A WEB page enabling workers to gain rapid access to essential information about their health and safety rights and responsibilities has been set up by the Health and Safety Executive.

The "workers’ webpage" http://www.hse.gov.uk/ workers
- covers the roles and responsibilities of employers and employees, as well as issues such as ‘whistle-blowing’ and reporting accidents.

FLAG OF CHOICE
MARINA Moves to Make Philippine Registry a Viable Alternative for Foreign Shipowners

By Rey Gambe

With the condemnation that Panama has been getting from the maritime industry both in the local front and to some extent, in the international arena, due to yet another questionable ‘mandatory training initiative’ from the Panamanian Maritime Directorate, the ongoing effort of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to promote and expand the Philippine ship registry now appears to be a ray of light at the end of the tunnel.

MARINA Administrator Vicente Suazo Jr. disclosed to Tinig ng Marino that efforts are continuously being made to incorporate the promotion and further development of the Philippine ship registry into the National Development Agenda to be able to give foreign shipowners a viable and sound alternative to flag of convenience (FOC) registries.

“We want the Philippine ship registry to become the new FOC for foreign shipowners, not a flag of convenience but a Flag of Choice,” cites Suazo.

“It is our vision for the Philippines to be a key player in the global maritime industry with a fleet of competitive vessels serving the domestic, regional and international trades, with an abundant pool of seafarers, compliant with global and national standards for quality, safety, security and maritime environmental conservation in support of our national development and economic recovery,” explains the MARINA Administrator.
FULL STORY >> 

Panama Puts Itself in Hot Water
By Rey Gambe

After recently institutionalizing a laudable crew promotions system through upgrade courses, the Panamanian Maritime Directorate perhaps got so carried away with the hype of its noteworthy decision and followed it up by an extremely bad one for the Filipino seafarers.

Initially released in April and to take effect on July 1, 2006, the Panamanian Maritime Directorate issued a circular unilaterally imposing on masters, chief mates, first deck officers, chief engineers, and first engineer officers working on board Panamanian-registered vessels to take the Panamanian  Maritime Law Course. 

In justifying its action, the circular even cited Rule 1/10.1.2 of the STCW ‘95 Convention. And to serve as icing to the cake it is baking, the course is to be facilitated only by accredited Panamanian maritime lawyers for a training fee of US$350 per seafarer.

This naturally got the ire of the Filipino seafarers, particularly those working onboard Panamanian-flagged vessels, and of course, the Philippine maritime industry in general.
FULL STORY  >>

UFS Holds First Forum in Rotterdam
By Grace Cabactulan

The United Filipino Seafarers (UFS) chalked up another milestone in its rich and colorful 11-year history by holding its first ever forum at Zeemanhuis (seaman’s house) in Rotterdam at the Netherlands on May 19, 2006, with the presence of Engr. Nelson P. Ramirez, UFS President.

Bob Ramirez, President of UFS Rotterdam, specifically cited the significance of the event during his welcome remarks to touch off the ensuing panel discussion that centered on the current challenges and concerns of Filipino seafarers worldwide.

Several members and leaders of the Friends of UFS graced the event. The leaders who sat on the panel included Dhr. Nico Sannes, secretary of the Community Advocacy for Seafarers Concerns (CASCO), an experienced union organizer as well as a willing provider of assistance to Filipino seafarers; Atty. Andre Beker, a labor lawyer who specializes in maritime labor disputes previously connected with the International Transport Federation (ITF); Ds. Helene Perfors, a Protestant pastor doing pastoral work for the seafarers; Honorary Philippine Consul Henk Meijboom, who is currently connected with the Broekman Group; and Engr. Ramirez of the UFS.

Third Vice Consul of the Philippine Embassy Mr. Adrian Cruz also attended the productive discussion, which was effectively handled by Grace Cabactulan, a recognized key figure in the Filipino community in Rotterdam, by serving as forum moderator.
FULL STORY >>

PMMA Breaks New Industry Grounds with 183rd Commencement Rites

History-making has become a major facet of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) for the last 186 years of its existence. In its ceaseless quest for excellence in maritime education and training, the academy has unwaveringly kept its status as the premiere maritime school not only in the Philippines but also in Asia.

The academy’s 183rd Commencement Exercises held on June 9, 2006 was no exception as it became yet another opportunity for the PMMA to break new grounds in the maritime industry.

While ushering in properly-educated, well-trained as well as tried-and-tested maritime cadets to the industry has become a perennial accomplishment for the academy, PMMA booked another date with history with several new milestones during its most recent graduation ceremony.

Aptly carrying the theme “A Comprehensive Response to Globalization through Maritime Education and Technological Innovations,” the PMMA’s 183rd Commencement Exercises is the first in its rich history where a lady student emerged as the academy’s crème de la crème. Deck cadette Zulaika M. Calibjo finished on top of the PMMA Class 2006 as Magna Cum Laude in what was regarded as one of the most competitive academic races witnessed in the institution. Emerging as the class topnotcher, Calibjo barely edged deck cadet Rex B. Rabara, who also graduated Magna Cum Laude.
FULL STORY  >>

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