Updating the current piracy situation around the world
EAST-CP Workshop speakers (back row), together with the event hosts/facilitators (L-R Front) Dr. Maximo Mejia, Jr. (MARINA), Brian Goldbeck (US Embassy Philippines), Joel Szabat (US MARAD) and Herminio Estaniel, Jr. (STCWO)
MPHRP attended and participated in this year’s Expanded ASEAN Seafarer Training Counter Piracy Workshop (EAST-CP), Manila, Philippines, September 24-25.
The workshop aims to tackle and update the current piracy situation around the world and to review a number of recommended actions and arrive at a consensus to improve seafarer welfare and safety.
The training was once again organised by the US Department of Transportation – Maritime Administration (MARAD) and the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) of the Philippines, and drew together delegations from different countries in South-east Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Russia and the US.
The first day was opened by the Executive Director of the US MARAD, Joel Szabat, and the ANGKLA Chairman, Cong. Jesulito Manalo, followed by a keynote address by Sec. Joseph Abaya of the Philippines’ Department of Transportation and Communications, on behalf of the Philippine President Benigno Aquino III.
Representatives from the International Maritime Bureau (IMB), International Maritime Organization (IMO), International Chamber of Shipping & Philippine Transmarine Carriers, Inc. (ICS & PTC), and the Maritime Piracy Humanitarian Response Programme (MPHRP) presented to the delegates.
Assistant Director Cyrus Mody of the IMB represented MPHRP in introducing the Programme and emphasising its primary goal. Mody also set the scene in the second day as he talked about seafarer experiences with armed robbery and piracy.
Discussing MPHRP’s programs and services, Welfare Responder Lorenzo Reyes spoke on behalf of Regional Director for Philippines/South-east Asia Rancho Villavicencio, followed by an emotional first hand account on piracy of a guest survivor.
Continuing to observe the workshop’s aim, representatives from Holman Fenwick Willan, International Labour Organization (ILO), Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) and the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP) addressed preventive measures to fight piracy while highlighting the importance of preparation and cooperation during the process. A study of piracy in the South-east Asia region was also delivered by a cadet from the International Maritime College, Kasetsart University in Thailand.
A joint resolution was decided towards the end of the workshop among the presenters, simultaneously considering the recommendations for future piracy concerns among the delegates in ensuring the safety and welfare of our seafarers.
The workshop was closed by the Executive Director of US MARAD, Brian Goldbeck of the US Embassy Philippines and Dr. Maximo Mejia, Jr., MARINA Administrator.
Interested participants were invited for a site visit to MAAP for an anti-piracy simulator demonstration the following day, September 26.
Source and Image Credit: MPHRP
