Marina leads PH delegation to maritime conference in UK

Marina office in Manila. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Delegates from the Philippines took part in the maritime training and lectures held in the United Kingdom, which also became a venue to discuss and address harassment in the maritime sector, the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) said on Tuesday.

In a statement, the delegation participated in the 9th Session of the Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW) from Feb. 6 to 10, at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Headquarters in London.

Marina Administrator Hernani Fabia said the HTW offered training and certification, review, and updating of IMO model courses to the participants.

It also offered lectures and advice on exhaustion, bullying, and harassment in the maritime industry, including sexual assault and sexual harassment.

Meanwhile, Fabia spoke about the nation’s position during the discussion of a number of agenda items in the conference.

Among the topics discussed, the implementation of the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Convention, 1978, as amended, Comprehensive Review of the STCW Convention and Code, Comprehensive Review of the 1995 STCW-F Convention, and Philippine Measures were tackled to address fraudulent certificates.

Meanwhile, in a separate meeting with IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim, Fabia shared the nation’s measures in support of Filipino seafarers’ interests in accordance with the STCW Convention.

He also expressed his gratitude to the IMO for helping the nation through its Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme (ITCP).

“The organization will continue to provide technical assistance to the Philippines and encourage the Philippines to support the work of the IMO on maritime safety and marine environment protection,” Lim said in response.  — Kimberly Albaño, INQUIRER.net trainee

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