Marino World January - February 2011 Edition

VOLUME V • No.
5 WHER E MAR ITIME N E W S & V IE W S FU S E JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2011
AMOSUP
YEARS
1960 - 2010
PTGWO-ITF
Captain Gregorio S. Oca

A Tribute to the World’s Greatest
Seafarer and Labor Leader
 Examiners want test questions published
 Benefits and burdens from the new SEC
 DOLE to review offshore employment contract
 Aquino names two Hanjin ships
 Reducing sulfur emissions in bunker fuel
JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2011
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JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2011 3
publisher’s note
Marino World pays

tribute to its savior
Thank you Captain Oca. . .

L
ike thousands of seafarers and stakeholders in the mari- person like me would be given significance by a great leader and
time industry, whose lives were touched by Captain Gre- fighter of seamen’s rights and welfare.
gorio S. Oca, I too, have wept not because he signed up on Do I see the Savior in the person of Captain Oca who spent
a permanent vacation, but rather because I wasn’t able to thank time listening and preaching the poor and low in spirit? Captain
him personally before his eternal flight. Oca could have been used as God’s instrument in boosting my
Just like a daughter who knows his dad won’t ask anything in morale, in uplifting my spirit, and in showing me what to do to
return, a warm embrace could have been enough to let him know face the challenges that have taken me aback.
how grateful I am for all the support and encouragement he freely It all started there. Not much of financial support but the
gave when I was on the brink of giving up this publication. privilege he has awarded prompted the industry that a great lea-
Indeed, you can say that Captain Gregorio S. Oca, is also der like Captain Oca and an institution like AMOSUP would
the savior of Marino World magazine. give importance to Marino World.
Back in 2007, when I was faze with flurry of problems ari- Since then, things have changed. Marino World started to
sing from troubles in the printing press, shortfall of workforce, get noticed and recognized by the industry. With all modesty,
and deficit in advertising support which resulted in financial the image of Marino World soared high in spirit and has fur-
constraint, I found myself in a tropical depression with so many ther strengthened its mission in harmony with the advocacies of
questions flashing on my weary head. AMOSUP to promote, serve, and balance the general interest of
“Why can’t the industry stakeholders see the mission of this the seafarers and the shipping stakeholders.
publication? Why is it hard to get their support? Why are they In retrospect, I get to know more about Captain Oca and
hesitant about Marino World when this magazine is actually his advocacies, and principles in life and towards the profession
conceptualized to promote the maritime industry, the seafaring as I cover each activity and meeting of AMOSUP. I learned so
profession and the welfare of the seafarer-families, which are many great things and valuable information that have guided me
very evident in the pages of our publication?” in this voyage.
All alone in my tearful melancholy, I was on my knees be- I couldn’t help but cry upon hearing the necrology message of
seeching guidance from God to show me what to do, where to his trusted gentleman, Vice Admiral Eduardo Ma R. Santos, AFP
go, whom to talk to so I may be able to continue with my stride (Ret), “Captain Oca impressed, inspired and influenced me…”
and get a grip on what is left for me start over with and sustain This old man has also impressed, inspired and influenced
my noble undertaking. me. I remember covering one of his meetings with foreign coun-
And few more tears before I was able to finally close my terparts when he introduced me saying, “This is Lyn Bacani, the
prayer, and this I testify to each and every one of you as true, publisher, the editor, the writer, and the photographer of Marino
Captain Oca suddenly appeared on the big screen in my head. World magazine.”
Is Captain Oca the right person God wants me to go to? Was I don’t know whether to feel embarrass or to feel proud be-
he the answer to my prayer? Will someone so busy and so promi- cause I had this notion that they might think I have no one beside me
nent find time to listen to my predicaments? Will an influential in Marino World. The truth though, is that I have to stand for what I
man like him be willing to assist me in this journey? believe in on my own before I can make people believe in me too.
I told myself in encouragement, maybe he will listen. May- Just like Captain Oca, I had to sacrifice everything I have to
be he will understand. make people believe in what I am pursuing. There were hurdles
So armed with faith and hope, I called up Captain Oca re- and there were thorns along the way, but sweetness will never be
questing for little of his valuable time. I was like a child seeking savored without tasting the bitter part of the race.
father’s advice whether or not to continue Marino World. Then I There are many of us in this industry whom Captain Oca has
went to spend hours in waiting at the lobby of Seamen’s Center inspired to lead a better life, to successfully manage a team or
so I can meet him. company, to be fair and balance, to be honest and steadfast, to be
Notwithstanding the cold sweat coming out of me in the air- brave and to be strong, to be humble and grateful, and to sacri-
conditioned office brought about by mixed feelings of despair, fice even your health, just to make sure your people are happy.
shyness, and enthusiasm, I have ardently waited in prayer that I am so grateful to you Captain Oca. You will always be the
Captain Oca may spare me some time to see my invitation for inspiration of Marino World in fulfilling its mission and in ser-
AMOSUP to support the publication. ving the purpose of its existence. Now, Marino World family is
Indeed, God’s promise is true. Seek and you shall find, growing and getting stronger because of you.
Knock and the doors will be open unto you. Thank you Captain Oca, for touching my life and for giving
After few consecutive presentations and deliberations, Cap- life to those who almost lost it…
tain Oca finally said, “Lyn, I want AMOSUP logo on the cover.”
Wow! I was really overwhelmed. Captain Oca wants AMO-
SUP (logo) – a very well-known and respected organization
here and abroad – on the cover of a magazine which the industry LYN BACANI
seldom notices. I could have leaped in flattery that a very low Publisher
EDITORIAL
All for the glory

of your profession
T
ime moves so fast and changes are in a rapid pace. This in- But as to the manner of telling them is something you need to
dustry is so dynamic and innovation is infinite. Therefore, its contemplate because you must always remember that they have a le-
either you catch up in the changing time or you’re better off verage being in a rightful position to decide on the fate of our seafa
left behind. rers or to adhere to your predicament.
Just five months after the Diplomatic Conference on the Manila Needless to say, our seafarers may always appear to be at the
Amendments of the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watch- mercy of the board members especially if they lack even one require-
keeping (STCW) 1978 Convention as amended, the International ment to win a ticket to the next rank but I guess they can also be kind
Maritime Organization (IMO) released Circular Letter No. 3118 da- enough to consider special cases if proper communication is relayed.
ted 2 November 2010 informing all IMO members and parties to the Yet I believe you also deserved to be heard.
Maritime Pollution (MARPOL) Convention which are not members Remember, the man who admits his failures and does what he
of IMO about the amendments to MARPOL Annexes IV, V, and VI can to rectify them can honestly say he is wiser today than he was
respectively. yesterday.
While maritime stakeholders and leaders both from the go- Another resounding animosity which is also causing inconve-
vernment and private sectors are rushing the review and revision on niences on the documentations of our seafarers is within the members
the existing resolutions and regulations to align it with the Manila of the Association of Medical Clinics for Overseas Workers (AM-
Amendments, another revision was transmitted for adoption. COW). Member clinics are divided over the issue of psychological
With all these difficult tasks hounding our industry leaders, pres- examination requirements and the Department of Health should rea
sured by time elements and their respective professional responsibili- lize that it is contributing to the delay on the processing of seafarers’
ties, just to ensure the country’s compliance to the Amendments as documents.
signatory to the Party, we believe it is just right to spare them with Unless the Health Department steps up and meddle over the is-
good working atmosphere so they can complete their jobs within the sue, then we can spare everyone from the repercussions of the conflict
given period accurately and on time. and move forward towards a progressive alliances with the maritime
There are, obviously, a lot of concerns particularly in the issu- industry.
ance of licenses at the Professional Regulation Commission that is yet It is for these reasons that Marino World is opening its pages to
to be addressed. But ladies and gentlemen, how about putting every- your predicaments or concerns. But we want to be very objective
thing on the table again to discuss the concerns amicably with an eye about it and focus only on the issue. It is our noble objective to pre
single to resolving the issues one by one. sent the problem and/or concern and suggest feasible solution without
You might say, we did that before and nothing happen. You are throwing gasoline to the already burning bridge.
probably right because no one seems to listen and no seems to see Marino World, which is now under new corporate management,
each other’s side. I may not be an expert about professional psycho is published by Marino World Promotions, Inc. effective this edition.
logy but if we really want to see things eye to eye, let us try using our Changes have been made in this publication. More projects and
ears this time. Maybe we can try to listen this time and reconstruct the activities are lined up to bolster the reputation and image of the Fili-
bridge that was burned by our idealism, intelligence, personal interest pino seafarers and the Philippine maritime industry in general. We are
or agenda, and worst, pride! renewing our commitment with you and we will remain steadfast in
If we are really concern about our seafarers, and if we all share our vocation.
the objective of expediting the production of Filipino ship officers, We are also moving in a fast pace towards the same direction you
then we all need to talk the soonest. Perhaps, maybe the reason why are navigating. The new management is definitely sincere in its call-
representations in government agencies are being awarded to lawyers ing to serve all your needs and open an avenue for cooperation and
instead of maritime professionals is because they see how uncoopera- accurate information all for the glory of your profession.
tive and how divided we are. Don’t you think? Rest assured that we will maintain our integrity as your reliable
The present Boards for Marine Deck and Engineer Officers in partner as we have remained fair and balance towards this end.
the PRC are a good example. Why do we always question their in-
tegrity? Right! Because they have missed something. Oh yes, they
caused inconvenience on your part. Then go ahead tell them because JUN G. GARCIA
they deserve to know. Editor-In-Chief
Executive Board Editorial Board Columnists RACHELLE BULARON Editorial Office

Circulation Manager Unit 129 Manila Executive
LYN BACANI LYN BACANI MARISSA OCA Regency, 1200 J. Bocobo St.,
President/CEO Publisher BERNADETTE MILANO Ermita, Manila
MERLE SAN PEDRO
ROSE CORCUERA Tel. No: 975-7578
JUN DANAO JUN GARCIA MINDA GOMEZ Marketing Partners Telefax No: 353-8841
EVP/COO Editor-In-Chief RAdm ADONIS DONATO Hotline No: 0917-5964526
Capt. RODOLFO ASPILLAGA JACKQUELYN SALTA
ATTY. REMIGIO KIM DANAO JUN DANAO JOMELYN TUD MARINO WORLD is
Capt. EDWIN ITABLE
Corporate Secretary Photo Editor published by Marino World
Capt. Ireneo Delos Santos BETSHIVA CUBILLA
Legal Counsel Promotions, Inc. with the
GEN DY Capt. JONES TULOD ARNALYN CABANBAN support of the Associated
News Editor Dr. CONRADO OCA VANESSA CABANBAN Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s
Marketing Assistants Union of the Philippines
Dr. ROMEL PAPA
WALDEN VILLAPANDO (AMOSUP).
Creative Director Dr. SALVADOR VISTA Copyright © 2011 All Rights Reserved.
CONTENTS
Cover Story Ports
12 The Greatness of a simple mariner 78 UHPAP vows to enforce strict safety pilotage
28 AMOSUP @ 50, the legacy lives on
Shipbuilding
Education and Training 80 President Aquino leads inaugural of two
46 CHED cites maritime education as Hanjin ships
flagship program
48 MARITAS adapts to the changing Feature
times 84 Manning and training executives
54 Examiners want test questions published extend helping hands
Crewing Columns
62 Psycho test feud divides AMCOW 22 Capt. Edwin Itable’s LEMARE
68 Benefits and burdens from the new SEC 34 Dr. Conrado Oca’s AMOSUP Legacy
37 Ms. Marissa Oca’s Marino Kid
Offshore 47 Ms. Merle San Pedro’s Training Matters
70 DOLE to review proposed offshore 64 RAdm Adonis Donato’s On the Bridge Wing
employment contract 66 Capt. Ireneo delos Santos’ MARPOL Check
67 Capt. Jones Tulod’s ShipManagement
Petroleum 71 Capt. Rodolfo Aspillaga’s See Offshore Side
76 Reducing sulfur emissions and other air
pollutants in banker fuel
ABOUT THE COVER VOLUME V • No. 4 WHE RE MARITIME N E WS & V IE WS F US E JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2011
AMOSUP
We pay tribute, honor, and respect to Captain Gregorio S. Oca, who has
devoted his life and career to uplift the flights of Filipino seafarers and YEARS
1960 - 2010
PTGWO-ITF
their families. The world deserves to know how he worked relentlessly
to ensure the competency and welfare of Filipino seafarers that spelled
many successful long term partnerships with shipowners – a legacy that
will be enjoyed by seafarers from generation to generations. Our cover
features Capt. Oca during his younger years when he served as 2nd Mate Captain Gregorio S. Oca
A Tribute to the World’s Greatest
at the s/s Susana. Seafarer and Labor Leader
 Examiners want test questions published
 Benefits and burdens from the new SEC
 DOLE to review offshore employment contract
 Aquino names two Hanjin ships
 Reducing sulfur emissions in bunker fuel
PHP120 US$7 S$5 ¥700
COVER STORY
He came, he saw, he conquered

The Greatness of a simple
Master Mariner By Lyn Bacani
W
ho would have thought that a simple
master mariner will become a great
man honored and respected by the
world maritime industry?
His name, which is now a legend, Capt. Gre-
gorio S. Oca, a native of Binondo, Manila, will
always ring a bell in every corner of the maritime
world not only for his invaluable contributions
in harmonizing both the needs of the shipowners
and the seafarers, but also for his immeasurable
love and concern for every seafarer-family.
Armed with this noble cause, he came with a
vision of ensuring that the needs of every seafarer
for his family will be granted by every principal,
who in turn are expecting excellence in seafaring
trade in every port calls.
An assurance proven that the principals will
have happy crew onboard resulted to countless
negotiated and still existing Collective Bar-
gaining Agreements (CBAs), which is now be-
ing enjoyed by the 85,000-strong members of the
Associated Marine Officers and Seamen’s Union
of the Philippines (AMOSUP) – a union he put
up with visions that are every evident and exis-
ting nowadays and noble causes that benefitted
all the Filipino seafarers of today.
While many have mourned to what they call
a great loss, many have instead paid tribute, hon-
or and respect because they rather saw the great-
ness in this man. Viewing in retrospect, they saw
a master mariner who stood up to fight for the
rights of every seafarer.
Armed with nothing but straight principles
and unselfish advocacies, they saw a man who
endure the agonies of adversaries and antago-
nisms; a man who never gave up braving high
tides of heated arguments and intellectual de-
bates and finally winning the battle with no tro-
phies but clearer skies and secured future of
every mariner.
Continued on page 14
1926-2010
From page 12
They saw a man, who despite ear-
ning respect, honor, and support of the
shipowners and the International Trans-
port Workers Federation (ITF), chose to
be simple, religious, and still of service
to anybody. He never bragged about what
he has done or what he has achieved.
Instead, he maintained humility in do-
ing what he believes is best for every
seafarer and for the industry, and even to
common people.
Capt. Oca would never want to miss
a church mass or a prayer meeting at the
Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception
Cathedral in Lantana, Cubao, Quezon
City where he receives Papal Award Pro
Ecclesia et Pontifice in recognition of his
support and services to the church. He
would always pray for wisdom and gui-
dance in everything he do and in every
unselfish undertaking he wants to pursue.
And indeed God has answered Capt’s
Oca’s prayer. He was blessed with all the
courage, talents, wisdom and even charm This is Capt. Oca’s favorite prayer higher ranks until they become the next
to face giant shipowners in convincing as he frequently utters this in most of his captains and chief engineers.
them to give higher salary, welfare, social speaking engagements. He will never He is the father of the biggest family
benefits and security protection of seafa- miss sharing this prayer every commence- of seafarers, spending most of his time
rers and their families. ment exercises of the Maritime Academy to the union, attending conventions and
of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP) - a school meetings local and abroad.
Doing Things he established to design the future of Both in the local and international
in an Extraordinary Way young cadets. front, Capt. Oca occupied the key posi-
He would always want to see tions in public and private organizations
“Lord, I ask you not to let me do ex-
graduates dressed in their gala uni- involving the administration and manage-
traordinary things, instead give me the
forms, which is why he never tire in ment of diverse seafarer’s interests.
courage to do ordinary things in an ex-
persuading new entrants to pursue for
traordinary way.” Continued on page 16
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Tel. No.: (02) 976-3330, Fax No.: (02) 751-4494, Website: www.kgjs.no
7th Flr. Rufino Plaza Bldg., 6784 Ayala Ave., Cor. V.A. Rufino St., Legaspi Village, Makati City
Tel. No.: (02) 976-3330, Fax No.: (02) 751-4494, Website: www.kgjs.no
COVER STORY
From page 14 trustee of the ASO (NSA) Training and
Education Project and the Joint Filipino-
He served as Presidential Con- Norwegian Maritime Unions General
sultant on Maritime Affairs and Ad- Assistance and Information Office.
viser to the Council of State which His direct participation on maritime-
are both positions appointed by the related undertakings, endeavors, meetings
Office of the President of the Re- and conferences have been recognized
public of the Philippines. with intense importance leading to the
He represented the sea-based development and implementation of lo-
sector in the Overseas Workers’ Wel- cal and international policies in order to
fare Administration (OWWA), Philip- advance seafarer’s concerns.
pine Overseas Employment Adminis- He has always been a delegate, mem-
tration (POEA), Maritime Industry ber or official of international conventions
Authority (MARINA) and National on seafarers’ issues and concerns such as
Maritime Polytechnic (NMP). in the International Labor Organization
He was the President of the (ILO), International Maritime Organiza-
Bagong Bayani Foundation, Inc. and tion (IMO), International Bargaining Fo-
the Philippine Maritime Education rum (IBF), International Maritime Train-
and Training Foundation, Inc.; the ing Trust Trustee, NSA Provident Fund
National Vice President of the Pam- for Filipino Seafarers and International
bansang Diwa ng Manggagawang Transport Workers Federation (ITF)
Pilipino; adviser of the Philippine Commitees.
Maritime Voluntary Arbitrators;
and trustee of the Maritime Indus- Awards and Citations
try Manpower Development Board Captain Gregorio Oca is a multi-
Foundation, Inc. awarded man. He has earned recognition
He was also the Chairman of from various organizations and govern-
the Coordinating Committee of ment bodies. Among his awards are the
Philippine-ITF Affiliates, the Inter- Award of Distinction from the Philippine
national Vice President of the United Merchant Marine Academy Alumni As-
Seamen’s Service International, and sociation; the Bedan Achiever Award and
San Beda Hall of Fame in Shipping from the San Beda
College Alumni Association; the Distinguised Service
Award from the Professional Regulation Commission;
the Award for Punctuality and Civility representing the
Corporate Sector from the Organized Response for the
Advancement of Society, Inc.
He was also conferred Doctor of Industrial Tech-
nology Degree from the Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez
Institute of Society, Inc. and Outstanding Manilan
Award from the Office of the Mayor, City of Manila.
Capt. Oca also received the Lifetime Achieve-
ment Award from the 4th LSM Asia Pacific Manning
and Training Conference and Seafarer of the Year
Award from the Lloyd’s List Global Awards 2010 and
a Special Plaque of Recognition for his great contribu-
tion to the maritime industry from the 15th National
Seafarer’s Day Committee.
He was conferred with Presidential Award of
Distinction in 2006 and ultimately in 2010, for
championing the rights and general welfare of the
Filipino Seafarers, he was bestowed the Order of
Lakandula with the rank of Bayani from the Office of
the President, Malacanan Palace.
Congressman Democrito Mendoza authored
House Resolution 00669 – A Resolution calling for
the House of Representatives to urge the whole nation
to pay respect for the Great Leader of the Philippine
Maritime Industry and an unselfish Labor Leader.
Capt. Oca is just an ordinary master mariner who
has exerted extraordinary efforts for the profession,
which will be enjoyed by the next generation of sea-
farers, and the generations ahead.
Winning Words of Wisdom
“We continue to shape pioneering accomplishments in ***
maritime training and education. We sustain lasting
partnerships on these hallowed grounds where dreams “I would rather freeze the wages. You will just give the
are nurtured, leaders are raised, and where an endur- seafarers an impression as if he is not doing his job
ing legacy remains as a beacon in our horizon.” in taking care of the vessel worth of millions of dol-
lars. Since 1970 we’ve been facing this kind of crisis.
*** Through thick and thin, worst and the best scenario
in the industry, we should not dislocate what we are
“Cadets, you should strive to become masters and doing now. I don’t think we can’t solve this crisis if we
chief engineers. Don’t waste our efforts by just beco- are united.”
ming 3rd mates and 2nd engineers. You should be cap-
tains and chief engineers!” ***
“I learned that a person can do anything if he is disci-
plined, loyal, honest and honorable. Of those values, I
consider loyalty to be critically important in our pro-
fession today for loyalty is one of the defining charac-
ters of a Filipino seafarer. It is the hallmark of a true
maritime officer. That is why I urge all our captains to
carefully reflect on what truly matters most—your ho-
nor, loyalty and good name—before being lured by the
glitter of easy money on the other side of the fence.”
***
“Since one of the objectives of OWWA is to promote
and upgrade the workers’ skills and capabilities for
their future requirement, the Agency may consider
defraying the costs for the management level course
of the marine officers. We have to tackle the problem
head-on. It is about time for the government to do
something. The OWWA should subsidize the cost of the
MLC and the course should be administered by repu-
table training providers.”
***
“This is the only country shipowners trust from which
they can get qualified, competent and capable seafa-
rers. Let us continue showing the world that we are
really number one. Otherwise, other labor supplying
countries would eagerly fill in our shoes. We are ex-
pecting that you (Philippines) will be the one to fill
up the shortage. This was the shipowners clear mes-
sage.”
***
***
“We urge everyone to continue working together to
“Ever since, I have always expressed the position that meet all the challenges of the vibrant maritime indus-
criminal sanctions like detention and imprisonment try, towards securing a safe and sound workplace for
should not be the means to punish seafarers for marine all, especially for our nation’s wealth - Filipino Sea-
accidents, which are approximately caused by foul farers. Mabuhay!”
weather and other acts of God. Aside from unduly bur-
dening seafarers with the threat of official interroga-
tion and incarceration, the criminalization of seafar-
Quotable quotes and words of wisdom from Capt. Gregorio S. Oca
ing activities is also a significant factor in the growing during his representations, arguments, and speaking engagements
global shortage of officers.” which have been impressed upon the minds of all the maritime stake-
holders in the world.
“He was a man of vision, honor, and integrity. He was a man with the mark
of excellence in every work that his hand touches, as we see evidence of
some of his legacies. He was a seafarer first before he became a maritime
trade union leader, and this earned him the genuine respect and recognition
not only of his peers and colleagues in the Philippines, but also by leaders
of international maritime organizations.
His accomplishments are his legacies and serve as testament to his
leadership. Thus, I consider him not only as a seafarer but a leader whose
heart is in the right place, a tireless and reliable partner of the DOLE and
the government in promoting seafarers’ welfare and interest.”– Rosalinda
Baldoz, Secretary, Department of Labor & Employment
Capt. Oca with his family and friends at the Malacanan Palace
“Greg was a tireless leader of AMO-
SUP and a lot of what that union has
built and achieved can be laid at his
door. I had the pleasure of knowing
and working with him for nearly
three decades and can unhesitat-
ingly say that he was a warm and
vibrant personality as well as a great
campaigner and leader. He will be
hugely missed by all of us.
Seafarer training, health and with former Senate president Manny Villar while at work
welfare were particularly close to
his heart and if there is some com-
fort in this sad loss, it’s that the
work that he did in those areas –
including the building of hospitals
and training academies – will live
on and serve as a monument to his
career.”– David Cockroft, Secre-
tary General, International Transport with former Labor Secretary Marianito Roque
wIth IMEC, JSU and ITF officials
Workers’ Federation
with former Vice President Noli de Castro and Labor

with AMOSUP officers and staff Secretary Arturo Brion
“He has very efficiently worked to the best of
his members and managed to participate and
cooperated efficiently with his ship-owners /
ship-managers and partners to grow the in-
dustry as well as improve the salary level and
standard of living for his members. This has
been one of the major reasons why the Philip- with TSM official Capt. Ivar Thomas Li
pines today is a major supplier of quality of-
ficers and crew to the world fleet.
I will remember him as an efficient, fair, with former
and friendly person to me during my dealings Supreme
with him either direct or through Magsaysay.” Court Jus- with ILO director with ITF official
– RAGNAR NIELSEN, Managing Director , tice Reynato Cleopatra Doumbia- Stephen Cotton
Thoresen & Company Ltd. Puno Henry
with cadets, industry leaders and Japanese partners with the bishop and friends
with former president Arroyo and other Phil-Japan officials with Norwegian partners and FSA chairman Salinas
“When we used to play golf,
I remember Capt. Oca always
concentrating on the ball and hit-
ting the same without any hesita-
tion. I believe that this reflects a
great part of his character – that
as soon as he sets his mind into
something, he would act on it im-
mediately. I also believe that with
this character combined with a
with former presidential assistant Generoso Ma-
clear vision and compassionate
maril and PMMA president Fidel Dinoso
leadership, Capt. Oca was able to
“While his many achievements may have formed launch many development pro-
what Philippine maritime industry is today, his vi- grams, which moved AMOSUP
sion and spirit lives on to shape the future of the PGMA confers Bagong Bayani Award to Capt. Oca forward and change the percep-
Filipino seafarers. tion about the Philippines from a
People whose lives he touched will forever source of “cheap but no-good sea-
be grateful to him. Shipowners, ship managers, farers” to a top supplier of “first
manning companies, crew and their families have class seafarers”.– CAPT.TAKAO
their own stories to tell about a great man who for- with FAME of- MANJI, Chairman, International
ever will be a part of the history of the Philippine ficials Ericson Mariners Management Associa-
Marquez and tion of Japan
maritime history. Thank you very much Kap! –
EDUARDO U. MANESE, Chairman, Joint Manning Capt. Teodoro
Group Quijano
with the press with Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile with MAAP president VAdm Ed Santos and former
PRC chairperson Leonor Rosero
“Capt. Oca was a deeply religious person, a fact unknown to many who knew him. He would
attend daily mass at 5:30 am occupying the last pew near the main entrance of the church.
Unassuming he would proceed after mass to pray to the image of St. Pancratius, and
then quietly leave. His dedication to his faith revealed itself in other ways as well. Capt.
Oca was the biggest benefactor in the project to expand the parish church into a beautiful
cathedral.
I am forever grateful to have known Capt. Greg – a man who had fought relentlessly
for the dignity and respect of Filipino seamen. His legacy is surely one that will be remem-
with the crowd bered for a very long time.” – CAPT. EMMANUEL L. REGIO, Vice President, PAMAS
with former Labor Secretary Patricia with Stolt Nielsen officials at the conference
Sto. Tomas
There can only be one Captain Oca
I
salute Capt. Gregorio S. Oca for his in- organized in those days. If we did not like At first, not all shipowners agreed with
valuable, timeless contributions to the the captain, or resented the food, or had any Capt. Oca. There were violent reactions to
welfare of the Filipino seafarers. I am complaints of whatever nature, there was no his approaches; objections and oppositions
among the thousands who benefitted formal process or proper forum to ventilate to his solutions. But he overcame all this.
from his heroic deeds. our sentiments. We went directly to ITF. The He became even more popular with his witty
Between the 60’s and 70’s seafaring ITF talks directly to the principals. However, byword, “friendly enemies”, which caught
was not as financially rewarding as it is to- we were not made privy to their negotiations the fancy of principals and foreign counter-
day. I have experienced the difficulties in and had to depend on what the ITF told us. parts, including his adversaries.
those times. At that time, Capt. Oca was not yet in the Much has been said about Captain
picture. Greg Oca. He was my idol although du-
Then AMOSUP was born. Its valiant ring my seafaring days I did not enlist with
founder, Capt. Gregorio Oca, came out in AMOSUP because I was a member of ALU-
LEMARE shining armor as equalizer and fighter for TUCP. Nonetheless, I know too well his
our rights, in the midst of the several unions contributions to the industry. I am aware of
By Capt. Edwin Itable exis-ting then, such as ALU-TUCP of De– his involvement in the domestic waterfront,
CAPT. EDWIN ITABLE is presently the President mocrito Mendoza, the UFS and ISLA, in such as the issues on North Harbor, the
of the League of Maritime Educators among others. But Capt. Oca, being a true- Arrastre, among others. Proudly, I am a li-
International, Inc. (LEMARE) and the blooded seafarer, stood out as he unselfishly ving testimony to his mission for the Filipino
National Secretary of the Masters’
and Mates Association of the devoted his time, talent, and resources to seafarer in particular and to the Philippine
Philippines (MMAP). He is also champion the rights of every Filipino sea- maritime industry in general.
a member of the PCG Special farer. Capt. Oca’s life is an open book and
Board of Marine Inquiry In retrospect, I can say that Capt. Oca anybody can emulate him in his own way—
(SBMI) and the Technical
Working Group of the was destined to become a leader of his pro- a Don Quixote tilting against the windmills
Maritime Training Council fession, and beyond. Since his ordinary sea- of the high and the mighty. But to be able
(MTC). man days until he became a captain, he dis- to do as he did for our Filipino seafarers,
played unrelenting energy and infinite cou- one must be a strong-willed merchant mari-
rage in pursuit of his cause. History tells us ner to better appreciate the industry and his
There used to be what we called “beach- now that he had been a successful crusader. noble cause. He must be willing to devote
comber”. We would join a ship wielding a Capt. Oca took the cudgels for the Fili- his time for others, particularly, the seafa-
POEA contract, but upon reaching Europe, pino seafarers through AMOSUP. It started rers whom he must have dearly loved as
we would jump ship to look for better jobs. negotiations with FOCs like the Panama, his own brothers.
Given the situation and if Capt. Greg Oca Malta and Cyprus; then with the Norwegians Those who dream of actually becoming
did not come in the open, Filipino seafarers and Germans. Japan saw its efficacy and fol- like Capt. Oca must evaluate themselves if
would not have grown in numbers. lowed suit. Then came the Dutch, the DIS, they have what it takes to charm the prin-
I am one of those who became a mem- the NIS, the JIS, and so on. They all started cipals; they must think if they can earn the
ber of the International Transport Workers and continued to hire Filipino seafarers. This respect of shipowners, the global shipping
Federation (ITF) who signed on for a direct brought about the birth of the Collective Bar- stakeholders and trade unions; they must
hire. We had this so-called seven (7) day con- gaining Agreement or the CBA. examine their consciences if they deserve
tract which says if you feel like quitting, then Wages obtained by AMOSUP may not the trust of the people, i.e., seafarers, they
you can step down, and that’s it. That’s how be as big as those of the ITF International, but represent. Ultimately, they must ask them-
it used to be. We were happy if our wages these are well secured and backed with solid selves if they can design a win-win solution
were similar to those of the Germans or the contracts. The salaries are decent enough. to both address the needs of principals and
Norwegians, which is why we didn’t know Where there was no security of tenure, now the seafarers, as well as the courage to push
how to spend it. there is even social security and greater pro- them through. Honestly, the least that most of
My career started as an Ordinary Sea- tection from abuse and exploitation. If the us can do is to support his noble advocacies.
man. Looking back, there were many chan- seafarer experiences a problem, AMOSUP Now that our great crusader has forever
ces of getting hired directly. Very fortunate- is there to help resolve it. All avenues are gone beyond the horizon, we hear such ques-
ly, I (like a few others) had been receiving explored to secure disputes; dialogues with tions as: “Who’s next after Capt. Oca?”
decent salary. Most of our contemporaries, principals were arranged if necessary. That Personally, I believe no one can come
however, were not as lucky. is how strong-willed and influential Capt. close enough. Before, now, and through
The seafaring profession was so dis- Oca had been. eternity, there can only be One Captain Oca.
NEW CENTURY OVERSEAS MANAGEMENT, INC.

6th Flr. Feliza Bldg., 108 V.A. Rufino St., Legaspi Village, Makati City Tel. No.: (02) 864-5800 Fax No.: (02) 867-4366
and
PHOENIX MARITIME CORPORATION
6th Flr. Feliza Bldg., V.A. Rufino St., Legaspi Village, Makati City Tel. No.: (02) 867-1476 Fax No.: (02) 867-2530
Join the industry in giving honor to a great maritime pillar,

CAPT. GREGORIO S. OCA
whose life & legacy will forever be appreciated & remembered in our hearts.
We pay tribute, honor and respect to the most important
pillar of the Philippine Maritime Industry
Captain Gregorio S. Oca

He is the Father of all Filipino seafarers. He is the Legend who brought good
benefits and welfare to the seafarers and their families. He created many legacies
to ensure production of qualified and competent Filipino seafarers.
He devoted his lifetime to fight for the rights and welfare of the Filipino seafarers.
His unremitting services, strong commitment, honesty and sincere dedication
to the Filipino seafarers and his stead in ensuring the balance between the
benefactors and the seafarers, which is now being enjoyed by thousands of
seafarers and will be enjoyed by generation of seafarers to generation, which will
forever be remembered.
We are so much grateful to you Captain Oca. Thank you. We salute you for all
your wonderful contributions to the industry.
Our heartfelt prayers are with your family and loved ones.
From:
ANGLO- EASTERN GROUP
A salute to the Father of Filipino seafarers
By Rear Admiral Adonis B. Donato, PCGA MM ITF. And so when came to London and found became a ship master for 5 years on board bulk
a break from the convention, I went to visit carriers.
C
aptain Gregorio S. Oca. He was a man the ITF headquarters and was received by the When I finished my career at sea and
whom I have a very high respect for Mr. Brian Lawton, the ITF Secretary-General joined the manning industry, the more oppor-
because we all know he was an institu- at that time. Having introduced myself as the tunities I had in my dealings with Capt. Oca
tion and considered the Father of the Filipino Philippine delegate to the STCW Convention, which strengthened our professional and per-
seafarers here. a PCG officer, and a friend of Capt. Oca of the sonal friendship. In fact, as president of OSM
The first time I met Captain Oca was AMOSUP who was extending his greetings to Maritime Services Inc., modesty aside, I think
when I was still with the Philippine Coast him, we had a pleasant and frank discussions that OSM is one of the manning companies
Guard (PCG) in the 1970’s. At that time, I was about the status of international seafaring. I which have the biggest number of CBAs with
the commanding officer of SPRU - Seaman’s remember him saying that ITF was a bit con- AMOSUP. I would say we have almost a hun-
Processing Unit - when the PCG was still is- cerned about how the Philippines was dealing dred vessels with AMOSUP CBAs.
suing the Seaman’s Book before it was given with Filipino seafarers who have sought the Indeed, the passing away of a great union
to MARINA. assistance of the ITF in reporting bad work- leader like Capt. Gregorio Oca is a terrible
I was also the chair of the Inter-Agency ing and living conditions on board – that they loss, not only to the seafarers side but likewise
Technical Working Group composed of repre- are allegedly being blacklisted in the manning to the employers side. We have lost a great
sentatives from the National Seaman’s Board, community. I just had to explain to him that man, a great defender of Filipino seafarers’
the Philippine Coast Guard, Department of this was not exactly correct, but since our sea- rights and the advocate of the seafarers benefit
Education (CHED was not yet established du farers have also signed POEA contracts then and welfare. Nevertheless, we all have to go
ring that time), among others. it also gives the right to the employers/man- one time or another, one way or the other.
In 1978, while I was with the PCG, I was ning agents to seek redress through the Labor What remains, of course, are the legacies that
fortunately sent by the Philippine Coast Guard department or through the regular courts for he has left behind. What only remains are always
as a delegate to the mother STCW ‘78 Con- any break in the contract. But there has been the memories. And those memories will remain in
vention in London in 1978, and because, for no official blacklisting done either by the us for long, memories that are pleasant.
one reason or another, the other agencies were government nor the manning organizations We will always remember Captain Oca
not able to send their representatives, I became to seafarers joining ITF strike or interdiction. during conferences, seminars of meetings
the sole delegate of the Philippines in the said I guessed Mr. Brian took it on its face value when he was addressing the ship owners or
STCW 78 Convention. Later on there would as we then changed the subject of our further employers as “my friendly enemies.” This cor-
be following conferences for amendments of discussions, till we parted in a good note and dial greetings had endeared him more to the
the mother ’78 convention, in the 1995 and the pleasantries. foreign principals and ship owners.
recent Manila Conference. When I went back home to the Philippines I join his beloved family, relatives,
It was then the first time I met Capt. Oca after the week-long Convention, I met Captain and friends in praying for the eternal re-
and when he learned that I was going to London Oca and told him about my meeting with ITF pose of his soul, as I also wish that the lega-
to attend the said convention, he asked me that and he was glad that I was able to meet with cies he had left behind will be both remem-
if I find the time I should visit the ITF Head- them and extended his regards. Since then, I bered and continued by his successors. We
quarters in London and say hello for him and spent quite a long time in the coast guard be- will all surely miss Capt. Oca but his memo-
possibly exchange notes on seafaring. At that fore I finally returned to the merchant marine ries will always remain with us and the whole
time AMOSUP was already an affiliate of the profession, sailed as deck officer until I finally maritime industry for a long time.
We pay tribute to Capt. Greg Oca
Monsoon Maritime Svcs. Phils. Inc.

U103 GF Marbella Manila Bldg., 2071 Roxas Blvd. Malate Manila Phils.
Tel.: (02) 525 3051; 521 9242; 521 4984 loc 117
Fax: (02) 525 4852 Cell: +63 9185041603
email: it@monsoon.com.ph, rhproceso_monsoon@hotmail.com
Skype: romeo.h.proceso_monsoon website: www.monsoon.com.sg
Thank you Capt. Greg Oca!
By C/E Miguel O. Marasigan was told that it will be up to the principal to too, who would have thought that I will be-
choose among four candidates. come the OIC of the Board of Marine Engi-
M
any of you may not be aware but I Capt. Oca then replied, “Okay then. Good neer Officers in PRC?
for one have also been blessed by the luck.” I was instructed to follow up every other So when Capt. Oca told me, “Mr. Marasi-
sincere dedication of Captain Grego- day in their office. Also during that time, Lu gan, goodluck,” my interpretation is “I hope
rio S. Oca. Perhaps, I can attribute my present neta is not yet the Seafarers’ destination. It was you make it” because I was expecting more
standing in the industry to him for he was the Sta. Cruz, Manila and Port Area. All seafarers experienced and older marine engineer offi-
first person who gave me a chance to start my deployed at PTGWO office automatically be- cers will be selected over me.
career. come a member of AMOSUP. But when Capt. Oca and I shook hands, I
It was in 1973 when I went to AMOSUP If I may describe their very small office felt a person with intensity and determination
to look for a position as 4th Engineer on fo in Port area, it was very simple but a little bit to succeed. I guessed he passed some of his
reign-flagged vessel. I was only 23 years old comfortable already because it was Stolt Niel aura to me at that time.
when I first met Capt. Oca. sen which provided the office. They put tables, So what can I say about Capt. Oca. He is
He asked me, “Where did you gradu- chairs, and there I saw the first split-type air- an honest-to-goodness person in every deal-
ate?” I replied, “PMMA sir.” “Do you have conditioning system. But the old fan was still ings. He has no hidden agenda. No corrupt
sea service experience?” he continued. I told there, the telex machine and a typewriter. practices. He has no intention to get rich.
him that I just finished six months contract as After a month, I was selected from a short He doesn’t even ask for something in return
fourth engineer in a British company and I was list of four by the C.F. Sharp principal. whenever an applicant approaches him. You
looking for another job. In retrospect, I remember hearing some just have to show that you are capable and
Immediately, he said, “You go and see comments about Captain Oca before I dared talented.
Mr. Mansueto.” At that time, it was the PTGW myself to see him. They said it was difficult His family, especially, Dr. Conrado Oca, I
office in Port area. So I went there and looked to see Captain Oca because you must be very believe he can take good care of all the things
for Mr. Mansueto – he was the assistant of qualified before you seek his help. their father has started and worked hard to
Capt. Oca then. After finding Mr. Mansueto, I I was able to prove them wrong. You just prosper. He is the living proof of Capt. Oca’s
told him that Capt. Oca sent me. need to show that you have a potential of be- legacy and I am pretty sure he can continue the
Then Mr. Mansueto told me to go to C.F. coming a good officer before you can be sent vision set forth by his father.
Sharp and look for Capt. Jose Velmonte, who for recommendation. You will be hired not just Now, the fate of AMOSUP and its related
at that time was just a staff. At that time, the because Capt. Oca sent and supported me but organizations are now in his hands. Because
office of C.F. Sharp was situated near Anda rather because I was able to answer many ques- he was able to run the AMOSUP hospitals very
Circle. To cut the long story short, my applications related to the job I was applying for. well as its Director, I believe he can duplicate
tion was accepted and was advised to wait. Also, I realized you’ll never know what the same leadership in a bigger organization
Then Captain Oca saw me again after two will happen to others because we have our like AMOSUP.
weeks and asked, “Aren’t you the one who re- own lives. Who would have thought that a
man like Capt. Oca will become one of the
ported to my office? How did it go?”
most powerful and influential persons in the
To Captain Oca, thank you so much
I told him that I already applied to C.F.
Sharp as per instruction of Mr. Mansueto and global maritime industry? With all modesty for everything!
The Filipino seafaring industry have lost
a great leader in the person of our dear
CAPTAIN GREGORIO S. OCA
We will forever honour him for his tireless efforts in uplifting
the flights of our Filipino seafarers and their families as well.
He continuously find ways in providing them with benefits,
programs, facilities and welfare services that will improve
not only their way of life but also enhance
their competitiveness in the world market.
We deeply mourn his passing and may his legacy continuously

guide us in the years to come.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
From:
Agents for:
ASSOCIATED MARITIME COMPANY (HK) LTD.
ORIENT OVERSEAS CONTAINER LINES LTD.
THOME SHIP MANAGEMENT (SGP) PTE LTD.
AMOSUP
YEARS
1960 - 2010
PTGWO-ITF
The legacy lives on, the mission continues

“Half a century after its founding, AMO- one cohesive organization – the Associa- Seamen’s Hospital
SUP’s vision and commitment of provid- ted Marine Officer’s and Seamen’s Union The first union-owned hospital in Asia
ing you, the Filipino seafarer, a better life of the Philippines (AMOSUP-PTGWO). christened as the Roberto S. Oca Workers’
is stronger than ever. We have always Even as the Philippine government Clinic (RSOWC), started out as an outpa-
been about looking after your welfare and formed the National Seaman’s Board and tient clinic of the AMOSUP office in the
best interests, beginning with negotiating creates the Welfare and Training Fund for Port Area in 1974. Now, under the union’s
for Collective Bargaining Agreements Overseas Workers, AMOSUP started the Family Medical and Dental Care Plan,
(CBA) from the union, the employer and foundation of its pioneering programs. through the Seamen’s Hospital in Manila,
employee in cooperation with the govern- Shortly after its inception, AMO- a level four hospital with teaching and
ment. This is the best way to ensure that SUP affiliated itself with the International training facilities, and tertiary hospitals in
you fully receive the fruits of your labor Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF). Cebu, Iloilo and Davao, AMOSUP brings
in the form of fair remuneration, benefits, hospitalization, treatment and medicines
programs and facilities as a member of free-of-charge to qualified members and
AMOSUP. dependents. As part of its continuing
Thank you for your continued trust modernization program, AMOSUP
and confidence in AMOSUP. With God as Seamen’s Hospital has acquired new sets
our guide, we renew our commitment to of medical equipment such as General
serving you with even more passion and Electric Resonance Imaging (MRI) ma-
dedication.” chine, Generic Electric Nuclear Medicine
This was the last message of Capt. Gamma Camera and Toshiba Aquilino
Gregorio Oca to his members when the 64-Slice CT Scan. It also established the
union he founded marked its golden anni- Family and Emergency Medicine, a train-
versary last year. Undeniably, AMOSUP ing program accredited by the Philippine
is the monument of his legacies! Academy of Family Physicians, will re-
Concerned with the plight of the Fili- duce patients’ waiting time in the hospi-
pino seafarers working onboard foreign tal as licensed resident physicians will be
vessels who were receiving low wages, on-hand to primarily handle out-patient
few benefits and protection, Capt. Gre- consultations and initial management of
gorio Oca organized the Associated Ma- emergency cases.
rine Officer’s Union of the Philippines
(AMOUP) with PTGWO as the mother
federation on November 11, 1960. It once
Seamen’s Training Center
shared office with the United Philippine The AMOSUP Seamen’s Training
Lines (UPL), eventually, the officers and Center (ASTC) is the first and oldest
crew of UPL became one of AMOSUP’s training center for seafarers in the Philip-
pioneering members. At around the same pines. Established in 1972 in Intramuros,
time, Bro. Donato Alarcon organized the Manila, ASTC first conducted seminars
Filipino unlicensed crew, the Associ- to emphasize unionism, pride in their
ated Seamen’s Union of the Philippines profession, their duties and responsibili-
(ASUP). ties in their Union, to their country and
Sharing the vision of uniting all Fili- other subjects on the never-ending tech-
pino seafarers for more effective bargai- nological changes affecting working
ning, AMOUP and ASUP merged to form Continued on page 30
From page 28 was completed in 2007 and also gained
its recognition certificate from the Com-
conditions on board modern vessels of mission on Higher Education (CHED) in
today. Today, ASTC is one of the best- December of the same year. And to has-
equipped training centers in the country. ten government’s licensure process, in
It uses state-of-the-art equipment such as response to the global shortage of ship of-
Full Mission Membrane LNG Simula- ficers, AMOSUP signed a Memorandum
tor, Full Mission Bridge Simulator with of Agreement with the Professional Regu-
ECDIS and AIS, Full Mission Engine lation Commission (PRC) in July 2007 to
Room Simulator. It also has a Sea Sur- provide a facility to the agency in order to
vival Complex located near the shoreline augment its capacity to conduct the com-
in Sitio Marina facing Corregidor Is- puterized Walk-in Examination System
land and has facilities to conduct various (WES). Since then, PCDC became the
offshore courses such as Basic Offshore only off-site licensure examination center
Safety Induction and Emergency Training operated by PRC.
and Helicopter Underwater Escape Train-
ing.
Sailor’s Home
T/S Kapitan Felix Oca and registered it The Sailor’s Home program was es-
under the Philippine flag. The only one tablished in 1978 to provide the board and
Maritime Academy of Asia and in its class in the country, the ship is an lodging needs of members who are wait-
the Pacific important training venue for the cadets ing to go on board or have disembarked
Standing on a 103-hectare hilltop of the Maritime Academy of Asia and the and are about to return to the province.
property in Kamaya Point, Mariveles, Pacific, students of the AMOSUP Sea- The first Sailor’s Home started at the
Bataan, the Maritime Academy of Asia men’s Training Center as well as of other PTGWO compound in the Port Area
and the Pacific (MAAP) is the center of maritime schools. This 5,000 GWT dedi- with only 30-bed capacity. It was relo-
excellence for maritime education and cated training ship can accommodate up cated to a bigger venue in Katipunan,
training in the Asia/Pacific region and to 200 cadets at any given time. It is fully Quezon City. Now AMOSUP has three
beyond producing world-class seafarers. equipped with a training bridge separate Sailor’s Home locations: Intramuros,
Its mission is to provide quality education from the navigation bridge, classrooms, Cebu and Davao which can accommodate
and training to midshipmen/trainees for among other facilities. In compliance 320,150 and 54 members, respectively
the development of competent seafarers with the IMO’s training requirements, the in full air-conditioned dormitory-style
who shall possess the character, know- T/S Kapitan Felix Oca Is also equipped rooms. Each location has amenities for
ledge and skills necessary for the suc- with Automatic Radar Plotting Aid recreation of the Union members and
cessful pursuit of a maritime career. The (ARPA), Electronic Chart Display Sys- their guests.
cadets are sponsored by various shipown- tem, (ECDIS) and Gobal Maritime Dis-
ers’ associations and other organizations. tress Safety System (GMDSS). Seamen’s Village
Dependents of the AMOSUP members
Established in 1991, the Seamen’s
are given priority in the selection pro-
Village is a first-of-its-kind medium-cost
vided they pass the entrance examination, Seafarers’ Career Development housing and shelter program in Dasmari-
interview, physical fitness test and medi-
cal examination. Center nas, Cavite, and a well-planned commu-
AMOSUP established a center pri- nity complete with a chapel, village clinic,
marily operating as a professional train- multi-purpose sports and recreation cen-
T/S Kapitan Felix Oca ing and upgrading center for maritime liter, multi-function covered court, swim-
To take training beyond the confines censure examinations for deck and engine ming pool, skating rink, and green open
of the classroom, there is no substitute for officer positions. Under a fully compute- areas with trees and vegetable gardens. In
putting theory into practice on board an rized walk-in style platform and environ- addition, an elementary and high school,
actual ship. To achieve this, AMOSUP ment, the AMOSUP-MAAP Professional the Saint Pancras Academy is also located
acquired the M.V Seiun I Maru from the Career Development Center (PCDC) within the village. Just recently, the Cap-
Ministry of Japan in 1997, renamed it as
Mutual Benefit Plan (WMBP), Placement age, a benefit normally not available to
Services, Records, the Legal Affairs, and contractual workers. First established in
the Provident Fund and the Administra- 1986, the Provident Fund Office man-
tion and Finance Offices. ages various fund of the seafarers’
account. Since the scheme is non-con-
Welfare and Mutual Benefit Plan tributory, the contributions are not
Foreseeing the need to provide aid deducted from the member’s wages on
and assistance to its members and their board. The Provident Fund Office ma-
dependents in cases of death, disability or nages the various funds and handles the
emergencies, the Union created the Wel- processing of members’ claims and pay-
fare and Mutual Benefit Plan. The inten- ments, contribution validation and other
tion of the plan is to immediately provide queries and also tasked to prepare annual
financial assistance to the member’s fam- reports for the different funds.
ily even while other contractual entitle-
ments or claims are still being processed. More projects
Contributions for the upkeep and main- The most recent development in the
offing is the creation of the Center for
Advance Maritime Studies (CAMS)
which was recently inaugurated in
MAAP grounds at the Kamaya Point,
tain’s Court was inaugurated to accom- Mariveles, Bataan. It serves as another
modate bigger families in the other phase hallmark of excellence in maritime
of the Seamen’s Village. education – a clear manifestation of
the Academy’s contribution to the de-
Slop Chest velopment of management level offi-
AMOSUP knows the financial cers as a strong support to the growing
constraints of seafarers about to go on demands of this dynamic industry.
board a ship. With just enough money These are just some of the many
left before boarding, the seafarer’s family blueprints of development that AMOSUP
needs a way to obtain basic commodities aims to achieve all for the betterment of
in advance of the member’s return. The the industry and the Filipino seafarers.
Slop Chest makes this possible by provi- Challenges may continue to come
ding much-needed goods such as grocery but with the good examples and princi-
items purchased through an interest-free ples of Capt. Oca, which have proven its
deferred payment system. The payments tenance of the plan are made not by the efficacy, AMOSUP will continue to serve
are made through salary deduction on member but rather the participating em- the purpose of its existence and live up to
member’s succeeding allotments. Slop ployers who sign CBAs with the WMBP the expectations of its membership and
chest location are Manila and Cebu. provision. supporters.
The visions shared by Capt. Oca to
Seamen’s Center Provident Fund his children, Conrado Antonio, Pedro
With membership growing steadily Knowing the contractual nature of Miguel and Ma. Socorro, and of course,
to around 15,000, the Union built a build- employment of seafarers, Capt. Oca in- to his trusted comrade, Vice Admi-
ing for the Seamen’s Center in Intramuros. troduced a benefit scheme for Union ral Eduardo Ma R. Santos, AFP (Ret),
The 4-storey building stands on a 1,500 members under the Total Crew Cost AMOSUP will live another 50 years and
sqm. lot and becomes the Union Hub of Concept CBA (TCCC) negotiated with beyond.
Operations where all programs are cen- shipowners, employers and/or their or- The missions and visions of AMO-
trally administered. It houses the Execu- ganizations and representatives. Under SUP are designed to outlive us all and it
tive Offices as well as the Legal De- the scheme, members will have access will be enjoyed by the seafarers and their
partment, Agreements Unit, Welfare and to their funds upon reaching retirement families from generation to generations.
Congratulations to
AMOSUP on its 50th
founding anniversary
from the officers
and staff of Island
Overseas Transport
Corporation
T AMOSUP
he Associated
Marine Offi-
cers’ and Sea-
men’s Union of the
Philippines celebra
ted its 50th Golden
Year in a very festive
manner in Clamshell,
Intramuros, Manila. YEARS
Member seafarers 1960 - 2010
and their families in- PTGWO-ITF

dulged in overflowing
drinks and sumptuous
food and were treated with live entertainment
from leading personalities and band performers
who really brought the house down. Maritime
personalities and principals joined the leadership
of AMOSUP on their renewed commitment to
continue serving the needs of the members and
hopeful of more projects in the next 50 years.
AMOSUP PTGWO-ITF OFFICERS

DR. CONRADO F. OCA
President
VAdm EDUARDO MA. SANTOS

Executive Vice President
CAPT. FELIX REBUSTES

Vice President
JOHNNY M. OCA, JR.

Vice President for International Affairs
ROSARIO BUENDIA
Treasurer
MARISSA F. OCA
Shelter Program Administrator
DR. LUIS VIZCARRA

Seamen’s Hospital-Manila Chief
ATTY. MAXIMO ABAD

Provident Fund Office Administrator
AMOSUP Seamen’s Center

Cabildo corner Sta. Potenciana Sts.,
Intramuros, Manila
Tel. Nos.: 527-8491-98
A vision designed to outlive us all
The legacy continues... and forever will.
T
wenty years since the development of the Seamen’s Vil-
lage, the Vision and Legacy of our beloved Capt. Gre-
gorio S. Oca to provide decent, comfortable, and
affordable homes to seafarers and their families in a safe,
healthy, and secure environment continues with the latest
expansion project aptly called the Captain’s Court.
Specifically designed for larger family units, Captain’s
Court features bigger lot and floor areas to allow future ex-
pansion or improvement according to the preferences of the
homeowners – the seafarer-families.
Additional amenities are meticulously included in the
blueprint for the absolute satisfaction and improved lifestyle
of every family member. The objective
AMOSUP Legacy of which is not just for the convenience
of residents but rather to provide an at-
By Conrado F. Oca, MD, MHA, FPCHA mosphere of fostering wholesome fa-
mily activities which promote stronger
Dr. CONRADO OCA is the new President of the
Associated Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s bonds and healthy lifestyle.
Union of the Phils. (AMOSUP). He is The expansion project, which we
the former Hospital Director of the have announced during the 50th Founding
Seamen’s Hospital. He is also an Anniversary celebration of AMOSUP, is
accredited examining physician
of seafarers for the governments
a manifestation of our unwavering com-
of Norway, the Netherlands and mitment to our seafarers.
other European countries. In retrospect, the Seamen’s Village,
which stood strong for the past 20 years,
is one of the many great accomplish-
A copy of Marino World
magazine is included ments of AMOSUP since its inception
in the capsule during 50 years ago. It is truly a monumental testament to the visionary
the capsule-laying and leadership of Captain Oca who made it all possible despite the
ground-breaking cere- different faces of adversities and challenges. We can only marvel
monies of the Captain’s how we have come this far.
Court. Top photo shows With these milestones as benchmarks, I encourage each and
the seamen’s wives with every one of you to continue sailing with us headway towards
Dr. Oca as their next achieving more of the visions long prepared by my father, who is
Godfather. also the Father of all Filipino Seafarers. The progressive voyage
will continue for the next half century and beyond.
We will remain steadfast in our commitment of serving and
working with you and together savor the sweetness of achieving
the goals set out by our Founding President, all for the better
living and working conditions and the general welfare of the sea-
farer community here in Seamen’s Village.
Our father held you all close to his heart. He always wanted
the best for you and your children. These visions, the benefits
you all enjoy, the chances of brighter future, and the dream-
come-true community, are just some of the many plans of Cap-
tain Oca which he unselfishly designed to outlive us all.
Rest assured that AMOSUP shall continue the plans and
projects of the Shelter Program Administration. Your consistent
support and unswerving faith to the mission and objectives of
AMOSUP shall fuel our intention to serve you all, the way my
father did.
Walang bibitaw at tuloy-tuloy po ang lahat ng ating
nasimulan na at mga sisimulan pa! Sa inyong tulong, tayo ay
magtatagumpay!
Finally, on behalf of my family and on behalf of AMOSUP,
I graciously thank all the residents and seafarer-families of the
Seamen’s Village, who came all the way from Cavite to Cubao
and Intramuros and Marikina to stay with us in our time of great
grief and sense of loss. We will always treasure your sincerest
gestures of solidarity and respect.
Maraming maraming salamat po. Mabuhay po kayo!
Mabuhay ang Seamen’s Village! Mabuhay ang AMOSUP!
Several maritime perso-
nalities and dignitaries join
Capt. Gregorio S. Oca in the
blessing and naming of the
streets of the Seamen’s Vil-
lage in Cavite. A realization
of the vision he set a couple
of years ago, the Seamen’s
Village is still standing
strong and is expanding to
welcome more families who
are looking for a wonderful
community they can truly
call their own.
A Refreshing Season of Hope
W
ith the thought of my deadliest neration for the right exact thing he was will include senior community facilities
deadline for this article hover- born into this world for. Rare enough to which addresses the physical, mental,
ing above me, I stare at my become a legend but a natural wonder in emotional, psycho-social and spiritual
nails with a cocky expectation that the a true sense. needs and health of the ‘highly mature’
words for this article will jump up from Natural wonders emerge from cata- group of seafarers and spouses. It will
them. In truth, the muse eluded me. clysmic events in the universe and adapt to foster valuable relationships of humanity
It has been two solid months since the environment through the ages. Like- and respect between young and ‘old.’
my father passed away. The small No- wise, Captain Oca, from adversity, had As we move to action on various
vember traditional Thanksgiving dinner transformed three generations of Filipino programs to promote the upliftment of
I host yearly was replaced with a week- seafarers into a formidable wave of com- the quality of life, bonds and relationships
long wake with more food and people petent men and women who have con- of our dear seafarers and their families,
than I could imagine; and flowers in the tributed ably and substantially in nation- the First International Seafarer Family
multitude that filled the corners of two building. In the same context that beauti- Convention is slated on August 4 and 5,
streets in Intramuros. ful marvels of nature gracefully connect 2011 at the Philippine International Con-
I was happy that the star bird ap-
peared on Thursday that week, Thanks-
giving after all an annual favorite holi-
day at home, in honor of my son Gig,
who had dual citizenship. It was our
way of connecting the dear child to this
value of gratitude, admittedly a state-
side plus and currently one of the core
values of GASFI (Gig and the Amazing
Sampaguita Foundation, Inc.).
I find the time of my father’s pass-
ing quite significant. Heaven chose to
welcome him home in November 2010,
the founding month of AMOSUP, jubi-
lantly its golden anniversary, as though
trumpeting a message saying, ‘Enough
now; well done, my son.’ It is also his
birth month, so decided was my mother
to lay him to rest on the 28th, exactly a
week after his death on the 21st, Feast
of Christ the King. Holding his emaci-
ated hand on his deathbed, I whispered
a loving word of release and assurance
in his ear. I felt a grip of affirmation that
signified it was time for him to go. to changes, together with the perseverance vention Center. This event promises to
Christmas came and went while I of this honorable breed, his sensitivity to be a meaningful and timely venue for
absorbed my own mortality. Nonethe- issues and keen sense of immediate action various issues concerning the seafarer
less, the whirlwind of Christmas parties nailed a lifelong commitment which made father/husband, mother/wife, toddlers,
and dinners needed to happen. More him a remarkable icon. their school-age children and teenagers.
than ever, the season of hope rang true, Continuing with Captain Oca’s vi- It aims to look deeper into the options
just and firm in my heart. Shortly after, sion of providing affordable and sus- and alternative solutions available for all
2011 fell upon us, with all the accolades tainable housing to AMOSUP members, maritime industry partners worldwide to
and the accompanying talk in various cir- the groundbreaking of the Captain’s address concerns which affect seafarer
cles of how irreplaceable the man Cap- Court was held last January 8, 2011 at families. The Gig and the Amazing Sam-
tain Greg Oca is. January now is almost the AMOSUP Seamen’s Village, Das- paguita Foundation Inc. spearheads this
over, in a rush for the season of hearts to marinas, Cavite. The Captain’s Court is event with Marino World as organizer.
take its place. named in his honor and stands as a tri- All are invited to join this affair, provid-
As it is true with many great men, my bute to his unwavering support to the new ing a platform for interaction, friendships
father came to fore at the right time, the community development which aims to and development.
right place and belonged to the right ge- build 2,020 homes by the year 2020. It Starting the year on a high note, I at-
MARINO KID
A salute to
By Marissa Oca
Ms. MARISSA OCA is the Administrator of

the Shelter Program of the Associated
Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s Union of
the Phils. (AMOSUP) and the Founder of
the Gig and the Amazing Sampaguita
CAPT. GREG OCA
Foundation, Inc. (GASFI).
tended a Bridging Creativity seminar which got me

to think that truly, everyday is an opportunity to do
better than yesterday. I particularly paid attention to
how young people have a cache full of enthusiasm
and hope; and how, in the scheme of things narrow
and tight, each of us plays in the role of unleashing
the juices of greatness within ourselves and others,
specially the youth. I vowed to keep an attitude si-
milar to theirs, never releasing the cord which binds
me to the purest desires and dreams of childhood,
ideals formed from the nurturing nest our parents
honed. 3rd Floor, Carolina Building
If there is one word that this past year resound- 2105 Madre Ignacia St., Malate, Manila
ed for me, it is hope. Hope guarantees that dreams Tels.: 526-0505; 526-1776 Fax: 526-1778; 338-0206
happen. The priest’s homily for National Bible Sun-
day struck me hard because I believed it so. Talking
E-mail: bandila@compass.com.ph
about the declaration of 2010 - 2012 as years which
will pay attention to Youth Ministry programs, he
said, ‘let us not just keep praying about it, instead,
let us keep doing something about it.’ In our lives,
we keep believing, but doing creates every season
of hope.
We invite you to join the first ever International
ASIAPHILS.,
BULK TRANSPORT
Seafarer Family Convention 2011, August 4 and 5,
ASIA BULK TRANSPORT
2011. We proposed an initiative to have His Excel-
lency President Aquino declare the month of August
INC.
ASIA BULK TRANSPORT PHILS., INC.
UNIT 1005 10/F PARAGON PLAZA, EDSA COR. RELIANCE ST.
National Seafarer Family Month and National Read
UNIT 1005 10/F PARAGON PLAZA, UNITEDSA 1005COR. 10/F PARAGON
RELIANCE PLAZA, EDSA
PHILS., ST.
MANDALUYONG CITY, PHILS. 1550
To Your Child Month. ASIA BULK TRANSPORT INC.
On February 6, 2011, seafarer children’s stories
MANDALUYONGUNITCITY, PHILS.
1005 10/F PARAGON1550MANDALUYONG
PLAZA, EDSA COR. RELIANCE ST. CITY, PHIL
will be featured from 12:20-12:50 pm at the Pasi- CONTACT INFO: MANDALUYONG CITY, PHILS. 1550
naya Festival, an arts festival of the Cultural Center
of the Philippines. This is a way of showing the E-Mail Address ASIABULK@PLDTDSL.NET
Filipino people how the Filipino seafarer has made CONTACT INFO:
a mark in the world. CONTACT INFO: CONTACT INFO:
E-Mail Address
ASIABULKPHIL@YAHOO.COM.PH
ASIABULK@PLDTDSL.NET
With my family, we would like to express our Landline No. +632 636.8101 TO 05
ASIABULKPHIL@YAHOO.COM.PH
deepest gratitude to everyone who shared our deep
E-Mail Address
sense of loss with the passing of our beloved Cap- ASIABULK@PLDTDSL.NET
E-Mail Address
Fax No.
Landline ASIABULK@
No. +632 637.8338TO 05
+632 636.8101
tain Gregorio S. Oca. He loved you all deeply.
Mobile FaxNo.
No. +63
+632 917.838.7420
637.8338
Where there is no vision, the people ASIABULKPHIL@YAHOO.COM.PH
Mobile No. +63 917.838.7420
ASIABULKPHIL
perish. - Proverbs 29:18 +63 917.871.2516
Landline No. +632 636.8101 Landline TO 05 +632 636.81
+63 917.871.2516
No.
Let’s exchange thoughts! Write marissa@ Person In-Charge:
Fax No.
gasfi.com for your stories, inquiries and questions.
For more details on the International Seafarer Fa-
+632 637.8338
Person In-Charge:
Fax No. +632 637.83
ERNESTO T.TUVIDA
TUVIDA
mily Convention, please call the ISFC Secretariat
Mobile No.
at Tel. Nos. 975-7578 or 353-8841 or email isfcsec- +63 917.838.7420 ERNESTO T.
Mobile No.
PRESIDENT
PRESIDENT +63 917.838
retariat@gmail.com.
+63 917.871.2516 +63 917.871
August 4 to 5, 2011
Philippine International Convention Center
A prophet once said, “No amount of success can compensate for failure in the home.”
Hence, the Gig and the Amazing Sampaguita Foundation, Inc. and Marino World
are here to ensure that the bonds of families will bring forth the success in the world!
Discover the sacrifices and success stories of every seafarer family.

Be inspired and motivated morally, spiritually, and emotionally.
Help create a better impression before the world
that families are indeed an important unit in the society.
Let the Global Shipping Community know, including the IMO
that we value keeping families intact.
Gather all seafarer families, foster camaraderie and friendship,
and promote strong bonding among family members.
Open avenues for interaction, business opportunities for families,
and other offerings beneficial to every seafarer family.
For details about the event,

Contact the ISFC Secretariat
Telephone: (632) 353-8841
Email: isfcsecretariat@gmail.com
Spearheaded by:
Organized by:
DS-57-1C PANTONE FINAL

GASFI ORANGE
JSU
Photos show AMOSUP leader Capt. Gregorio S. Oca and JSU president Yoji Fujisawa in numerous activities that led to many
benefits of Filipino seafarers.
The best of JSU and AMOSUP partnership

By Lyn Bacani crew cost concept, which enables AMOSUP to negotiate several
other provident funds under various CBA types and led to the
I
nspired by noble mission of continuously helping the seafa- dramatic increase of CBA coverage for Japanese-controlled ves-
rers, the strong bonds of Japan Seamen’s Union (JSU) and sels with Filipino seafarers.
the Associated Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s Union of the Moreover, Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed
Philippines (AMOSUP) have consistently produced and spear- by Capt. Gregorio Oca and JSU president Yoji Fujisawa in 2008
headed numerous joint projects in cooperation with their Japa- has adopted effective measures versus piracy attacks and armed
nese partners, namely the International Mariners’ Management robbery issues in Somalia and Gulf of Aden. They are both ac-
Association of Japan (IMMAJ) and the Philippine-Japan Man- tive participants in international summit meetings on issues and
ning Consultative Council (PJMCC), in collaboration with their concerns on the seafarers’ welfare and protection.
government agencies, all for the betterment and welfare of the
seafarers including their families.
The JSU-AMOSUP Mariners’ Home, which was built at the
center of Manila, has become the safe shelter of seafarers. Its
amenities include air-conditioned suites, entertainment facility,
game room, gym, and cafeteria. Seafarers get free ride courtesy
of the shuttle service. It also served as a center for cultural ex-
change.
Soon, Mariner’s Home will have an extension building or
annex. It will be a seven-storey structure which is made even
bigger to serve the union’s growing number. Soon also, the first
Maritime Museum and Sports Complex will be inaugurated this
year.
JSU has been also in unison with AMOSUP in providing
the best quality education and training to cadets in the Maritime
Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP) by greatly contribu-
ting in the construction of the extension campus and by dona-
ting state-of-the-art facilities and equipment such as full mission
bridge simulator on motion platform and Japanese compact ship
handling simulator.
In order to ensure that these noble projects are met, the JSU
and AMOSUP made collaborations with IMMAJ and PJMCC
in the establishment of the International Cooperative Training
Project for Asian Seafarers.
The nobility of their intentions prompted full support from
the Japan’s Maritime Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure,
Transport and Tourism. Under the program, cadets being trained
onboard T/S Kapitan Oca will soon serve the Japanese merchant
fleet.
More than 70% of the foreign seafarers in Japanese-owned
and controlled vessels are Filipino seafarers. The JSU CBA
Provident Fund was the second fund established under the total The JSU-AMOSUP Mariner’s Home in Malate, Manila.
WE make dreams possible …
WE provide good life …
WE secure the future of your family …
DÖhle - Philman was established in August 23, 1993
with Capt. MANOLO T. GACUTAN on the helm
(President/General Manager), PMMA Batch 1978.
At present, three (3) of our staff are PMMA graduates:

Capt. Jaime M. Santos – Vice President/QMR (batch 1982)
Engr. Armando D. Espiritu – Recruitment Officer (batch 1984)
Chief Officer Ronaldo E. Castro – Recruitment Manager (batch 1991)
FIL-NOR
Capt. Greg Oca with local officials, NMU officers and Norwegian partners during the 3rd Filipino-Norwegian Maritime Conference in 2008.
Capt. Oca’s strong collaboration

with NMU gives birth to Fil-Nor GAIN
By Lyn Bacani in close cooperation with ITF affiliated visions and benefits are included in both
unions in the seafarers’ country of domi- the NIS CBA and Model Agreement.
C
aptain Gregorio Oca’s strong re- cile. All Filipinos seafarers working
lationship and collaboration with Like AMOSUP, NMU campaigns aboard Norwegian-controlled vessels
the Norwegian Maritime Unions internationally for better safety, cleaner should be covered by a CBA where one
(NMU) has paved the way to the estab- environment and decent working and li- or more of the three NMU are part of.
lishment of the Filipino-Norwegian Ge- ving conditions at sea. The CBAs are negotiated every second
neral Assistance and Information Office, NMU and AMOSUP have been year and evaluated once a year by the
Manila (Fil-Nor GAIN), which has been working with other ITF affiliated unions Norwegian Seafarers’ Union and AMO-
servicing thousands of Filipino seafarers in various committee meetings and ple- SUP. The CBA governs the seafarers’
working under the Norwegian Interna- nary sessions on issues and concerns af- working hours, wages and sick benefits
tional Ship Registry. fecting the welfare of the seafarers. along with other regulations the company
Fil-Nor GAIN, Inc., which has com- Both unions participate in the Interna- or shipowners’ association has obligated
petent Filipino staff, can answer any query tional Labor Organization (ILO) on mari- itself to in regards to a seafarer’s employ-
a seafarer might raise pertaining to Collec- time issues as workers’ representatives to ment conditions.
tive Bargaining Agreement (CBA) cove- the Norwegian national delegation and in Remarkably, Captain Oca has ex-
ring their ship such as concerns on provi- the International Maritime Organization tended mutual support to NMU to ensure
dent fund, wages and benefits, hiring and (IMO) through its participation in the that even the Filipino seafarers working
dismissal, working hours and schedule, ICFTU/ITF consultative delegation. under Norwegian flag have better wor-
training, certification, health and working On April 1,1992, the NSA Provident king conditions and that CBA will be in
environment, among others. Fund was established, by the Collective effect to make sure that they keep a happy
NMU consists of the Norwegian agreement between the Norwegian Ship- crew onboard.
Maritime Officers Association (NMOA), owners’ Association (NSA), AMOSUP Fil-Nor GAIN, Inc. aims to work for
Norwegian Seafarers’ Union (NSU) and and NMU, for the benefit of the Filipino the improvement of the seafarers’ moral
Norwegian Union of Marine Engineers seafarers serving on board vessels re- and socio-economic well-being in coor-
(NUME), which Capt. Oca represents the gistered with NIS and also for seafarers dination with shipowners, local manning
Associated Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s who are serving on non-Norwegian ves- agents and other organizations involved
Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP). sels but operated by Norwegian shipping in the employment of Filipino seafarers
NMOA and NUME have organized companies. in Norwegian registered vessels.
certified deck and engine officers. NSU It was initiated to provide better The Joint Filipino-Norwegian Mari-
mainly organizes ratings, including cate- benefits to Filipino seafarers not only to time Unions General Assistance & Infor-
ring and all groups employed on deep-sea promote professionalism among Filipino mation Office, Inc. in Manila or simply,
fishing vessels. seamen and officers but also to give cre- FIL-NOR GAIN, Inc. was established in
The NMU has around 25,000 sea- dence to its commitment in improving May 2003 and is run jointly by the three
farers, most are domestic members. The the lives of their families. It was also es- Norwegian Maritime Unions (NMU)
Unions also negotiate collective bargain- tablished to encourage Filipino seafarers and the Associated Marine Officers’
ing agreements for an additional 35,000 to continue sea services onboard Norwe- and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines
non-domiciled seafarers. This is done gian owned or controlled vessels. Its pro- (AMOSUP).
MET master opens • Passing the Board Exam
review center • Getting all the knowledge
By Jun G. Garcia
Pobar Marine Services, Inc.,
General Manager/Director and QMR,
• Reviewing while On Board
Capt. Leonito Mirande, who earned
his Masters in Maritime Education • Saving Cost and Time...
and Training (MET) with honor at
the Philippine Merchant Marine Aca-
demy Graduate School on May 2010,
has recently initiated a maritime
review center for Marine Deck and
Engine officers in Suite 702 Ermita
Crucial To Your Succes?
The Solution is Here!!!
Center Building, Ermita, Manila.
Capt. Mirande, who has been a fighter
for the rights and benefits of Filipino sea-
farers in his own respect, explained that the
training center which he named “GLeKK’s
Consultancy and Tutorial Services” was
originally created to assist and help poten-
tial officers of Pobar to confidently take and Mirande Deck, Engine, OIC, Management
pass the licensure examination and upgrade
their ranks.
The pilot class, which started after its accreditation on 24 September
E !
2010, already produced two passers in the recent Walk-In Examination Sys-
tem (WES) conducted by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).
The newly-passed officers are C/M Rey Tiba and OIC for engine Smith Junco
e s i s M
– both from Pobar company.OIC Junco is the company’s scholar from VMA
l it ta k
Al
Global College, where Capt. Mirande is also the school’s Alumni President.
“I am happy that I passed the WES examination. Everybody knows WES
is practically difficult as questions come at random compared to written exa-
mination. But with all modesty, the review materials (of GLeKK’s)
really compelled us to focus on our review and depend only on
what we will learn from it. It really contributed to the success of
my examination,” said C/M Rey Tiba, who started as a cadet until
this very moment in Pobar.
On the other hand, OIC Junco thought otherwise. “Capt. Mirande is re-
ally a strict kind of mentor. He will feed us the knowledge we need to ingrain
for the examination and left us with encouragement that if we religiously
study our lessons, there will be no reason to fear the examination. And indeed,
I passed,” said OIC Junco.
“As you know, our direction is really towards taking the WES. It really
helps fast-track the production of confident and competent Filipino ship offi-
cers for the world fleet. However, they must really be guided accordingly. They
really need to depend on what they will learn from our review center in order to
be successful in the examination, and to be able to demonstrate onboard, what
they have actually learned (and passed),” said the MET master.
“To put it very bluntly, I will exhort the class in day one never to get
tempted in the lure of expensive but useless leakage or engage in any disho-
nest practice in the examination because the knowledge and credential they
will earn from the examination will be their ticket to a higher responsibility.
Therefore, they must be prepared intellectually and practically. Everybody
knows I am strict but at the end of the day, they will surely learn. That is my
quality statement,” furthered Capt. Mirande.
With the positive result of its review center, GLeKK’s Consultancy and
Tutorial Services is now opening its doors to other reviewees from all schools
and those who wish to go for their professional goals at a lower cost but with
excellence comparable to existing review centers in the industry today.
The computerized review center offers seven (7) effective tools that really
improve skills of reviewees for WES or Written examination.
These are the Progress Report, Assessment, Quick Lecture Tips, Practice
Examination, Take Home CD that allows home-based study and practice
exams, the Multi-Media Lecture, and Problem Solver.
GLeKK’s also offers refresher modules for (Deck) OIC, Chief Mate and
Master and (Engine) OIC, 2nd Engineer, and Chief Engineer. For inquiries, you
can contact GLeKK’s at telephone number s 63 999 5016967 and 7102375(look
for Aireen Mirande). 3rd Flr. Room 320, BPI Bldg. Escolta Street,
“The review center is the impetus of my Masteral in MET at the PM- Plaza Sta. Cruz, Manila
MAGS, which started from my company (Pobar) carrying the principle of sha-
ring the fountain of knowledge coming from within going out. This is what my (63-2)6975335, (63-2)7331040
professors at the Graduate School have taught me. Now, it’s my turn to impart 0917-8387945
the knowledge gained through diligence and hardwork without the Peso sign in
my head,” concluded the meticulous Captain. www.omarsoft.org
education & training
CHED chairperson Licuanan shows commitment by displaying thumbs-up gesture with the newly-elected trustees and officers of PAMI.
MPCF hosts PAMI Convention

CHED cites maritime education as flagship
program, promising collaboration seen
By Lyn Bacani City on December 4, 2010. Licuanan, a social psychologist, edu-
Observing this year’s theme, “PAMI: cator and women’s right activist, worked
M
anifesting her commitment to Meeting the Challenge of Global Stan- as a professor and chairman of the De-
the maritime industry which dards in Maritime Education,” Licuanan partment of Psychology and Academic
she believes as a very vital sec- intellectually discussed various maritime Vice President of the Ateneo de Manila
tor of the economy, the newly-appointed concerns with the members of the coun- University and was the Immediate Past
chairperson of the Commission on Higher try’s largest maritime-school organiza- President of Miriam College.
Education (CHED), Dr. Patricia Licuanan, tion. She gave her word that there will
flew all the way from Manila to Albay to “Maritime sector is a very important be changes in CHED itself and will try
grace the 36th Annual General Assembly sector, I know that. I believe that very to clean its house in order and to be less
Meeting of the Philippine Association of deeply… the maritime higher education regulatory, less prescriptive and more de-
Maritime Institutions (PAMI) held at the is a flagship program and CHED is cer- velopmental and supportive [in nature]
Mariners Polytechnic Colleges Founda- tainly committed to this and [would] want but also fair, firm and decisive.
tion (MPCF) campus in Rawis, Legazpi to help in any way it can,” the new chair- “CHED processes will be efficient
person exudes. and transparent with no hint of corruption
or conflict of interest,” she assures.
In her presentation, Licuanan cited
critical areas of concern in the Commis-
sion namely, the seeming lack of overall
vision, framework and plan for higher
education, the deteriorating quality of
higher education, and the limited access
to quality higher education.
For the maritime education, she
stressed that there are 13 Higher Educa-
tion Institutions (HEIs) in the country,
which have been included in the watch list
of CHED for consistent non-compliance
to the Commission’s programs, standards
and guidelines and the major reason for
this is the lack of adequate facilities.
She, however, clarified that the Com-
mission’s first approach will be develop-
Licuanan Jimenez mental.
“I want to assure you that our first ap- are very few. There are only four HEIs in Jimenez under his term as PAMI presi-
proach is developmental. We want to raise maritime offering graduate program. That dent, was indeed successful in bringing
the standards. We don’t necessarily want is the lack in the field and you don’t have the Association closer to the new CHED
to close out schools. That is the last re- enough people with master’s degree. I’m Chairperson. In fact, the presence of Li-
sort. But if necessary, there will be phase sure it make sense that an exemption will cuanan in the General membership meet-
out and closure of substandard HEIs and be made. We just have to identify those ing is a strong manifestation of strong col-
programs,” Licuanan further assures. areas for the most part that really over- laboration and diligent commitment with
The new CHED leader also encou- subscribed… but if the graduate program the new head of CHED.
raged the PAMI members to look into for maritime is not oversubscribed, then The modest invitation for the Chair-
the fluctuating performance of maritime maybe we can consider it,” she affirms. person to meet the more than 70 PAMI
graduates in the last 10 years. Records members in Bicol representing maritime
show passing rate of 50.5 or so in 2009 PAMI Leadership schools from Luzon, Visayas and Min-
and 2010, which is at far cry from its The PAMI Convention, which was
passing percentage of 73% or 74% in Continued on page 46
the last project of Commodore Dante La
2002 and 2003.
“There’s an upward trend here but no-
where near what you used to be in 2002.
So that is something I think we have to
look into,” Licuanan recaps.
She also said maritime education has
a problem of inadequate faculty creden-
tials, where most of the maritime faculty
members only have the undergraduate
bachelor’s degrees. The reason for such,
among others, is due to the lack of HEIs
offering graduate programs.
According to CHED’s records, only
four out of 95 maritime HEIs offer gradu-
ate program. Nonetheless, Licuanan re-
veals finalization of programs, standards
and guidelines (PSGs) for graduate pro-
grams in maritime education, which in-
clude distance learning as requested by
the industry. Distance learning allows
seafarers to continue higher education
even while onboard ships.
The official likewise heeds the appeal
of Dr. Felicito Dalaguete, Vice President
of Academic Affairs of the Asian Institute
of Maritime Studies (AIMS) and a mem-
ber of CHED’s Technical Panel, to fast
track the approval of the standards of ac-
creditation for the graduate program, the
center of excellence and development and
the equivalency program.
“It is very sad to note that the deve-
lopment of our maritime programs com-
pared to other countries is not that good
specifically in higher program… We hope
that the accreditation standards in three
set of standards in maritime be facilitated
and fast tracked in the Commission en
banc this January and be ready for June
because many of us are ready to apply but
are still waiting,” Dalaguete reports.
Licuanan was quick to reply and was
quoted as saying, “I take your comments
… I was informed that things are quite
slow in CHED. I promise to fast track.”
Also, upon hearing from Dr. Leo Ra-
mos, Executive Director of the Lyceum
of the Philippines University that their
school which has been granted Autonomy
by CHED would like to apply for accredi-
tation for graduate program but impeded
by the moratorium being implemented by
the Commission, Licuanan underscored,
“they might consider lifting the morato-
rium.”
“Certainly, the data shows that there
Licuanan joins PAMI officials and members in posterity souvenir.
From page 45
danao, is already considered an achievement for

Commo. Jimenez because he saw the precedence
of successfully advancing shared goals of the as-
sociation with CHED under its new administra-
tion – CHED is the industry’s ultimate and prime
partner in achieving its goals for the industry.
Jimenez says the PAMI Convention is time-
ly because come year 2012, the Manila STCW
Amendments will start its ball rolling until 2017
when compliance by all parties, specially the
Philippines, is a must.
“If we want to maintain our stature as the
number one provider of seafarers in the world, our
curriculum must be at par, within the standards of
the Standard of Training, Certification and Watch-
keeping (STCW) of the International Maritime
Organization (IMO). Likewise, it is very crucial
that all maritime schools must come united to con-
front these changes,” Jimenez concludes.
PAMI New Board of Trustees and

Cadets pay respect to Licuanan. Officers
After the successful Convention, which
concluded with a promising collaboration with
CHED, PAMI members gathered for a general
assembly and election of board of trustees and
officers for 2011-2012.
The new officers and board of trustees of
PAMI for 2011-2012 are Engr. Benito Chiong-
bian as president, Dr. Elizabeth Salabas as Exe-
cutive Vice President, Commo. Dante La Jime-
nez as Secretary-General, Dr. Felicito Dalaguete
as Vice President for National Capital Region/
South Luzon, Engr. Felix Oca as Vice President
Commo. Dante for North Luzon, Dr. Ma. Teresa Sarabia as Vice
Jimenez tours CHED President for Visayas, Capt. Lorenzo Eusebio as
chairperson Licuanan Vice President for Mindanao, Dr. Leticia Salas as
to the facilities of Teasurer, Dr. Ariel Ocampo as Auditor, and Capt.
Mariners Polytechnic Rodolfo Estampador, Dr. Edita Genson and Capt.
Colleges Foundation, Domingo Acosta as Board Members.
Legazpi City Campus.
Participants and guests were treated with
hefty native cuisines of the Bicol region. They
enjoyed not only the dinner party but also the
prominent tourists’ spots of Legazpi City cour-
tesy of the host campus – the MPCF.
MET’s time for new beginnings
I
t’s the time of the year when people make STAY FIT AND HEALTHY SPEND TIME WITH FAMILY
New Year’s resolutions to guide them in With the forthcoming implementation Our goal-orientedness should not
their goal setting or change ways to re- of the 2010 STCW Manila Amendments, drown prudence and wisdom in going back
align them with priorities for the year. More the Administration has to continue to to our basic units -- whether with the family
often though, when we fail to meet these demonstrate and strengthen its own com- for our personal engagements or with our
goals -- we resort to recycling them. petence in delivery of its function. The organization/stakeholders for our corpo-
With much enthusiasm, we welcome resolution to have a cohesive and strong rate or governance purposes. Spending time
the year 2011 and raise the challenge to all administration in STCW is premised on go- and consulting the stakeholders is a BASIC
stakeholders specifically MET providers to vernment’s unequivocal support to maritime RULE in effective administration.
continue to be a voice in the wilderness. As industry to address long standing policy is- So here’s our toast for a fruitful 2011
I searched for top new year’s resolutions in sues hounding the industry. Policies, rules with hope that these (wishful) resolutions
the internet, I came across these most popu- and regulations in shipping, recruitment, get fulfilled and not recycled for 2012 and
lar goals for the year and reinvented them as MET and certification need to be reviewed, onwards!
our MET version. Here it goes. re-aligned and strengthened. These are vital
signs of a healthy administration.
LOSE WEIGHT
Shed off the unnecessary pounds in the LEARN SOMETHING EXCITING Training M atters
load seafarers carry in a dozen or so agen- Discover and explore new ways to
cies they go through in pursuing their career. By Merle Jimenez-San Pedro
achieve our goal of educating and training
Under the new Aquino administration, poli- seafarers. Advances in technology have
cies need to be harmonized to trim off the been tremendous that antiquated ways in
fats in the multiple-layered governance of board and rote memory learning have to
seafarers. Ms. MERLE JIMENEZ- SAN PEDRO
be replaced by more dynamic and exciting is currently the President of the
approaches in the use of available techno- Mariners’ Polytechnic Training Center
GET ORGANIZED logy. The art of assessment in Regulation (MPTC) and the past President of the
Prepare early for the implementation 1/6 needs innovative approach to make it Philippine Association of Maritime
Training Centers, Inc. (PAMTCI).
of the STCW 2010 Manila Amendments by effective.
planning and adopting uniform interpreta-
tion of the requirements in synch with other QUIT SMOKING
agencies under MTC. CHED, TESDA and Cigarette butts are the most littered
PRC among others, need to have a cohesive item in the world with some 4.5 trillion ***
roadmap to ensure that pending requirements tossed by smokers yearly, endangering wild- As we turn a new chapter in 2011, we offer
like the MLC implementation and the new life and marine animals. To quit smoking is our best wishes to this year’s Board and offi-
STCW Manila amendments are carried out to inject more life not only to smokers but to cers of PAMTCI led by C/E Alfredo Haboc,
smoothly. These are among the challenges their families, friends and marine animals as Training Director of PHILCAMSAT who
faced by newly appointed Executive Direc- well. Smoking reflects a culture replete of is the new President. Other elected Board
tor Liberty Casco of MTC who pledged to sensiti-vity to life and environment -- some- members are Capt. Jess Martinez, Capt. Di-
consult the stakeholders all the way. thing that the International Convention on ofonce Tunacao, Dr. Elizabeth Salabas, Sen-
Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MAR- fronio Alterado, Capt. Arsenio Padilla, Capt.
SPEND LESS, SAVE MORE POL 73/78) hopes to address. Reynold Sabay, C/E Romeo Piccio and this
The growth rate in remittances from representation. PAMTCI hopes to continue
the seafarers of 12.06% which is 3x faster HELPING OTHERS IN THEIR DREAM its pro-active programs and advocacy for
compared to land-based jobs in 2010 is Providing quality education and train- better MET administration in the country.
more than enough incentive to push for the ing to seafarers is helping people fulfil their From the PAMI side, Engr. Benito
improvement of the system of administra- dreams. Last year, seafarers contributed Chiongbian of West Bay College was elected
tion of seafaring – from education, train- some US$ 2.46B of remittances to the na- as President, taking over the position of outgo-
ing, to employment. Government support in tional coffers, making them very valuable ing President Commodore Dante Jimenez of
domestic shipping is likewise wanting and sector that helped uplift our economy. Mariners’ Polytechnic Colleges Foundation.
linking it closely to the lucrative overseas The Aquino administration should as Congratulations to all of you!
seafaring will address many problems of our well give full support to the campaign to
vessels involving safety. have its first ever Filipino Secretary General ***
MET providers especially academies of the IMO in the person of Mr. Neil Fer- Year 2010 ended on a sad note with the de-
should braced up for more hardware and rer from DFA in the forthcoming elections mise of the “Father of Seafarers” and AMO-
software investments with the STCW Ma- of the General Assembly of IMO in London SUP’s founder, Captain Gregoria S. Oca last
nila amendments. Faculty and trainers’ this June. November. While the industry’s loss in Capt.
training need further enhancement to keep Oca brought grief to the seafarers and the in-
up with more competency requirements of FALL IN LOVE dustry as a whole, his great con-tributions
the amendments. in championing the rights and welfare of
Passion for the industry cannot go un- seafarers for decades have left unforgettable
noticed with the endless debates during imprints in their hearts and minds. MAAP’s
ENJOY LIFE TO THE FULLEST stakeholders’ meetings and events. The re-
Living life to the fullest is not equated establishment and other AMOSUP allied
cent lifting of moratorium of MET providers institutions are the best legacies Capt. Oca
simply with amassing material possessions in basic safety course is evidence of strong
or the luxuries of life. We can fully enjoy has left not to mention, Capt. Oca’s family
confidence in bigger market to come -- more who are expected to carry on his noble vi-
the fruits of our labor especially when it is and more get to love this industry with its
meaningfully shared. MET institutions still sion. Marissa, his eldest daughter’s display
bright prospects of bigger market share. of wisdom and strength during these hard
need to debunk negative image of insatiable Recruitment agencies continue to mush-
profit cravings indiscriminately attached to times must have made him truly fulfilled and
room as well. Let this love not go blind. happy for this lasting legacy in the family he
it by other sectors.
left behind.
The mission continues
MARITAS
adapts to the
changing times De Guzman
By Lyn Bacani
F
or more than two decades now, the lenges hounding the industry, MARITAS time community, Mr. De Guzman devised
Maritime Technological and Allied continues to serve as the only training a sustainable training program to ensure
Services, Inc. (MARITAS) remains center that provides most affordable qua- competency of radio officers-trainees and
an active partner of the government and lity training to our seafarers. developed the Global Maritime Distress
the maritime industry in enhancing the and Safety System (GMDSS) in the Phi-
competitiveness of Filipino seafarers. Unsung efforts lippines to address the sad plight of those
MARITAS’ strong commitment to Mr. Celso Manuel De Guzman estab- dislodged from their posts.
excellence in this dynamic industry led lished MARITAS on 18 August 1987 with His education and training acquired
to the procurement of Transas Simulator primary objective of offering maritime has fueled his efforts to give the jobs back
– an investment that will further support training courses in communications to Fili- to the displaced radio operators through
and enhance the Seaman Tipid Offer Pro- pino seafarers. It became the first and only unselfish transfer of knowledge on the
gram (STOP) to ensure continuity of its training center in the Philippines to offer new technology back then.
mission, which is to help seafarers acquire the Radio Electronic Officers Course. Consequently, most seafarers’
mandatory trainings at a very, very afford- Back in 1992 when his fellow radio GMDSS certificates were obtained from
able packages. operators were displaced following a dras- MARITAS. It can be gauged that of every
Despite the different faces of chal- tic innovation from the international mari- 100 officers, 85 of them have MARITAS
GMDSS certificates.
“I remember one of my graduate tel-
ling a story when a port state control of-
ficer in Hong Kong asked, ‘where is your
MARITAS?’ when in fact they should be
asking for the GMDSS certificate? It’s just
like someone looking for a close-up brand
of toothpaste and was asking for Colgate
because it has become prominent. So it’s
kinda synonymous to MARITAS. That
was a bit funny but I was truly elated,” De
Guzman recalls.
It was all running smooth until the
recent memorandum of the National Tele-
communications Commission (NTC),
which requires simulator assessment to be
issued license.
Though caught flatfooted and aware
of the implications the new order will
bring, MARITAS acquired the latest mo-
del of Transas simulator.
The De Guzman Family is behind the MARITAS success.
Officers having hands-on training at the
CBT of Maritas. (Lower photo): An instruc-
tor/Assessor observing the activities of his
trainees in his monitor.
Adapting to the changing times

With the new development, MARI-
TAS adjusted its curriculum by adopting
the simulator system instead of compu-
ter-aided training, which worked for the
thousand of seafarers over the years.
Admirably, De Guzman instructed
his staff to contact their graduates to
submit themselves to the comprehensive
simulator training at MARITAS without
imposing additional cost.
“Our graduates and new batches
are happy because they can surely
cope up with the new simulator system
assessment and have passed the licen- board to develop the course and I strived “Reducing the cost is not a marke-
sure examination given by the NTC,” hard to finally get the accreditation,” de ting strategy. It is not throat-cutting busi-
reveals De Guzman. Guzman recounts. ness. I encourage my colleagues in mari-
“We offer our services honestly. We Now on its 28th year of dedicated time training to provide quality training
continue to pursue this undertaking not service to the industry, MARITAS takes at the lowest price as possible so that we
for business profit but rather to magnify pride in offering 41 mandatory and basic can help the seafarers. First of all, I am
our commitment of producing competent maritime courses. It is occupying three a seafarer. Why will I make it difficult
seafarers for the world maritime industry. levels of the Prudential Bank Building for my fellow seafarer for me to become
This is our contribution. We are here to in Plaza Lacson, Sta Cruz, Manila. Part rich? We’ve been offering affordable yet
serve. Our business is to train people. All of its corporate social responsibility, is quality training for more than two de-
we have to do is to take care of that and to give future to retired and active well- cades now and we are still here. What is
do what’s best for our seafarers – to pre- experienced senior officers. important for us is to sustain the business
serve their competency level,” De Guz- “We have 51 senior officers like me so we can continue with our advocacy.
man assures. working as instructors. They are also se- We don’t need to become rich,” De Guz-
And because MARITAS pioneered nior by age. It’s also our CSR, to provide man justifies.
in GMDSS, De Guzman made certain the retired officers of employment,” says What makes MARITAS unique is
that the Center will continue to comply De Guzman. that it has no marketing arm. It is seafa-
by upgrading its facilities as required Another CSR for MARITAS is to rers who constantly walk in.
and will uphold collaborations with the encourage other training centers to make “What makes MARITAS different?
government to best serve the needs of the training courses affordable to seafa- If I speak for myself, that is bragging.
seafarers. rers, without sacrificing the quality. This But if somebody will speak for you, it’s
“I was the one who first introduced alone is a big contribution to the develop- the truth. It’s a fact. So just ask our
GMDSS because I am a radio operator. ment of the maritime industry, likewise to graduates what MARITAS is,” De
My passion is there. I spent overnight on- the seafarers and their families. Guzman concludes.
Recipients of BSM Loyalty Awards for Officers pose with the company’s top executives.
BSM’s Fleet Officers’ Meeting mirrors

exceptional commitment to safety
By Gen Dy November 2010 FOM in our newly built a mere requirement of the oil companies,”
building the “BSM House” which was at- he said.
T
op fleet officers of Bernhard Schulte tended by 60 officers who are eager to see BSM invited Capt. Stephen Bour-
Shipmanagement (BSM) had brain- the spacious building, according to Capt. dreaux, Shell Marine Technical Advisor of
stormed strategies that will further Armando Santosidad, BSM Fleet Opera- Shell Singapore to shed light on occupa-
enhance ship safety and security and en- tions Manager. tional health and safety.
able international collaboration on infor- Since 2009, BSM have invited the Ju- Capt.Bourdreaux brought “awareness
mation sharing. nior officers who are indeed have a big role to the crew to be always prepared on what
BSM’s Fleet Officers’ Meeting (FOM) in the safety of our vessels at the same time the clients were looking for.”
was designed to gather all officers in one they are our future Masters and Chief En- He also explained as to “why oil ma-
event to discuss important matters and at gineers. Interactive discussions on safety jors need to inspect the vessel for better
the same time to be acquainted to their were shared, particularly on the vetting is- understanding of the crew.”
colleagues. FOM is a tool to collaborate sues. “Safety is for everybody. The FOM
the different experiences of our officers Vetting inspections is the main issue enhance the safety culture, giving insights
whether it’s good or bad but still it is a on the FOM and it is the measuring gauge and advance education especially to our ju-
learned lesson. FOM is being held twice of oil majors to determine if the vessel is nior officers about the development in the
yearly, every April or May and November, safe in all aspects “vessel and its crew”. organization and things going on in other
is a three-day seminar for senior and ju- BSM believes in high level of safety that vessels,” said Santosidad.
nior officers, Capt Santosidad explained. is why Vetting Inspections is being dis- “Our ship management business end-
We are lucky enough to hold the 08-10 cussed in depth in our PDOS to ensure the ed the year with more than 600 ships under
understanding of all crew apart from being our crew and technical care. Our strategy is
BSM’s first Fleet

Officers Meeting
at the new BSM
House
The principals and
officials of BSM join
the participants of the
company’s Fleet Of-
ficers’ Meeting held at
the new BSM House lo-
cated at Leon Guinto,
Malate, Manila.
New CEO for Bernhard Schulte
Shipmanagement (BSM)
Mr. Rajaish Bajpaee presently the deputy CEO of
BSM takes the helm of the organisation as the new CEO
replacing Mr. Andreas Droussiotis who retires volun-
tarily and after thirty six years with the Schulte group.
Mr. Droussiotis remains as a non –executive chairman
for a period of two years for the smooth transition
BSM Fleet Officers’ Workshop and support the new CEO in his tasks and duties. Mr.
Bajpaee with twenty
three years with the
increasing safety awareness and in so doing, we prevent
accidents. True to the saying, prevention is better than group is known in
cure, here in BSM, we advocate zero accident or at least the shipping world
minimize it through continuous education,” he added. for his dedication,
“We at BSM welcome vetting and third party inspec- contribution and
tions. In meeting and passing their expectations that only professionalism.
means increase in our chartered vessels which translate to
better business for us,” he stressed.
He is currently
Other guest experts, Mark Westerman of International the Vice Chairman
Mining and Marine Ltd., shared his technical knowledge of the Steering
on Gas Detection while Mr. Darrell Ashley discussed Committee on Ship-
other hot issue on the Maritime Labor Convention ping KPIs of Inter-
(MLC) 2006.
Manager. He is also
BSM is serious in educating its people. Apart from
the FOM, they also offer specialized seminars on Gas and an active Member
Chemical tanker course which is open both for Junior/Se- of the Customer
nior officers and its being conducted twice a year. Relation Group of the Marine Department of the Go-
BSM’s quality training system based on continuous vernment of Hong Kong SAR, an Executive Committee
improvement also promotes team-building. Member of the Hong Kong Shipowners Association
Officers were also delighted to have a building that
can house seminars and bring a more relaxed atmosphere.
(HKSOA), as well as an external Board Member of The
Its hassle-free and does not need to endure traffic when Hong Kong Polytechnic University International Cen-
going to the seminar, since they have a dormitory that can tre for Maritime Studies (ICMS). The new CEO with full
accommodate those living in the provinces. commitment and support from his team will expand
“Our new building boosts the morale of the par- further the activities and services of the organisation
ticipants,” Santosidad said, adding that they can savor
in the shipping environment. We wish Mr. Bajpaee all
the privilege of having a modern building at the heart
of the city. success in his deliberations.
Management level training course
for marine officers: A proposal
(Table A-II/2 and Table A-III/2 of the STCW Code, as amended)
By CLIFFORD A. PARAGUA enroll in the Management Level Course (based not be ready for such transition; and, d) there
on Table A-II/2 and Table A-III/2, respectively, is a need to revisit the entire process of transi-
The STCW Convention and Code provides that as prescribed under MTC Resolution No. 3, tioning from operational level to management
all seafarers must have completed approved Series 2005) to qualify for a marine officer’s level.
education and training and have undergone management level COC.
assessment and certification prior to their Under MTC Resolution No. 5, Series EMSA observations on the
deployment on board sea-going vessels. 2009, marine officers (at the operational
level) who have served as such for at least implementation of MLC
In the particular case of marine officers, In a follow-up inspection of the Philip-
the STCW Code prescribes specific minimum 24 months are exempted from undergoing
training for Functions 1 and 2 (for the deck pine maritime education, training and certi-
standards of competence for operational level fication system conducted by the European
officers and management level officers. Thus, MLC) and Functions 1, 2, and 3 (for the en-
gineering MLC), based on a table of equiva- Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) in 12-23
Table A-II/1 and Table A-II/2 of the STCW April 2010, the inspectors forwarded major
Code provide the mandatory competency stan- lency prescribed under the said Resolution.
A marine officer at the operational level concerns on the implementation of the Ma-
dards for deck officers at the operational and nagement Level Course (MLC) in relation to
management levels, respectively. In similar can attain the status of a management level
marine officer only by passing a second PRC the Table of Equivalency promulgated by the
fashion, Table A-III/1 and Table A-III/2 de- Maritime Training Council through Resolution
fine the mandatory competency standards for licensure examination for management level
officers, going through the Management Level No. 5, Series 2009.
marine engineer officers at the operational and The Table of Equivalency accepts seago-
management levels, respectively. Course (MLC) and passing the required as-
sessment. Marine deck officers who attain this ing service in lieu of the required education and
Operational level competencies are as- training, a policy that does not have any clear
status qualify as Chief Mates; marine engineer
officers who achieve the same qualify as Second basis in the STCW Convention and Code. The
TESDA Focal Person EMSA inspectors regarded such policy as a se-
for the Maritime Marine Engineer Officer. After a few years on
board, Chief Mates may be promoted to Ship rious deficiency which should be addressed by
Sector Clifford the Administration.
Paragua is the former Captain or Master and Second Engineer Offi-
cers may be promoted to Chief Engineer. Although the EMSA inspectors also
executive director of expressed concern over the content and
the Maritime Training structure of the Management Level Course
Council (MTC) and The real score on the shortage of (as promulgated under MTC Resolution No.
the former director marine officers 3, Series 2005), since these are not fully in
of Bureau of Local The above-outlined transition from the consonance with the content and structure of
Employment of the operational to management level officer has Table A-II/2 and Table A-III/2, they neverthe-
Department of Labor created an “abnormal” situation in the supply less implied that all operational level officers
and Employment. of qualified marine officers, both at the deck transitioning to management level must be re-
and engine departments. quired to undergo training and assessment for
sumed to be incorporated in the bachelor’s While the phenomenon of “shortage of the management level competencies as provi-
degree programs for deck and engineering of- marine officers” has been oft repeated, such ded for in the said Tables of the STCW Code.
ficers. Thus, seafarers who have completed the shortage may have to be better understood and
three-year in-school program and the requisite appreciated in the light of factual data from the
one year cadetship program are qualified to Addressing the issues
registry of marine officers maintained by the The situation outlined above dictates that
take the licensure examination administered concerned Boards of the Professional Regula-
by the concerned Boards of the Professional appropriate measures will have to be taken to
tion Commission. adequately address the intertwined issues.
Regulation Commission. Recent data from the PRC indicates that
A seafarer who passes the licensure The EMSA inspectors’ observation that
at the deck department there are 49,494 ma- the equivalency process adopted by MTC and
examination is issued a license to practice rine officers at the operational level, but only
the marine profession and becomes part of the PRC “appears not to be consistent with the
3,492 chief mates who have successfully gone requirements” of the STCW Convention has to
the registry of licensed marine officers. The through the transition stages (described above)
seafarer then goes through an assessment be immediately addressed. The most concrete
and 11,283 ship captains or master mariners way of responding to this issue is to make the
process which leads to the issuance of a who have reached the apex of their sea-going
marine officer’s Certificate of Competency Management Level Training Course for Ma-
careers. rine Officers (MLTCMO) mandatory, on the
(at the operational level). Data for the engineering department, on
The possession of a valid marine officer’s basis of the course structure promulgated under
the other hand, indicates a similar pattern. MTC Resolution No. 3, Series 2005.
license and a certificate of competency quali- There are now 41,786 operational level ma-
fies a seafarer to board an ocean-going ves- Entry to the MLTCMO will still require at
rine engineer officers compared to only 4,284 least 24 months sea service as operational level
sel as a marine officer at the operational level Second Engineer Officers (first step of the
(officer-in-charge of navigation or engineering officer. The completion of the course (which
management level category) and 9,964 chief may also serve as the review course) will lead
watch, as the case may be). engineer officers (highest management level to the required assessment of competencies as
category). provided for in the management level compe-
Transition to management level From these data, there is reason and basis tency tables of the STCW Code.
With at least two years (24 months) of sea to make a number of inferences: a) marine of- Completion of the MLTCMO and the suc-
duty as officer-in-charge, a marine officer may ficers at the operational level encounter diffi- cessful demonstration of the requisite compe-
take another PRC examination to qualify for a culties in moving up to the management level; tencies will entitle the marine officer to receive
management level license. b) the transition procedures, requirements and a Management Level Certificate of Competen-
With such experience and armed with a mechanisms may be perceived as cumber- cy, allowing eventual transition from opera-
management level license, a marine officer can some; c) operational level marine officers may tional level to management level categories.
CURRENT PRACTICE: An Officer-in-Charge Aspiring to
Move Up to Management Level
Entry Requirement Examination Training Assessment
At least 24 months Management Deck: Deck:
sea service as Level Licensure Functions 1 and 2:
Officer-in-Charge Examination Functions 1, 2, 3:
not required
required
Ready to take the Function 3:
PRC Management required Engine:
Level Examination
Engine:
Can pay the required Functions 1, 2,
Functions 1, 2, 3: 3,4:
PRC examination not required
fees, training and required
assessment fees Function 4:
required The AMIGOS-MARINO welcomes new PRC Chair Atty. Manzala.
PROPOSED POLICY AND PROCEDURE: Transitioning to

Management Level AMIGOS confident on new
PRC Chair’s leadership
Entry Requirement Examination Training Assessment
At least 24 months Management Deck: Deck:
sea service as Level Licensure- Functions 1
Officer-in-Charge Examination no Functions 1, 2, 3:
and 2 and 3:
longer required required
Ready to take the required
By Gen Dy time industry.
Management Level Engine: Engine: They said, “We have been ask-
A
Training Course for
Marine Officers Functions 1, 2, 3 ing for an incorruptible government
Functions 1, 2, ll Maritime Integrated Group
(MLTCMO) and 4: required
3,4: agency such as PRC for the last 9
required
of Seafarers (AMIGOS- years.”
Can pay the required MARINO), Inc. expects
training and assess- “We should be mentors and not
ment fees Professional Regulations Commis- tormentors. Let’s just help each oth-
sion (PRC) to institute reforms that er,” the PRC Chairman assured.
will benefit the country’s heroes par- Manzala said she is looking
Another PRC Management Level Examination should no ticularly the Filipino seafarers. forward to conducting consultation
longer be required, not only for the reason that this becomes su- AMIGOS-MARINO, an um- with them in relation to their profes-
perfluous, but also because an operational level officer, arguably, is brella organization of different man- sion.
already licensed to practice the marine profession. Transition into ning organizations paid a courtesy The group wanted to air their
and promotion in rank at the management level, other than being call to newly-installed PRC Chair- concerns in their next meeting with
a matter of right, should also be essentially based on shipboard person, Atty. Teresita R. Manzala the PRC Chairperson.
experience and quality of performance. last January 14. Oseña said, AMIGOS expects
The group led by Capt. Leuel that there will be no double standard
The proposal in summary Oseña volunteered to help the PRC in issuing licenses. He said they
In order not to confuse the Management Level Course (MLC) Chairperson on her endeavors to the should be entitled to the full use of
with the Maritime Labor Convention (MLC 2006) and to some- best interest of the maritime indus- their license and not be curtailed by
how detach the proposal from the issues surrounding the current try. putting limitations and making Elec-
implementation of the course, the Management Level Training “During the turn-over and even tronic Chart Display and Informa-
Course for Marine Officers (Table A-II/2 and Table A-III/2 of the today in our orientation, I said PRC tion System (ECDIS) a pre-requisite
STCW Code) is herein offered as a new nomenclature. under my watch will stand to its for renewal.
Aside from addressing the serious deficiency noted by the principle and is committed to pro- They also asked that PRC to
EMSA inspectors, the proposal directly responds to the real core fessionalizationOur services will be encourage more walk-in exams and
of the issue on the shortage of marine officers by providing for a friendly and incorruptible.” revisit the apprenticeship / sea service
more systematic transitioning from operational level to manage- “I don’t have vested interest policy as well as the Management Le-
ment level that is consistent with the provisions of the STCW Con- here,” Manzala stressed. vel Course (MLC) for marine officers.
vention and Code. This was welcomed by AMI- AMIGOS said they hope for
GOS claiming they have been a win-win solution for all of these
looking for changes in the mari- concerns.
Policy pre-requisites
To address the above issues and to effectively implement this
proposal, the following measures need to be undertaken:
Amend MTC Resolution No. 3, Series 2005 to introduce
Management Level Training Course for Marine Officers (MLTC-
MO) as the new course nomenclature
Amend MTC Resolution No. 5, Series 2009 to set aside the
Equivalency Tables and declare the Management Level Training
Course for Marine Officers mandatory for all operational level ma-
rine officers aspiring to move up to the management level
Adopt and Promulgate a PRC Resolution (through the con-
cerned Boards) adopting a single level examination for marine of-
ficers and declaring mandatory training and assessment under the
Management Level Training Course for Marine Officers (MLTC-
MO) as a requisite for the issuance of a Management Level Cer-
tificate of Competency
Inform the Secretary General of the International Maritime
Organization (IMO), as provided for in Regulation I/7 of the
STCW Convention, of such policy shifts and steps taken by the
Administration to give full force and effect to the Convention.
Inform the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) of the
actions taken to address the serious deficiency noted in its second
inspection visit of the Philippine maritime education, training and Marino World Editorial Team headed by Ms. Lyn Bacani pays courtesy
certification system. visit to new PRC Chair Atty. Teresita R. Manzala on January 14.
No More leakage!
Examiners want test questionnaire published
By Jun G. Garcia tors but we mean good business “If they can memorize the
here. We are after the integrity 60,000 questions and top the
“If you can’t beat them, join and validity of every licensure licensure examination, then I
marasigan
them.” This statement may raise examination,” he added. salute them. That means they
thousands of eyebrows as the “Once published, book really devote time to study. Isn’t
PRC Boards for Marine Deck of questionnaire will not only it good to pass the examination
eradicate the corrupt practice without paying for leakage? You
photo
and Engine Officers plan to
“leak the leakage” in every li- but it will also generate fund for did not only learn but you have
censure examinations for good. the Commission. As soon as we wisely saved your hard-earned
Are they joining the perpetu- finished the 60,000 question- money for good,” he quipped.
ators in selling licensure test naire, it’s up to the PRC now “There is a feeling of ac-
questionnaires at a very expen- to print and sell it. We will not complishment each time you
sive price? No! Mind you, it is be getting any commission or pass the examination honestly.
the other way around. any form of compensation for You can therefore, proudly
The examiners for marine Marasigan this project. We are not getting claim your ticket to the next
deck and engine officers are anything from the questions we higher position with pride. You
out to kill the “leakage indus- in unison on the commitment formulate. Our intention is clean really deserve to become senior
try” and are determined to per- to formulate 60,000 questions – No More Leakage!” stressed officer,” furthered Marasigan.
manently eradicate the corrupt respectively for the licensure Capt. Delos Santos. While the intention is good,
practice by proposing the publi- examinations of the two profes- According to Delos Santos, people involved in luring offi-
cation of licensure examination sions. of the 60,000 questions, only cers to buy test leakage may still
questionnaire. “It will be compiled in one 100 (or more) questions will ap- find another “business.” Pro-
Officer-in-Charge C/E book. The PRC will be the one to pear at random on their assigned bably this time, they will repro-
Miguel O. Marasigan of the print it and the Commission will computers in every licensure duce the test questionnaire book
Board for Marine Engineer Of- be the one to sell it exclusively,” examination schedule. Each to be published by PRC and sell
ficer (BMEO) and Examiner revealed C/E Marasigan. computer has its own unique it at a competitive cost. The rea-
Capt. Ireneo U. Delos Santos, “We are leaking the leak- codes. Therefore, no two com- son is plain and simple: if you
Board for Marine Deck Officers age now. Sorry for the perpetua- puters will have the same ques- can’t beat them, join them. Boy,
(BMDO) said both boards are tions at the same time. I love this game.
Advanced Training in Fire Fighting (with NAC/COP) Maritime Leadership & Behavior Development
Anti-Piracy Awareness Training MARPOL 73/76 Annex VI
Automatic Identification System (AIS) MARPOL 73/78 Annex V
Bartending MARPOL 73/78 Annex IV
Basic Food Service Management (Messman / Steward Course) MARPOL 73/78 Annex III
Basic Safety Training w/ PSSR (with NAC/COP) MARPOL 73/78 Annex II
Cargo Handling and Care Cargo MARPOL 73/78 Annex I
Catering Management MARPOL 73/76 Annexes III to VI (Consolidated)
Crisis Management and Human Behaviour Training in Passenger Safety, Medical Emergency First Aid (MEFA) (with NAC/COP)
Cargo Safety and Hull Integrity Training (IMO Model Course 1.29) Medical Care (MECA) (with NAC/COP)
Crowd & Crisis Mgt. Of Personnel Service on Board Domestic Modified Basic Safety Course
Ro-Ro Passenger Cargo Ship Prevention of Alcohol and Drug Abuse in the Maritime Sector (PADAMS)
Crowd Management (IMO Model Course 1.28) Proficiency in Fast Rescue Boats (IMO Model Course 1.24)
Crude Oil Washing / Inert Gas System Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boat (with NAC/COP)
Dangerous, Hazardous and Harmful Cargoes Risk Assessment Management and Incident Investigation
Deck Watchkeeping with Ship Familiarization Ship Security Awareness (SSA)
Deck Watchkeeping in Domestic Trade Ship Security Officer (SSO)
Electronic Chart Display and Information System Ship Board Safety Officer Course
(IMO Model Course 1.27) ECDIS Shipboard Culinary
Engine Watchkeeping in Domestic Trade Shore – Based Fire Fighting
Engine Watchkeeping Specialized Training for Oil Tanker - with simulator (STOT)
Extended Fire Fighting w/ Smoke Diving Specialized Training for Chemical Tanker - with simulator (STCT)
Food Hygiene & Sanitation Vetting Course
Food & Beverage Refresher course in:
General Tanker Familiarization • Advanced Training in Fire Fighting
HAZMAT with CFR • Basic Safety Training w/ PSSR
Housekeeping • Deck Watchkeeping
International Safety Management (Officer) • Engine Watchkeeping
International Safety Management (Ratings) • General Tanker Familiarization (GTF)
Maritime English for Rating & Officers • Medical Emergency First Aid (MEFA)
Maritime Law for Ships Officer • Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boat (PSCRB)
• Shore – Based Fire Fighting
The long road to senior
management level position
By Jun G. Garcia Philippines was looked upon to schemes are ongoing to this end
meet the requirements for these namely the implementation of
A
ccording to the “Man- positions. the Management Level Course,
power Update 2010,” a “Because of the earlier poli- computerized walk-in licensure
study on the worldwide cy to limit Filipino officers to ju- examination, unified licensing
demand for and supply of seafa- nior position, the Philippine had for operational and manage-
rers conducted by BIMCO, an in- limited time to prepare its officers ment level positions, a bridging
ternational association of shipping to fill in the gap,” Roño said. program, private sector initia-
companies, there are an estimated In 2003, Filipinos occupied tives to enhance maritime col-
624,000 officers and 747,000 ra- only 14 percent of master posi- lege curriculum, government and
tings in 2010. Most or nearly 30 tions, based on a 2005 study of private sector-funded upgrading
percent of officers are from coun- the Seafarers International Re- programs and the promotion of
tries in the Far East and OECD search Centre. The percentage is additional cadet berths on interna-
while most ratings or almost 37 equal to the number of Japanese tional vessels.
percent are from the Far East. masters at the time and more than For its part, the MMC is
However, the BIMCO study Roño the number of Greek (12 percent), among the largest crewing agen-
estimated the demand for seafa- German, (8 percent), Norwegian cies trying to address the shortfall
rers last year to be 637,000 indi- (7 percent) and Indian (7 percent) in officers in terms of training.
7,986 for chemical tankers, 107 masters. Roño said 30 percent of the agen-
cating a shortage of 13,000 senior for liquefied petroleum gas car-
management level positions. In Aware that they are now cy’s pool of seafarers is officers.
riers, 1,101 for liquefied natural highly considered for the post, Out of the current total of 18,800
particular, officers for tankers gas carriers, 2,279 for car carriers
and offshore support vessels are Filipinos are now scrambling to recruits, 6,153 are officers.
and 5,588 for offshore vessels. reach the most lucrative post on- There is a saying that it’s bet-
dearth. Although the shortage is “It normally takes someone pur-
not considered serious, BIMCO’s board. The government and pri- ter late than never. The Filipinos
suing a maritime career 8 to 16 vate sector are also game by ad- are on track to becoming future
forecast in the next decade is that years from the time he enters
the problem may become severe dressing the officer shortage in a captains of the most sophisticated
maritime college to reaching the multi-pronged approach. Seven vessels in the sea trade.
if the number of ships in the world highest rank as Captain or Chief
fleet increases due to economic Engineer,” according to Roño.
growth. A student will take three
“Unless measures are taken years to become a cadet, who
to ensure a continued rapid growth then takes another three years to
in qualified seafarer numbers, es- hone his seafaring skills. It will
pecially for officers, and/or to re- take another two to five years
duce wastage from the industry, to earn a junior officer rank and
existing shortages are likely to another two to five years to reach
intensify over the next decade,” the chief mate and first engineer
the BIMCO study said. ranks.
While the Philippines is But shipowners did not have
looked upon by OECD coun- the foresight that the changing
tries as source of officers who of the guards is inevitable. In the
ad
will replace those who are re- 1990s, the aspiration to become
tiring due to old age, Filipinos officers was not strong because
won’t be able to exclusively fill the policy of many shipowners
the gap left by captains of spe- was to limit Filipinos to junior of-
cialized vessels overnight. ficer positions.
1/4
In his presentation entitled, “This discouraged young
“Why do Filipino officers not promising and intelligent Filipino
reach senior management level?” junior officers from pursuing a
during the 11th Lloyd’s Ships
Mariners Conference in Manila in
career at sea and aiming for se-
nior positions,” Roño recalled.
YOUR ULTIMATE SOLUTION
December, Marlon R. Roño, pre-
sident of the Magsaysay Maritime
“Some ship owners specially TO
YOUR YOURSOLUTION
ULTIMATE CREWING NEEDS!
ON YOUR CREWING NEEDS !
in the dry cargo trade slowly con- YOUR
Corp. (MMC), said the number of sidered junior Filipino officers to ApplyULTIMATE
in person orSOLUTION
call: ON YOUR CREWING NEEDS !
Filipino masters, chief mates and occupy senior officer positions. TRANS
Apply in STAR
personSHIPPPING
or call: AGENCY, INC.
officers in charge is projected to However, specialized types of 11thinFloor,
Apply G.E. Antonino
person or call: Building
increase to 17,620 by 2012 from ships, like chemical tankers and T.M. Kalaw
TRANS STARcorner J, Bocobo
SHIPPPING Streets,
AGENCY, INC.
the estimated 3,498 in 2007 while others owners keep their policy of
Ermita,
11
TRANS
th Manila
Floor,
STAR 1000 AGENCY,
Philippines
G.E. Antonino
SHIPPPING Building
INC.
the number of chief engineers, Telephone : J, + 632 523 8967
limiting Filipinos to junior officer 11thT.M. Kalaw
Floor, G.E.corner
Antonino Bocobo Streets,
Building
first assistant engineers an engine : + 632 536 6695
positions.” T.M.Ermita,
KalawManila
corner1000 : Philippines
J, Bocobo + 632Streets,
536 6196
OICs is predicted to increase to When senior officers star- Telephone
Ermita, Manila 1000: Philippines
+: 632 523 536
89679789
11,285 from 2,190 in the same Fax Number + 632
ted retiring in the mid-1990s and Telephone
Email : +: 632
+: 632523536 6695
8967
transtar@transtar.com.ph
period. no junior national officer were Contact Persons: +: 632
+: 632536536 6196
6695
Capt. Hernando S. Eusebio
However, these numbers are available to replace them, ship- Fax Number : +: 632 + 632536536 9789
6196
President & Gen. Manager
not enough to fill the expected owners from OECD countries FaxEmail
Number : +: 632
transtar@transtar.com.ph
536 9789
Capt. Julius Dante B. Tobias
vacancy since by 2013, the ad- were forced to consider other na- Email
: transtar@transtar.com.ph
Crewing Manager
ditional officers required is pro- tionalities to fill the gap and the Contact Persons : Capt. Hernando S. Eusebio – President & Gen. Manager
jected to 6,782 for oil tankers, Capt.
Contact Persons : Capt. Julius Dante
Hernando B. Tobias
S. Eusebio - Crewing
– President & Manager
Gen. Manager
Capt. Julius Dante B. Tobias - Crewing Manager
IMEC touts cadet training program
By Lyn Bacani (ECP), a scholarship scheme for aspiring The ECP also addresses the issue of
Filipino seafarers that started in 2006. lack of on-the-job training opportunity for
E
very year, there are some 60,000 To date, IMEC has produced many Fi- cadets as IMEC members sponsor the on-
enrollees on officer of the watch lipino deck and engine officers at its partner board training for one year. The cadet’s
(OOW) courses in more than 100 institutions, the Maritime Academy of Asia $300 monthly OJT stipend from the sponsor
maritime schools in the Philippines, accord- and the Pacific and the University of Cebu. is then retained to fund the fourth and last
ing to a study of the International Maritime The first batch of 20 IMEC cadets graduated year of his/her schooling, Giles explained.
Employers Committee (IMEC). But out of from MAAP in June and passed the licen- The IMEC junior officers stand a
this number, 47,000 drop out and not com- sure exam for junior officers in October, ac- chance to stay long in their job because
plete their education. The remaining 13,000 cording to Giles Heimann, secretary general member employers offer post-graduate em-
graduate go on to work as ratings and offi- of IMEC. ployment for the same position.
cers aboard foreign merchant ships. What makes ECP efficient is the way Aside from funding, the ECP ensures
Some 8,400 of the graduates become it directly addresses the cause of attrition quality training, school, instructors, cur-
officers but other factors make them ina- among cadets. The financial difficulty en- riculum, supervisory system and shipboard
dequate in addressing the shortage of offi- countered by cadets is eliminated because training. Thus, ECP junior officers are high-
cers particularly for specialized ships. The ECP is a full scholarship program with ly qualified to assume higher positions in
IMEC found that applicants for the position IMEC shouldering the tuition, accommoda- the future.
are few and retention rate is poor. To solve tion, books and food of scholars in the first The projected demand for officers by
the issue, IMEC has focused on increasing two years of the course. The funding comes 2015 is between 25,000 and 30,000. With
the number of graduating officers to 30,000 from the International Maritime Training IMEC’s ECP, shipowners are assured of
per year. The committee can meet this goal Trust, a non-profit organization that deve- a pool of junior officers who will become
through its Enhanced Cadetship Program lops and trains seafarers. future captains of their ships.
Green-Jakobsen Manila
fortifies safety culture
with blended learning
By Jun G. Garcia designed, developed, executed, stored, adminis-
F
tered, maintained, managed and shared. The por- Mr. Erik Green, Partner, Green-Jakobsen A/S
ilipino seafarers and cadets now learn tal also evaluates competence. and Jay Babera, General Manager, Green-
safety through a combination of instruc- The e-learning courses are interactive with Jakobsen Phils.
tor-based and computer-based education the learner being introduced to daily working
and training. But the level or amount of learn- situations and different aspects of safe conduct munication, company safety culture, company
ing, though standard, differs because the training on board. Learners are guided to interact in cases value, retention, educational concepts, knowledge
courses and software used varies from one school to get an in depth understanding of the principles sharing processes, marine HR strategy, business
and training provider to another. The best safety applied in day to day working situations. process review and project management.
training combination, of course, is likely to result The e-learning courses, which are always Green-Jakobsen designed and produced a
in zero accident on human, ship and port. tailor-made to meet the client’s specific needs course concept for Maersk Line office staff and
While a safety culture among officers and and requirements, may include Amazon Naviga- management to give them a clear understanding
ratings may be ideal, a likewise safety-conscious tion, Tanker Vetting, Basic Safety Training, Basic of how, when and why they have an impact on
office staff of a crewing agency creates and envi- Safety Awareness, QMS Familiarization, Safety seafarers’ safety perception. The course, which is
ronment that reinforces such habit besides project- Management, Risk Management, Danish Mari- based on real events and interviews of involved
ing their organization as a model for safety prac- time Legislation, Port State Control, Shipboard colleagues documented on video, encourages
tice. Cadets who develop the trait early on from a Safety Officer training, Safety Culture develop- office staff to engage in a constructive dialogue
school where the faculty’s code of conduct is cen- ment, Soft skills, Safety and Health, Maritime about securing optimal safety. Presentations, e-
tered on safety would be the best training ground Leadership. learning, follow-up and tests are also part of the
for future merchant marine officers and crew. Besides being stand-alone, the e-learning course. The resulting better level of safety know-
One advocate of such total approach to courses are combined with instructor-led training ledge influences the communication and coo-
safety training among maritime professionals is or seminar in what is known as “blended learn- peration between office and ship.
Green-Jakobsen Philippines Inc. The company is ing.” The innovative concept allows trainees to Other clients of Green-Jakobsen are the
a subsidiary of a Danish firm with the same name take the courses anywhere, anytime, and at their A.P. Moeller Maersk, Danish Maritime Authority
that develops courses for safety governance, hu- own pace to ensure optimum benefit and effect. (DMA), Torm A/S, Nordic Tankers Marine A/S,
man resource development and leadership train- The blended learning is being conducted International Maritime Training Trust, Interna-
ing for the shipping and offshore sectors. at the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy as tional Shipping Federation, Norden A/S, Seagull,
Green-Jakobsen has been embedding the part of the Green-Jakobsen’s Embody Safety pro- TSM Ship Management and Wallenius Lines.
Danish brand of safety (openness and greater ject. The company enables the faculty and man- With a 100 percent commitment to the ma-
individual responsibility) to the Philippine mari- agement of the school to blend the leading risk ritime sector and understanding of clients’ needs
time sector since 2002. It serves crewing agen- management principles in the maritime industry from the strategic, tactical and operational level,
cies, maritime schools, training centers and ship- with the daily training activities of cadets. It also Green-Jakobsen can truly make its clients world-
ping companies using a combination of tested helps the school formulate policies, create report- wide more competitive and effective because our
processes, tools and methods. The development ing systems and manage the change process. Be- instructors and consultants have their background
of employee and organizational competence is sides a complete ‘tool box’ is produced for the in the maritime industry.
done through a human resources (HR) portal, e- instructors assisting them in applying optimal Green-Jakobsen Philippines Inc. is led by
learning, courses and consultancy. teaching methods and models of how to involved its general manager Jay Babera, who is a DMA-
Green-Jakobsen’s Internet-based HR-Portal and engage the trainees. certified instructor on statutory safety and health
is where company-specific e-learning courses are Consultancy services cover company com- courses.
The officials of MMAP and Board of Marine Deck Officers during an oathtaking ceremony in Manila Hotel.
Self-healing
MMAP performs due diligence glory of our profession,” assured Rear Admi- end of the day is that you are proud to become
By Jun Garcia
ral Adonis B. Donato, immediate past presi- a member of the Association. “
M
uch has been said about the Masters dent of MMAP. This statement is indeed, bigger than the
and Mates Association of the Phi- Former vice president and now board of dreamed or planned ‘MMAP building’ the
lippines, Inc. or MMAP. But good director, Capt. Hernando S. Eusebio, revealed present leadership wants to achieve.
or bad, it doesn’t matter. The present officers that they are “in the process of cleaning their Nonetheless, Capt. Eusebio expressed
and board of directors are out to perform due own backyards.” pride in being a member of the Association.
diligence and further enhance the image of the “We are performing due diligence as far “Without shadow of a doubt, I am proud to be
Association for the benefit of its general mem- as the funds and financial status of the Asso- a member of the Masters and Mates Associa-
bership. ciation is concern. So there are quite a num- tion of the Philippines (MMAP), Inc.
Despite previous controversies that ber of points to be considered and fix so we This is my Association. This is where I
haunted the Association, the leadership has can report to the general membership that this belong. “
maintained upholding the missions and visions is our money and this is what we are using Like Rear Admiral Donato, Capt. Euse-
of MMAP – a very professional approach in on the projects in a prescribed budget,” said bio likewise envisions MMAP as a “profes-
dealing with internal concerns with an eye Capt. Eusebio. sional association that can guarantee your pro-
single to achieving its goals. While transparency is what Capt. Euse- fessionalism and can guarantee your ethical
“I think the present board (MMAP) under bio sees as one of the major accomplishments, standards.”
the leadership of Capt. Rodolfo A. Aspillaga is he admitted that the benefits they are giving “This is also where Capt. Rudy Aspillaga
doing absolutely well. There is definitely noth- are not yet substantial. is leading us and I am supportive of his moves,
ing wrong with change if that is for improve- He said the big ambition he wants to see plans and goals – the same intensity of support
ment. It is a fundamental part of our profession or hear is that “if you are a member of MMAP, I have bestowed on all the past presidents of
and I support them on that premise all for the what we want to see or hear from you at the our Association,” concluded Eusebio.
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crewing
Countdown to STCW 2010
entry into force starts
assessment, new equipment, electronic chart display and
By Jun G. Garcia
new certificates, new database, information system (ECDIS)
T
he 12-month countdown new upgrade courses and sub- and new requirements for
to the effectivity of the mission of documents. MARPOL awareness which
Standards for Training, These requirements are includes training in leadership
Certification and Watchkeep- based on the nine key amend- and teamwork.
ing Convention as amended in ments to the STCW Conven- The STCW 2010 intro-
Manila last year (STCW 2010) tion namely hours of rest, duced stringent competency
has begun and concerned go- medical standards, able sea- norm for ship staff serving on
vernments, people and other farer, modernization of deck tanker, gas and chemical car-
entities have a to-do list to and engineering, bridge and rier. It also introduced, though
comply with the international engine resource management not mandatory, electro-techni-
shipping safety regulation du- (BRM/ERM) plus Leadership/ cal officer and rating with ap-
ring the 2012-2017 transition Management, improved tank- Wilson proved training and certificate
period. er competencies, electrotech of competency (COC).
Tim Wilson, president of officer, refresher/continuing in exceptional conditions. The The certification of new
the New Zealand Maritime competence and mandatory administration may also allow seafarers starts in January
School and chairman of the drug and alcohol limits. rest in two 24-hour periods to 2013.
GlobalMET, an association of The new minimum rest be divided into no more than New examination methods
106 maritime education and periods for crews requires the three periods with one at least for knowledge were also intro-
training institutions around the maintenance and signing of re- 6 hours in length and the other duced namely by demonstra-
world, listed nine requirements cord books. Under the STCW two not less than one hour in tion and through simulators.
to be met during his presenta- 2010, the minimum rest period length each. With the amendments,
tion in the 11th Lloyd’s Ships for every 24 hours is 10 hours Changes covering mas- Wilson said GlobalMET mem-
Mariners Conference in Ma- or 77 hours per week. The ters and the deck and engine bers should renew their focus
nila last month. These are the master may over-ride the rule departments are certification on assessment of competence
amended legislation, new and and the reduction to 70 hours for unlicensed senior able sea- and invest in new training,
revised curriculum, new task/ rest period per week is allowed farers, new methods of train- equipment and resources.
record books, new and revised only for two consecutive weeks ing in modern technology like
International Conference on
Shipping, Marine and
Offshore Industry
Hotel Crowne Plaza, Dubai, April 18-19 Dubai, April 18-19
April 19, 2011
Silver Partners Networking Evening Sponsor
ShipTek 2011
comprises of the following:
Bronze Partner Delegate Kit Sponsor Registration Area Lifetime Achievement
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? Two day International Conference
on Shipping, Marine and
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? International Maritime Expo Luncheon / Coffee Badge & Lanyard Award Sponsors Supporting
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MARINO WORLD publisher Lyn Bacani sup-
ported the 11th LSM Conference. Beside
her is MMAP national secretary Capt. Edwin
Itable. Photo below shows the beauties of Face of Shipping headed by George Hoyt
Marino World. presented the seafarers who asked ques-
tions about their profession and future
career before the delegates of the LSM
Convention.
World crewing moving East, now

centers to China, India and Philippines
By Gen Dy Back in 1970s the main bulk of the
world’s seafarers came from “Northern Eu- People talk about Indo-China (Viet-
The world of crewing is now mo- rope”. nam/Cambodia) or the continent of Af-
ving East with China, India and the Phi- Maritime nations such as the UK, rica, as other suppliers of seafarers. They
lippines as the world’s premier supplier of Germany, Holland and the Scandinavian can supply seafarers but in the number
seafarers. countries ruled the waves as far a seafarer and to the standards that owners, charte-
John G. Wood, Fleet Personnel Direc- supply was concerned. rers and oil majors will accept, that re-
tor of Wallem Shipmanagement said that However, within a few years, and af- mains a question.
large pool of seafarers come from the East, ter an oil crisis, things began to change. “Going back to the 1970s and North-
and are centered firmly in China, India and By the mid 80s, the power base was ern Europe, I think you will find that this
the Philippines. already shifting “east” to the Baltic States, latest “economic crisis” and “shipping
He cited figures from the Drewry Croatia, Russia (the former Soviet Union) downturn” has killed off the North Euro-
Ship Operating Costs report 2009-2010 and the Ukraine. pean seafarer. Sure, there will always be
which show that China has over 155,000 On where the seafarer’s of the future positions on home trade and specialized
seafarers, the Philippines 130,000, India will come from, stakeholders in the mari- vessels (offshore, LNG carriers, etc) but
87,000 and the Ukraine 75,000. Countries time are looking at the three main seafarer even here, we notice the east exerting its
in Northern Europe can barely manage supply nations of the future-- India, China influence,” he said.
20,000 to 25,000. and the Philippines. He stressed that we should not forget
“We must however bear in mind that “I honestly believe that China has a very important fourth source, the planet
the totals for China include those seafa very bright prospects,” he said. Venus.
rers engaged on domestic as well as inter- At present, Wallem manage over “They say men are from Mars and
national trading vessels, whereas the Phi 100 bulk carriers fully manned by Chi- women are from Venus, let no one dis-
lippines, India and the Ukraine are able nese crews and now they are moving into count the value that women will bring to
to boast internatio-nally experienced and the tanker market with Chinese seafarers the shipping industry of the future,” he
adaptable seafa-rers,” he said. which has room for massive expansion. added.
Fostering seafaring career, quality flag
and an integrated Asian maritime economy
By Lyn Bacani seafarer and their families, Filipino crews should then expand our business oppor-
are motivated further to provide quality tunities by diversifying beyond the sea-
M
aking seafaring a career instead service. faring sector into shipping, ports, and an-
of a job is the key to sustaining Professional excellence made the cillary services sectors of our respective
merchant shipping, the driver Philippines the world’s largest supplier countries, effectively making ourselves
of the world economy. How well Filipino of crew to the world merchant fleet. Sali- the best place to conduct maritime busi-
shipping companies take care of seafarers nas’ crewing company, Philippine Trans- ness affairs,” Salinas said.
is also the key to expanding the Philippine marine Carriers Inc. (PTC), contributed As the head of the 25-member FSA,
ship registry. to achieving this status by having as its Salinas understands that quality flag de-
Carlos Salinas, the newly appointed corporate social responsibilities the pro- pends on an effective maritime regula-
Philippine ambassador to Spain and presi- motion of the welfare of seafarers, their tory structure that balances the industry’s
dent of the Filipino Shipowners Associa- families, and their communities. traditional means of self regulation with
tion (FSA), made these points during the Salinas believes that much more can government’s policies.
recently concluded 11th Lloyd’s Ships be achieved if the developing country’s “We need to keep working on that
Mariners Conference in Manila. maritime manpower resource is directed balance, through constant review and
In his presentation entitled “Mari- toward evolving complimentary econo- implementation of governmental reforms
time Asia as the Foundation of a New mic activities within the Philippine mari- coupled with industry best practices,” he
Economic Era,” Salinas reiterated the link time industry. said.
between quality seafaring and operational “If we wish seafaring to grow as a Salinas cited as example FSA’s initia-
excellence, and the motivation that comes career and business opportunity in Asia, tive to review old maritime laws to make
from the security of one’s future. then the opportunities which play an in- them at par with international standards.
According to Salinas, the potential to tegral role in this industry should con- Through this effort, the grouping of ship-
earn a living for his extended family, put tinue to be further developed in Asia. ping companies engaged in overseas
his children through school, build a better We have the people, and much of the trade came up with a proposed legisla-
home, and possibly establish some basic hardware, but we should also have the tion transforming the Philippines into
business for the longer term are what mo- businesses,” Salinas said. an attractive ship registry. The proposed
tivate Filipinos and other Asians to seek The PTC chairman and CEO was re- law offers important benefits including
a career onboard and endure the difficult ferring to establishing quality flags and increased revenues for the government,
life at sea. Coupled with the assurance of turning attention from the people who gainful employment for Filipinos, on
security, welfare and well-being of the man the ships to the ships themselves. and offshore business opportunities and
“With a quality flag in place, we an overall conducive maritime climate in
the country.
With a ship registry that hopefully can
rival that of Panama, Liberia and Marshal
Islands, the Philippines will develop into
an internationally compliant flag State ad-
ministration. By then, it should integrate
with the regional maritime economy.
Salinas said, “I would like us to con-
sider the synergy that may be established
by harnessing our entire industry toward
the development and strengthening of na-
tional and regional economies.”
“Imagine, then, if we could apply that
same synergy to not just a few institutions
and companies, but to an entire industry
spread across a regional economy. This, I
believe, is key to the growth and develop-
ment of the economies of Maritime Asia.”
“The diversity of geographic, indus-
trial, social, and economic opportunities
within the Asian maritime region will
undoubtedly support the growth of all its
member states.”
Eventually, the Philippines can be-
come a regional powerhouse like Singa-
pore, Hong Kong, Japan, and South Ko-
rea, whose respective maritime industries
Salinas, a recipient of Lifetime Achievement Award of the LSM Asia Pacific Manning and have been engines of national economic
Training Conference is now the Philippine Ambassador to Spain. growth.
Recognizing the
Filipino as a global
maritime professional
P Chinese, Kuwaiti funds
hilippine Transmarine Car- comprised 23% of the total maritime
riers, Inc. (PTC), one of the manpower deployment. This figure
largest crew management
companies in the country to-
serves as an affirmation of the quality
of seafaring that Filipinos are known in domestic shipping
open new opportunity
day with close to 33,000 officers and for in the international maritime trade
crew deployed annually worldwide, and subsequently the overwhelming
has endeavored to develop over the trust accorded to them by Principals.
last 31 years highly-qualified Filipino For this reason, PTC has endea-
seafarers who have embraced a worth- vored to provide seafarers and their By Gen Dy
while yet challenging maritime career families with both investment and The partnership of Chinese funds and Kuwaiti port funds
with dignity and pride. livelihood opportunities that would in Negros Navigation Co Inc. (Nenaco) acquisition of Aboitiz
PTC Chairman and CEO, Car- serve as a testament to all their hard shipping company opens new ventures in the country’s ship-
los C. Salinas reported that with the work and sacrifice. One notable un- ping industry.
continued supply-demand imbalance dertaking that PTC has embarked on Nenaco‘s acquisition of Aboitiz Transport Systems Cor-
globally for highly-qualified officers, for its seafarers is the launch of the poration (ATS), was made possible by a significant investment
PTC has taken on a mission to develop Pacific Terraces Community (PTC) from China-ASEAN Marine B.V., which is a wholly owned
its own resource pool of future compe- in 2008 at the heart of Imus Cavite, in subsidiary of China-ASEAN Investment Cooperation Fund
tent Filipino maritime professionals. In collaboration with ACM Homes. Mrs. (CAF). CAF is a private equity fund sponsored by the China
2008, PTC partnered with the Philip- Felisa de Gracia, a proud spouse of Export-Import Bank, one of the largest international credit and
pines’ leading engineering institution, one of PTC’s seafarers and a resident investment institutions in the world.
the Mapua Institute of Technology, for of the community, has expressed great CAF targets investment opportunities in the 10 ASEAN
the establishment of the MAPUA-PTC satisfaction about the purchase of their countries, focusing on logistic, infrastructure, energy and na-
College of Maritime Education and new PTC home. De Gracia was exu- tural resources. The establishment of CAF, a $10 billion dol-
Training. This partnership represents berant as she related the benefits of her lar Fund, was announced by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao in
a unique industry-academic linkage husband’s seafaring career which led 2009.
which aims to develop globally com- to their greatest joy – a beautiful, new The Port Fund is a KGL Investment Company sponsored
petitive Filipino maritime profession- home. “If you worked hard for your Caymans’ private equity fund focusing on ports and related lo-
als, equipped with a solid background gistic opportunities in the developing world. It was established
in Marine Transportation and Marine in late 2007 and since then the Port Fund has successfully
Engineering that is equally supported shown 20 percent annual returns on its investments in spite of
by quality hands-on training. the financial crisis. Key shareholders of The Port Fund repre-
This initiative is complemented sent all Gulf countries.
by PTC’s state-of-the-art in-house Saeed Dashti, Chairman of KGL Group emphasized the
training facility, the Philippine Center importance of China in world economics, emphasizing that the
for Advanced Maritime Simulation partnership between such prominent Chinese Fund and Kuwaiti
and Training (PHILCAMSAT), which Port Fund is a first step towards many new ventures in future.
provides continuous management and Dashti and Zhu Xinqiang, Chief Executive Officer of CAF
leadership training to PTC officers and inaugurated the signing ceremony. Zhu also the Vice-President
crew. Having recognized the crucial house, it really makes you proud,” De of China Export-Import Bank said, the joint acquisition is a first
role that continuous training plays on Gracia stated. With emphasis on good and very important transaction of CAF since its establishment.
professionalizing the Filipino Global foresight, she encourages her children In a disclosure, Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. (AEV) laid
Maritime Professional, PTC has es- to be equally smart when it comes to the conditions that must be fulfilled prior to the closing of the
poused Quality Seafaring on all types choosing their investments. Likewise, transaction. Aboitiz said the China-ASEAN Marine B.V., must
of ships, not only through capability- she added that she has nothing but have made the necessary equity investment in NENACO at
building, but also by instilling proper admiration for all Filipino seafarers least three business days prior to closing date.
values and attitudes among its crew. around the globe. It added that in the event that ATS is unable to secure
Having its own educational and With ninety percent (90%) of creditor consents and waivers as regards change of control
training institutions focused on the world trade transported by sea, the restrictions/covenants in existing loan/credit agreements,
global call to provide future compe- shipping industry is the lifeblood of Aboitiz and Company, Inc. (ACO) shall have made avail-
tent maritime professionals, PTC is the global economy and is at the very able to ATS interim financing payable in 12 months to pay
well-poised to effectively address the center of daily life. Raw materials, off lenders who may call on their respective loans to ATS in
human resource needs of its more than components, food, fuel and many anticipation of the change of control.
84 Principals. other goods that economies depend The interim financing to be extended by ACO will be se-
PTC lauds the role of Filipino on, are transported by sea. Without cured by a mortgage of the ATS shares to be acquired by NEN-
seafarers as the new heroes belong- the safe and efficient manning of such ACO from AEV and ACO.
ing to a niche of skilled professionals highly sophisticated vessels, one in It added that AEV and ACO shall have acquired ATS’
whose weight of responsibility is un- every four seafarers worldwide being equity stake in the Aboitiz Jebsen companies.
equal to any other profession. This fact Filipino, half of the world would come With over 200 years of combined experience, the acquisi-
is further emphasized in the Philippine to a stop. In this light, PTC hails all tion brings together two well-established and respected names
Overseas Employment Administra- Filipino seafarers around the globe in the Philippines domestic shipping industry.
tion’s (POEA) 2009 Annual Report and champions the call for more Fili- Negros Navigation currently operates eight vessels and
which indicates that seafarers from pinos to embrace this career and be the serves 13 ports of call. ATS, the owner and operator of Super-
the Philippines remain the top choice country’s future breed of Global Mari- ferry, 2GO, Cebu Ferries and Supercat, operates 18 vessels, a
among foreign Principals all over the time Professionals. combination of ro-pax, fast ferries and freighters, and has 19
world. In 2009, Filipino seafarers ports.
HEALTH
Psycho test feud divides AMCOW

By Jun G. Garcia deals with the U.S. Department choose other IT service bid- replace the holdover officers,
of Homeland Security, as its ders with Free Logic getting whose term ended in April
T
he Association of Medi- foreign principals. The com- the most number of votes of as per the AMCOW by-laws.
cal Clinics for Overseas pany is the software provider 31 followed by Filipino Doc- Villote emailed all AMCOW
Workers (AMCOW), for the Psychological Medi- tor Inc. with 21, MRIAS with members the day before the
the original umbrella group cal Data System (PsyMeds), 11 and BUGDOVIZ with 7. election to ignore the special
of medical diagnostic clinics an integrated data manage- The AMCOW leader- membership meeting calling it
for overseas Filipino workers ment information and clear- ship, however, disregarded illegal. He tagged the 41 mem-
(OFWs), has sired two alter ing house system for medical the choice of the members. On bers that petitioned for the
egos throughout its 30-year and psychological centers, Oct. 14, 2010, the DOH’s Bu- election as a disgruntled group
history. After some members including all AMCOW mem- reau of Health Facilities and and said only the court can
formed the Gulf Cooperation bers. Its office is located at Services headed by Director settle the dispute of members.
Council-Accredited Medical Unit 1003 One San Miguel Nicolas V. Lutero III issued He added that the same faction
Clinics Association (GAMCA) Avenue Condominium, San a memorandum recognizing failed in several attempts to
in 1999 and the Maritime Cli- Miguel Avenue, Ortigas Cen- ProSoft, as endorsed by Vil- call for a special meeting and
nics and Doctors Association ter, Pasig City. The company lote, as the IT service provider hold elections because it could
of the Philippines (MARC- can be reached at telephone “for the meantime.” In the not muster a quorum.
DOC) last year, AMCOW’s numbers 9100261, 4709267 or same memo, Lutero warned In the same email, Villote
splintering tradition seems to 4709300. ProSoft is headed by that PEME clinics that failed defended overstaying in his
continue as a new feud had its president John M. Uy. to avail of the ProSoft soft- post.
given birth to a new faction The AMCOW feud boils ware and service by Nov. 2, “Our holdover is not il-
that opposes the holdover term down to the price of ProSoft’s 2010 will be in violation of legal or unlawful. You are all
of 2009-2010 officials. service of uploading results of DOH Administrative Order aware that AMCOW has a
De facto AMCOW presi- the psycho test done by seafa- No. 2010-0022 and will be long history of holdovers of its
dent Dr. Rolando J. Villote of rers to the PsyMeds using its issued a cease and desist or- board of trustees,” Villote said.
Newton Medical and Diagnos- proprietary software. MARC- der, meaning the clinics will He however, assured elections
tic Services Inc., and his faction DOC president Dr. Joseph be closed. The only reversal in April 2011.
composed of some holdover Bien C. Abesamis of Ameri- to the CDO is either a fine or He also reminded that the
co-officials and board mem- can Outpatient Clinic, ex- a satisfactory explanation of present board has continued to
bers are pitted against the fac- plained that ProSoft’s charge their non-compliance. work for the interest of most
tion of Dr. Antonio F. Mabanta of 35 pesos per upload is too AMCOW members were members “by pursuing the
of Notre Dame Medico Dental high and PEME clinics cannot consequently forced to use the standardization of rates and
Clinics and Dr. Maria Dolo- pass this added cost to OFW expensive ProSoft software pushing for the implementa-
res V. Tay of the International applicants under DOH rules. and service. Stopping the con- tion of the Migrant Workers
Health Aide Diagnostic Ser- On top of this charge, clinics duct of PEME was not an op- Act to even the playing field in
vices. The rift stemmed from have to buy the 16PF form, as tion because the deployment the medical clinic business for
the requirement of the Depart- the psycho test paper is called, of OFWs will be disrupted or OFWs.”
ment of Health (DOH) to in- at 30 pesos each from the Psy- delayed. Undoing or ending Abesamis prognosis for
clude psychological testing in chological Resource Center or Lutero’s directive, though, of- AMCOW is not good if the
the pre-employment medical the Philippine Psychological fers a respite to the high over- present Board still holds on their
examination for OFWs con- Corp. which consists of an- head. position. Definitely, there will
ducted by AMCOW member swering sheet (P10), profile For insisting on ProSoft, be a fall out or mass resignation
clinics. sheet (P10) and abstract sheet the anti-Villote faction called of AMCOW members and pos-
The requirement provided (P10) for Purdue test. All in for another election of a new sible abolishment of AMCOW
under DOH Administrative all, clinics has to pay 65 pesos board on Dec. 16 in a bid to if this trend continues.
Order No. 2010-0022 is in overhead to comply.
compliance with the Amended With seafarers undergo-
Migrant Workers Act. Under ing PEME twice or thrice a
the said order, which took ef- year, the clinics’ expenses
fect on Aug. 6, 2010, AMCOW from conducting compute-
should maintain one database rized psycho test rises cor-
and information technology respondingly, according to
system for psycho tests con- Abesamis. “That is our over-
ducted by all its members. head,” he exclaimed.
The AMCOW board, led AMCOW conducted a
by Villote, unilaterally choose voting for members to choose
ProSoft Inc. as the IT provi- the IT service provider for the
der without any justification, psycho test during a meeting
member clinics alleged. on Aug. 2, 2010. A total 73
ProSoft is a business so- representatives of member-
lution company with Japanese clinics attended and 70 of
technology firm NEC and them voted. No one voted for Dr. Joselito De Guzman and Dr. Abesamis
Daon, an Irish company that ProSoft. The clinics instead during a symposium in Singapore.
The officers and members of MARCDOC. Abesamis
MARCDOC symposium stresses

medical exam for seafarers
By Lyn Bacani Bare chests are X-rayed and a composing the new organiza- for Syphilis.
dentist looks at their teeth. tion in the First Philippine The PEME has a vali-
H
undreds of men come These scenes and other Maritime Health Symposium dity of two years for seafarers
in and out of medi- medical tests are so common held at the Hyatt Hotel and above 18 years old and one
cal clinics dotting the and repetitive that the men and Casino Manila on Nov. 10. year for those under 18. De-
streets of Ermita, Manila every women take them for granted. In conducting the sympo- pending on the result of the
weekday. Inside, they look at Their only concern is getting sium, Dr. Joseph B, Abesamis, exam, a clinic may rule a sea-
different sizes of black letters in over with the process and president of MARCDOC, said farer as fit, unfit or temporarily
a distant chart and tell doctors getting the results of the pre- “We aim to highlight the sig- unfit for sea duty.
what they see. They are asked employment medical exam nificance of procedures and The MARCDOC stressed
to tell what number is hidden in (PEME) in no time so they can policies of local PEME clinics that the purpose of the PEME
different colored dots. complete their working papers in conducting medical exams is not only for employment.
The inside of their ears and board their next vessel. To for our seafarers.” The PEME also informs sea-
are probed with a pointed many of them, PEME is just The Department of Health, farers about the status of their
instrument. They go inside one of the many layers of the in Administrative Order 2007- health and so they can take the
toilets, pee and excrete, put bureaucratic red tape Filipino 0025, has set standards for the necessary precautions certain
some of the urine and stool seafarers have to endure and conduct of PEME by accre- illnesses to which they are found
in separate small plastic con- pay more than once a year just dited clinics on unexperienced to be susceptible to. PEME doc-
tainers marked with their sur- to be employed. and experienced seafarers in tors also advise how seafarers
names and give these to the For the Maritime Clinics compliance with the Standards can stay healthy in the face
staff while still warm. Their and Doctors Association of the of Training, Certification and of hazards of the trade for the
biceps are tied with a rub- Philippines or MARCDOC, Watchkeeping Convention duration of their contracts so
ber and syringes are pierced the PEME is a seafarer’s ticket (STCW). they can continuously work.
through the soft spot of their to a long-term and gainful The PEME consists of Aside from being benefi-
elbow to let fresh blood flow employment on the high seas. physical, dental and mental cial to seafarers, the PEME
inside the transparent tube. This was emphasized by the 15 tests meant to identify suitable also helps crewing agencies
clinics and doctors for seafarers or disqualifying health condi- and shipowners avoid repatria-
tions before a seafarer goes tion and other costs associa-
on board. The basic tests in- ted with seafarers who fall ill
clude complete blood count, in the high seas because they
dental, fasting blood sugar, either did not disclose their
fecalysis, psychological, true medical condition or ob-
urinalysis and chest X-ray. tained a fraudulent medical
There are also color blind- exam.
ness test, which is done by Whether a PEME indi-
Ishihara Book, Visual Acuity cates fitness or unfitness for
and Hearing Capacity, hepa- sea duty, MARCDOC stressed
titis B, cholesterol, triglycer- that seafarers are still respon-
ide, creatinine, uric acid, and sible for staying healthy all the
human immuno-deficiency time through all means. The
virus (HIV) exams as well group also reminded seafarers
as electrocardiogram (ECG), to be honest about what ails
and the RPR and VDRL, them to ensure the accuracy of
which is only a screening test PEME and preserve the integ-
Delegates to IMHA symposium in Singapore. for infection but not specific rity of PEME clinics.
Compensable or non-compensable
POEA Contract should also cater
to permanent employment scheme
I
had this casual conversation with Benny is suffering without any compensation. a permanent contract, at least we know that
del Rosario, local P&I correspondent, and So what kind of industry do we have? whether he is taking a vacation, even if he is
we came across the topic on occupational Fred Pundol asked, “Do we really have a mari- not working, still it is work-related because as
diseases wherein the resulting disability or time industry?” Whether you like it or not, we far as the contract show, he is already a perma-
death will be compensable. All the following have. But what kind of industry, then we can nent employee.
conditions must be satisfied as the seafarers debate. What he probably missed is an industry So we will reduce a lot of things. The
work must involve the risk herein. that can protect itself. situation now, compared to before, when
The disease was contracted as a result of But protection to me is also very general. there is no such clause of distinction between
the seafarer’s exposure to the described risks. You cannot protect all the tiny bits of case. It is work-related and non work-related illnesses
These are compensable – occupational disease not correct to give them all the time specially or disease, I believe it is becoming more
– we cannot argue on that anymore for that is the bogus claims. Many manning companies complicated.
the law. are being victimized by bogus claims but these What I am saying in particular is that
are more of an exemption to the rule. provisions there compared to the old POEA
O n T he B ridge W ing From the very beginning, the POEA con-
tract did not mention about work related or
standard employment contract, has placed a
stumbling block between the relationship of
non work related illnesses or accidents. During the seafarers and the shipowners.
By RAdm. Adonis B. Donato, our time, we found out that although there are It will be very hard for the seafarers to un-
PCGA MM cases, it was easily more resolved because it derstand why after serving the principals, when
is very clear as long as he is within the period they have fallen ill, you cannot debate whether
of his contract and he was given a fit to work aggravated or not aggravated because it is al-
RAdm. Adonis Donato is presently a before he departed, then he is covered. ways aggravated since you were working du-
director of Filipino Association for Mariner’s There’s no more problem about that. I ring that period when it becomes worst.
Employment (FAME). A topnotcher of don’t know who initiated this (contract). It will If you did not board, you did not become
PMMA’s Class ’67, he served as President of never be the union because they are supposed worst. So whether you like it or not, I was
the Masters and Mates Assn. of the Phils. to be protecting the seafarers. It could be, of working during that period. Even if I am sleep-
(MMAP) for six years.
course, most probably, is the shipowners them- ing during that period, is it not? Saying it is
selves and those who are of course protecting not work-related creates a lot gray areas unlike
the interest of the shipowners, which are sup- before, you have your contract, this is your pe-
posed to be the P&I and also maybe the man- riod, you’re covered.
So I asked, how about the non work- ning agencies, which they are representing. I myself have visited our ships. The smell
related disease? If occupational, that is work- But it is becoming more complicated and of fumes is almost killing me especially be-
related. Is there such thing as cancer? it even becomes more of an irritation to the cause I have bad sinus. So being onboard
We are given a fit to work certificate. manning agencies. Here’s a case. Most of our tankers or chemical tankers, say for a period
Within that period, you have been declared fit seafarers are on a long term employment and of six months or three months, can also make
to work and you worked. What happens now if we would like them to stay for a long time - for you sick because of the fumes that you always
your recurrent sickness let’s say, discovered or the rest of their productive years. breathe whenever there is discharging. We are
not discovered prior to that. It has aggravated They have shown their good performance just human being. So that is a very good point
and killed you. Are you compensable or not? onboard and they have shown their loyalty. to argue or debate whether it is work related or
They will tell you, “well, that is not included Now after how many years, let’s say, he ac- not! Sometimes it becomes so ridiculous.
in the case.” quired illness, which later on will be declared
You see, case like this will cause us a lot not work related. How do we handle this case? MLC and RA 10022
of troubles. Why are these people causing us Just like being a part of your family. It’s
Let’s look at the Maritime Labor Convention
troubles? They keep on arguing and arguing not easy to tell them, “I’m sorry. Your claim
(MLC) and the Republic Act 10022, which are cre-
and will challenge you to prove if it is work- cannot be accepted because that is not work-
ated both to protect the rights of the seafarers.
related but if it can be proven, then you will related.”
If my thinking is correct, for a country to
compensate later on. Why make it so difficult? In the meantime, the poor seafarer is suf-
ratify the MLC, the government must have a
But if you remove this clause, as long as he is fering. He can no longer go onboard anymore.
legislation to implement that. I don’t know, I
under contract, I believe it is morally right. The family will suffer; no compensation, no
might be wrong but is it not the RA 10022 that
First, can anyone tell how one can go on- nothing. What will the manning agency do?
should implement the MLC?
board if he is not declared fit to work? Tell me. The manning agency will just try to give their
I was thinking of that but somebody told
So the fact that he is declared fit to work, and personal contributions.
me, no, it has nothing to do with MLC. How-
he is working and he died, how can we argue But how about the human aspect of it if
ever, I think it has something to do because we
now and ask if that is work-related or not? the family will approach you and ask, “Sir, why
are in the period when we have to ratify the
You will say, because the doctor did not is it like this? I have served you for how many
MLC.
declare he has that kind of sickness. Okay. But years. What do I get? What can the principal
But before you can even ratify, you must
you cannot also deny the reason why I was able give me?”
first have national legislation. And I think the
go back onboard is because of the medical cer- Yet, they have served the principal for
one that came out just recently is the RA 10022.
tificate that says I am fit to work. many, many years. Will you just answer them,
And I think it is in line. It should be sup-
In one stories of Marino World, it co- “I’m sorry. It’s not work-related?”
porting even the domestic shipping and that
vered a cadet who was declared fit to work and It appears we no longer have human side
becomes the stumbling block because it some-
have died while onboard. Later, the lateral x- of things. We are not being humane anymore.
how holds the ratification.
ray showed tumor at the back of his heart. The I don’t know. I still believe that we need the
But portion or part of that, the 10022 is
regular x-ray procedure in PEME did not see or seafarers on a long term contract.
trying to implement the protection or the be-
failed to detect the cancer. What happened next It might solve the problem or stop the le-
nefits, except the 10022 did not specify the
was contentions on who will pay for repatria- gal argument if it is a permanent contract. Let’s
work or non work-related clause. It is the
tion expenses but at the same time, the family supposed he is on leave. He is on vacation. In
POEA standard contract that still specified it, surance companies have been accredited by manent employment, which is entirely separate
which I think will be later on amended. POEA so far. and distinct from the Standard Employment
When we ratify that (MLC), POEA con- With these developments, all roads seem contract (SEC). And that’s what we are asking
tract – this problem that we’re having, this de- to be going towards permanent employment. from POEA – an optional Regular or Perma-
bate that we’re arguing, should be scrapped. We are moving forward but sadly at a very nent Employment Contract.
Because it will run counter to the spirit slow rate and one step at a time. As to what We do not want to disturb the present
and intent of the maritime labor code. Even the direction, they say protection of rights? But is SEC because you cannot force all employers
10022 did not mention diseases that are non not the full protection of seafarers’ rights and to offer permanent contract nor can you force
work-related. welfare can only be achieve through regular or the seafarers to accept permanent contract – it
permanent employment? should be both voluntary. I would think that
Permanent Concern even seafarers, not all will agree to be bound to
There are now concerns being raised in Piece-meal benefits one company alone. Let’s give them an option
the land-based sector about the provisions in Try to look at it more closely. Is it not because some seafarers would like to choose to
the RA 10022. Remember, the recruitment in- piece-meal? What do you do with the standby stay. So why prevent those who want to stay on
dustry is much bigger than the manning sector. pay? What is the purpose? So they will standby a permanent basis?
So what do we do? Is this our problem or is it and do not leave? In closing I would like to clarify our stand
the problem of the government? So every time you are on vacation, I don’t on this issue – Let the Standard Employment
I think it is the concern of everybody. want you to leave. We reached 10 years in this kind Contract remain as Contractual for those Em-
The manning sector, well, we will continue. of set up and you will say that is contractual? ployers and Seafarers who prefer the status
We don’t have to file TRO. But of course, What is a signing bonus? Is that an entice- quo; But let us allow the Option for a Per-
we should think of our colleagues in the ment? Why do you give me that? So that you manent or Regular Employment Contract for
land-based sector. That is my question now. will always sign up with me! Why do you have those Employers and Seafarers who agree to
Who initiated the 10022? If that is not in to sign up with me all the time? Because I am such a longer term of employment. This way,
connection with the MLC, then who? Is it contractual! we cover both sides of interest and moreso we
the insurance companies? No, they dont So if we reached a decade or 15 years in have open the gate of opportunity to ship ow-
have much gain. this kind of system, is that contractual? ners and seafarers in pursuing their cause and
I was talking with one accredited Insur- Finally, the pension plan - What is a pen- interests.
ance company and I was told that in fact, they sion plan? Do you give pension plan for a one Toward this end, OSM has started a novel
are initially not in favor of it. The general sus- or couple of years service or is it designed for initiative – that of making seafarers enjoy the
picion is that it probably is the insurance com- long term service, like 10 years or so, or for the benefits of a regular employees by covering
panies have lobbied for it but on the other hand rest of a seafarer’s productive years? I think all them with extended health insurance not
the insurance people say they see it more as a the concepts of these piece-meal benefits are only while on board but also for the duration
problem because of the automatic payment. leading to a permanent employment. of their entire vacation, to include their imme-
They have no choice but to pay within In OSM, we cover seafarers whether they diate families, with coverage for even serious
10 days, no contest, no question, immediate are on vacation or onboard. You are continu- illnesses that could reach US 1 million dollars.
payment. Not all insurance companies can do ously covered. Now is that contractual con- And we cover them also with Pension plan for
that. Then they will have to be accredited by cept? the rest of their long productive years with us.
POEA so they will need big capitalization. In So what is lacking? I told them the only We hope with this breakthrough, we have star-
fact, as of this writing only a handful of in- thing lacking is the pro-forma contract for per- ted a beautiful precedence that other manning
companies may eventually follow suit.
SHIPPING
IMO issues amendments

to Marpol IV, V and VI
T
he International Maritime Organization lation 1.11.2 of Annex I; and 1 Subject to the provisions of regulation
(IMO) recently issued amendments to 3 of this Annex, the discharge of sewage into
Maritime Pollution (MARPOL) an- .2 any other sea area designated by the the sea is prohibited, except when:
nexes IV, V and VI to all IMO members and Organization in accordance with criteria .1 the ship is discharging comminuted
parties to the MARPOL Convention which and procedures for designation of spe- and disinfected sewage using a sys-
are not members of IMO. cial areas with respect to prevention of tem approved by the Administration
IMO Secretary-General Efthimios E. pollution from sewage from ships1. in accordance with regulation 9.1.2 of
Mitropoulos transmitted, in accordance with this Annex at a distance of more than
Article 16(2)(a) of the MARPOL Convention, 7bis A passenger is every person other than: 3 nautical miles from the nearest land,
the text of the draft amendments to MARPOL .1 the master and the members of the or sewage which is not comminuted or
Annexes IV, V and VI in consideration for crew or other persons employed or en- disinfected at a distance of more than 12
adoption at MEPC 62 in accordance with gaged in any capacity on board a ship on nautical miles from the nearest land, pro-
Article 16(2)(b), (c) and (d) of the said Con- the business of that ship; and vided that, in any case, the sewage that
vention. .2 a child under one year of age. has been stored in holding tanks, or se-
The MEPC stands for Marine Environ- 7ter A passenger ship is a ship which carries wage originating from spaces containing
mental Protection Committee of the Organi- more than twelve passengers. living animals, shall not be discharged
zation by resolution. For the application of regulation 11.3, a instantaneously but at a moderate rate
Thanks to Marino World magazine for new passenger ship is a passenger ship: when the ship is en route and proceed-
giving this opportunity to inform our seafa- ing at not less than 4 knots; the rate of
rers and stakeholders of the new amendments .1 for which the building contract is discharge shall be approved by the Ad-
on the Maritime Pollution Convention. placed, ministration based upon standards deve-
Below are the amendments published for or in the absence of a building contract, loped by the Organization3; or
your information and guidance: the keel of which is laid, or which is in a .2 the ship has in operation an approved
similar stage of construction, on or after sewage treatment plant which has been
[1 January 2013]; or certified by the Administration to meet
MARPOL C heck .2 the delivery of which is three years the operational requirements referred to
or more after [1 January 2013]. in regulation 9.1.1 of this Annex, and
By Capt. Ireneo U. Delos Santos An existing passenger ship is a passen- .2.1 the test results of the plant are laid
ger ship which is not a new passenger down in the ship’s International Sewage
Capt. Ireneo U. Delos Santos ship.” Pollution Prevention Certificate; and
is a member of the PRC Board 2 New paragraph 2 is added to regulation 9: .2.2 additionally, the effluent shall not
for Marine Deck Officers. He “2 Every passenger ship which, in ac- produce visible floating solids nor cause
is presently the vice president cordance with regulation 2, is required discoloration of the surrounding water.
of the United Harbor Pilots to comply with the provisions of this 2 The provisions of paragraph 1 shall not
Association of the Philippines,
Annex, and for which regulation 11.3 apply to ships operating in the waters under
which is based in Cebu.
applies while in a special area, shall be the jurisdiction of a State and visiting ships
equipped with one of the following se- from other States while they are in these wa-
wage systems: ters and are discharging sewage in accordance
.1 a sewage treatment plant which with such less stringent requirements as may
shall be of a type approved by the Ad- be imposed by such State.
ANNEX 1 ministration, taking into ccount the stan- B Discharge of sewage from passenger ships
DRAFT AMENDMENTS TO MAR- dards and test methods developed by the within a special area
POL ANNEX IV Organization,2 or
.2 a holding tank of the capacity to the 3 Any discharge into the sea of sewage from a
REGULATIONS FOR THE PREVENTION satisfaction of the Administration for the passenger ship shall be prohibited:
OF POLLUTION BY GARBAGE FROM retention of all sewage, having regard to a) for new passenger ships on, or after [1
SHIPS the operation of the ship, the number of January 2013],
persons on board and other relevant fac- b) for existing passenger ships on, or
1 New paragraphs 5bis, 7bis, and 7ter are tors. after [1 January 2018], except when the
added to regulation 1: The holding tank shall be constructed following conditions are satisfied: the
to the satisfaction of the Administration ship has in operation an approved se-
“5bis Special area means a sea area where and shall have a means to indicate vi- wage treatment plant which has been
for recognized technical reasons in rela- sually the amount of its contents.” certified by the Administration to meet
tion to its oceanographical and ecologi- 3 Regulation 11 is divided into three sub- the operational requirements referred to
cal condition and to the particular char- sections A, B and C, as follows: in regulation 9.2 of this Annex, and
acter of its traffic the adoption of special .1 the test results of the plant are laid
mandatory methods for the prevention of Regulation 11 down in the ship’s International Sewage
sea pollution by sewage is required. Discharge of sewage Pollution Prevention Certificate; and
.2 additionally, the effluent shall not
For the purposes of this Annex, the spe- “A Discharge of sewage from ships other produce visible floating solids nor cause
cial areas shall include: than passenger ships in all areas and discharge discoloration of the surrounding water.
of sewage from passenger ships outside spe-
.1 the Baltic Sea area as defined in regu- cial areas
C General requirements The Vetting Culture on Dry Bulk
4 When the sewage is mixed with wastes
or waste water covered by other Annexes of
MARPOL, the requirements of those Annexes
Cargo Ships – The Rightship
shall be complied with in addition to the re-
quirements of this Annex.”
4 New regulation 12bis is added as follows: The Bulk Ships Inspection’s ternal or independent vetting department or
organization. Rightship and CDI are both
“12bis Reception facilities for passenger Operational Culture independent private organization providing
ships in Special Areas In the earlier time in the shipping busi- vetting/inspection services to shipowners
ness, the word VETTING may not sound and to potential charterers. Although both
.1 The Government of each Party to the Con- foreign to bulk or dry cargo ships crew but it provides vetting services for Tankers, they
vention, the coastline of which borders a spe- does draw little attention to it as it has been are likewise doing the same services in
cial area, undertakes to ensure that within a traditionally recognized that this is only ap- the dry bulk sector. At pres ent they are
special area reception facilities in all relevant plied to all Tanker ships. With the advent of the recognized/accred ited inspection
ports and terminals are provided for the re- fast changing business environment coupled companies in the dry bulk sector. Right-
ception of sewage, without causing delay to with the never ending statutory regulations ship platform of inspection is based on
ships, adequate to meet the needs of the pas- in terms of safety and customers quality re- risk category profile based on inspec-
senger ships using them. quirements, the stringent inspections regime
from tankers have been gradually adopted
.2 The Government of each Party concerned to the dry cargo ships notably specialized
shall notify the Organization of the measures bulk carrier. This is the new paradigm shift S hip M anagement
taken pursuant to subparagraph (.1) of this in the dry bulk sector in terms of market-
regulation. Upon receipt of sufficient notifica- ability and customers compliance. Tradi- By Capt. Jones T. Tulod
tions the Organization shall establish a date tional inspection/survey preparation of dry
from which the requirements of this regula- cargo ships is confined to Class, Flags and
tion in respect of the area in question shall Capt. JONES T. TULOD is a Marine
PSC compliance and the only motivation of Superintendent of Thome Ship
take effect. The Organization shall notify all the operators including ship board manage- Management Singapore, based in
Parties of the date so established no less than ment is to pass the said inspections. ROHQ- Manila
twelve months in advance of that date.”
DRAFT AMENDMENTS TO THE

The Process of Hiring -
FORM OF INTERNATIONAL SEWAGE Chartering
POLLUTION PREVENTION CERTIFI- In today’s practice, most reputable
CATE charterers have engaged in a new hiring
regime having the same principal platforms
tion results where they use the star rating
1 The following text is added under the of requirements on tankers – The Vetting.
system. A three, four or five-star rating
heading “Particulars of ship”: Although the word vetting is not commonly
means the ship is an acceptable risk. Two
used in the dry cargo ships, the principle is
stars means the user must contact Right-
Type of ship for the application of regulation the same. Charterers are now dependent on
ship for further review of the ship’s risk
11.3:* the recommendation thru the grading sys-
profile. A one star rating indicates that
tem established by Vetting Company based
Rightship need to do a more detailed in-
New/Existing passenger ship on the findings of their safety inspections.
vestigation before recommendation could
It therefore goes without saying that the
be considered. This may require physical
Ship other than a passenger ship marketability of the vessels is now entirely
inspection of the ship and/or an audit of
dependent on the safety status and condi-
the vessel management systems. The CDI
2 Amend paragraph *1.1. to read as fol- tion of the vessels. And this is the reason
is incorporated under the law of the Nether-
lows: why ships owners and technical managers
lands as the Stichting Chemical Distribution
are hardly pressed to ensure that their vessels
Institute (CDI) and operates as a non-profit
*1.1. Description of the sewage treatment are continually maintained avoiding possible
making foundation. The SIR (Ship’s Inspec-
plant: deficiency from various inspection authority
tion Report) is essentially a quality assess-
or organization as this likewise reflects the
ment of the ship, its operation and person-
Type of sewage treatment plant ....................... future business prospects of the vessels.
nel which also incorporates essential aspects
........................................................................
of safety. Between the two, Rightship is the
The Vetting / Inspection most preferred vetting company used in the
Name of manufacturer .................................... Vetting in simple term is Inspection, industry.
....................................................................... examination or evaluation. The only differ-
ence is that vetting is a private commercial The Shipboard Staff Role (Dry
The sewage treatment plant is certified by the application of assessment while inspection
Administration to meet the effluent standards is a general term. Both have the same pur- Bulk Ships)
as provided for in resolution MEPC.2(VI). pose and that is basically an examination, Aside from understanding the basic role
appraisal, evaluation, testing, measurements, of Rightship, the shipboard management
The sewage treatment plant is certified by the gauging and comparing to a certain term of should now shift the traditional practices of
Administration to meet the effluent standards reference. In shipping that is practically the old version of running the ship and urgently
as provided for in resolution MEPC.159(55). various statutory requirements, conventions, adopt the tanker vetting attitude. The culture
rules and regulations, company adopted sys- and attitude change will take sometime and
The sewage treatment plant is certified by the tem and procedures including shipping in- companies should devise a comprehensive
Administration to meet the effluent standards dustry standards. strategic approach towards behavioral and
as provided for in [new MEPC resolution, see technical change. A pre-boarding Rightship
annex 3]. training is one way of orientation but under-
The Vetting Companies - standing human instinctive attitude response
*** to be continued next edition Rightship and CDI (Chemical towards change, this would requires addi-
Distribution Institute) tional support of continuous and effective
Most oil majors have their own in- means of understanding.
CREWING
Benefits and burdens from the new SEC

By Jun G. Garcia rage for all seafarers mandated in ing more cash to such funds while contract. This is when the seafarer
the Amended Migrant Workers seafarers, particularly the ratings, leaves the point of hire. The con-
O
n November 12, 2010, the Act of the Philippines or Republic should not be surprised if their tract remains valid until he returns
new POEA standard em- Act 10022. It is passing the buck pay slips are riddled with deduc- to the point of hire. But to deal
ployment contract (SEC) to the agents letting the latter de- tions representing their share of with cases where a seafarer goes
for seafarers took effect. There cide whether to insure the crew or SSS, Phil-Health and Pag-IBIG to another place or delays return-
are 17 additional provisions and issue the Certificate of Cover to contributions. The reality is that ing to the point of hire upon the
five amended provisions in the the appropriate regulatory body. low wages for seafarers still exist end of his or her contract, the re-
latest version of the contract. The new SEC is uncompro- and the worst case scenario is for patriation section in the new SEC
The most important additions mising but gives agents some lee- other countries to impose similar added a clause setting the termi-
pertain to the definition of work- way in dealing with the entailed income-sharing schemes that will nation date to the time the seafa-
related illness; the mandatory co- cost of insurance. Item H of Sec- double the deductions. rer signs off the ship. This provi-
verage for SSS, PhilHealth, ECC tion 20 states that disability or For POEA Hall of Famer sion fairly exempts the employer
and Pag-IBIG benefits; provision death insurance paid to a seafarer agencies crewing hundreds of or agent from any liability to the
of a record of hours of work; vo- or beneficiary shall be deducted vessels, the cost may be tolerable seafarer who suffers any illness,
luntary arbitration of labor dis- from the monetary entitlements than the headache from the cor- injury or death in a place other
pute; reimbursement of medicine provided in the contract. This responding accounting and paper than the point of hire. The provi-
expenses; provision of a monthly provision also avoids double or works involved. For marine offi- sion also instills professionalism
subsistence allowance of $100 for even triple compensation for the cers getting high salaries, it won’t among seafarers and ensure that
six months; and the deduction of insured. be too burdensome though they they get the necessary benefits for
paid accident or death insurance While it’s about time that should figure out a way how to returning to the point of hire on
from the overall amount of be- all seafarers are assured of in- use their socialized housing be- time after their contract ends.
nefits provided in the contract. surance, pension and benefits nefits if they prefer to buy a house Another contentious issue
Important amendments make for hospitalization, occupational in cash outright or through bank between a seafarer and agent or
pre-existing illness and detour accidents and housing just like financing. That leaves the small employer is whether or not an ill-
from the point of hire grounds for other Filipino professionals and agencies and most ratings with a ness is work-related or not. The
termination, increase the num- household helpers, it will not lot of budgeting to do. time and resources it takes to
ber of days of entitled leaves per only be the employers or agents Keeping a record of the sea- settle such dispute and expedi-
month and clarify the maximum who will shoulder the premiums farers’ daily hours of work un- tiously establish the liability or
amount of sickness allowance and regular cash contributions to der Section 10 of the new SEC zero liability of the employer is
payable by an employer. insurers and government corpo- supports the revised Section 12 addressed by Item E in Section 20
The Protection and Indem- rations administering insurance lengthening the number of leave dealing with compensation and
nity Club has already made its and social benefits. Employers or days to four and a half days from benefits. In the new provision, if
stance about the insurance cove- agents will surely reel from feed- two and a half days per month. the seafarer conceals a pre-exist-
The record will serve as a good ing illness or condition, he or she
reference for counting leave days is disqualified from getting any
aside from complying with inter- compensation and benefits. Such
national regulations on rest peri- misrepresentation is also a ground
ods for seafarers. for termination and administrative
Voluntary arbitration will sanctions.
no longer be only for CBA-co- The new SEC clearly estab-
vered seafarers. Seafarers without lishes an illness as pre-existing if
CBAs may approach the Mari- a medical doctor advises treatment
time Industry Labor Arbitration for such continuing illness or con-
Council (MILA) to resolve an un- dition and if the seafarer had been
satisfactory management solution diagnosed and has knowledge of
to his or her grievance. Hopefully, such an illness or condition but
MILA has the resources, man- failed to disclose the same during
power and speed to deal with a PEME and such cannot be diag-
surge of labor dispute cases. nosed during the PEME.
In times of illness, a seafarer The pre-employment medi-
is entitled to receive sickness al- cal exam providers will play a big
lowance but only for a maximum role as far as the enforcement of
120-day period. The employer or this particular provision is con-
agent is also required to reimburse cerned. The PEME clinics serve
the cost of medicines prescribed as frontliners of the crewing agen-
by a company-designated physi- cies to avoid repatriation costs.
cian to a sick seafarer. The seafarer With so many benefits of-
may be happy with this humanita- fered, the new SEC obviously fa-
rian gesture but the allowance and vors seafarers and somehow bur-
reimbursement represents new and dens agents. But the benefits are
added cost to the agents. still to be earned with the same
Section 2 of the old SEC es- effort to get a wage.
tablishes the starting date of the
A duly-registered manning agency exclusively servicing its German principal/owners,
A duly-registered manning agency exclusively servicing its German principal/owners,
VEGA-REEDEREI GmbH + Co. KG, is in need of the following ranks for Bulk Carriers and
VEGA-REEDEREI
Container Vessels:
GmbH + Co. KG, is in need of the following ranks for Bulk Carriers and
Container Vessels:
Master, Chief Engineer, Chief Mate, 2nd Engineer,
Master,
nd Chief
rd Engineer,
th Chief Mate, 2nd Engineer,
2 nd Mate, 3 rd Mate, 4 th Engineer
2 Mate, 3 Mate, 4 Engineer
Ratings are also invited to apply:
Ratings are also invited to apply:
Bosun, Fitter, Cook, A/B, Oiler, O/S, Messman
Bosun, Fitter, Cook, A/B, Oiler, O/S, Messman
WE OFFER:
WE OFFER:
* Very competitive compensation package
* Very competitive compensation package
* Compulsory insurance coverage
* Compulsory insurance coverage
*Sponsored training & upgrading
*Sponsored training & upgrading
*Prompt payment of allotments
*Prompt payment of allotments
*Career opportunities & promotions
*Career opportunities & promotions
*Full Filipino crew
*Full Filipino crew
INTERESTED APPLICANTS:
INTERESTED APPLICANTS:
Apply in person or online at our website:
Apply in person or online at our website:
www.vega-manila.com.ph
www.vega-manila.com.ph
CONTACT DETAILS:
CONTACT DETAILS:
Vega
Vega Manila
Manila Crewmanagement,
Crewmanagement, Inc.
Inc.
Units 125 & 126, 12/F The Columbia Tower,
Units 125 & 126, 12/F The Columbia Tower,
Ortigas Avenue, Mandaluyong City.
Ortigas Avenue, Mandaluyong City.
Tel. Nos. (632)725-1840/(632)722-6588 Fax: (632)744-7527
Tel. Nos. (632)725-1840/(632)722-6588 Fax: (632)744-7527
Email: vmci@vega-manila.com.ph Website: www.vega-manila.com.ph
Email: vmci@vega-manila.com.ph Website: www.vega-manila.com.ph
“Be the country’s
“Be the country’s POEA LICENSE NO: 003-LB-031407-UL
premier provider of POEA LICENSE
NO FEES NO: 003-LB-031407-UL
TO BE COLLECTED TO APPLICANTS
premier provider of NO FEES TO BE COLLECTED TO APPLICANTS
efficient and reliable seafarers.”
efficient and reliable seafarers.”
OFFSHORE
DOLE will review
proposed “Offshore
Employment Contract”
By Lyn Bacani
crete action shall be visible in the next weeks off; 56 days on – 56 days off, etc. Returning
or so,” he added. crew are treated as regulars where they have
Meanwhile, DOLE Undersecretary Dan- fixed schedules in date of joining. It becomes a
ny P. Cruz explained that the “Department is problem whenever the crew transfer to another
aware that the offshore vessels, most of which company without ample notice as it would
Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz are in the middle east, are actually supply ves- surely disrupt the company’s planning;
sels going to and from the oil rigs.” (c ) Pre-employment medical examina-
F
“It is kinda complicated since the crew tion (PEME) – in view of the non-traditional
inally, the unremitting efforts of Capt. are boarding supply vessels from the shore to crew rotation, an offshore PEME must be es-
Rodolfo A. Aspillaga, SVP / COO the oil rig. So they really need to comply with tablished;
(Overseas Employment Group) of the the requirements of seafarers such as the sea- (d) Offshore has no P & I – Oil drilling
Supply Oilfield & Marine Personnel Services, man’s book, among other requirements. But companies doesn’t join a P & I club to cover
Inc. - a subsidiary company of the Supply we are also aware that most of the time, they their regularly employed personnel. They have
Oilfield Services, Inc., to address the present are not at sea because they are just supply ves- their own insurance scheme which carry a dif-
concerns and peculiarities in the employment sels,” he concluded. ferent coverage from what is provided for in
of workers for the offshore industry will soon In his column (see Marino World Maga- the Seafarers’ SEC. Philippines agencies which
pay off following an acknowledgement from zine September – October 2010 edition), As- act as full manpower service contractor have
the Labor Secretary herself, Hon. Rosalinda pillaga underscored revised POEA Rules and to secure insurance coverage for their Filipino
Dimapilis-Baldoz, that her Department will Regulations Governing the Recruitment and personnel usually underwritten by overseas
“review the proposed separate ‘Offshore Em- Employment of Seafarers, wherein the “sea- insurance companies because the same is not
ployment Contract’, which has been elevated farer”, among others, was categorically in- available locally;
to her during her stint as POEA Administrator cluded in the list of those serving on foreign (e) Agencies that act as manpower ser-
in 2003, by creating a tripartite committee who maritime Mobile Offshore and Drilling Units vice contractor quote “day rate” for each posi-
will look into the proposal to study and evalu- (MODUs). tion supplied. The quoted day rate is payable
ate its feasibility. The MMAP president admitted that by the client from the day the crew arrives on
Responding to the column written by somehow, it has ended disputes whether off- board the rig up to the day the crew departs the
Capt. Aspillaga entitled “POEA is yet to con- shore workers are categorized as seabased rig. The agency will then have to calculate for
sider adopting an Offshore Employment Con- or landbased. It did not however, clarify the estimated travel days and input this in the quo-
tract” published in Marino World Magazine issue as there are still MODU workers that tation in order to pay the crew in accordance
September – October 2010 edition, Secretary are deployed through POEA’s land-based di- with the Seafarers’ SEC. This drives the day
Baldoz immediately recognized the proposal. vision. rate quotation in the high side;
“I remember that issue. It was brought up “Once a standard Offshore Employment (f) Agencies that recruit offshore person-
before I left the POEA. But in reviewing any Contract is in place, it will be to the advan- nel to be placed under the client’s payroll are
employment contract, it must be tripartite. So tage of the manpower providers, the oil and paid a one-time finder’s fee. Once deployed
we have to create a committee. We still have to gas industry and the offshore workforce since the personnel is under the care of the client and
come up with the result of the tripartite consul- the provisions will be attuned to the manner or pays the salary directly to the crew. The client
tation on the contract governing the offshore way the business is conducted in the oil and places the crew under their insurance scheme.
employment,” said the Labor Secretary during gas sector,” continued Aspillaga. For the succeeding deployments, the agency
a year-ender press briefing held at the Ople Peculiarities in the oil and gas industry just assist in securing the OEC of the person-
Hall of the department. Among the peculiarities in the oil and gas in- nel just like arranging a “balik-manggagawa”
In a separate interview, Aspillaga lauded dustry concerning personnel that should be re- or BMD worker under the BMD scheme
Baldoz and her Undersecretaries for their com- viewed by the would-be tripartite committee adopted by POEA’s land based sector;
mitment to consider reviewing the proposed are the following: (g) Drilling companies, when looking for
drafting of a separate contract for the offshore (a) The normal working hours is 12 manpower usually forward their requirements
workers that are assigned on maritime Mo- hours on, 12 hours off, 24/7 without observing to different manpower providers in different
bile Offshore and Drilling Units (MODUs), Sundays and Holidays. Normally, the salaries countries. The first one to provide candidates
which was raised during a membership meet- of crew are offered as straight basic salary for with the least lead time usually gets the nomi-
ing of the Filipino Association for Mariners’ working 12 hours per day in any given day in- nation. An oil rig is usually manned by differ-
Employment (FAME) when Baldoz, then the cluding Sundays and holidays (all inclusive) ent nationalities which could easily reach to a
POEA Administrator, was the guest of honor and an equal amount as leave pay for his off hundred in a full drilling operation, and;
sometime on the said year. days. This is way too far from the provisions (h) Accreditation of a foreign principals
“Submitting our proposal to a committee of working hours under the current Seafarers’ engaged in oil and gas exploration and produc-
to go over the feasibility of having a separate SEC including the terms and conditions; tion is another aspect which we can discuss in
contract for offshore workers is a welcome (b) Normal work rotation is 28 days on – future issues;
development,” claimed Aspillaga, who is also 28 days off. In adopting the current Seafarers’ “It is my belief that streamlining the
the president of the Masters and Mates Asso- SEC, the crew will have to process POEA con- POEA process for offshore oil and gas work-
ciation of the Philippines, Inc. or MMAP. tract every two months paying the necessary ers will bring about an increase in the employ-
“When I first brought this up, I was told POEA processing fee including the OWWA ment of Filipinos as foreign drilling companies
that they will look into this matter. Now that fee (there is no BMAD processing in Sea- will take notice of the availability of Filipinos
she (Baldoz) is the Labor Secretary and is re- based sector). One crew could cost in OWWA to work in their industry with the minimal red
minded about it, I believe that if they are really fees a total of US$125 per year. The work tape,” concluded the oil and gas industry ex-
serious in addressing this concern, then con- rotation may vary, i.e. 42 days on – 21 days pert.
Shallow-water oil prospecting remains
promising with Spratly cooperation
A
side from being the only coun- date To 2014, a report published by the a consortium later to manage and handle
tries with populations exceed- London-based marine industry analyst further related activities.
ing one billion each, China and Infield Systems Ltd. The three claimant countries
India are now two of the biggest econo- The report predicts that offshore oil have taken a peaceful tact in the ter-
mies in the world. For the International exploration and production spending by ritorial dispute with China even go-
Energy Agency (IEA), an intergovern- China, India, Indonesia and Malaysia ing out of its way to negotiate for a
mental organization which acts as en- will reach $79 million in the next four more binding code of conduct in the
ergy policy advisor to 28 member coun- years. Capitalization for fixed platforms South China Sea with the Association
tries, China and India are the biggest and pipelines will amount to $63 billion of Southeast Asian Nations, which
users of energy in the world. by 2014 in the four countries, the report include two other claimants, Brunei
In its report entitled IEA World adds. and Malaysia. The proposed new
Energy Outlook 2010, the agency fore- In China, Bohai Bay will see the treaty will take precedence over the
casted global demand for oil to reach installation of more offshore platforms. 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of
nearly 100 million barrels per day But while deep-water oil and gas pros- Parties in the South China Sea.
(mbpd) after 25 years. The 15 mbpd pecting is now the trend, China is still
increase from 2009 levels will virtually looking into shallow-water explora-
come from China and India. tion mainly in the Spratly Islands in the S ee O ffshore S ide (S.O.S.)
According to the report, China will South China Sea. By Capt. Rodolfo A. Aspillaga
add 7.2 mbpd while India will add 4.5 The Spratly exploration is interest-
mbpd to the world’s demand for oil by ing considering that shallow-water oil CAPT. RODOLFO A. ASPILLAGA is presently
2035. The figures correspond to a 57 wells are drying up prompting ventures the President of the Masters and Mates
percent increase and 30 percent increase and drillings in deep waters. Exxonmo- Association of the Philippines (MMAP),
from the 2009 consumption levels of bil Exploration and Production Philip- the Treasurer of the League of Maritime
Educators International Inc. (LEMARE)
China and India, respectively. Counting pines, for example, is probing 2,000 and the SVP and COO of the
other countries in Asia, the continent’s meters deep in the Sulu Sea for oil in Overseas Employment Group
expected oil demand will reach 13.7 anticipation of the drying up of oil wells of Supply Oilfield
mbpd or 91 percent of the total expected in Palawan and other parts of the coun- Services, Inc.
increase in global oil demand 25 years try.
from now. Asia is also expected to cover More interestingly, the dispute of
30 percent of the world’s total oil de- claimants to the island chain seemed Chinese Ambassador to the Philip-
mand by 2035. to have dissipated as China, the Philip- pines Liu Jianchao had told the local
Bulk of China and India’s oil re- pines and Vietnam have agreed to joint- media last month that China wants to
quirement will be imported though both ly conduct seismic monitoring in some instill peace and stability in what it calls
have their own limited resources for this areas of the Spratlys to look for signs of the Nansha Islands.
fuel, including offshore wells. gas and oil. The activity provided under With the Spratly geopolitics turn-
Capital expenditure in deep-water the Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking ing favorable, governments stand to be-
oil and gas well development in Asia signed by the Philippine National Oil nefit in terms of energy self-sufficiency.
will rise further as the region’s domestic Co., the China National Offshore and The development also offers additional
energy consumption increases, accord- Petro Vietnam is ongoing. business opportunity to offshore service
ing to Offshore Asia Oil & Gas Up- These companies are likely to form providers and contractors.
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Record Breaking Participation
at OSEA2010
OSEA2010 backed by
global business and industry
visionaries as the most
eminent oil and gas business
event for the region
Singapore, 3 December 2010 – OSEA2010, the largest edi-
tion in the trade event’s 34-year history, drew its curtains today John Westwood giving the industry address for the OSEA2010
with a record participation of over 25,000 attendees, beating initial Leaders’ Summit
projections. This is an increase of 25 percent compared to 2008.
A truly international networking event for the oil and gas industry,
OSEA2010 attendees hailed from over 60 countries and regions.
“The International Energy Agency reported that global oil de-
mand is expected to reach 87.3 million barrels per day this year.
That demand will be largely driven by Asia. China and India alone
are expected to consume almost a third of the world’s energy by
2030. As a corollary, the growth opportunities for the oil and gas
industry are and will continue to be in Asia,” Mr S Iswaran, Se-
nior Minister of State for Trade & Industry and Education, declared
while officiating as Guest of Honour at the OSEA2010 Opening
Ceremony.
OSEA’s position as the premier sourcing ground in Asia for
the best-of-breed surface and subsea technologies will continue to
grow as global offshore operations and maintenance spend looks
set to exceed US$330 billion from 2010 – 2014.
Speaking at the inaugural OSEA2010 Leaders’ Summit, Doug-
las-Westwood Chair-
man, Mr John West- The kilts took a break from the UK pavilion to mingle with their
wood painted a pic- counterparts at the OSEA2010 Industry Networking night
ture of strong growth
for the offshore sector.
“Of the major sources
of oil remaining to the
IOCs, Deepwater of-
fers the best future opportunity,” he concluded, adding that deep-
water production is expected to grow 99 per cent. Capex spend will
reach the new heights of US$137 billion over the next five years.
“The show continues to see growth potential as more invest-
ments in new oil and gas technology and services are anticipated
with deeper water development,” said Mr. BT Tee, Project Director
of OSEA at Singapore Exhibition Services (SES). “We are already
receiving requests from group pavilions for floor space expansion
for OSEA2012.”
Visitors to OSEA2010 were similarly impressed by the scale
and quality of the show, which offered them a one-stop sourcing
ground for their companies’ needs. The show received visitor
group delegations from major oil and gas players including Acergy
Singapore, Cameron Malaysia, The Ministry of Energy Thailand
and VietGazprom.
The OSEA2010 International Conference also received rave
reviews from its speakers and delegates. Its OSEA2010 Leaders’
Summit, Exploration and Production Conference and Gas Tech-
nology Conference saw capacity crowds eager to gain insights to
various topics prevalent in today’s oil and gas industry from the Corrosion Association Singapore with Mr. Nelson Aguila
industry’s best minds. (extreme right) of NACE Manila chapter.
OSEA2012 will be held from 27 - 30 November 2012 at Ma-
rina Bay Sands Singapore.
About Singapore
Exhibition Services
Set up in 1976, Singapore Exhibition
Services (SES) has established itself
as one of the most innovative and
respected exhibition and conference
organisers in Asia. A pioneer in the
Singapore exhibition industry, SES
events have served as important
platforms for companies aiming to forge
new business contacts in Asia. With a
portfolio of international tradeshows
Record crowds throng the OSEA2010 exhibition already serving the Communications,
Engineering, Machinery and Lifestyle
industries, SES continues to develop
new events to meet market needs.
SES events consistently attract a
high level of overseas participation
Guest of Honor Mr. S Iswaran, Se- with foreign exhibitors accounting for
nior Minister of State for Trade & almost 80% of the show floor. SES
Industry and Education at the Kep- is a member of Allworld Exhibitions
pel Offshore and Marine booth Alliance, a global network with over 50
offices worldwide. www.sesallworld.
com.
Display of the latest products,
technologies and solutions at
OSEA2010
Marino World finds new partner for distribution

of magazine in Singapore. Marino World can be
bought at P3 Connect 3rd level of Lucky Plaza, 304
Orchard Road, Singapore. Photo above shows Ma-
rino World partner, Mr. Edmund Lau and Ms. Do-
reen Tan. Photo below shows MW editor in gesture
of gratitude and partnership with Ms. Tan.
Biosolve Spill Rx – A unique oil spill dispersant
and mangrove washing agent
BioSolve Spill Rx is a unique and revolutionary product not easily vaporize and has less risk of vapor leak while on pro-
that is totally plant-based with solvent and surfactant formula- longed storage. loss of efficacy will hardly occur.
tion classifiable as food grade. It is non-aromatic, non-toxic,
low viscosity, with a superb solvency in breaking down large 4. Biodegrades twice faster than fossil-based dispersants. It at-
oil molecules. It is a Type 3/2 dispersant with capability for all tains 100% biodegradation in 28 days; while light hydrocarbon
types of application specially for aerial spray. It has biodegrad- attains only 56% in 28 days .
ability twice faster than fossil-based dispersants and is an effec-
tive washing agent for shore and mangrove remediation ( with 5. Effective washing agent for cleaning contaminated shores and
excellent studies from Queensland University for the Australian mangroves.
Maritime Safety Authority)
It has a flash point of 104oC making it very appropriate 6. Main solvent ingredient is OMRI listed (Organic Material Re-
for use in tropical waters even during hot summer temperature; view Institute) in the US, and cited by APAG (European Oleo-
but it also has a cold flow property ( CFPP) of – 8 o C that chemical Organization ) to have no oral or dermal toxicity.
makes it function just as well in cold waters. It is an oxygen-
ated saturated ( alkane) carbon and has an LC50 in the range 7 Accredited by the Philippines Coast Guard and the Maritime
of 25 ppm. and Port Authority (MPA) of Singapore. (http://www.mpa.gov.
Biosolve Spill Rx is a “Green Chemistry” product of Chem- sg/sites/pdf/approved-dispersants.pdf )
rez Technologies Inc. in the Philippines that is accredited by the
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and by the Maritime and Port 8. Immediately available. Large quantities can be quickly pro-
Authority (MPA) of Singapore. duced on emergency situation.
Laboratory of Test of BioSolve Spill Rx Proper Dispersant for Warm Climate

The following laboratory test data of BioSolve Spill Rx was Following the laboratory specification of dispersants in Sin-
conducted by the accredited testing laboratory of the Maritime gapore, and to get the best value for money on dispersants, it
Port Authority (MPA) of Singapore, Mechem Consultancy Ser- would be wise to use one with a flash point greater than ambient
vices Pte Ltd., for oil dispersants. The test sample was tested temperature similar to Singapore’s flash point specification of
undiluted or on neat basis. ( the remarks portion below are 65oC. This will ensure that the dispersant will not evaporate
from this writer) while on storage. Higher flash point gives better stability to re-
tain efficacy even on prolonged storage. It is also wise to specify
Parameters Units Specifications Results Remarks non-aromatic ( less than 3% ) to avoid any toxicity issue. For
flexibility, dispersants with capability for aerial spray ( or Type
Dispersant Capacity Disp: Oil 1 :1 min 1 : 2.39 Exceeds Spec 3/2) will be most advantageous. The minimum should be a
Flash Point oC 65 oC min 104 oC Exceeds Spec Type 2 since the use of Type 1 is prone to waste of money in
Biodegradability % 90 min > 90 Exceeds Spec tropical climate.
Toxicity survive 5/10 8/10 Exceeds Spec
Aromatic Hydrocarbon % 3 max <3 Undetectable
Chlorinated Hydrocarbon ppm 0.05 max < 0.05 Undetectable
Manufactured by :
Chemrez Technologies , Inc.
Economic Significance 65 Calle Industria , Bagumbayan, Quezon City , Philippines
of the foregoing laboratory Data Tel # 632-6350680 Fax # 632-6350703
The foregoing specification show the minimum amount e-mail: info@chemrez.com; website:www.chemrez.com
of dispersant required to disperse an oil slick in Singapore is
50% (e.g 1:1 ratio); while the amount of Biosolve Spill Rx to Authorized Distributors :
disperse an oil slick as tested is only 29% ( e.g. 1: 2.39 ratio). Luzon: Petrotech MPJ Inc.
This translates to very substantial savings. Bicutan Taguig, Metro Manila
Email: info@petrotechmpj.com, Tel. 02-8392117
Contact Person: Mr. Rex Alfafara ( 09175597619)
Summary of the Unique Features
of BioSolve Spill Rx Visayas: Cebu Belmont Hardware Co.
Mandaue City, Cebu
1. 100% plant-based, non-aromatic, non-toxic, low viscosity. Email: Industrialsupply@belmonttools.com
Type 3/2 dispersantcapable of fklexible application. Specially Tel. 032-3461143
applicable for aerial spray. Contact Person: Mr. Edwin Tan (0917-6328408 )
2. An oxygenated saturated ( alkane ) carbon structure that pro- Mindanao: Gensan ABC Farms Essentials
motes efficacy of oil-eating- alkane loving aerobic bacteria that General Santos City
feeds on oxygen. Email: andrew_brian_ang@yahoo.com
Tel. 083-5525082
3. Flash point of 104 oC with superb solvency features that Contact Person: Mr. Brian Ang ( 0917-7054360 )
keeps its efficacy intact even during hot tropical summer. It will
BioSolve Spill Rx
BIO-BASED OIL SPILL DISPERSANT (TYPE III/II)
Approved and accredited by the Philippine Coast Guard; Cert. No: PCG-10-08-147
and by the Maritime & Port Authority (MPA) of Singapore
dESCRIpTION
BioSolve Spill Rx is a 100% plant-based (non-aromatic) Type 3/2
concentrated oil spill dispersant for rapid and effective dispersal
of spills in the sea or as a washing agent in cleaning foreshores,
sandy shores, rocky shores, mangroves and wetlands. Effective
in breaking persistent oils (e.g. crude oil, heavy fuel oil, petroleum
slops and used lubricating oils) into fine droplets and compatible
with seawater for optimum dispersal action. Being a plant-based
product, it is non-toxic, oxygenated, biodegradable and totally
eco-friendly. Flash point of >100oC that keeps its efficacy intact
during hot tropical summer and will not easily vaporize making it
ideal for aerial spray application. Its specific gravity is designed
AppLICATIONS/dILuTION RATIO:
to enable the wave action of the sea to keep the fine droplets
BioSolve Spill Rx may be used neat or
dispersed and suspended within the water column and allows diluted with sea water at various ratios
faster natural biodegradation. Thus, it does not settle at the ocean depending on the thickness of the oil
floor to protect marine life that feeds on the seabed. slick. It is recommended that a 1:5 ratio
be used after skimming activity and 1:10
for eliminating very light slick on water.
In cleaning mangroves, coconut tree
trunk, and shoreline rocks contaminated
by thick oil, it is best to use the product
neat or a dilution ratio of 1:1 (equal parts
Spill Rx and Water).
pROduCT TECHNICAL dATA:

Form: Oily Liquid
Kinematic Viscosity @ 40 C, Cst: 2 -5
Specific Gravity @ 25C: 0.84 - 0.88
Flashpoint, C: 100 min
pROduCT pACkAGING:
20 liter pail, 200 liter drum or bulk. Shelf
Life is 2 years, minimum (quality can be
rechecked annually)
CHEMREZ TECHNOLOGIES, INC. ISO 9001:2008

65 Calle Industria, Bagumbayan, Quezon City, 1110 Philippines. ISO 14001:2004
OHSAS 18001:2007
(632) 635 0680 (632) 635 0703 info@chemrez.com www.chemrez.com CIP/3905/07/03/519
PETROLEUM
Reducing Sulfur Emissions and
Other Air Pollutants in Bunker Fuel
Regular Bunker blended with plant-derived quality enhancer and emission improver called ECFO
T
he scientific community is now atomization for complete combustion. IFO than all air pollutants combined.)
rushing development of renewable therefore contains not only water soluble Carbon Dioxide (CO2) – A most
and alternative clean energies due metal salts sodium (Na), potassium (K), common chemical compound. It is gas at
to the deteriorating wellness of global en- calcium (Ca), sulfates (SO4), etc., but also standard temperature and has many com-
vironment and ecology brought about by metals like vanadium (V), lead (Pb), nickel mercial uses such as: dry ice; carbonation
industrialization that started a century ago, (Ni). Oil wetted materials such as rust and of beverage; others. It is emitted from the
but remains dependent on fossil fuels to- metal particles are also present in IFO. combustion of fossil fuel and is the most
date. Global concerns from the use of fos- Sulfur is a major contaminant of dominant greenhouse gas alleged to cause
sil fuel covers the following. IFO. Sulfur exists both as water-sol- Global Warming and Climate Change. Due
1. Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emis- uble contaminant (e.g. metal sulfates, to the tremendous world-wide consump-
sion resulting to Global Warming and Cli- sulfites, and sulfides) and as oil soluble tion of fossil fuels, the amount of CO2 in
mate Change contaminant (e.g. polysulfides, thiols, the atmosphere had increased as well.
2. Air Pollution affecting wellness mercaptans, pyrroles, etc.). Sulfur prob- Sulfur Oxide (SOx) - pertains to Sul-
of Public Health and Environment; lems normally occur after the combustion fur Dioxide emission (SO2) from combus-
3. Dwindling Crude Reserve re- process. Environmental laws in nearly all tion which reacts with oxygen in the air to
countries have required a reduction in the produce Sulfur Trioxide (SO3), then reacts
amounts of sulfur content in common fuels with water vapor to form acid rain (sulfu-
PETROLEUM market specially in diesel and IFO. ric acid). About 5% of SO2 emission forms
into SO3. Most forms into sulfur particu-
By Mr. Rafael S. Diaz Air Pollutants and Greenhouse lates (SO4) which become part of the black
soot being emitted after combustion.
Gases from Combustion of IFO
MR. RAFAEL S. DIAZ is presently the IFO is a viscous fuel that has heat va-
Managing Director of the Asian Institute
lue of 18,500 Btu/lb more or less and it is Reducing Sulfur Emission and
of Petroleum Studies, Inc. (AIPSI) and the
Technical and Marketing Consultant of used in low-speed internal combustion die- other Pollutants through LSFO,
the Chemrez Technologies, Inc. He was a sel engines and gensets commonly in large SFO, and ECFO
former executive director of The Philippine ocean-going vessels and power plants; as The most difficult concerns of indus-
Biodiesel Association (TPBA). well as boilers; heaters, and furnaces. It tries using IFO is in complying with sulfur
produces a cocktail of air pollutants from emission limits. This is primarily because
combustion consisting of SOx; NOx; PM; SOx emission is typically a direct func-
and others including Greenhouse Gases tion of the sulfur content of IFO supplied
sulting to Rise in Fuel Cost (N2O and CO2). by oil companies. Regular IFO contains
Foremost contributors to “Green- Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) - refers to ni- 3% sulfur content which is no longer al-
house Gases” and “Air Pollution” are coal, trogen dioxide (NO2) and nitrous oxide lowed for use under the Clean Air laws of
diesel, and bunker. (N2O). NOx is a product of high operating many countries. SOx emission is a seri-
temperature and the precursor in the for- ous environmental concern since it affects
mation of ground ozone and smog. NOx the air we breath and causes acidification
Understanding Bunker Fuel also reacts with oxygen and water vapor in (e.g. sulfuric acid) of our rivers, lakes,
Bunker Fuel used in shipping and atmosphere to form acid rain (nitric acid) and oceans. Due to this, the International
manufacturing industries come with many which contributes to the Acidification of Maritime Organization (IMO) declared the
names such as Industrial Fuel Oil (IFO); our ocean, lakes, and rivers. It also forms a Baltic Sea, North Sea, and many other seas
Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO); Bunker C; Bunker phenomenon called Eutrophication which and ports as Sulfur Emission Controlled
Fuel Oil (BFO); Residual Oil (Resid); Fur- promotes extensive growth of algae that Areas (SECA) which technically mandates
nace Oil; Heating Oil; etc. For this paper, suffocates marine life as it competes with ocean liners, tankers, and all class of ves-
regular Bunker Fuel with 3% sulfur shall available oxygen. N2O is a greenhouse gas sels to use fuels, or processes , or technol-
be referred to simply as Industrial Fuel (GHG) that contributes to global warm- ogies that results in low sulfur emissions.
Oil (IFO) while Bunker with 1% sulfur ing. Todate the most popular and simple means
content shall be referred to as Low Sulfur Particulate Matter (PM) – particulate to address the sulfur issue is through the
Fuel Oil (LSFO). matter are soots produced during combus- use of LSFO and SFO. The use of ECFO is
IFO is the heaviest fraction in crude tion of fossil fuel and are emitted from a new approach in lieu of LSFO and SFO.
oil distillation. It does not easily distill exhaust pipe like a cloud of black smoke. What is LSFO? LSFO is short for
unless under vacuum due to its very high PM consists of incompletely burned hy- low sulfur fuel oil containing only 1%
boiling point and It contains large hydro- drocarbon known as carbon soot as well sulfur or less. LSFO is a refinery prod-
carbon molecules that includes asphaltenes as sulfur soots ( SO4). Particulate matter uct produced either through the use of
and waxes. The contaminants in crude oil (PM) is expressed in opacity when secur- “sweet crude” ( crude oil without sulfur )
also settle as part of the IFO such as sedi- ing an Emission Compliance Certificate or through a hydrotreating process (desul-
ments and other heavy organic molecules for vehicle registration. (Note: the Boston furization). Because of the provisions of
from various sources. IFO is viscous and Clean Air Task Force had conducted a Clean Air Laws in most countries as well
sticky and not easily removed once it sticks study correlating PM emission with pub- as the IMO mandate for SECA areas, the
to a surface. It is heated to lower its viscos- lic health. They published that carbon and global demand for LSFO has substantially
ity before being fed to burners (of what- sulfur soots cause cancer 7 times more grown causing a huge imbalance in the
ever fuel system) to attain correct spray
global supply-demand profile for LSFO. LSFO sup-
ply became scarce and not easily available for im-
port.
What is SFO ? SFO is short for Special Fuel Oil
which is basically fuel oil that is blended with diesel
fuel in varying proportions. SFO’s are often used in
medium speed diesel engines to reduce cost.
What is ECFO?: ECFO is acronym for Emission
Compliant Fuel Oil. It is an organic-based component
formulated with an organic surfactant for blending
into IFO (bunker). Since IFO is viscous, the use of a
homogenizer will deliver the best effect, but simple
blend-mixing can just as well reduce air pollutants and
sulfur emissions. ECFO has superb solvency to declog
fuel lines and injectors thereby restoring the efficien-
cy of fuel spray atomization; and keeps the combus-
tion system clean of resinous deposits. It has excellent
lubricity to enhance the performance of moving parts
in the fuel system. Furthermore, ECFO contains oxy-
gen in its carbon chain that promotes complete com-
bustion that substantially eliminates air pollutants and
heavy black smoke emission often seen in bunker-fired
diesel engines.
How is sulfur reduced in ECFO? The reduction in
sulfur emission through ECFO is based on the concept
of “ Low Sulfur Solvent Treatment for Enhancement
of Sulfur Oxidation”. In principle, low sulfur solvent
breaks the viscous Fuel Oil into fine particle resulting
to lighter viscosity and ease in fuel spray atomization
which then reduces the need for much preheating. As
fuel passes through the burners at flame temp often
above 1800° C, the various elements of IFO such as
sodium (Na); potassium (k); Vandaium (V); and Lead
(Pb) are converted to oxides. These oxides react with
each other and with oxygen and sulfur in combustion
gases to form volatile compounds such as alkali sul-
fates, and vanadates when the fuel is burned. (Note:
ECFO has zero sulfur and contains oxygen )
When sodium combustion is enhanced by an oxy-
genate, sodium sulfate, Na2SO4 is formed from the
sodium and sulfur content of the Fuel Oil . The for-
mation of sulfate reduces the level of Sulfur Dioxide
(SO2) emissions since it is now another element not
measured as air pollutant. The mixture is properly ho-
mogenized to ensure optimum performance benefits.
Emission test of a 5% ECFO and 95% IFO
shows the following emission reduction from boiler
operation (measured by the Berkman System ):

Product PM SO2 NOx
100% IFO 210.9 3,063.9 293.5
95% IFO + 5% ECFO 175.1 2,357.3 132.2
Reduction (35.8) (706.6) (161.2)
% 17 % 23 % 55%
As shown, the trend in the use of ECFO results

in substantial reduction of air pollutants specially SOx
and NOx even at only 5% mixture. Higher mixture of
10% or greater will yield even greater reduction va-
lues. Bunker ECFO is a blend of IFO (bunker) with
ECFO. It deserves a serious look by DENR since it
is a ready solution to existing emission problems of
Philippine industries .
ECFO is a green chemistry product manufactured and marketed by Chemrez

Technologies, Inc. For those wishing to try ECFO, contact details of Chemrez
are Tel # 632-6350680; Fax # 632-6350703; e-mail: info@chemrez.com;
website: www.chemrez.com; Contact persons: Mr. Oliver T. Reyes and/or
Mr. Aldrin Magpantay.
PORTS
Calls for unity to walk the extra mile

UHPAP vows to enforce
strict safety pilotage
UHPAP officers, directors and members during their general membership assembly at the Hyatt Hotel and Casino.
By Jun G. Garcia weather conditions. According to them, ves- user-friendly.

sels approaching the port may be jeopardized Capt. De los Santos emphasize that once
M
embers of the United Harbor Pilots if the concern is not promptly addressed im- the Philippine government gives effect to this
Association of the Philippines (UH- mediately. recommendations and becomes mandatory, he
PAP) come in unison with strong Seeing the implications of the issues strongly suggest that instructors for this course
commitment to uphold and enforce safety raised, Capt. Vicente A. Lagura, UHPAP presi- should be highly qualified to teach pilots.
pilotage services when they convened for the dent, encouraged the members to always put “The pilots must be the one teaching the
annual general membership meeting on 10 De- emphasis on safety practices in every call of simulator. We cannot allow to be taught by
cember 2010 at the Hyatt Hotel and Casino in duty and warned not to push when in doubt. someone lower than our level,” stresses the
Ermita, Manila. “It is good that you know the situation. vice president.
UHPAP members, who come all the way It is always best to stay on the safe side. So Capt. Erano Carandan of Batangas pilot-
from their respective pilotage districts all over if you think it is not safe, don’t push it. Espe- age district suggested the need to draft a board
the Philippines, have intellectually discussed cially if it seems dangerous,” warns the UH- resolution for the use of simulator for train-
issues concerning their profession, partnership PAP stalwart. ing as well as accreditation to the Maritime
with the government, anchorage fees and safe The president likewise informed the Training Council, and the Maritime Industry
practices, and relevant matters affecting the in- membership on the payments made for their Authority.
terest and practice of their vocations. accreditation with the International Maritime Moreover, Capt. Delos Santos also re-
UHPAP vice president Capt. Ireneo U. Pilot Association (IMPA) – a professional, ported that he, being a member of panel of
Delos Santos raised a preemptive question nonprofit organization of harbor pilots that is examiners for harbor pilots, MARINA will re-
whether or not to allow vessels to dock along- primarily concerned with promoting profes- quire more, stringent requirements for qualifi-
side the berth at nighttime. sional standards of pilotage worldwide in the cations in screening process and examinations
“Is it okay to put the vessel alongside at interests of pilots’ safety. for harbor pilot applicants before they become
nighttime? I move that there will be no docking It is such a privilege for UHPAP and to a licensed harbor pilot.
at nighttime if the harbor pilots feels that it’s the Philippines as well, to be one of over 8,000
unsafe to move the vessel due to hazards that members of IMPA coming from 54 countries From pressure to party
may exist in the area during the passage. We around the world. Few hours after intellectual and emotion-
have to create a regulation prohibiting docking UHPAP, which shares the same objective al discussions of members who have voiced
at nighttime for safety reasons, to safeguard and mission with IMPA, will be renewing their their respective views and positions on vari-
our berths and the marine environment,” Capt. accreditation on March 2011. ous concerns about the practice and interest
Delos Santos strongly suggests. In an effort to ensure that every pilot ob- of their profession, the UHPAP membership
The Iloilo pilots express concerned that serves professionally sound and safe pilotage, transcends the atmosphere into a family-cen-
the buoys in Semirara, Southern Mindoro, is as a principal objective of IMPA, the UHPAP tered ambience of Christmas celebration at the
not working and that it could spell disaster president Capt. Vicente Lagura suggests train- Diamond Hotel, with the wives and children
once the approach is made during the adverse ing via Transas Simulator, which he finds as enjoying the night of fun-filled party specially
From pressure to party: UHPAP members and their wives fill the dance floor with the spirit of the season thru the groovy rhythm of retro music.
prepared for them.
Differences were set aside as members exchange yuletide greet-
ings over a sparkling glass of wine as they all look forward to a brighter
UHPAP in 2011.
In his welcome remarks, Capt. Delos Santos recognized the pre-
sence of member pilots from each pilotage districts who exerted efforts
and resources just to come and join the occasion.
Present were Batangas Pilots Association, Bicol region Pilots As-
sociation, Bohol Harbor Pilots Association, Cagayan Pilots Association,
Cebu Pilots Association, Catbalogan Pilots Association, Dumaguete
Pilots Association, Davao Pilots Association, General Santos Pilots As-
sociation, Iligan Pilots Association,
Iloilo Pilots Association, Masao Pilots Association, Masinloc-Sta.
Cruz Pilots Association, Manila Pilots Associates Company, Pulupun-
dan Pilots Association,
Palawan Pilots Association, Polloc Pilots Association, San Fer-
nando Pilots Association, Quezon Harbor Pilots Inc., Tacloban Pilots
Association, Zamboanga Pilots Association, and last but not the least,
the Appari Pilots Association.
Capt. Delos Santos, who is also a board member of the Board for UNITED HARBOR PILOTS’
Marine Deck Officers of the Professional Regulation Commission, re-
minded everyone of the very purpose of the existence of UHPAP and is ASSOCIATION OF THE PHILIPPINES
here.
“UHPAP’s aim and purpose, as stated in its Articles of Partner- MEMBER: INTERNATIONAL MARITIME
ships, include strengthening the bond of fellowship and foster coopera- PILOTS ASSOCIATION
tion among harbor pilots, and promote their social, moral and singleness
of purpose in any undertaking,” he recalls. OFFICE ADDRESS:
“Simply put, our goal as an indispensable partner of the shipping GROUND FLOOR METRO CEBU PILOTS’ BLDG.,
industry is to FOSTER UNITY AND COOPERATION. And for so WATERFRONT QUEZON BLVD., PIER 1, CEBU CITY
many years since UHPAP’s inception in 1952, our group has proudly
TEL. NO. +63 (32) 4166544, 2563242
displayed cohesive action and singleness of purpose in all its undertak-
ings. May we continue doing so and never deviate, so that we can move FAX NO. +63 (32) 2563242
forward AS ONE in spurring economic development, overcome what- EMAIL ADD: uhpapheadquarters@yahoo.com
ever challenge we are to face in the future,” he adds.
UHPAP members come from different districts with various beliefs OFFICERS AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2010-201
and work ethics. Needless to say, they representatives from all walk of
life. PRESIDENT: CAPT. VICENTE A. LAGURA (DAVAO)
“Just like in any organization, these differences may produce issues VICE-PRESIDENT: CAPT. IRENEO U. DELOS SANTOS (QUEZON)
and tensions. People, by nature, tend to stay close to those of their same SECRETARY: CAPT. FREDERICK QUIÑONES (CEBU)
kind, and feel uncomfortable being around with people whose principles TREASURER: CAPT. REYNALDO RODOLFO (MASINLOC)
are the complete opposite as theirs,” he laments.
AUDITOR: CAPT. FRANCIS AGUILAR (GENSAN)
“But no matter how different we may be, what’s important is that
we share the same vision. Personalities and approaches may vary, but in
our hearts, we share one goal – and that is to bring harbor pilotage to a BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
higher level of quality service.
Why am I emphasizing or calling for UNITY? The Bible says CAPT. NARCISO P. MACUTO (MANILA)
clearly that it is God’s will for his people to be united, and his outpour- CAPT. EDGARDO L. ALAAN (DAVAO)
ing blessings will flow if brothers come together in unity,” Capt. Delos CAPT. RAMUEL T. REAMBONANZA (DUMAGUETE)
Santos exudes. CAPT. ANTONIO F. VIZMANOS (CEBU)
Deeply moved by his immense clamor for unity and without any CAPT. BENITO GRANDA (ZAMBOANGA)
shadow of political pitch, the UHPAP vice president suddenly turned CAPT. TRENCIO A. CAGA-ANAN (MANILA)
into a poet in the concluding part of his message.
CAPT. ERANIO C. CARANDAN (BATANGAS)
“Our nation is suffering from a severe shortage of integrity. It needs
men willing to stand strong in the midst of moral chaos. It needs men CAPT. EDWIN PALACIOS (ILOILO)
willing to reach beyond racial and denominational barriers. It needs men CAPT. ROBERTO CARIDO (ILIGAN)
willing to cement their commitments and unite for the common goal. It CAPT. MELCHOR JAMERO (CAGAYAN)
needs men willing to walk the extra mile. And for those who dare, an
unforgettable journey awaits. THE FIRST STEP BEGINS with unity
and commitment,” he concludes with conviction. The PRESIDENTS:
1952-1957 - Capt Juan H. Acayan
1957-1958 - Capt. Marcelo H. Ayesa
1958-1963 - Capt. Maruricio G. Gallaga
1963-1977 - Capt. Andres G. Suzara
1977-1981 - Capt. Petonio B. Huerto
1981-1982 - Capt. Felix P. Agoncillo
1982-2000 - Capt. Alberto C. Compass
2000-2002 - Capt. Edgardo A. Alano
2002- to present - Capt. Vicente A. Lagura
The roles of harbor pilots:

To dock and undock a vessel alongside the berth (foreign
or domestic) to conduct the vessel and guide its master in
the area that are unfamiliar to them to find safe haven
UHPAP VP joins harbor pilots wives in a posterity toast. for the vessel calling Philippine ports.
shipbuilding
President Aquino with the Hanjin officials and the Adani Family.
President Aquino leads

inaugural of 2 Hanjin ships
By Lyn Bacani Adani’s daughters, “Rahi” and “Vanshi.” incentives to investors to encourage more
Both vessels have hulls made of steel investments. Among these incentives in-
P
hilippine President Benigno with overall length of 289 meters and a clude the exemption from the value added
Simeon C. Aquino III recently registered length of 279.98 meters. Its tax on any importation of equipment and
graced the blessing and naming gross tonnages are 91,829.0 tons while machineries; income holiday and exemp-
of two bulk carriers, built by Korean the net tonnage is 59.082 tons. tion of duties for selected equipment; and
shipbuilder Hanjin Heavy Industries The presence of Hanjin Shipyard lowering of restrictions for use of con-
and Construction Co. – Philippines in the Philippines put the country as the signed equipment, among others,” said
(HHIC-Phil.) for the India-based world’s fourth largest shipbuilding faci- Aquino.
Adani Shipping PTE. Ltd., at the lity, when it started its operations in 2006 The President lauded Korea’s conti-
HHIC Shipyard in Subic Freeport with an initial investment of USD 721 nuous investments in the country, particu-
Zone (SFZ) in Zambales. million. It has recently shifted to full- larly the Hanjin Shipyard which cashed-
The Chief Executive, together with scale operation at its Subic shipyard after in some USD 1.9 billion, and has created
Adani Shipping PTE. Ltd. officials hea- completing its facility expansion program employment for the Filipino skilled work-
ded by managing director Rajesh Adani, in the mid-2009. ers. Hanjin averages two buildings per
HHIC - Phil Chairman N.H. Cho, SFZ With the positive feedbacks received year with earnings reaching USD 3.4 bil-
Administrator and Chief Operating Of- from the investors, President Aquino lion worth of shipping exports annually.
ficer Atty. Armand Arreza, among other vowed to exert all efforts in providing “You have granted a lifeline to many
provincial officials, led ceremonial nam- investor-friendly environment to attract Filipinos, which has a full effect to com-
ing rite of the two 175,000-deadweight more investments. munities and their families,” the Chief
ton (DWT) vessels and were named after “Government agencies are providing Executive said.
(Left photo) Mr. Adani with President Aquino; (Right photo) President Noy, assisted by (from left) Vanshi and Rahi Adani, leads the
ceremonial rope cutting rites using a miniature axe during the Naming Ceremony of Adani Group’s M/V “Rahi” and M/V “Vanshi”.
Intermodal expert says country
needs more investment in rail
By Gen Dy He noted that the Philippines commit- vity of the water and land modes of transport
ment to intermodal transportation through the of people, goods and services is imperative to
The country badly needs investment on development of a “Strong Nautical Highway” continued economic development. “
rail to further improve the speed and efficiency is a visionary concept that promotes inter- Barthul Hoefnagels, Asia Pacific Regional
of passenger and freight movements, accord- modal transportation and greater efficiency Manager for Expeditors International, said that
ing to Executive Director Professor Patrick and sustainability of environmentally friendly the Philippines is in the unique position of be-
Sherry of the National Center for Intermodal modes of transport and is a model that should ing able to build upon the success of the Asia
Transportation at the University of Denver. be emulated by all APEC economies. Pacific region and increase the use of intermo-
Sherry said intermodal transportation “Human capacity building and advanced dal, transshipment and high level transportation
maximizes interconnectivity and seamless skills are essential to developing a global sup- services due to its strategic location and excel-
integration of transport modes, as opposed to ply chain that involves all of the economies of lent language skills of its population.”
the unbridled expansion of any one mode, and the APEC and ASEAN nations. Today’s global In addition, he urged Philippines to “keep
holds high promise to increase efficiency and supply chain depends upon on how well diffe- your talent” at home to help build the competi-
reduce negative environmental impacts. rent parties manage the relationships between tive workforce needed to compete globally.
He said Philippines should seek to in- customers, shippers, regulators and carriers,” “The Philippines should continue to de-
crease its investment in both light and heavy Sherry said. velop the skills of the workforce, find better
rail to get trucks and other cargo off the streets Philippine Ports Authority General Ma- ways to keep its talent at home as success in
and highways. nager Atty. Juan C. Santa Anna explained the future will depend upon the intelligent uti-
“Only a gallon of diesel fuel is needed to that since the Philippines is composed of over lization and application of new technologies,”
move a ton of freight 450 miles rail”, he said. 7,100 islands, "the intermodal interconnecti- he said.
BOC implements faster cargo processes

The Bureau of Customs them are the implementation of cation Technology (ICT). delivering dynamic and faster
(BOC) has implemented faster E2M (Electronic-to-Mobile), Na- The NSW allows various end-to-end cargo process that is
cargo processes to meet the chal- tional Single Window (NSW), government agencies involved responsive to its clients’ needs.
lenges of globalization. Enhanced Customs Transit Sys- in the cargo clearance process to The CBHRM will upgrade the
Customs Commissioner An- tem (ECTS) and most especially exchange relevant information level of competency of the Bu-
gelito Alvarez has firmed up ma- Competency Based Human Re- through electronic links. reau’s personnel.
jor reforms in the bureau in a bid source Management System The implementation of These reform initiatives
to clean and provide efficiency in (CBHRM). Enhanced Customs Transit Sys- are being carried out under
the bureau. E2M enables BoC and its tem (ECTS) will track cargoes the BOC Change Management
The agency has already clientele to process and clear car- using Global Positioning System (CM) Program funded by the
started a number of initiatives to go in a fast and secured manner (GPS). European Union-Trade Related
provide a “world class customs through the application of appro- With these most advanced Technical Assistance (EU-
service” to stakeholders, four of priate Information and Communi- procedure, BoC is on its way to TRTA 2) Project 2. - Gen Dy
FEATURE
And service above self
Manning and training
executives extend
helping hands
By Lyn Bacani are asking something from the and that lady despite her eye The busy executive ad-
members, you have to give deficiency did finish her sweat mitted having no regrets being
Two executives from the first before you can ask them equity. She was given her own a member of the Rotary Club.
manning and training sectors to give something,” said Da- house and that really opened “I am thankful for the club for
respectively are sharing their vid. my eyes (and my wallet ac- giving me the opportunity to
time, talents and resources in He admitted that Rotary tually). You see how blessed serve and for the trust. I was
the service of the less fortunate (RCMB) have opened avenues we are by being able to eat fortunate to see and meet other
despite hectic work demands. in his personal life. “Business, three-four times a day in your people.
Mr. Manny David, presi- I don’t have much. But per- own house with the luxury of Mr. David’s term will ex-
dent of Western Shipping South sonal life, I have new friends an air-conditioned room with pire on July 1, 2011. By June
East Asia, Inc., is the president from the district and met few comfortable bed against this 30, 2011 he will be turning
of Rotary Club Makati Buen- fellow presidents from differ- unfortunate people,” he en- over the presidency. By March
dia (RCMB) under Rotary In- ent classifications and it is re- thused. 2011, the same time he took
ternational District 3830 and ally a good network actually. Their next project is set over, my successor who will
on “Paraiso in Batangas” for have his training program and
the kids living there. They he takes over by March so af-
brought reading books. The ter the President Elect’s semi-
last time they brought chairs nar, he comes back after 2-3
to the delight of the kids. meetings. Then he takes over
“The smiles of the kids (referring to Capt. Sabay).
took out the pressures and “To my president-elect,
tiresomeness in us. You don’t don’t be absent (smiles). He is
want to go home and you capable. He can do the job. The
want to stay with them lon- present board will be there to
ger and feel how happy these support him. We trust his pre-
kids really are with their faces sidency and with the support
hooked on these new books of all previous presidents, he
to read and new tables where can manage. If I can manage,
they can read it,” narrated Da- Burt can manage much more
vid. than I did,” he said referring to
He admitted doing his Capt. Sabay.
own social responsibility and “I am just thankful having
this rotary really widens his reached this stature in life so I
horizons which is why he has am giving back something in
so many projects in different return. So I just hope that the
areas. One Above will continue to
Looking good, feeling good: Sabay and David partner David’s presidency is bless us so we can give more.
in extending service actually accidental following The invitation to serve, if you
the passing of then PE Berth- want to serve, Rotary is the
Capt. Reynaldo “Burt” Sabay, And you open your eyes in the ram “Nonoy” Tan. “Actually best avenue to do it. Our door
president of the New Simula- plight of less fortunate and see the board had a meeting when is always open for member-
tor Center of the Philippines, how blessed you are,” he dis- he passed away and my name ship and our club is good at
Inc. is the president-elect. closed. came up. I know they are trying fellowship. If you want fel-
“That is a rotary motto, The RCMB president is a to cook something there so they lowship, that’s the best club,”
‘service above self.’ Now if living witness to the sufferings asked me to attend but I didn’t he concluded.
you would like to live like a of the less fortunate who are attend. Then I was told that the Meanwhile, Capt. Burt
Rotarian, you have to be of living in cartons and sticks of position seeks a man, it’s not Sabay is already in this 3rd
service. Number one, serve, tree branches. the man that seeks the position. year as member of the Rotary.
and we try to make ourselves “When I had my first pro- Maybe, I will be the president of He said he finds the club okay
available being the presi- ject in Pangasinan, we spon- the club and even though how meeting new crowd, different
dent. I have to be the leader sored one decent house which hard I tried to go beyond that, I mind setting for a change. “In
of the club. Show them that costs some PHP 80,000. One am ready though not available, maritime, we have different
the leader is serving and the donor is actually half blind. they overcome my hesitancy mind set, different culture,” he
members will follow. If you All beneficiaries are required and elected me without choice,” said.
to help other donors’ houses recalled David. He admitted having the
RCMB members join the officials and staff of Pal Maritime Corporation led by its president Ms. Sonrisa David in hosting children's Christmas
Party at the RCMB adopted community Angkop Paraisso (GK Paraisso) in Mataas na Kahoy, Lipa City on December 19.
need to extend time, talent and start on 2012-2013 but the

resources to the less fortunate. supposed P.E. was reassigned
“You have to share something to India so the ball went to
to the less fortunate. All ener- him.
gy. Come April, I will be busy Among the more than
in Rotary,” he said. 90 members of RCMB are
As to membership, he ad- Joseph and Manuel David,
mitted, “I have not formulated Atty. Capt. Alvin Tormon,
a strategy yet because if you C/E Neil Pascua, Atty. Uly
recruit, they might get mad at Sevilla, Atty. Cliff Genesela,
you. It has to come from them Gelacio Mamaril, Norberto
once you see their inclination Tria, Tony Ilagan, Bernie
to service.” Atienza, Pio “Nonoy Tan”
How he was elected, he Pui, Rey Quipit, Benito Asun-
revealed that there was one cion, Carlos Mateo, Eduardo
occasion in RCMB and they Ong, Jessy See, Emelito Cas-
were looking for a speaker. tro, Fenando dela Cruz, Emer
The RCMB requested him to de Ocampo, Joel Espino, British Ambassador to the Philippines Alvarez Stephen Lillie and Dis-
talk about a new topic which Nards Dizon, Shankar San- trict Governor Eduardo Alvarez (center) convene with the Rotarians
is maritime safety. And it namani, Jessee See, Everly in a joint meeting of 8 clubs of RI District 3830 held at the New World
started there. Eco, Malou Deris, Irene Ben- Hotel last year.
His term is supposed to cito and yours truly.
A photo-op with the new Sister Club, Rotary Club of Metro Tanauan led by its president Doris Go Kwok (center) after RCMB turn over free
medicines at the residence of PP Tony Ilagan in Tanauan, Batangas on December 19.
WSSI hold its officers’ annual safety seminar at its recently opened in-house training facility in Prestige Tower, Ortigas Center, Pasig.
Committed to excellence
Western Shipping ventures
on seafarers competence
By Lyn Bacani Present during the launch are Capt. Code and Vetting Inspection.
Belal Ahmed, General Manager, Capt. Ni- Mr. David revealed that the facility
T
he strong determination to achieve ladri Chakraborty, DPA and Mr. Shahan will conduct its training every week with
zero-deficiency in vetting inspec- Shah, Fleet Technical Manager of Wes its active senior officers as its instructors
tion and continuous compliance to tern Shipping Pte Ltd.; and Capt. Dimitris and complemented by the Staff of West-
the ISM Code fueled Western Shipping Davaris, Crewing Manager of Byzantine ern Shipping Pte. Ltd., from Singapore
Pte Ltd., of Singapore, (WSP) the princi- Maritime Corporation. The inaugural was who will visit and conduct the training in
pal of Western Shipping South East Asia, also graced by Capt. Joe Thuillier of Inter- the facility at least once a month.
Inc. (WSSI) to cash-in on the competency national Maritime Training Trust. “This is a huge investment of our
enhancement of their seafarers. Pleased with the facility, the Principal Principal for our seafarers. We are invest-
On 18 November 2010, Western lauded Western Shipping Southeast Asia ing on them so they must take this oppor-
Shipping Pte Ltd., inaugurated its in- Inc., for this milestone and exhorted them tunity seriously. This is a chance for them
house training facility located at unit 1802 to run it smoothly with their timetable. to further improve themselves and they are
Prestige Tower, Emerald Avenue, Ortigas The training center offers ISM Code, fully aware that the owners are exerting
Center, Pasig City. vetting inspections, and chart corrections, extra efforts to upgrade their knowledge
The huge investment devoted for the among other courses tailored-fit to the and capacities on their respective ranks,”
company-suited competency requirements of owners’ grasp. Other training suited for says Mr. David.
their seafarers, an initiative exerted by Western its fleet of Tanker and Bulk vessels are be- “I encourage you (seafarers) to take
Shipping Pte Ltd. to enhance the knowledge ing developed and would complement the the opportunity of free training being
and skills of its employed crew and increase trainings for the employed crew. given by the company. You must absorb
awareness on the ISM Code – a compliance Since its launch, Western Shipping it and be able to implement it onboard,”
being upheld by the Company’s SMS. has already conducted trainings on ISM he adds.
A toast to Success! WSSI president Manny David leads the group in a ceremonial Mr. David leads the ceremonial ribbon-cutting
toast for the company’s fruitful partnership with the principals. rites of the new training facility of WSSI.
A symbolic Anniversary Cake with
lighted candle prompted the staff
and seafarers to wish for more
successful years ahead for WSSI.
Raffle prizes and gift-giving are just one of the many thanksgiving activities of WSSI for its seafarers and
their families during an early Christmas party at the Greenhills Golf and Country Club in San Juan City.
While the benefactors are being true tivity is our way to show our appreciation lies,” assured the president.
to their words to support the professional to the families of our seafarers. They are He added that “as long as the com-
and personal needs of the seafarers, it is our partners in instilling loyalty of their pany continues to grow, our Principal will
but a rightful thing to return their gene husbands to the company. I am happy continue to support the annual family day
rosities by staying loyal to the company. hearing their contentment to the company and will make it even more interesting
Another proof of commitment, Western and in return we take care of their fami- and lively as it is now.”
Shipping is taking another aframax tanker
in mid February which will mean addition-
al job for Western Shipping seafarers.
Crew conference
and family day
A day after opening of the training
facility, Western Shipping Southeast
Asia, Inc. conducted its Annual Crew
Conference. It opened an avenue for in-
teraction with the benefactors and some
concerns raised during the seminar were
immediately addressed and well taken.
The opening of in-house training fa-
cility is a manifestation of support by the
principals to ensure that their seafarers,
who are considered partners in this trade,
will always be guided and reminded of
the smooth operations onboard to avoid
deficiencies.
“Tanker operation requires strict ad-
herence to the ISM Code and vetting in-
spection so each of our crew are encour-
aged to meticulously concentrate on their
respective tasks onboard with compliance
being on top of their list,” exudes David.
After convening with the seafarers,
Western Shipping and the principals took
time out to spend quality time with the
wives and children of their seafarers on
their Annual Family Day at the Green-
hills West Clubhouse. Some 270 partici-
pants have enjoyed the games and hefty
meals prepared for them.
Western Shipping has also recog-
nized the loyalties of their seafarers by
giving long service awards for those who
stood with them through thick and thin
over the past five to ten years.
“I am thankful for the families who
attended the annual family day. This ac-
Celebrating 21 years of thanksgiving
and service to the world
Seated - Left to Right: Capt. I Gyeang Jae, Capt. Toshi Seki, Capt. Shigeru Nemoto, Mr. Yoshiaki Ohashi, Capt. S.S. Yang, Mr. Satoru Nakajima.
Standing Left to Right: Capt. Tetsuya Suzuki, Ms. Carmen Rebusi, Capt. Leo Mirande, Capt. Toshitada Yamahiro, Mr. Yoshi Ippei.
By Jun G. Garcia OMC Shipmanagement general manager Capt. Continuous innovation

I Gyeang Jae, for gracing the occasion. Domo Pobar general manager, director and
Pobar Marine Services, Inc. gathered arigato gozaimas,” she exudes. QMR, Capt. Leonito Mirande, who played
their pool of loyal seafarers with their fami- Likewise, Pobar president lauded their host for the night of thanksgiving, revealed
lies to celebrate Christmas season and join officers and staff for “religiously doing their that the company is continuously being in-
their benefactors in thanksgiving for success- job with exceptional sincerity and integrity.” novated to address the growing needs of their
fully completing a year of shipping operations Both of them have been instrumental to the principals.
with no big accident recorded in servicing the success of Pobar’s mission and vision and she He said Pobar is doing its best in order
world. urged everyone to continue doing a great job to support the seafarers deployed both onshore
Its president, Ms. Carmen Rebusi, attri- not just to satisfy their benefactors but also to and offshore. He proudly reported the compa-
buted 21 years of existence to their principals ensure that the needs of seafarers and families ny’s cadetship program, which has been ongo-
who “consistently trust the capability of Fili- are well taken. ing for almost a decade now.
pino seafarers.” She also thanked her friends in the indus- “We have been trying to spend a lot of
She took the opportunity to thank their try for being there whenever they need help money in order for us to be really competitive
benefactors who came all the way from Japan, or assistance. More importantly, Ms. Rebusi in this global market. We now have scholars
Korea, and Singapore just to join the party expressed appreciations to their seafarers for from MAAP, UC and VMA Global College.
specially prepared for the seafarers and their staying with them through thick and thin. This cadetship program we started since eight
families. “To our valued and loyal seafarers who years ago, have been placed onboard our ships
“I am grateful to our principals, IMS are with us all these years, thank you for be- as officers and engineers. Some of them be-
president Capt. Shigeru Nemoto, IINO di- ing faithful and for staying with us. Many of come masters now and chief engineers, and
rector and managing executive officer Mr. them are being lured by tremendous benefits soon my classmate will become the first che-
Yoshiaki Ohashi, IMS executive director Mr. by other competitors in the industry yet they mical tanker master of Pobar, Captain Navar-
Satoru Nakajima, IMS executive director Mr. chose to stay in our company, and to their ever ro,” Mirande exclaims.
Atsushi Tsuchiya, IMS general manager of loving and understanding families who never At present, Pobar has more than 400 sea-
marine department Capt. Toshitada Yamahiro, stop in supporting and motivating their hus- farers on standby. They are managing 49 ves-
IMK president Capt. S.S. Yang, OMC Singa- bands to be achievers and to be the best that sels consisting of LPG, LNG, VLCC, chemi-
pore technical manager Mr. Yoshii Ippei, and they can be,” says Rebusi. cal tankers, and bulk, among others. He said
Pobar cadets
newbuilding orders are underway.
“I am personally grateful to our beloved
chairman, Captain Suzuki, and president, Car-
men Rebusi, of course through through the
guidance and leadership of IMS president
Captain Nemoto, for all the good development
in the company,” he adds.
The very clever master mariner, who is
also a topnotch master in education and train-
ing, assured the seafarers and their families, and
the benefactors that Pobar will continue to com-
mit itself to excellence in pursuit of servicing
the world and in ensuring safe ship operations
by their competent seafarers at all times.
Generally, Capt. Mirande entertained
everyone wittily with his wisecracks and im-
promptus making sure that the crowd will feel Seated Left to Right: CE J.S. Sim, Capt. George Guerrero, Ms. Connie Mamaril, C/E Generoso
the night of excitement and a good hope for an Mamaril and Ms. Ferlinda Eusebio. (Standing Left to Right): Capt. Juanito Salvatierra, Ms. Car-
even brighter 2011. men Rebusi, Ms. Cristina Basilio, Mr. Glenn Blasquez and Capt. Hernando Eusebio.
Indeed, Mirande’s witticism was adopted
by their cadets when they performed a dance tions to avoid accidents. not so perfect. You must keep yourself healthy.
number that almost put the guests out of their “I am very proud to say that this year I request you to check your health by your-
seats. It was all smiles too when even his sons, 2010, we have not experience big accidents in self,” he adds.
whom he described as “small, medium, and ships and I would like to take this chance to The chairman of the board has been very
heavy weight” participated in the party by express my appreciation to the efforts and co- supportive of their seafarers giving them the
their own dance performance. operation of all Pobar fleet and their families,” due benefits and welfare. It is, however, part
Much to their surprise, the seafarers and Capt. Suzuki enthuses. of his concern to ensure all Pobar seafarers are
their families were treated not only with sump- He advices everyone though, to be careful healthy not only to prevent delay in ship calls
tuous meals but with luxurious prizes and about their health and to keep themselves fit at but also for their families who are the very rea-
giveaways that only few companies like Pobar all times. “We cannot address the sickness im- son of their sacrifices onboard.
can generously give. mediately in the ship. Like I said, you must Nonetheless, Pobar Marine Services, Inc.
take care of yourself to prevent illness from has been very transparent and sincere in re-
Fit fleet the sea. The seafarers should stay healthy be- newing their commitment to the seafarers and
fore going to get certificate of fitness for duty,” their families and to the principals by mak-
Captain Itseya Suzuki, Pobar chairman of
the chairman says. ing sure that both ends meet, as they vow to
the board, lauded the seafarers for their valu-
“But we cannot avoid illness and some of continue rediscovering itself headway towards
able contributions in ensuring safe ship opera-
them become serious. It means their health is progress and prosperity.
ALMI Principal Georgios Ousantzopoulous shows photo of their officers and staff on their head office in Greece.
By Jun Danao
Bringing
N
othing can be so wonderful without seeing smiles on the
faces of the children and wives of the seafarers of Michael-
mar Phils., Inc. (MPI) who graced the first Christmas party
of the company at the Diamond Hotel in Manila, Philippines on
December 10, 2010.
Making sure that everyone would feel comfortable and at
home, the staff and management of MPI, on behalf of Almi Tankers
S.A. welcomed the seafarers, families, and over fifty guests warmly
which transcended the cold December night into an exciting yule-
tide celebration with Santa Claus coming over to the party with
gifts for everyone.
Spearheaded by MPI chairman Capt. Pericles Ravanopoulous
and Almi Tankers’ Georgios Ouzantzopoulos, the first holiday treat
commenced with a very uplifting prayer which inspired everyone
to glorify the Almighty for keeping the company in good shape the
ALMI Principal Georgios Ousantzopoulous and Michaelmar Philippines Chairman Capt. Pericles Ravanopoulous giveaway gifts and
surprises to their seafarers.
ALMI seafarers and their families with executives and staff of Michaelmar Philippines.
smiles on their faces

whole year through. beverages – from soda to brew, wines and liquor and all to keep
The MPI team was further motivated by the message of Mr. everyone in festive mood.
Ouzantzopoulos who revealed the company’s future plans and Everyone was amazed when an admirable child of a seafarer
programs for its fleet and pool of seafarers. He also announced performed a song and dance number which has truly thrilled the
new vessels which will be off the slipways starting middle of crowd in happiness and fascination.
2011 until 2013. As the night went on, the blaring music got people on
Surprisingly, what motivated everyone further is the effort their feet at the dance floor sweating it out in a ‘bust-a-groove’
of Mr. Ouzantzopoulos to bridge the shore between Philippines fashion. But the party will never be complete without the fa-
and Greece just to show his colleagues (in Greece) the party they vorite past time of Filipinos – karaoke – which brought out
have organized for the seafarers, via the internet. It was truly the singers in them after dancing the night out.
heartwarming to note that despite having the party in the Philip- Remarkably, MPI and Almi may have induced a lot of time
pines and the time difference, the staff and management of Almi and patience in organizing this party but it all paid well seeing
Tankers S.A. manifested their presence and shared happy mo- all guests leaving with smiles on their faces. Needless to say,
ments with the Filipino seafarers and their families. the first MPI Christmas party prepared for seafarers and families
MPI generously prepared sumptuous cuisines and variety of was a success and everything in the end was worth it.
Nobody but you! Capt. Vargas and Ms. Mercy Ravanopoulous lead the staff in dancing the hit song Nobody for everyone’s delight with
dancing Santa Claus, who later gives Christmas treats to the children of their seafarers.
A sporty PAMAS-INTERMAP christmas party
Bringing back yesterday
By Jun G. Garcia
T
he leaderships of the Philippine Association
of Manning Agencies & Shipmanagers, Inc.
(PAMAS) and the International Maritime
Association of the Philippines, Inc. (INTERMAP)
have uniquely and well-strategized their version of
Christmas party when they gathered their member-
ship into a fun-filled activity of getting them into
“Barrio Fiesta, Larong Pinoy” and yearend gather-
ing.
Inspired by the theme “Pagsasama-sama sa
Isang Paskong Masagana,” over 150 participants
from the general membership took time off their
busy schedules to play the native sports out and
outwit one another cheerfully at the Marlow Sports
Complex in Marlow Building, Malate, Manila on
December 4, 2010.
Remarkably, everyone did enjoy the “Larong
Pinoy” (Filipino games) such as “Patintero, Touch
Ball, Obstacle Relay, Pinoy Henyo (guessing
game), Maria went to town, and sack race, among
others.
It was undeniably an overwhelming fun ex-
perienced by participants from Micomar Shipping
Phils., Inc., Naess Shipping Phils., Inc., Odjfell
Philippines, Inc., Wallem Maritime Services, Inc.,
Pobar Marine Services, Inc., Sharpe Sea Person-
nel, Inc., OCW Medical Clinic, Loadstar Inter-
national Shipping, Amethyst Shipping Company,
Inc., Marlow Navigation Phils., Inc., Agile Mari-
time Resources, Inc., Bouvet Shipping Manage-
ment Corp., German Marine Agencies, Inc., Asso-
ciated Ship Management Services, MST Marine
Services, Eastgate Maritime Corporation, Island
Overseas Transport Corp., Albar Shipping and
PAMAS-INTERMAP leaders and secretariat
Trading Corp., Oriental Shipmanagement Com-
pany, Inc., and Orientwisdom Shipping Corp.
What made the event a resounding success is
that the leadership was able to bring out the prin-
ciples of teamwork, camaraderie, strategy, and agi-
lity among every player who teams up with anoth-
er participant from different member-companies.
These are probably, four of the many basic prin-
ciples needed in business to play with the dynamic
challenges in the shipping world.
The beauty of this themed party is that they
were able to bring back the memories of yesterday
on how they used to play and enjoy the games, how
they first learned to strategize and outwit their op-
ponents, how they played as a team and how they
strengthened one another to win the game, and fi-
nally developing the friendship – all of which have
been the essential ingredients of our growth that
somehow, made us who we are.
“Sometimes, we need look back on the things
we used to enjoy. It also helps us adults to recall
how we used to play those games when we were
Team Matatag young and actually playing the sport again. There is
for a stronger tomorrow
Leaders, members and participants ignore the scorching heat of the sun for this remarkable photo-op
a feeling of vitality and renewed spirit, which will

surely help us face the challenges of tomorrow,”
said Pedro Miguel Oca, president of PAMAS-IN-
TERMAP and Naess Shipping Phils., Inc.
“Why Larong Pinoy? This is originally our
local sports and admit it or not, we used to enjoy
these games. It’s like, for one day, we try to be-
come kids again leaving our concerns and hectic
work demands behind to enjoy the inexpensive
fun. At the end of the day, we are like renewed
persons happy for tomorrow,” explained Mr. Tony
Galvez of Marlow Navigation.
At the sidelines of the event, Marino World
asked some participants about how they find the
sporty Christmas gathering.
“It was fun. I really enjoyed playing our na-
tive games especially the Patintero,” said Mr.
Jesus Rellora Jr., operations manager of Sharpe
Team Maliksi
Sea Personnel, Inc. He also won the Pinoy Henyo
guessing the word in 16 seconds.
Surprisingly, and probably the crowd-fa-
vorite during the event was 75-year-old office
manager of Albar Shipping, Mr. Maning Valles.
“I am already 75 but I feel younger than 30
years old,” said Valles.
“I love these games. You know I remember
during my younger years, nobody can beat me in
those games. But now, I can still do 15 push-ups
every day. My secret? Just clean living and two
bottles of beer every night,” he quipped.
At the end of the activity, everybody is a win-
ner. It is not about who win the games or who
edged another, but it is how everyone enjoyed the
camaraderie of their actual business competitors,
how well they play the games, and how effective
teamwork is in achieving goals.
Jump for joy!
eventS privilege.
It doesn’t matter if I am some-
While others would really love times late, what’s important is that I
to pose before me, my tantalizing have it made. I have to make rounds
catching eye won’t miss any. Some so I won’t miss one, because Pa-
may not be aware, but stolen mo- parazzo Marino is the only one.
ments are being taken by yours tru- I always step up to give you best
ly, Paparazzo Marino! shots. I don’t mind the sweat that’s
Whatever you do, Paparazzo coming out so fast. Whatever I think
Marino is always here for you. Be will put smile on your face, that my
it happy mood or tearful grief, you friend is Paparazzo Marino’s pace. thank you PPA, especially to GM Sta Ana and Ms. Siony for
can’t get out of Paparazzo’s click. So don’t look now and don’t hosting the party of the press
Events here and everywhere, look back, for I’m not in your front
if you need me, I’m always there. It neither at your back. I’m on top of
doesn’t matter how heavy my bag is, every situation and my cam is fully
what’s important is I catch the smile loaded. Needless to say, my photos
on your lips. have so many stories to tell.
Christmas parties, corporate So if you need a perfect sou-
events, officers’ seminar and in- venir or an advertorial so to speak,
dustry conferences, beyond official Paparazzo Marino never runs out of
coverage, servicing you is a special click! – Jun Danao
Members of the Maritime

Journalists Association of the
Philippines in a wacky mode.
Industry leaders Quijano and Marquez find time Thank you Ninong! Jun Garcia
to kid each other. almost kissed Leo Santiago
for winning the ipod.
Paparazzo
Marino
JUN DANAO
naess Philippines president Miguel Oca joins his senior colleagues in the ceremo-
nial toss for the company’s 30th resounding success. Photo below shows happy no rain can stop the party. Show goes on for cf sharp
naess officers and staff. crew management, Inc. Top photo shows Miguel Rocha
cheering with young officers.
marino world family joins the gig and the amazing sampaguita foundation, inc. on their christmas activity in amosup.
pami celebrates the success of the national convention in legaspi city.
labor secretary
rosalinda baldoz
sings for the
members of the
press.
dole press corp pose

with the secretary
wave!
MICHAELMAR
PHILIPPINES,
INC. keeping
intact together
despite waving
challenges.
KGJS FLEET MANAGEMENT MANILA, INC. officers and staff take time out to party! right photo
shows capt. morten Johnsen reading messages and wishes of seafarers and families.
FIL-STAR MARINE CORPORATION and sanko line executives and staff raise their
glasses for a bountiful year! left photo shows principals takao ikedo and yukio aso
with capt. millalos and c/e gonzales giving special awards and gift to a seafarer wife
for her husbands long service.
The singing rotarian and MW publisher sings her heart

The sexy rotarians in a flambouyant dance number. out during a party at the ROTARY CLUB.
PHILIPPINE
COAST GUARD
Commandant
Admiral Tamayo
and his Deputy
Admiral Liwag
lead the Christmas
celebration at the
PCG headquarters.
executives of the TSM GROUP OF COMPANIES coming from tsm, torm, jo tankers, utliken, norden and solvang show thumbs
up to express satisfaction for the occasion at the manila hotel. officers and staff pose for posterity.
santa clauses at the GENERAL

MARITIME CORPORATION, engr.
marasigan and his benefactor
giveaway gifts to little children.
JOHN B LACSON ALUMNI ASSOCIATION, INC. waves before the paparazzo

camera. Some are saying “Hi”, some are saying “Bye” and some will get you by.
OSM MARITIME SERVICES, INC. president rear admiral adonis b.

MONSOON MARITIME SERVICES PHILIPPINES, INC. led by capt. and donato shares his part in giving blessings to seafarer families and
mrs. ramos spend christmas time with staff. children.
new sim president capt sabay and capt atty dr tormon made a
dramatic entrance to spark the start of New Sim anniversary and
christmas party celebrations.
GREETINGS
Happy 4th birthday

to Francis Raphael!
greetings from Mommy Rida
and the Argonaut Review
Center family
THIS SPACE IS FOR YOU!

We invite you to share your greetings, messages and/or photos. E-mail
us at marinoworldmagazine@gmail.com.
PPA AGMs (left) and UHPAP Harbor Pilots (right) are taking a break to browse the pages of Marino World.
Have a good break! Have Marino World!
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vessel maneuvering
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of Suez.”
JANUARY-FEBRUARY
For more information please contact 2011
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VOLUME V • No.

5 WHER E MAR ITIME N E W S & V IE W S FU S E JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2011

Captain Gregorio S. Oca

CEBU DAVAO ILOILO

Marino World pays

Thank you Captain Oca. . .

All for the glory

Executive Board Editorial Board Columnists RACHELLE BULARON Editorial Office

He came, he saw, he conquered

with former Vice President Noli de Castro and Labor

NEW CENTURY OVERSEAS MANAGEMENT, INC.

Join the industry in giving honor to a great maritime pillar,

Captain Gregorio S. Oca

ANGLO- EASTERN GROUP

We pay tribute to Capt. Greg Oca

Monsoon Maritime Svcs. Phils. Inc.

We deeply mourn his passing and may his legacy continuously

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

The legacy lives on, the mission continues

and their families in- PTGWO-ITF

AMOSUP PTGWO-ITF OFFICERS

VAdm EDUARDO MA. SANTOS

CAPT. FELIX REBUSTES

JOHNNY M. OCA, JR.

DR. LUIS VIZCARRA

ATTY. MAXIMO ABAD

AMOSUP Seamen’s Center

Tel. Nos.: 527-8491-98

Ms. MARISSA OCA is the Administrator of

tended a Bridging Creativity seminar which got me

Discover the sacrifices and success stories of every seafarer family.

For details about the event,

DS-57-1C PANTONE FINAL

The best of JSU and AMOSUP partnership

At present, three (3) of our staff are PMMA graduates:

Capt. Oca’s strong collaboration

MPCF hosts PAMI Convention

danao, is already considered an achievement for

PAMI New Board of Trustees and

Adapting to the changing times

BSM’s Fleet Officers’ Meeting mirrors

BSM’s first Fleet

PROPOSED POLICY AND PROCEDURE: Transitioning to

GENERAL MARITIME CORPORATION

We offer: - family welfare and cash loan For inquiries:

Silver Partners Networking Evening Sponsor

Organized by: Supported By: Event Managed by

World crewing moving East, now

Psycho test feud divides AMCOW

MARCDOC symposium stresses

IMO issues amendments

DRAFT AMENDMENTS TO THE

Benefits and burdens from the new SEC

MARINO WORLD MAGAZINE….

A product not advertised is product that will rot.

Don’t be left behind. It pays to advertise!

Place your Ads now!

Marino World finds new partner for distribution

Laboratory of Test of BioSolve Spill Rx Proper Dispersant for Warm Climate

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