The future of Filipino seafarers
Filipino seafarers have higher salaries because they bring so much more to the table. However, times have changed.
In my many years of providing government-mandated training programs to our seafarers, I can say that Filipino seafarers are indeed our national treasure. They have been on top of the game because of their hard work, dedication, and passion. They bring to the workplace not just their competencies but also the right attitude, which makes them rise above seafarers of other nationalities. They are resilient and able to withstand any difficulty in life (sadness, boredom, and even depression) while maintaining their focus at work. But how long can they be on this spot? How can we as a nation sustain this advantage for our incumbent and future seafarers?
Our seafarers enjoy the trust of many foreign shipping vessel owners. Filipino seafarers are known all over the world for their traits — hardworking, flexible, reliable, and proficient in English. But recent studies show that seafarers from China have already overtaken us as a major producer of seafarers. Other countries such as India are aggressive in improving the competencies of their seafarers with a lot of government support. So while the Philippines is still the top supplier, this does not mean we can be complacent.
Several factors seem to have led to this situation. Many of our seafarers hesitate to comply with the voluminous requirements of different government agencies. These requirements include more training, certifications, and permits necessary for them to be promoted. Our seafarers hesitate to comply because of the costs of these trainings, their lack of time with their families, and the effort they have to exert in dealing with various agencies.
Another important factor to consider is the cost of hiring. Filipino seafarers have higher salaries because they bring so much more to the table. However, times have changed, and many foreign ship owners want to be profitable. Paying lower salaries would naturally be enticing for them, and this may be one of the reasons why they consider seafarers from China and India.
This is a clarion call not to a specific industry, but to our na-
tion as a whole. These challenges facing us will require not BandAid solutions but rather, serious discussions with all stakeholders. First, government should assess how it can fast track and make efficient the promotion of our seafarers. Second, the maritime training sector should provide the best training to our seafarers. Third, our seafarers should retain their desire and passion to work. They should keep up with what is new and equip themselves so that they are ready for the changing times. For starters, they should strengthen their core skills and when they are home, they should take time to update their knowledge and skills. Finally, Filipino business movers and influencers can perhaps start investing in shipyards. After all, we have the best manpower in the world. The Philippines is home to the largest shipyards, but most of them, if not all, are foreign-owned.
Leveling up the game for our seafarers is not one person’s job but the whole nation’s. We all have a part in making this happen not next year nor tomorrow, but now. �