Aims to increase the number of enrollees every year due to rising demand for Filipino seafarers
Administrators of the University of Cebu-Maritime Education and Training Center (UC-METC) hope to attract more students to ensure a continuous supply of quality seafarers in the global maritime industry.
UC Chancellor Candice Gotianuy said they are looking at increasing the number of enrollees every year especially that the global demand for Filipino seafarers keeps rising.
Vessel owners opt to hire Filipinos because of excellent communication skills, intelligence and adaptability. We are one of the workers who are very loyal to employers, Gotianuy said at the sidelines of the recent UC-METC I building inauguration.
Gotianuy said that the school recently expanded its facility to cater to the growing number of maritime students, in partnership with the International Maritime Employers Committee Ltd. (IMEC). IMEC has provided the school some equipment to help produce highly competent seafarers and meet the increasing demand for officers working aboard international vessels.
IMEC, a maritime organization funded by the International Maritime Training Trust, is composed of 130 member-companies from 40 countries, with about 7,500 ships operating worldwide.
IMEC has over 200 scholars studying at UC-METC. UC was one of the maritime universities picked by the organization to partner with, aside from the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific.
One of the best
Giles Heimann, secretary general of IMEC, noted they were impressed by the commitment UC has shown in providing maritime education in Cebu and neighboring islands. UC is one of the best performing maritime schools in the country, he said.
This is not only about contribution. We help to bring new generations of seafarers in the industry. We need competent maritime students to ensure a continuous supply of workforce in the maritime industry, Heimann said.
Asked about the challenges in the industry, Heimann, also the chairman of the SOS SaveOurSearfarers Campaign, cited that the escalating Somali piracy crisis has continued to cause a huge impact in the global trade and safety of seafarers.
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A campaign has unified 24 maritime organizations in asking all world leaders to take a firmer stance to eradicate piracy.
He reported that about 62 seafarers have died in the past four years as a direct result of piracy in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean. Over 800 seafarers are being held hostage by Somali pirates.
This is not just about protecting the industry, it is about ensuring the safety of the seafarers who risk their lives at sea, he said.
By visiting the website, www.saveourseafarers.com, Heimann said that in just two clicks, supporters can send a pre-prepared letter, signed by them, to their chosen heads of government.
The campaign has already sent 15,235 letters.The campaign specifically asks the government to reduce the effectiveness of the easily-identifiable mother ships; authorize naval forces to hold pirates and deliver them for prosecution and punishment; increase naval assets available in the area; provide greater protection and support for seafarers; and trace and criminalize the organizers and financiers behind the criminal networks.
The marine industry cant solve this by itself. We need government action in resolving this escalating crime, Heimann said.
Source: Sun Star