Philippines has maintained its inclusion to the IMO White List after the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) confirms that the Philippines has communicated and displayed its full commitment to the implementation of various provisions of the STCW Convention.
What this means for you and me?
It generally means that the IMO-member states, various unions and organizations around the world accepts and recognize our MARINA-issued STCW certificates.
In addition, Philippines’ inclusion in the IMO White List clears the fog on its STCW implementation due to various deficiencies found by EMSA auditors few years back.
You and me, including those who are about to join the action in the high seas can now rest our case. Our certificates are valid moving forward. The next question will be for how long?
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The next challenge
Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade has lauded the Maritime Industry Authority for the feat. He also challenged the agency to ensure continous compliance to the various IMO conventions including audit schemes which the latest is on 2021.
IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS) which will be on 2021, will look into the country’s implementation and enforcement of the provisions of mandatory IMO instruments pertaining to STCW, safety of life at sea, prevention of pollution from ships, load lines, tonnage, as well as regulations for preventing collisions at sea.
“We are happy with this development, but the more important thing is our ability to sustain this development. That is why I challenge MARINA to consistently exert all efforts to further strengthen the country’s performance of its obligations and commitments as an IMO Member State. Ultimately, our seafarers, their families and our nation stand to gain from this consistent compliance,” adds Secretary Tugade.