Japanese, PH maritime leaders cite MAAP merchant marine graduates

KAMAYA POINT, Bataan – Japanese and Filipino maritime leaders extolled young graduates of the leading maritime institution in the Philippines and AsiaPacific region – the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP) – for their efforts and sacrifices to complete their courses to become professional deck and engine officers and be productive members of the world merchant marine fleet.

In his speech as guest of honor and commencement exercise speaker at the graduation of MAAP’s 255-member ‘Zefareas Class’ of 2015, and three masteral graduates last May 23 at the Academy’s campus in Barangay Alas-Asin, Mariveles this province, All -Japan Seamen’s Union (AJSU) President Yasumi Morita told the young graduates, “with your new power, as seafarers, you are going to spread your wings with active role around the world.” “Seafarers are underpinning the world economy as a cornerstone of international logistics , not only in Japan and the Philippines, but globally,” he said.

“Every year, new technologies are developed, and wonderful, modern vessels are built by such technologies, but without competent seafarers, it is impossible to make full use of high performance of the vessels and ‘operate them safely!,’” he point out.

Airing a special note at the 1978 STCW International Convention that prescribes the standards, training, certification and watch-keeping of seafarers as amended in 2010 in Manila, he said: “The fact that the Conference was held in the Philippines is a proof that Filipino seafarers’ ability is recognized highly in the world,” stressed Morita, who was introduced by Vice Admiral Eduardo Ma. R. Santos, AFP (ret.), President of MAAP.

Cognizant of the shortage of seafarers suffered by the international shipping industry, shipping firms of the world have tried to recruit seafarers from other Asian countries, than the Philippines, he said. “but since the Filipino seafarers are given high evaluation, Japan and other nations continuously seek for excellent Filipino seafarers.” “This excellent reputation reflects your senior seafarers’ efforts in safe operation on board,” he told the graduating class.

MAAP Governing Board Chairman Dr. Conrado F. Oca, who delivered the welcome address, said, “Our graduation ceremony is a testimony to the nobility of the maritime profession” “As we commend the graduates, we also promote awareness about the maritime industry and recognize its valuable contributions to international trade and commerce. We call to mind the significant contribution of Filipino seafarers to our economic prosperity – US$5.6 billion was recorded as inward remittance of sea-based workers last year,” he said, adding our graduates will by now embark a new journey into the maritime world – “a vital global industry, full of life and dynamism that moves 96 percent of the world trade.”

Out of more than 48,000 seafarers from Japan and other nations deployed aboard Japanese vessels at present, some 35,000 are Filipinos. 4,777 of them are holders of Japanese licenses or certificates. Based on data of International Labor Organization (ILO), there are currently around 1.2 million to 1.5 million seafarers around the world. Close to 500,000 of them, are Filipinos, or around one-third of the world’s merchant marine fleet.