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Facts and figures from the first national seafarers convention
 

THIS writer was privileged enough to be invited thru the Apostleship of the Sea (AOS) and the United Filipino Seafarers (UFS) to the Filipino Seafarers’ National Convention held September 27 and 28, 2002, at the Manila Hotel. The convention was organized by the Office of the Vice President thru the Commission of Filipino Overseas. It was headed by Merlin M. Magallona. 

For the benefit of the many Filipino seafarers who failed to attend the convention and with the kind indulgence of the organizing committee, the following are some relevant facts and figures the author has lifted from the manual of the convention:

1. The Philippines remains to be the biggest source of seafarers in the global market, accounting for 28.5% of the total population on board ships in the world. Other major sources of seafarers are Russia (7.3%), Ukraine (6.2%), Poland (5.9%) and China (5.4%). (Source: Seafarers International Research Centre, Cardiff University, 2001)

2. Records at the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) indicate that deployment of seafarers went up by 4% in the first quarter of 2002. Almost 60,000 seafarers left the country from January to March 31, 2002 as compared to the 49,950 that were deployed during the same period last year.

3. From 1990-2001, remittance of overseas Filipino through official banking channels alone amounted to more than US$ 47 billion, 14% of which from Filipino seafarers.

4. Recent deployment, indicates that there has been a sharp decline in the number of seafarers who work for the deck and engine department. The number of those who work on deck has dipped to 13%, while those who work in the engine department decreased by 40%. Those working in the catering department on the other hand, increased significantly. (An Update of Filipino Seafarers, Asian Migrant, October-December 2000)

5. Records reveal that only 29% of the examinees for the 3rd mate  position, qualify for licensure, while only 35% qualify for the 4th engineer position, thereby indicating the need to upgrade educational and training programs for Filipino seafarers. (Statement of DOLE Secretary Patricia Sto. Tomas, 1st Congress on Maritime Education and Training, 4-5 July 2002)

6. In terms of supply, there are 514,580 registered seafarers in the Philippines (Source: POEA). Only 198,324 were deployed in the year 2000, which means that the rest (316,256 or 61%) are waiting to board ships, or are practically unemployed. There is indeed a great “reserve army or unemployed seafarer” in the Philippine labor market. (Source: Seafarers International Research Centre, Cardiff University, 2001).

7. From 1985 to 1990, the  number of Filipino seafarers in the global labor market was more than doubled. Their number are still rapidly increasing. (POEA)

8. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) “white list” of 27 countries that complied with the initial standards of seafarers includes the Philippines. There is confidence among Philippine authorities that the Philippines would be able to maintain its status within the “white list” of countries supplying seafarers. Nevertheless, it is possible that a significant number of seafarers who are unable to comply with the necessary certificates, will not be allowed to board ships, and will thus be unemployed. (Source: Seafarers International Research Center, Cardiff University, 2001).

9. There are reported cases of recruitment of fresh HRM graduates as “ trainees” on board cruise/passenger ships with allowance as low as US $50 a month. These “trainees” are reportedly displacing the seasoned seafarers given their lower pay and benefits expectation.( Kaoshiung Satellite Consultation, 27-27 2002).

10. If these facts and figures are indeed true, it appears that despite being the Number 1 source of seafarers in the word-wide seafaring industry and the amount of remittances to the government, the Philippines sill needs to safeguard the rights of Luneta and see the hundreds languishing, waiting to be deployed. There are still a lot seafarers being exploited by unscrupulous shipping agencies thru underpayment or even non-payment of wages.

With these in light, the author hopes that the draft Magna Carta for Filipino seafarers, which was the output of the convention, be made into law. This Magna Carta will nurture excellence and competitiveness among Filipino seafarers, empower the Filipino seafarers towards a secure future and of course, promote the rights and well-being of Filipino seafarers.

(The author is formerly the chief of the Legal and Enforcement Division of the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) and Professor of law at the college of law, Manuel L. Quezon University. He is the External Vice-President of the Maritime Law Association of the Philipines. He is presently an attorney with admiralty and labor laws as his main concern at the Sapalo & Velez Law Offices, 11th Floor, Security Bank Centre, 6778 Ayala Avenue, Makati City, Tel. No.891-13-16.) 

EDITORIAL
Numero Uno!

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More requirements in the name of STCW ‘95
Capt. Reynold M. Sabay

UGONG NG MAKINA AT IKOT NG ELISI
Nilunok natin, kaya nabilaukan tayo
Engr. Nelson P. Ramirez

SPIRITUAL VOYAGE
The regional consultation in Cebu
Fr. Roland Doriol, S.J.

THE LAW OF SEAFARERS
Facts and figures from the first national seafarers convention
Atty. LeonardoVinz O. Ignacio

VAST HORIZON
I’ve only just begun
C/Engr. Rodolfo B. Virtudazo

AN OPEN LETTER TO
HER EXCELLENCY, 
PRESIDENT GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO

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Usapang Marino
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