For the past decade, research says that our country is the supplier of almost one-third of the world’s shipping manpower, according to the Department of Labor and Employment. Different crewing managers and their foreign principal may agree that what truly makes a Filipino the most dependable shipmate are their inherent traits of being adaptable, hard-working and friendliness that create a harmonious relationship essential to the working situation on board. But a recent study from Baltic and International Council (BIMCO) and the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) revealed that seafarers from China have already overtaken our Filipino seafarers as producers of qualified and competent manpower of the sea.
Many other countries like India and our neighbouring countries such as Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia are very aggressive in improving the competency level of their seafarers with support coming from their respective governments. In addition, Capt. Gaudencio Morales, president of Integrated Seafarers of the Philippines (ISP), mentioned that employment for Filipino seafarers is decreasing due to the global shipping market downturn. The impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) situation in the demand and distribution of consumer goods is another situation that may force seafarers to ponder on their future. This will open the doors for them to pursue entrepreneurship as a means of livelihood if the demand for their services continues to decline.
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