Preventing seafaring dreams from turning into nightmares

to Filipino seafarers serving the world merchant fleet,” explains Alampay.

The MLC will ensure fair and healthy competition among ships and shipowners for skilled, well- trained and competent seafarers.” Dr. Conrado Oca, president of the Associated Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines says the MLC, 2006 is very important, especially to the hundred thousand Filipino seafarers they represent.

“It will make a major contribution to decent working conditions and to the improvement of the quality of life on board for Filipino seafarers. The Convention also deals with the regulation of the practice of recruitment and placement services, including prohibiting the black listing of seafarers that complain about conditions.”

Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz of the Department of Labor and Employment also believes that the MLC will lead to increases in productivity and competitiveness.

“The MLC will ensure fair and healthy competition among ships and shipowners for skilled, well- trained and competent seafarers. It will guarantee that ships are operated safely, leading to fewer problems for ship owners, manning agencies and seafarers,” says Baldoz.

After two years of working on a cruise ship, Alec will now be moving to a new job on a tanker. His wages and benefits will be triple what he used to earn but he’ll also face all the risks involved in working on a tanker ship.

Despite that, Alex has accepted the job offer. He knows that the money he’ll send back home can help his parents repair their home and pay for medical treatment for his father, who has a heart ailment.

He’s leaving his country with high hopes that the Philippines will be able to fully implement the MLC, 2006.