The Philippines and Indonesia, representing approximately 21% of the world’s maritime workforce, are advancing initiatives to equip their seafarers with the necessary skills for a transitioning shipping industry focused on decarbonization. The Philippines, home to 252,392 seafarers (about 13.3% of global crew members), is reorienting its training frameworks to align with a low and zero-carbon future. Central to this initiative is the International Advisory Committee on Global Maritime Affairs (IACGMA), launched in January 2023, which aims to refine training programs in adherence to the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Convention. The committee also seeks to tackle issues related to unfair labor practices and improve the employability of Filipino seafarers abroad.
Sonia B. Malaluan, Deputy Administrator for Planning at the Philippines’ Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), emphasized the significance of maintaining the country’s longstanding maritime trade heritage while navigating the challenges posed by environmental transitions. The Philippines aims to create pathways for seafarers to access high-quality jobs amidst the evolving demands of the maritime sector.
Similarly, Indonesia, which accounts for around 7.6% (143,702 seafarers) of the global seafaring population, is implementing the ‘Skills for Prosperity programme in Indonesia’ in cooperation with the International Labour Organization (ILO). This initiative focuses on modernizing training practices through international alliances and involves establishing advisory boards at Indonesian polytechnics to connect education with industry needs. Mary Kent, Chief Technical Advisor at the ILO, highlighted the socio-economic benefits that arise from creating decent employment opportunities in the maritime sector.
As shipping operations evolve with the introduction of new fuels and increased automation, a recent DNV study predicts that 800,000 seafarers will require additional training by the mid-2030s to adapt to these technological advancements. Consequently, enhancing educational frameworks and training programs will be critical to prepare future generations of seafarers.
Experts, including Fabrizio Barcellona from the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), stress that while recent steps taken by the Philippine and Indonesian authorities are commendable, extensive work remains to adequately prepare the global maritime workforce. He urges the establishment of improved training environments and coordinated apprenticeship frameworks supported by collaboration among shipowners, unions, and governmental organizations.
Sturla Henriksen, Senior Advisor for Ocean at the UN Global Compact, underscores that addressing the climate crisis through shipping decarbonization requires broad stakeholder engagement. The Maritime Just Transition Task Force, funded by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, aims to equip seafarers with essential skills for sustainable operations. A new training framework for seafarer decarbonization and relevant educational materials is set to launch in July 2023 as part of this initiative.
The International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Director of the Marine Environment Division, Arsenio Dominguez, emphasizes the necessity for both onshore and offshore efforts to tackle climate change and improve seafarers’ understanding of their environmental impact. With ongoing initiatives from the Philippines, Indonesia, and international organizations, there is a collective push toward a sustainable maritime future.
