan. On 1), three experts came here already from Japan; two from its Coast Guard and a Merchant Mariner. On 2), database server, software and terminal computers are now operational for the Permanent Faculty System with peripherals. About 40 IMO course books and charts have been delivered with literature on coastal navigation, engine maintenance and like topics. The high speed rubber boats for MARLEN training were cancelled but substituted with a 23-foot fiberglass boat with an outboard motor of 50hp. Sixteen sets of boarding equipment are in with search and rescue equipment ordered, just waiting for delivery.

time for instructor duties). That’s the easier half of the problem, Hasegawa observes.

Problems in navigation. Ship operations is another ball of wax. Merchant mariners take years to familiarize themselves with their vessels. Yet PCG staff are shuttled from vessel to vessel, dependent on service exigencies. How can they master the three basics, at least: boat handling, coastal navigation and engineering? But count blessings and little victories. The Project has developed and printed six operational readiness manuals: Books 1 & 2 for 56-meter boat; Books 3 & 4 for 35-meter boats and Books 5 & 6 for 30-meter BFAR vessels. They aim to finalize Book 7 & 8 for Navigational Buy, the largest PCG vessel donated by JICA in 1992 yet.

On 3), about 18 Filipinos were trained in Japan on Maritime Law Enforcement (MARLEN) centered on environment protection, search and rescue, and ship operations. They studied separately across Japan and stayed dependent on the length of the courses taken.

Tokyo and Malacanang. And the First Secretary of the Japanese Embassy here continues to attend as observer meetings of the Joint Coordinating Committee and the Steering Committee. He is often seen in PCG functions and openly amiable to functionaries. This should reflect Tokyo’s running interest on the Project which should translate to continuing support.

Capacities calibrated. Land and facilities provided for by Ph are barely adequate but Hasegawa really doesn’t mind. After all, JICA insists on immersion with their local partner/client And he is pragmatic to accept surprises on government funding. But Hasegawa strongly believes professional commitment should override unexpected shortfalls. He explains the project Master Plan revolves around MARLEN, where PCG is mandated to focus on. Broadly, these are in three categories, A) Police force, i.e., anti-terrorism, piracy, smuggling, illegal fishing; B) MARPOL or maritime pollution and C) Navigational safety. Junior and middle grade officers (about 10%) and ensigns (about 90%) are trained separately since their tasks and protocols are different. Procedures developed during the trainings should synergize action of Command and functionaries. On the first 5-year phase of this project, Ph hosted about four international seminars with participants from Southeast Asia like Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand. The aim is to standardize regional procedures among stakeholders. But due to reduced funding, development is in hibernation. As in any of JICA’s project, priorities are calibrated vis-à-vis realities. Decisions are based on costeffectiveness. Simply stated, money should be spent where maximum

The operational readiness manual.

mileage/results may be obtained.

Structural hurdles. On a scale of 1 to 10, it seems PCG personnel assigned to the project scales only to 3. This is not surprising because rotating internal policy does not assign the best but only the available. PCG elements must change posts every three years or shorter. Otherwise, they stunt their careers and by-passed in promotions. Notable exceptions are those in technical services (nurses, doctors, dentists, health technicians) and band members hired as such. For a ship-shape PCG, a good educational system must be developed. For this, a Permanent Faculty System must be established. The Project is yet wrestling with faculty eligibility, outsider qualifications, career implications, the likes, as it makes do with Concurrent Instructors (assigned as staff of CGEducation and Training Command (CGETC) teach specific subjects and devote a large portion of

On the other end, President Aquino gave almost a full day at PCG’s recent anniversary celebrations. He publicly expressed elation on the heroics of PCG during the series of super typhoons that raged in the country. All told, political leaderships are lighthearted on the PCG for being able to maneuver things on limited resources buoyed by gumption and devotion to duty. Hasegawa appears to see this and contributes his own selfless pitch. Despite being a Tokyo urbanite reared in blazing lights and aseptic board, Hasegawa internalizes the whys and works for the why nots. For he retains that volunteerism in the Solomon Islands which triggered his career shift. He may be an ordinary Masahiro (a name as common as Jose and Juan here) in Japan but has displayed extraordinary ethics in his tour of duty. With him and JICA’s seedlings on education and MARLEN, the Project could germinate to a PCGAcademy, much like the PMA of the military, the PNPA of the police. After all, PCG is at par being the third uniformed armed service of the country.

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2011

FUSION OF MARITIME NE WS & VIE WS

SHIPPING

Pinoy grenades face-off against Somali pirates By Ligaya Caban “When God closes the door, He opens windows.” This truism can again be seen in the current global concern on the piracy in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean --- and expanding. For as the world reacts, a window of opportunity opens to a Filipino firm long overdue in the international scene. At least, in the niche of specialized ordnance; more particularly, its retractable rifle grenade, 40mm, highly explosive. Developed by Creser Precision System (CPSI for the Philippine military. Patented and field-tested by hardcore troops. Earned top honors from the Department of Science. Fueled by 100% Filipino mind and money; powered by nationalism being the last of the pioneers of the Self Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP) of the Armed Forces (AFP).

The Cross Point. Piracy against merchant ships are expanding at the Horn of Africa, first at the Gulf of Aden and streaming to the Indian Ocean --- originating in the State of Somalia, now in chaos and fragments.

brokered by major regional authorities: Somaliland, Puntland and Galmundug. The country is dirt-poor but awash with ransom dollars. Pirate bands now operate with motherships for faster, meaner and broader preys.

A Window Opens.

Piracy has grown from a fairly ad hoc disorganized endeavor to a highly developed transnational criminal enterprise operating in 2.5 million square nautical miles, claims an expose’ in a United States Congressional Committ6ee hearing.

US Asst. Secretary Andrew J. Shapiro declares before Congress that “… it is notable that no vessel with armed security team embarked has been successfully hijacked.”

NATO has organized Operation Ocean Shield and Europe has its own ATALANTA. The United States Naval Forces Central Command maintains NAVCENT against the pirates, too. The forces protect 463 miles at the Gulf of Aden called IRTC (International Recommended Transit Corridor). This guarantees safety but expands (or transfers) piracy beyond this marshaled ocean corridor. UN’s IMO (International Maritime Organization) has endorsed the use of private armed guards to protect ships from pirate attacks. Currently, about one of 10 ships off the Somali coast already carry armed guards. This is likely to rise with the UN-IMO endorsement of the practice.

The “rule” of law is imposed by an impotent Transitional Federal Government (TFG)

From 1981 supplied DND 60mm and 81mm MORTAR FUZE.

FUSION OF MA RI T I ME NE W S & VI E W S

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2011

This trend is the golden opportunity for a Filipino invention to sell and sell good, being with the right product at the right demand.

In 2008, no less than 3,500 seafarers have been taken hostages. A Filipino has been registered a fatality since 90% of the 140 Philippine-flagged vessels pass the notorious pirate zone. And Filipino seafarers board a third of the world’s merchant fleet. To crack the global market, Creser may first service Philippine-flagged vessels to gain a beachhead in the export bounty. At the same time, this will create new skilled jobs for the country. Admiral Ramon C. Liwag, Commandant of the Coast Guard (PCG), was unanimously elected last March as head of ReCAAP (Regional Agreement in Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships in Asia). He declared in his base in Singapore that the increasing use of armed guards is an effective deterrent (against piracy). Mr. Dom Mee, President of PVI (Protection Vessels Intl) called for immediate guidelines to support armed guard

15 Nov 2008: Saudi-owned VLCC Sirius Star captured by pirates 450 miles offshore, 25 crew members on board 2M barrels crude oil, value £68 million Pirates anchored off Somali coast of Somalia $25M ransom demanded, ship released 9 Jan 09 after $3M paid.

security during a meeting among major maritime leaders at SAARPSCO (South Asia and Africa Regional Port Stability Co-operative) at Seychelles last March.

Pinoy Comes Along. This is now a defining moment for Creser and its retractable rifle grenade (RRG) as an ideal accessory for M16 rifles, an overwhelming weapon of choice for long arms by security professionals. Creser’s RRG has a range of 100 meters or higher and a lethal radius of five meters. As a safety feature, RRG will not arm nor explode less than ten meters. One can carry six RRG in a bandoleer. Previous to Creser’s RRG, troops can carry only two of the tacky and cumbersome “flashlight”, so named for its bulk and hassle. RRG arms in seconds (pull-tuck-fire). In a wink, six riflemen morph into six grenadiers! No need for launchers; and you have six, not just two defensive fire

power to intimidates pirates.

Solid Credentials. Creser has been in the ordnance business for over three decades. It is the only fuze maker in the country then and now. It services the mortars of the AFP; even the various bomb models of the Air Force (PAF). In 1994, Creser was hosted to a posh dinner by Minister Abdul Razak, then Minister of Defense of Malaysia, for being their supplier of mortar fuzes, beating the bids of the big boys of the global ordnance industry. Creser’s RRG also earned top honors as Tuklas of 2003 in the National Inventors’ Week sponsored by DOST (Department of Science and Technology). The award was personally handed by The President as Commander- in- Chief while senior military brass applaud.

Enters the Bureaucracy. Maritime Industry Authority (Marina)

1990-1995 won over global giants in Malaysia exported almost 200,000 81mm MORTAR FUZES.

Administrator Emerson Lorenzo shall allow on board Phil-flagged vessels armed personnel plying pirateinfested areas. When the Maritime Council formally approves the Marina endorsement, it could signal the launch of Creser’s RRG into the world market. At the moment, Creser is seeking permit and procedures from the Department of Defense (DND), AFP and the national police (PNP). Creser is holding initial audience with an Assistant Secretary of DND and awaiting words from both AFP and PNP. Creser hopes to hit the iron while it sizzles. Hopefully, it will not experience the reasons why the Philippines is 136th spot of the 183 countries ranked in a survey on “Ease of Doing Business.” The study was conducted by the International Financial Corp (IFC), an agency of the World Bank which notices the Philippines ”… has not changed significantly...” from last year.

50 to 1000 Kg Bomb • Nose fuze • Tail fuze

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2011

FUSION OF MARITIME NE WS & VIE WS

SHIPPING

More Navies in Indian Ocean, calls Intl Shipping Chamber

Best Management Practices and the use of private armed guards may both reduce the risks of capture. But Mr. Polemis says the escalating use of armed guards represents a failure by the international community to find an effective solution to the situation.

and aid on a gaping wound, ceding control of the Indian Ocean to pirates.

These were blistering words from Chairman Spyros M. Polemis of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), damning the puny deployment of naval forces to the region infested by pirates.

“I do wish to stress that, despite acknowledging their use, private armed guards do not represent a long term solution. Rather, their use actually signifies a failure on the part of the international community - and those governments with significant military forces - to ensure the security of maritime trade on which the whole world depends.”

Mr. Polemis chides that western governments would be acting differently if the many seafarers held hostage off the coast of Somalia were “Americans or Europeans”. He was speaking October 3rd on “Countering Piracy” at Maritime Cyprus conference in Limassol before shipping professionals. ICS with the International Shipping Federation (ISF) have m ember-chambers in 36 countries and represent 80% of the world’s merchant fleet. “The fundamental problem is the lack of navy ships that are committed to protecting shipping - a band aid on a gaping wound, although the navies do an excellent job under the circumstances and we commend them for this.” In a straight-talking indictment, Mr. Polemis tells delegates that “by their own admission, the military advise that no ship is completely safe”.

Polemis

He says, “Sadly, one can only conclude from the current response of many governments that those thousands of seafarers…captured have simply had the wrong nationality. If they were all Americans or Europeans, the governments’ attitude might have been somewhat different.” He fumes, “It is really unacceptable that so many governments seem to feel that the current situation can somehow be tolerated, and that a box has been ticked by making a relatively small number of navy ships available to police Somalia’s waters and the entire Indian Ocean.”

“The use of private guards does not mean that military forces are no longer needed. Far from it - they are needed more than ever and should be greatly increased in number,” advocates the ICS chairman. ICS is in close contact with both EUNAVFOR (European naval forces) and NATO discussing practical solutions, including a possible blockade of the Somali coast and tackling pirate ‘motherships’. This global shipping chamber is also in discussion with Flag States to ensure they take a coherent pan-industry approach for a proper framework for the use of armed guards.

Intermanager endorses call for armed guards InterManager (an active member of the Save our Seafarers (SOS) campaign) is, after months of campaigning, delighted to hear the public vilification of piracy issued by the UK Government. The SOS campaign has strived to bring recognition of the horrific and detrimental effect of Somali piracy to both Governmental and the public. Alastair Evitt, President of InterManager, says it was a quantum leap in public perception to hear the issue of piracy and merchant shipping addressed by the UK Prime Minister David Cameron so openly and frankly.

InterManager has campaigned for the freedom of Owners and Managers to choose to deploy armed guards onboard ships they manage. The UK Government’s recognition of the value of armed guards and the right of the owner and manager to deploy them, in the right circumstances and in accordance with BMP4, is a great lead by the UK government and it is InterManager’s firm belief that this stance should be adopted by all flags and charterers that still do not openly support it.

Mr Cameron told the BBC recently:

InterManager re-iterates its position that it

caption

“Somali piracy is a complete stain on our world.”

FUSION OF MA RI T I ME NE W S & VI E W S

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2011

is not calling for every vessel to have armed guards onboard, rather that when a detailed risk assessment deems this the preferred option, then individual flag state legislation or charter party clauses should not obstruct Owners and/or Managers in taking this decision. InterManager further supports ongoing initiatives to licence the companies providing armed guards (based on qualification, competence and experience), to define the rules of engagement in the event of a pirate attack and to control the type and flow of weapons deployed both onboard and while in transit to and from vessels.

New aid to seafarers victimized by pirates A new programme set to help seafarers and their families cope with the physical and mental trauma caused by torture and abuse by pirates is being launched in London, United Kingdom. The Maritime Piracy Humanitarian Response Programme (MPHRP) is chaired by Peter Swift, formerly managing director of shipping industry body INTERTANKO. The project is funded by the ITF Seafarer’s Trust and the TK Foundation. The programme speaks for an alliance of shipowners, trade unions, managers, manning agents, insurers and welfare associations representing the entire shipping industry, from crews to owners.

It aims to help seafarers who have been or may be subject to pirate attack. Pirates now regularly treat hostage seafarers with extreme violence to pressure families and employers to expedite ransom demands. This can include phoning family members and forcing seafarers to plead for their life while they are being abused and threatened with death, and filming and posting this online for relatives to see. The MPHRP chair explains, “Piracy is reaching an all-time high: in the number of incidents, in the vast ransoms demanded and, most of all, in the extreme violence used. The treatment meted out to the victims now frequently crosses the line from

Jamaica adds voice against piracy

savagery into torture.” Roy Paul, of the ITF Seafarers’ Trust, and MPHRP programme manager, adds, “Until now, there has been little coordinated help for those who are suffering. Now that will change. With the help of those in the industry who want to do their best for those involved, we intend to build up a network of first responders and get psychosocial help for affected crews.” Mr. Paul concludes, “We have already been listening to seafarers and recording their experiences. Those will lay the foundation for new guides for seafarers, families and employers, for training in their use, and for building the networks of human and medical help that are now desperately needed.”

Intermanager grows huge with Bibby Shipmanagement Mutual goodwill clasps two ship management majors that translates into a pragmatic merger of some 4,370 ships and almost 250,000 crew members.

Maj Director General Rear Admiral Peter Brady says: “We join the rest of the world in solidarity towards ridding international shipping of piracy.”

nation working with the Caribbean Maritime Institute to provide quality training of Masters, Chief Engineers and other marine officers.

This was a major policy pronouncement at a high profile luncheon last 29 September at Kingston, Jamaica’s capital.

Earlier this year, two Jamaican seafarers were assaulted by criminals who boarded their vessel off the coast of Benin. Mr Smith says, “The growth of the CMI has resulted in many young Jamaican women and men gainfully employed in internationally trading ships, some of which transit … high risk areas.”

Alastair Evitt, InterManager President, says, “We are delighted to welcome Bibby Shipmanagement to InterManager’s growing membership. Our members are actively involved in achieving global standards across the industry. Working together and sharing best practice is a hallmark of InterManager membership and we look forward to involving Bibby in our discussions and activities.”

In fact one CMI graduate, who recently transited the Indian Ocean, confesses, “Piracy is one of my biggest fears. I hear too many stories about hijacking and kidnapping for months and that hurts my head when I think about it.”

Martin Kent, Managing Director of Bibby Ship Management’s Liverpool and Singapore offices, comments: “Over the past fourteen years Bibby Ship Management has expanded its operations globally within the various disciplines that encompass ship management so it was natural for us to consider joining InterManager. We are pleased to have been given this opportunity and look forward to being an active member within the association.”

The Maritime Authority of Jamaica and other key players in the country’s shipping industry have spoken out in support of the need for more effective international measures to tackle piracy and added its voice to calls for greater resources to rid the high seas of this increasing threat. Jamaica has not escaped the effects of piracy. As a Flag State (through the Jamaica Ship Registry) it regularly has vessels transiting the Gulf of Aden carrying bulk and other cargoes. Last year the Jamaican-flagged bulk carrier Miltiades was attacked 130 miles off the coast of Yemen by several pirates carrying AK-47 weapons who had approached the vessel from a skiff. Maj Legal Director Bertrand Smith reports, “The quick action of the Master and crew was able to repel the attack with no injuries or deaths.” Jamaica is also an important crew supply

RAdm Brady observes, “We have just cause to join the IMO and the international shipping community in the call… to protect international trade by sea. Jamaica supports the… guidance developed by the IMO… with its partners… to prepare ships’ crews to counter the attacks by pirates. At the same time we laud… the IMO to develop public awareness to the scourge of piracy, while encouraging countries most equipped to assist by lending their resources to counter piracy.”

This is gathered from the excited announcement of InterManager formally welcoming Bibby Ship Management Ltd to its membership.

InterManager is an international trade association for the ship management industry. Bibby Ship Management, based in Liverpool, United Kingdom, provides comprehensive technical management service to the international marine industry. It has been established 200 years ago and appreciates investment in long-term results and commitment to core values which chime well with Intermanager’s objectives.

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FUSION OF MARITIME NE WS & VIE WS

GOVERNMENT

The adoption of Seafarers Bill of Rights in February 2006. (“International Labor Organization/[Crozet M]”).

DOLE assures PH will ratify Seafarers Bill of Rights By Ligaya Caban

abor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz assures the Philippines will ratify the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC) late within the year. This follows Luxembourg, the latest state to sign up to the MLC 2006 – the seafarers’ “bill of rights”. It sets out minimum standards and fair working conditions for seafarers worldwide.

Luxembourg ratified the convention on 19 September 2011, the 19th member state of the International Labour Organization (ILO) to do so (and the fifth European Union state). To come into international law, the MLC has to be signed by at least 30

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member states and represent at least 50% of the world’s gross tonnage of shipping. The latter condition has already been exceeded, with over 54% of world shipping tonnage signed up. The ILO expects the remaining 11 ratifications to be gained by the end of the year, enabling the MLC to come into force in 2012. Luxembourg has also ratified the 2003 Seafarers Identity Document Convention (known as Convention 185), the 22nd state to back this important agreement which provides for internationallyrecognized identity papers for seafarers, enabling access to shore facilities and shore leave.

In the Philippines, treaties (as the MLC 2006) are originally debated in the Senate or Upper House. When passed also by the Lower House and cleared by the Bicameral Committee of both Houses, the bill is forwarded to the President for signature to have the force of law. Marino World shall monitor developments in both legislative chambers now pre-occupied with other priorities as the budget, presidential-certified bills and recent natural disasters. Session days appear at premium coming close to the traditionally long Christmas season of this Roman Catholic country, the only one in the Asian region.

MARINA survey exposes weak side of local sea passenger vessels Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) warns local water passenger liners need to shape up or else domestic air carriers will pull away their traditional customer base. This is the direct implication of the low score earned by passenger liners on Marina’s Passenger Service Rating System (PSRS) survey reporting a rating of only 66.71%, combined. PSRS is a tool to monitor, assess, and rate the standard of service being offered by passenger liners and ferry vessels. It guides the riding public and Marina on the quality of service these domestic shipping companies provide. Last March 28 to April 5 and May 17-18 two groups of Marina surveyors surveyed the passengers of 32 vessels. The PSRS survey was conducted in primary routes covering the Manila to Iloilo, Manila to Cebu and Cagayan de Oro to Manila routes which are operated and owned by Negros Navigation, Philippine Span Asia Carrier (formerly Sulpicio Lines) and Aboitiz Transport. The weighted points for passenger accommodation was 50%; yet, the survey result showed only 34.07% approval rating. Service adequacy was given weighted points of 20%, yet vessels got only 12.69% low.. Boarding system was 2.85%, almost only half of the 5% weighted points. Ships received 6.93% and 6.31 % for baggage stowage security and reservation, respectively, as against the 10% weighted points for both. Management and staff got 3.86% compared with weighted points of 5% An over-arching tolerance is observed on delays on estimated time of departures (ETD) averaging delay range of 15 to 30 minutes. Passengers and Marina surveyors said the low rating were due to cleanliness not maintained; damaged seats and benches; rusty

floorings and walls among others; and no safety film played during voyage. Marina Deputy Administrator Arhleen Romero informed the Marina Regional Offices about the survey results in order to take the necessary measures and policy to address them. Marina also informed the shipping lines of the result of the survey and were asked to review the PSRS manual as well as tools used in assessing the passenger service standard. The survey covered passenger vessels 100 GT and above operating in the domestic trade . About 60% of the results came from passenger onboard while 40% came from awarded points of Marina surveyors. Marina has undertaken four types of inspection activities--inspection prior to sailing, during sailing, passenger surveys during sailing and post sailing inspection and interview. The graded points of vessels were based on seating, sleeping accommodation, toilet, bathroom, eating and drinking accommodation, deck, and open areas, recreation facilities, medical services and other miscellaneous services. Three of the vessels surveyed, the St. Peter the Apostle, Princes of the South and Superrferry 12 operated by Nenaco, Phil Span Asia and Aboitiz respectively – are vessels with more than 6,000 GT, ageing more than 25 years and have passenger capacity of more than 1,300. Only St. Peter the Apostle was able to reach 88.3% load factor while the two vessels got below 50% volume of passengers onboard. “This low rate of passengers onboard the vessel is due to promo fares of various domestic airlines in the country,” Marina notes quoting crew and management of the said shipping lines.

Jamaica’s view

VIMSAS Audit “Rite of Passage” A

ssessment under the IMO’s Voluntary International Maritime Organization Member State Audit Scheme (VIMSAS) is a necessary rite of passage. It is not to be feared, says Jamaica which is the third country in the Caribbean to undertake the voluntary audit. “We in Jamaica found the experience was rewarding and we firmly believe that the audit is not to be feared,” declares Rear Admiral Peter Brady, Director General of the Maritime Authority of Jamaica (MAJ). “We view the audit as a necessary rite of passage in doing all that is required and possible for remaining a responsible maritime State. Jamaica is pleased to have gone through the process and, based on our experience, we encourage other States to submit to the audit,” continues Admiral Brady. Staff at the Maritime Authority, along with the other Jamaican Government agencies which implement various aspects of the international maritime instruments, embraced the audit process as an additional tool to assist in the quest for continual improvement. MAJ remains committed to quality and the IMO vision of safe, secure and clean seas. Rear Admiral Brady advises, “The aim of the audit is to assist us in recognising the things we are doing right and fixing the things which can be improved. It is best that we do it now while the scheme is voluntary as, in a number of years, it will become mandatory in a different form. Those of us who opt to take up the challenge now will be ahead of the game.” Auditors from the United States, Panama and Spain carried out the VIMSAS audit at the MAJ’s Kingston headquarters, making mandatory visits to other responsible agencies over a period of 10 days last month. The MAJ, which earlier this year hosted a five-day VIMSAS workshop in Kingston under the IMO/Singapore Third Country Training Programme, will now use its experience to assist other Flag States, in the region and globally, to undertake the VIMSAS audit. NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2011

FUSION OF MARITIME NE WS & VIE WS

UNIONS

JSU-AMOSUP Mariners’ Homes

Seafarers comfort zones

The JSU-AMOSUP Mariners’ Home Annex.

By Lyn Bacani

The Mariners’ Homes recently expanded with an annex building, proof of growth and continuing vision for the welfare of member-seamen. These also reflect the ethical bond and strong partnership of the two sponsors: the All-Japan Seamen’s Union (JSU) and the Associated Marine Officers’ and

Seamen’s Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP). Built at the geo-center of Manila, JSUAMOSUP Mariners’ Homes (main and annex) are safe lodging for seafarers before and after working onboard; a place of convenience and relaxation in the company of fellow seafarers.

Expansion to serve. The main building was constructed in January 2006 at 1765 Vasquez Street, by J. Nakpil street, Malate district. This is a great location, almost at the geo-center of Manila and most convenient to transient mariners, both boarding or on offshore leave. Amenities include air-conditioned suites, indoor entertainment facilities, game room, gym, and cafeteria. But Mariners’ Homes main attraction is the ambiance; it is a safe haven, one relaxes with your peers in goodwill and commonality of interests and priorities. The new annex was inaugurated last April, 2011 located at 1970 Pilar Hidalgo Lim street. This is also in Malate, just a few blocks from the first and main building. With similar amenities as the main, the annex adds a library and a medical clinic. Economical and secured. Besides being in a comfort zone with

Get a free ride on the Mariners’ Home shuttle.

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fellow seafarers, the Mariners’ Homes are safeguarded by alert staff and security personnel. Transients may get a free ride on the Mariner’s Home shuttle service to the airport, confident on safety and convenient on transit. Regardless of nationality, all seafarers may avail themselves of the Mariners’ Homes services. But during peak seasons and special/seasonal events, priority is given to card-bearing members of JSU, AMOSUP and JSUPhilippines Seafarers Union (PSU). Seafarers may reserve accommodation personally or through their manning agents accepted on a first-come firstserved basis.

Room rates are economical and pegged on amenities, ranging from PhP150 to PhP1,200 per day per person, excluding mandatory taxes and other services.

Focused on welfare. The project is not just on a whim but a commitment of JSU which even holds a Welfare Office at 6/F of the Mariners’ Home Annex. This is a solid statement on their focus and will to serve. JSU’s missions are to improving the welfare of Filipino seafarers onboard Japanese-owned and/or registered vessels, to continuing education and training programs in Japan for Filipino seafarers and to monitor/investigate the recruitment of Filipino seafarers for Japanese-owned ships. JSU is a trade union of maritime

workers in foreign and domestic trades, fisheries and waterfront. JSU also organizes and covers non-domiciled seafarers including Filipinos employed in Japanese-owned fleet. (Filipino seafarers account for more than 70% of foreign seafarers in Japanese-owned and controlled vessels.) The JSU CBA Provident Fund was the second fund established under the total crew cost concept. This enables AMOSUP to negotiate for several other provident funds under various CBA types. In turn, this led to the dramatic increase of CBA coverage for Filipino seafarers on Japanese-controlled vessels. JSU and AMOSUP are both active on issues and concerns on the welfare and protection of seafarers. NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2011

FUSION OF MARITIME NE WS & VIE WS

MANNING

OSG SHIP MANAGEMENT MANILA INC. Moving Energy with Integrity OSG Ship Management Manila Inc., started its operation on March 2005 which employed 29 shore staff in charge of manning 21 vessels with 793 seafarers in its first office located in Ermita, Manila. Year after year, OSG Manila continues to progressively develop as a manning agency with all pride and integrity. From a leased office space, the ownership of a five-storey OSG House in Makati City, which was formally inaugurated in April 2008, proves to be one of the biggest leaps in the unwavering success of OSG Manila.

and sea staff which favors their family members as well.

are executed and results are properly monitored.

Insurance Coverage

Performance evaluations are also the basis of the company for identifying employee’s potentials, both on shore and at sea. Existing employees are prioritized if there are open positions for higher rank.

Shore and sea based employees are covered by an annual health insurance by a reputable HMO provider. For shore based employees, the company insures 2 qualified family members while 3 qualified family members are covered for sea based employees. On top of the HMO benefit, all employees are also covered by Medical and Life insurance.

The OSG House provides comfort to complement the demanding nature of the business through its spacious working area and modern IS infrastructure, serene chapel, relaxing waiting lounges and cafeteria, entertaining playroom and revitalizing gym. Within the same year, an in-house training center, equipped with a fully-integrated Bridge and Engine Simulators and computer-based training rooms, were operational. Subsequently, on September 2010, the Liquid Cargo Handling Simulator for oil and chemical tankers was launched. To date, OSG Manila operates with 58 shore staff handling 56 vessels with almost 2000 seafarers. With its worldclass office and training facilities, OSG Manila aims to continuously provide a work environment that encourages outstanding performances in creating an excellent platform on which shore and sea based employees have the opportunity to develop the necessary competencies and experiences in achieving their career goals.

Valuing its Best Asset People are OSG Manila’s best asset who should be valued and recognized for every contribution they make, whether big or small. Apart from the world-class office and training facility, OSG Manila provides benefits and programs for the shore

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Health and Wellness Throughout the years, OSG Manila stayed committed in improving the lifestyle of the people by way of Health and Wellness programs. OSG Manila encourages its staff to participate in sports activities like badminton, basketball, marathon and fun runs. This year, OSG’s badminton team once again proved to be one of the best teams in the maritime industry as it bagged several medals in different categories during the FAME and PMMA tournaments. Inspired by the achievements of the participants, the management plans to put up its own badminton court in the parking area which will serve as the training ground for the players and encourage more staff to join and be ready for future tournaments.

Career Development Qualification for upgrading courses and continuous training programs are identified through periodic performance evaluations. Once identified, the company ensures that the training plans

Crew and Family Welfare Crew Conference and Family Day are held annually to ensure that seafarers and their families are continually updated and involved. Last May 12-13, OSG Manila held a two-day Conference attended by one hundred fifty one officers. The topics discussed were Safety and Environmental, Marine Operations Assurance and Response, Operational Challenges, Emergency Preparedness & Response, Commercial Awareness, Technical Challenges on the Growing OSG’s reputation, People and Behavior, Leadership/Integrity, Senior Officer Rotation Responsibility, Mindset, Civil Treatment, Training/Mentoring/Cadet program and Health. All of which have been interesting and interactive with several workshops and open-forum. A dinner and dance party recapped the two day conference, which was enjoyed by sea and shore staff alike. Following the conference was a day shared with seafarer’s family in Enchanted Kingdom, a theme and amusement park located in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. For this year, seafarer’s and their families from Laguna, Cavite and Manila area were joined by visiting principals and OSG Manila shore staff. Previous family days were held in Cebu, Iloilo, Davao and Bulacan. OSG Manila plans to hold the next one in the Northern part of the Philippines.

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY As part of the company’s campaign towards a cleaner and greener environment, OSG Manila worked its way to achieve an ISO 14001 certification last May 9, 2011. With this,

OSG Manila established a procedure in identifying, estimating and determining controls to minimize impact of the office activities on the environment.

the company’s Environmental Management System and environmental improvement processes and targets.

Each and every staff were familiarized, engaged and committed to comply with the company’s Environmental Management System and environmental improvement processes and targets.

Several in-house programs and outdoor activities were spearheaded in order to fulfill the company’s environmental targets. Reuse, Reduce and Recycle, waste segregation, electric and water conservation are the systems being followed company-wide. Apart from the aforementioned, there were about 260 trees planted in Palawan and Batangas in order to offset the carbon emission caused by the air miles travelled by office staff and a total of 1,530 kilograms of waste were collected in the 300 meter shoreline of Tanza, Cavite during the last International Coastal Clean-Up Day in close cooperation with Consolidated Training Systems Inc., one of OSG’s training partners.

The recent dengue outbreak in the Philippines became another opportunity for OSG Manila to reach out and help. In cooperation with the Philippine Red Cross, OSG organized and held a bloodletting program last September 9 in OSG House. Sea and shore staff alike voluntarily underwent the screening. At the end of this activity, thirty bags of blood were collected. These activities are not only participated in by the shore and sea based employees but their family members as well. OSG Ship Management Manila Inc. offers its people an encouraging and supportive work group which fosters them to participate in training and development activities supplemented with benefits and programs to help balance the demands of work and life outside work. OSG is indeed a great place to work for!

ADVOCACY ON CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY As part of the company’s campaign towards a cleaner and greener environment, OSG Manila worked its way to achieve an ISO 14001 certification last May 9, 2011. With this, OSG Manila established a procedure in identifying, estimating and determining controls to minimize impact of the office activities on the environment. Each and every staff were familiarized, engaged and committed to comply with NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2011

FUSION OF MARITIME NE WS & VIE WS

PROFILE

A habit to excel

ON SEA and ON LAND By Lyn Bacani

a non-lawyer member of the Maritime Lawyers Association of the Philippines.

tricken by a poem The Call of the Sea,“What magic lies beneath the sea which takes a man from his family? What beauty lies amidst the foam which lures a man away from home?”, Capt. Reynold “Burt” Sabay set sail in 1978 as a Deck Cadet.

Capt. Sabay has been the CEO of the New Simulator Center of the Philippines, since its founding in December 8, 2000. It is a 100% Filipino corporation specialising in quality simulator-based training and assessment of seafarers.

His mission was to discover such magic and beauty! Indeed, he discovered the magic and beauty – the big $!

Burt had stints with various firms like as President, RMS Marine Consultants; President, Top Ten Marine Consultancy and Services; Crewing Manager, Training Manager and then Quality Assurance Manager, TSM Shipping (Phils.); and Instructor/Tactical Officer, PMMA.

Burt retired from seafaring in 1990 and had been a landlubber since. But he keeps thinking of serving the

Working Group, Multi-Sectoral Task Force on Maritime Development; STCW Expert for MARINA-NMD; and a Member of Quality Assessment Team (QAT), Commission on Higher Education. From 1978 to 1990, he served as Auxiliary Master, Chemical Tanker; Chief Mate, on board Bulk Carrier and also aboard oil Tankers, car bulk carriers, LPG carriers (from semi pressurised to fully refrigerated), and others types of vessels. He finished elementary education in Basa Air Base Post Elementary School, Floridablanca, Pampanga, high school in Don Bosco Academy- Pampanga. He took some units at the University of Santo Tomas before entering the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy to graduate in 1980. While at the PMMA, he was the Deputy Corps Commander and graduated with High Distinction (Chairman of the Board Award) on top of other awards such as Plaque of Distinction on Academic Excellence in Naval Science, Valedictorian Saber on Probationary Ensign Training Course, Leadership Medal and Outstanding Apprenticeship Award. October 1, 1995 was a mostchallenging day when the family home in San Fernando, Pampanga was lost to lahar . But the whole family survived staying 24 hours on the rooftop of a neighbor’s house, The entire community was then inundated by floodwaters and buried eleven feet deep in lahar from Mount Pinatubo.

RCMB President Capt. Reynold “Burt” Sabay.

Filipino seafarers by way of education and training. Somehow, imparting knowledge and skills to fellow Filipino Seafarers seemed more rewarding to him.

Taking advantage of the genuine opportunity to serve others, he joined the Rotary Club of Makati Buendia in December 7, 2007 upon the invitation of PP Uly Sevilla.

His professional experiences include being a Member of the Special Board of Marine Inquiry, tasked with the investigations of maritime disasters and accidents in the Philippines. He is also

For his contributions in the development of the maritime industry, he became a member of the TESDA Advisory Panel for the Maritime Sector; a Member of the Technical

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But trained in sea survival, he built a raft out of banana trunks, then used to save to safety many families from lahar that soaked the community. Burt was born on February 9, 1958, second to a family of nine siblings. His father was a Master Sergeant while his mother stayed at home for the children. He is married to the lovely Lina Marie and blessed with two beautiful daughters, Keina Rae and Riela Jae.

Receiving the award: C/E Fred Haboc, MSBM – Dean, PTC-MAPUA CMET with Ms. Karen Avelino, Philcamsat General Manager.

PTC CAPTAIN EARNS LLOYD-ASIA SEAFARER OF THE YEAR

Capt. Gilbert Cabrera, Ship Master of the M/V Morning Cedar, was honored Seafarer of the Year in the Lloyd’s List Awards, Asia 2011 held last October 26th at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, Hong Kong. Capt. Cabrera is part of the Philippine Transmarine Carriers (PTC) a Philippine-based family of quality seafarers manning various types of vessels on routes all over the world. Lloyd’s List is a renowned global institution. As an international news magazine, it is committed to “provide information, analysis and knowledge for the business decision makers in the global shipping community.” Lloyd’s List gives out awards annually to outstanding companies and individuals who have made significant contributions to the global shipping industry. Lloyd’s List Asia is the regional unit of Lloyd’s List Global and further explains that “… As Asia is becoming the hub of the international maritime industry, Lloyd’s List has expanded its journalism and insight team into the region, providing subscribers with the essential tools to make informed decisions in this increasingly competitive and complex shipping market. Lloyd’s List Asia provides upto-date independent Asian news, data

and powerful insight on marine trade and finance to help shipping companies effectively plan their business.” Capt. Gilbert Cabrera, commanding an EUKOR cargo ship, earned the award based on exceptional courage during a magnitude 9 earthquake which struck off the coast of Sendai, Japan. His ship narrowly escaped four-to five-meter high tsunami waves as it was docked in the port of Onahama, Japan discharging lumber. When Capt. Cabrera felt unusually strong vibrations on board, he immediately ordered all hands on deck to man fore and aft stations. Then he made an unassisted emergency deberthing from the quay to avoid harm to the crew and damage to the vessel. To ensure the safety of the crew (mostly Filipinos with some Burmese and Singaporeans), Third Officer and Second Engineer were ordered to manage and hold the rest of the crew inside the Muster Station-Square Room. Several mooring lines started to break, causing the ship to jerk violently. Capt. Cabrera asked the Bosun to man the fore station; the Chief Officer, the charge of the aft station; the Chief Engineer and Third Engineer to secure the Engine Room. The last of the mooring lines soon

snapped. The vessel started to move towards the breakwater entrance where larger waves started to break through. And despite being at full sea speed, the vessel was still moving astern pushed by tidal waves. The Second and Third Officers on the Bridge assisted the Captain in the maneuvers, at the same instance watching distance from the breakwater. After some heroics, the vessel gained stability and squeezed safely from the breakwater. The EUKOR report lauded Capt. Cabrera and his crew for excellent seamanship faced with a lifethreatening crisis from force majeure. PTC, through Swedish Crewing Management (SCM), is proud to be the official manning agent of Wallenius Marine Singapore, ship manager of the M/V Morning Cedar. PTC has long been in the forefront of quality seafaring in the Philippines. Now Ambassador Carlos C. Salinas founded it in 1979 with just seven people. After 32 years, PTC currently boasts of 600 employees with an annual deployment of 32,000 seafarers to 90 principals/ship owners worldwide. NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2011

FUSION OF MARITIME NE WS & VIE WS

Medical Repatriation

such compliance, then inform OWWA.

hen is repatriation considered a medical repatriation? Who shoulders the cost?

Should exit visa be needed, the employer or principal shall have 15 days from notice to secure. Any agency involved in the worker’s recruitment, processing, and/or deployment shall also coordinate with the principal or employer in securing the visa.

A 2005 descriptive study was done led by Dr Nicomedes Cruz, involving 5,315 Filipino seafarers who were repatriated for medical reasons and treated in Manila between January 1, 1988 up to December 31, 2002. During this five-year period, illnesses accounted for 64%while 36% were all connected with injuries.

MARITIME LAW

Dr. Cruz says the ten leading causes of medical repatriations are: cerebrovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, hemmorhoids, gallstone, cardiovascular diseases, inguinal hernia, gastritis, hypertension, urinary tract infection and appendicitis

Ten leading injuries are: disc herniation, fractures, cardiovascular diseases, traumatic amputation, cerebrovascular diseases, malignancy, diabetes mellitus, burns, ligamental tear and hearing loss.

Repatriation rights. Under international law, it is the right of every seafarer to be repatriated.. The Maritime Labor Convention of 2006 mandates each Member state shall ensure that seafarers on ships that fly its flag are entitled to repatriation when found medically fit to travel. The MLC 2006 incorporated provisions of the 1987 Repatriation of Seafarers Convention (Revised). In the national level, the obligation to repatriate is embodied in the Migrant and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995, R.A. 8042 ( as amended by R.A. 10022). Rule XIII Section 1 states, “the repatriation of the worker or remains, and the transport of personal effects shall be the primary responsibility of the principal, employer or agency that recruited/deployed. All costs attendant shall be borne by the principal, employer or the agency concerned.” The law says, “every contract for overseas employment shall provide for the primary responsibility of the principal or employer and agency to advance the cost of plane fare, and the obligation of the worker to refund the cost thereof in case his/her fault is determined by the Labor Arbiter.” Further, Section 3, Rule XIII says when repatriation arises and the foreign employer fails to provide for its cost, the POLO or responsible personnel on-site shall simultaneously notify OWWA and the POEA.

POEA notice. The POEA shall issue a notice requiring the agency to provide, within 48 hours from such notice, the plane ticket or the prepaid ticket advice (PTA) to the POLO or Philippine Embassy. The agency shall notify the POEA of

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If the employment agency fails to provide the ticket or PTA within 48 hours, Sect 4, Rule XIII states POEA shall suspend the documentary processing of the agency or impose sanctions. Upon notice from the POEA, OWWA shall advance the costs of repatriation with recourse to the agency or principal. The administrative sanction shall not be lifted until the agency reimburses the OWWA of the cost and interest. In case a seafarer is found not medically fit within 15 days upon arrival in the vessel, the medical clinic that conducted the health examination/s shall pay for repatriation and deployment. The medical clinic may be revoked of its DOH-accreditation if the medical reason for repatriation could have been detected at the time of examination using the DOH Pre-Employment Medical Exam (PEME) package as required.

Compulsory insurance. An important new feature the Migrant and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995, R.A. 8042 ( as amended by R.A. 10022) is the seafarers’ Compulsory Insurance Coverage under Section 37-A secured at no cost to the worker, coverage for the duration of the seafarer’s employment contract and shall cover, among others, medical repatriation. When medically necessary as determined by the attending physician, repatriation under medical supervision to the migrant worker’s residence shall be undertaken by the insurance provider at such time that the migrant worker is medically cleared for travel by commercial carrier. If the period to receive medical clearance to travel exceeds 14 days from the date of discharge from the hospital, an alternative appropriate mode of transportation, such as air ambulance, may be arranged. Medical and non-medical escorts may be provided when necessary. Thus, under R.A. 8042 as amended by R.A. 10022, the responsibility for medical repatriation both by the recruitment/manning agency and the insurance provider, by the medical clinic in case a seafarer is found to be not medically fit within 15 days uponimmediate arrival in the assigned vessel. The medical repatriation provision of R.A. 8042 as amended by R.A. 10022 are likewise embodied in the current POEA Standard Employment Contract for Seafarers. The POEA contract enumerated the liabilities of the employer when the seafarer suffers work-related injury or illness during the term of his contract as follows:

1. The employer shall continue to pay the seafarer his wages during the time he is on board the vessel;

JOB

WE ARE IN NE

2. If the injury or illness requires medical and/or dental treatment in a foreign port, the employer shall be liable for the full cost of such medical, serious dental, surgical and hospital treatment as well as board and lodging until the seafarer is declared fit to work or to repatriated. However, if after repatriation, the seafarer still requires medical attention arising from said injury or illness, he shall be so provided at cost to the employer until such time he is declared fit or the degree of his disability has been established by the company-designated physician. Upon sign-off of the seafarer from the vessel for medical treatment, the employer shall bear the full cost of repatriation in the event the seafarer is declared (1) fit for repatriation; or (2) fit to work but the employer is unable to find employment for the seafarer. Employer liable if. Note Section 20 (B) makes employer liable only when the seafarer suffers from a workrelated injury or illness during the term of his employment. The seafarer should report his illness to an officer once on board the vessel. Records should show he had indeed referred his illness to a nurse or doctor to avail of proper treatment. Only then can it be said that he was repatriated to the Philippines on account of any illness or injury, but not in view of the completion of his contract. The illness must have occurred during the term of the contract. The POEA contract begins from the point-of-hire, usually Manila and ends also at the point-of-hire, usually Manila. If a seafarer is repatriated due to illness at any time during the term of employment, it is considered as occurring during the term of the contract and thus such illness may be compensable.

___________________________________

OFFICERS: M SECOND OFF OFFICERS, TH

LPG (Registered PRODUCT TANK OIL/CHEMICAL BULK CARRIER Emirates) GENERAL CARG RORO (Register ANCHOR HAND

SHIPMANAGEMENT PHILS., INC. 5th Flr., NEDA sa Makati Bldg., 106 Amorsolo St., Legaspi Village Makati City, Philippines Tel: (02)813-6216/813-1929/812-9247/8126836/893-7269 Email: crewtech@crewtech.net www.crewtech.net

BOARD PASS POSSIBILITY PROGRAM OF

QUALIFIED OF APPLY.

FOR INTERES CURRICULUM RECORDS OR

YOU MAY ALS OUR COMPAN

YOU MAY LOO

MARY ANN SA. Vice - President

POEA LICENSE NO: POEA -013 – SB – 103007 – PL NO FEES REQUIRED FOR APPLICATION

JOB OPPORTUNITY WE ARE IN NEED OF CREW FOR THE FOLLOWING VESSELS: OFFICERS: MASTERS, CHIEF OFFICERS, CHIEF ENGINEERS, SECOND OFFICERS, ELECTRICIANS, SECOND ENGINEERS, THIRD OFFICERS, THIRD ENGINEERS & RATINGS LPG (Registered in Italy) PRODUCT TANKERS (Registered in Marshall Islands) OIL/CHEMICAL TANKERS (Registered in Italy, Malta & Marshall Islands) BULK CARRIER (Registered in Marshall Islands, Malta, Cyprus & United Arab Emirates) GENERAL CARGO (Registered in Italy, Panama & Malta) RORO (Registered in Italy) ANCHOR HANDLING (Registered in Italy)

 Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho. Bache-

lor of Science, major in Economics (Dean’s SHIPMANAGEMENT Medalist) in 1991 and Bachelor of Laws in 1998 from the University of the Philippines PHILS., Diliman. Admitted toINC. the bar in April 1999. Heads seafarers’ division of the Sapalo 5th Flr.,the NEDA sa Makati Bldg., Velez Bundang Bulilan law offices. 106 Amorsolo St., Legaspi Village Lecturer on Paralegal Seminars on Legal Rights of Makati City, Philippines the Seafarer in coordination with the churchTel: (02)813-6216/813-1929/812-9247/812based Apostleship 6836/893-7269 of the Sea (AOS). Actively participated in the drafting of various legal Email: crewtech@crewtech.net documents pertaining to seafarers such as www.crewtech.net the revised POEA employment contract and the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the amended Migrant Workers Act. POEA LICENSE NO: POEA -013 – SB – 103007 – PL NO FEES REQUIRED FOR APPLICATION

BOARD PASSERS ARE WELCOME TO APPLY WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF PROMOTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROGRAM OF THE COMPANY. QUALIFIED OFFICERS WITH INTER-ISLAND EXPERIENCE MAY ALSO APPLY. FOR INTERESTED APPLICANTS, PLEASE SUBMIT IN PERSON YOUR CURRICULUM VITAE, TRAINING CERTIFICATES & SERVICE RECORDS OR CALL OUR OFFICES. YOU MAY ALSO HAVE YOUR CURRICULUM VITAE SENT THROUGH OUR COMPANY E-MAIL. YOU MAY LOOK FOR: MARY ANN SA. CABALTEJA Vice - President

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2011

FUSION OF MARITIME NE WS & VIE WS

PORTS

ATI invests $25 million for South Harbor expansion Asian Terminals Inc. (ATI) allocates $25 million for South Harbor’s terminal expansion expected to be completed within 18 months, targeted next year. ATI’s EVP Ernst T.A. Schulze says civil works have started last month and they expect to complete the extension of Pier 3 by 120 meters by about midyear of 2012. “We’re working on an area that’s on the Northern side of the terminal. We try to have extra space for trucks (to) accommodate more…and we will have extra space for container terminal stacking yard,” explains Schulze. Schulze says South Harbor’s capacity will increase to 1 million TEUs, from the current capacity of 950,000, once infrastructure developments are completed. ATI also plans to complete its container yard in Sta. Mesa Manila which is about 2 hectares. About 30 to 35% of the cargo volume in South Harbor come from Cavite, Laguna, Batangas and Rizal (Calabarzon) area. ATI has also put in place two Liebherr post-panamax cranes worth P1 billion last May. These cranes are capable of handling two 20-footer containers in a single lift. The cranes allow ATI to operate on a faster, more efficient and safer manner which ultimately redounds to greater benefits for its clients down the value chain.

PPA reduces increase and by two tranches By Gen Dy The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) grants the petition to increase charges by two of the country’s leading port operators. But PPA reduced to 17% vessel related charges by the International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) seeking 19% and Asian Terminals, Inc. (ATI) requesting 21%. ATI and ICTSI claim rising operational costs demand tariff be increased as they proposed separate percentages. Expectedly, shipping lines led by the Association of International Shipping Lines (AISL) opposed both proposals for tariff rates filed by ATI and ICTS . PPA Port District Manager of Manila/ Southern Luzon, Engr. Constante Fariñas, Jr. says the granting of the rate increase will be implemented in two tranches– the first tranche of 11% is expected to take effect in November and the second tranche ( or the remaining 6%) by the next 6 months or full implementation by May next year. ATI Executive Vice President Ernst T.A. Schulze says they have increased their vessel related cost by 19%, the reason they are asking for the same rate adjustment.

Citing increases in fuel, manpower, and electricity, among others, which ATI can no longer bear, Shultze explains, “We applied for 19 %, so we want to recover everything. With 17%, that means there’s still a difference.” He adds that since they cannot recover all the cost they will just be more efficient in operating the port. He claims the cost recovery will not make any difference on their revenues but will affect its bottomline. Col.Edgardo Abesamis, EVP of ICTSI says the tariff increase petition was needed since they haven’t had cost recovery since 2008 and have been suffering for the past three years. ICTSI and ATI handle about 60% of the cargoes passing through Manila and the bulk of the country’s foreign trade. Maximino T. Cruz, GM of AISL says they have negotiated for a lower tariff increase because shipping lines are still reeling from high fuel, low freight rates and low volume of cargo moved. Shipping lines operating in and out of the country complain of overcapacity and reduced freight rates as well as volatile shipping industry which is a world-wide situation.

ICTSI allocate $110 million for MICT berth 6 Berth 6 is on its finishing touches towards being a world-class cargo facility.

operate the berth on the first quarter of 2012.”

This is the assurance of EVP Edgardo Abesamis, as he commits $110-million that includes cargo-handling equipment for his port operations as International Container Terminal Services (ICTSI).

ICTSI is now awaiting delivery of two quay cranes for Berth 6 worth $15 million by mid January. Six rubber-tired gantries worth $2.4 million are already in inventory, while awaiting for other principal cargo-handling equipment worth $1 million.

Berth 6 is at the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT), now buzzing with frenetic construction to wind-up the remaining 30% upgrade. Abesamis firmly assures that, “Even though the contractor is a little bit delayed, they are still working on its target to fully

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NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2011

Berth 6 is very critical because MICT is handling more containers and it needs to be more efficient in port operations. ICTSI expands Berth 6 by 320 meters, needing three quay cranes and reach stackers. It is also scouting for an area

outside the port zone as truck holding area. “We are working with ICTSI to equip its expansion on Berth 6 with additional radiation portal monitors,” advances US Megaports of the US Department of Energy. Megaports manager Kimberly Prono says, “The radiation detection facility already installed at Asian Terminals (ATI) at South Harbor and MICT, were intended to deter, detect, and prevent nuclear materials and other radio-active materials from leaving port. These container scanners are crucial to Philippine and world trade.

US$10-million investment saves ICTSI 20% on fuel A brand-new fleet of eight rubber-tired gantries (RTG) will cut fuel costs by about 20%, leveling up International Container Terminal Services’ (ICTSI) efficiency at the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT). This also makes ICTSI the largest fleet of RTGs in the country from 37 units to 45 with a direct investment of some US10-million for the gantries alone. ICTSI expects delivery of the gantries (RTGs) by June next year in two batches to support MICT’s new and expanded Berth 6. The RTGs acquired from Kalmar Industries employ the latest technology to provide optimum efficiency on economy of operation to yield fuel savings of 20%, at least, compared to the current fleet. They are configured to provide one over five high stacking and six containers plus roadway wide. Precise container handling is enhanced through the latest Siemens Sinamics technology in which container sway is controlled through an

automatic electronic system.

and its flagship facility, MICT.

Enviroment- friendly, operation speeds are higher than existing cranes but with lower noise and less exhaust emission.

Kalmar is a global provider of container and heavy duty materials handling equipment, automation applications and related services. It is the world’s leading supplier of cargo handling equipment to ports, terminals and intermodal facilities.

Maintenance, too, is reduced thanks to elimination of hydraulic systems and extended intervals between engine lube, coolant and overhaul periods. All these translate to reduced labor and lower consumable material costs. Operator comfort is also increased with cabins that are equipped with high efficiency air conditioning, comfortable suspension seats, a low noise environment and state of the art joystick controls. All of the usual features are adopted at MICT operators such as fully automatic steering, CCTV and container position reporting are also provided to ensure that ICTSI’s premier port remains at the forefront of operational efficiency. Kalmar has delivered equipment to ICTSI at a number of its facilities around the world including Baltic ContainersTerminal in Gydnia, Poland

The order will raise the terminal’s RTG fleet from the current 37 to 45, the largest RTG fleet in the Philippines and among the other ICTSI-operated terminals worldwide. This investment, together with the startup of Berth 6, will raise the MICT’s current annual capacity of 1.9 million TEUs to 2.5 million TEUs. Meanwhile, another order has been placed for two new ZPMC super postPanamax quay cranes also for the new Berth 6. These cranes, capable of lifting containers on 18-container wide vessels will enter service in 2012 and share many of the high technology features incorporated into the RTG design. NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2011

FUSION OF MARITIME NE WS & VIE WS

GALLERY

Jimenez with President Ramos.

The VP with maritime stakeholders.

The radio broadcasters. Vice President Binay with San Miguel Properties official and 1st PHL Seafarer Congress organizers.

Marino World ladies.

Singer DJ Joph marches at Kalaw parade.

FUSION OF MA RI T I ME NE W S & VI E W S FUSION OF MARI T I ME NE W S & VI E W S

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2011

LUSWELF Administrator Anfred Yulo at the Boodle Fight.

WHO READS MARINO WORLD. Mr. Alex Verchez, President of Teekay Shipping Philippines.

Shipowner sweats it out.

Mother and daughter tandem.

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FUSION OF MARITIME NE WS & VIE WS

SPORTS

With the runners, Ms. Marissa Oca of the Gig and the Gig and the Amazing Sampaguita Foundation (GASFI).

FAME HITS RECORD RUN

lmost 5,000 registered in FAME’s 5th Annual Fun Run, a record multitude in terms of social strata and civic advocacy --- mixing and panting on the theme, “ Go Marino Go, Healthy Body, Healthy Mind!” The Filipino Association for Mariners’ Employment, Inc. (FAME) was the major organizer of the very successful event last OctoberFirst, starting at the IMAX Open Parking Area, SM Mall of Asia (MOA), Pasay City.

Geodito Pamittan (Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific) and Jinky Pateros ruled 5K runners. Gerald Apsay (Cargo Safeway) and Pamela Castro (Reinier Pacific Intl) outdueled the rest in the challenging 10k category. Rotary Intl District 3830 awarded a specialty block to Rotarians in FAME’s Fun Run, viz: Level 3k, Reynold M. Sabay, RCMBuendia

The Rotary Clubs of RI District 3830 were major participants with seafarers, executives and employees of manning agencies and their families, different maritime associations and unions adding up as the biggest total since the activity was launched in Year 2006. Also, generous donations poured in, enabling FAME to donate Php100,000 to the Red Cross for victims of Typhoon Pedring and Quiel in Northern Luzon areas.

Category Best Runs. Charles Catilo (Multinational Marine) and Gigi Bermejo (Phil Transmarine Carriers) took top honors in the 3k event.

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Part of the Winners.

Level 5k, Rowel Ecleo, RCMBonifacio Level 10k, Danjo Kalaw, RCMBonifacio In the raffle draw, luck went to Marvin Ramirez (Wallem Maritime) who won a Nokia cellphone from Smart Communications. The bicycle donated by Sagrada Corazon Medical and Allied Center when to Glisand B. Lagrosa of Magsaysay Maritime.

Title Name Company Champion Charles Catilo Multinational Maritime, Inc. 2nd Place John Paulo Salamat BSM Crew Service Centre Phils., Inc. 3rd Place Manuel Laverento MMSPhil Maritime Services, Inc. 4th Place Ginno Guillamon Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific 5th Place Alvin Luchavez Marlow Navigation Phils., Inc. 3K/FEMALE CATEGORY Title Name Company Champion Gigi Bemejo Philippine Transmarine Carriers, Inc. 2nd Place Diana Mae Ellad Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific 3rd Place Marilou Estrella Stolt-Nielsen Philippines, Inc. 4th Place Anna Victoria Tamula Albar Shipping & Trading Corp. 5th Place Jejerlou Barcena Phoenix Maritime Corp. 5K/MALE CATEGORY Title Name Company CEBU CITY Champion Geodito Pamittan Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific 2nd Place Romhel John Gonzaga NYK-Fil Ship Management, Inc. 3rd Place Mark Ian Rendon United Filipino Seafarers 4th Place Angie Abiera United Filipino Seafarers 5th Place Ronald De Tablan Southfield Agencies, Inc. 5K/FEMALE CATEGORY Title Name Company Champion Jinky Pateros Phoenix Maritime Corp. 2nd Place Nido Ceres Seacrest Maritime Mgt., Inc. 3rd Place Joan Gift Mandose Phil. Merchant Marine Academy 4th Place Kristine Padernilla Phil. Merchant Marine Academy 5th Place Jasmine Borja Skanfil Maritime Services, Inc. 10K/MALE CATEGORY Title Name Company Champion Gerald Apsay Cargo Safeway, Inc. 2nd Place Joy Reginald Antolin Compass Training Center, Inc. 3rd Place Estelito Hijalga Phoenix Maritime Corp. 4th Place 5th Place Carlo Alcalen Wallem Maritime Services, Inc. 10K/FEMALE CATEGORY Title Name Company Champion Pamela Castro Reinier Pacific Int’l. Shpg., Inc. 2nd Place Chelsea Nadine Perido Phil. Merchant Marine Academy 3rd Place Lady Eizen Masicap Phil. Merchant Marine Academy 4th Place Karen Cacho Phil. Merchant Marine Academy Rotary 3K/MALE CATEGORY Title Name Company Champion Capt. Reynold M. Sabay RC Makati Buendia 2nd Place Ralph Arvin Nicomedes RC Makati Legazpi 3rd Place Ivan Bradley RC Makati Legazpi 5K/MALE CATEGORY Title Name Company Champion Rowel Ecleo RC Makati Bonifacio 2nd Place Stephen Lemmor Ilagan RC Makati Bonifacio 3rd Place Carl Francis Sales RC Makati Bonifacio

CEBU CITY

SOON TO OPEN

Main Office 5th Flr. 2053 Bldg. Edison St., Makati City Tel: (02) 8882764 / 94 / 73 Fax: (02) 8872759 Satellite Office G/F Suite 107A, Ermita Center Bldg., 1350 Roxas Blvd., Manila City Tel: (02) 5224190 or (02) 4508206 Cebu Branch 6th Floor, Escario Bldg., N. Escario St., Brgy. Capitol, Cebu City Tel: (032) 5203747 or (032) 5203141

SOON TO OPEN

Website: www.newsimulator.com Email: info@newsimulator.com

APICIUS CULINARY ARTS & HOTEL MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS, INC.

Offers

Cargo Ship Cooks Culinary Development Program

This Program offers specialized courses for clients within the Cargo Shipping Industries. Our Clients can combine a number of Modules specifically focusing on their special requirements.

Modules available: Basic HACCP and Kitchen Hygiene Basics of Kitchen Management, Cost Control and Inventory Management Middle Eastern cooking British Cooking Dutch Cooking Croatian Cooking Polish Cooking South East Asian Cooking German Cooking

Greek Cooking Indian Cooking Korean Cooking Japanese Cooking Chinese Cooking Norwegian Cooking Russian and Ukrainian Cooking Modern and Traditional French Cooking Mediterranean Cooking Scandinavian Cooking

Theory Modules are based on sessions with 1 Day of 8 hours.

In cooperation with our Allied Partner, NORTHSTAR TRAINING

we also offer

P.A.S.S.P.O.R.T. on board Cruise / Cargo Vessels Program on Acquiring Stewarding/ Galley Utility Skills and Preparatory Orientation on the Responsibilities and Tasks on board Cruise / Cargo Vessels Course Scope: The sevenͲday course provides knowledge and skills training for graduates of Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRM) / Seaman Ratings Course (SRC) to be able to board Cruise/Cargo vessels in the international trade. An ideal training for individuals aspiring to work on board Cruise/Cargo Vessels. Course Duration: 7 Days (4 Days at Apicius Culinary Arts Facilities and 3 Days at NORTHSTAR Training Center)

Your PASSPORT on board Cruise/Cargo Vessels. Get a chance to work abroad and earn dollars.

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www.apiciusͲculinary.com NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2011

FUSION OF MARITIME NE WS & VIE WS

TRAVEL

Oh! that Korean feel By Gen Dy Korea has a very rich tradition, wonderful palace, delightful food and people with a very strong character and principle. It was my first time to visit Seoul, an environment friendly city that brings nature culture and history together. Its really cold there in Korea. As most Filipinos are Koreanovela addicts, for sure you can easily jive and understand the Korean people. Most importantly, I got so excited to see places which I’ve only seen on television. If you’re interested in cruise, they have the Han River Cruise to enjoy the beauty of Seoul and enjoy the largest aquarium of Asia, the COEX aquarium. One famous place for tourists is the Gyeongbokgung Palace. It is impressive with its rationalist form of geometry. Lets jump into the past. In 1395, three years after the founding of the Joseon Dynasty by Yi Seong-gye, the new main palace, Gyeongbokgung was completed. The Palace was built as presence for the last dynasty. The palace was destroyed by fire during the Japanese invasions of 1592 and was reconstructed in 1865 to 1868, the 5th year of King Gojong. Only a few buildings were left standing. An effort to restore Gyeongbokgung to its former glory has been completed in 1995. You will see 12 animal figures at the ceilings, which were imported from China. They believe, the clay figures can eat the fire spirit. These animal figures serve as protection from fire. You can also see in this palace the King’s throne which was left there as well as good paintings. I must not miss having a picture in front of the façade. I patiently waited for a guy to leave the spot I’ve been eyeing . He knew

FUSION OF MA RI T I ME NE W S & VI E W S

I was waiting, then, I got the courage to say “ excuse me can I have a picture here also,” hoping he would leave right away. He asked me if I’m a Korean and where I lived? I said I am a Filipino tourist. Later, he asked his friend to take a picture of us. He is a Palestinian tourist and he said he likes Korea too. In Hanok village, you will understand the lives of their Korean ancestors. In this traditional village, five Hanok houses were moved there. Its for the new generations to learn about their past and a must see for tourists also.

They housed various types of furniture and household goods arranged in accordance with the size of the houses and the social status of the people who lived there. I only pass by the Blue House, the residence of the President. Camera is not allowed in this 2-3 minute- drive through, since all the 6,000 guards are watching you. I saw complex of buildings, with Mt. Pukak at the background. Mt. Pukak is a holy mountain and according to feng shui, its very lucky to live in that place because of the holy mountain and

Bulgogi.

Street food.

King’s Throne left at the Palace.

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2011

a river in front. The mountain blocks the fierce wind and the river is believed, to give abundant water. The cost of the house near the place range from $900,000 to $1 million . Filipinos love shopping and we’re fond of discounts. I went to Migliora Mall to look for jacket and see some of the stuff there. A good jacket cost about 50,000 KRW and a pair of lingerie cost 28,000 KRW in Migliora, a place comparable to Greenhills mall. Our P450 is equivalent to 10,000 KRW (Korean won). I had a memorable experience with an old lady trader. She does not speak English, but for Filipinos there are ways to communicate. I used her calculator to ask for discount. Then, she smiled and give it to me. But she had another question which I really cannot understand. I just said “yes I will buy that and I have the money to pay.” The old lady then held my breast to see if the brassiere fits me. Later, I understood she was asking for my size. Our Korean tour guide explained to me that normally old women and mothers took the size of their daughters’ bra by measuring the breast using their hands. Its not an insult gesture for me, I just felt she’s my grandma. I laughed a lot when I recall this experience. Insadong is the place if you want to buy Korean souvenirs. The street is relaxing and its cool to walk and watch the galleries, arts and craft displayed outside the stores and antiques. For 10,000 KRW, you can

Myeongdong. only buy little items like ref magnet, keychains, chopstick. After you pay and take the item , you say ‘kamsahamnida’, it means ‘thank you’. The seller will surely smile at you . Myeongdong is a bustling street with high rise financial buildings, shopping malls , cosmetics and boutiques. It tops the list of the major tourist spots in Korea for shopping.

They also have street foods and of course in their meal, they would never miss Kimchi. Their Korean barbeque called Bulgogi a delicious marinated beef , is a national dish next to Kimchi. The third most famous is the deliciously spicy Bibimbap, a rice mixed with vegetables, beef, egg, chili pepper paste. I had the chance to feel how its like to be a Korean, thanks to Cebu Pacific. CEB now flies from both Manila and Cebu to Incheon (Seoul) and Busan. The flight takes 3.5 hours.

PHILIPPINE ASSOCIATION OF MANNING AGENCIES AND SHIPMANAGERS, INC.

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2011

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NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2011

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FUSION OF MA RI T I ME NE W S & VI E W S

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