The maritime industry has long been the backbone of the Philippine economy. The country holds the distinction as one of the world’s leading suppliers of seafarers, according to The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development in a 2021 report. However, the challenges in the local maritime education system call for the need for stronger industry-academic linkages to better prepare future-ready seafarers.

Last year, during the House appropriations committee hearing on the proposed 2025 budget, Commission on Higher Education (CHED)’s officer-in-charge for maritime education, Jorel Ramirez, revealed that only 19 percent of students who enrolled in maritime programs in 2018-2019 graduated. The lack of shipboard training remains a significant hurdle.

The sector came under further scrutiny in 2021 when the European Commission warned that it would stop recognizing Filipino seafarers’ certificates unless training standards improved. This led to sweeping reforms, securing continued EU recognition in 2023 and protecting the jobs of 50,000 Filipino seafarers aboard EU-flagged vessels. 

Since 2022, CHED has also shut down at least 15 maritime programs for failing to meet international standards, underscoring the urgency of aligning education with industry needs.

Bridging education and industry through Adopt-A-Ship

One initiative addressing this gap is the Adopt-A-Ship program, which bridges students with experienced seafarers to provide real-world exposure to the maritime industry. The program was introduced in the Philippines following discussions between George Hoyt, IMO’s maritime goodwill ambassador and global coordinator for Adopt-A-Ship International, and Anglo-Eastern’s CEO, Captain Bjorn Hojgaard. 

In an exclusive interview with the Maritime Fairtrade, Captain Neeraj Kumar Dhingra, director of Anglo-Eastern Crew Management, Philippines, said the education program aligns with the company’s commitment to Filipino seafarers and its growing presence in the country. He added that integrating the initiative into their corporate social responsibility programs was an easy decision to make.

The Adopt-A-Ship program gives students first hand insight into one of the world’s oldest professions. With guidance from their teachers, they engage directly with captains and officers. These interactions provide a deeper understanding of maritime operations and life at sea beyond the classroom.

Dhingra said: “One of the values of Anglo-Eastern is to nurture its people and communities. It has an unwavering commitment to the ongoing growth and success of its people and the communities that depend on it.

“By establishing maritime awareness in school children at an early age, it is widening their view of career options while equipping them with the tools and mindset needed should they choose to become a seafarer.”

Launched in 2006 by the Cyprus Shipping Chamber (CSC) and the Cyprus Marine Environmental Protection Association, the Adopt-A-Ship program connects elementary school students with seafarers aboard CSC-operated ships. Designed to educate, inspire, and foster maritime awareness, the free initiative introduces students to careers in the maritime industry while strengthening their understanding of global shipping.

Since its inception, the program has expanded to the Philippines, Greece, Poland, and India. The expansion in the Philippines aims to reach 100,000 participating children in the 2024-2025 academic year.

Students attending the Adopt-A-Ship program.

Partnerships with local schools

The program began with Anglo-Eastern engaging four ships and their captains to participate in a 10-week maritime awareness course at Laguna Resettlement Community School in San Pedro, Laguna through the social studies subject for Grade Four to Six learners. 

After a successful initial run, the company expanded the program to include Southville Elementary 3A School and Pacita Complex 1 Elementary School, increasing participation to 14 captains and chief engineers, building connections and promoting maritime education to aspiring students. Now in its third phase, the program has expanded to junior high schools. 

Chief Officer Jeffrey Aldas, Adopt-A-Ship Philippines’ coordinator, shared that post-test results showed that the shipping company achieved the Top Two rank amongst schools partnered with other participating companies in the Philippines.

Dhingra said this indicated a significant increase in maritime awareness among students and they were able to fulfill the purpose behind this initiative. He added that Anglo-Eastern’s welfare manager, Milea Kim Cabuhat, and welfare officer, Dia Michaela, spared no effort in driving the success of the program for Filipino students.

Anglo-Eastern’s goal is to establish a long-lasting presence in the Adopt-A-Ship program. Dhingra shared their long-term vision is to track the development of learners from Grade Four through high school, ensuring continuous engagement and mentorship. This sustained interaction increases the likelihood of students considering a future at sea.

Bridging gap between students and seafarers

The Adopt-A-Ship program aims to bridge the gap between students and seafarers. Teachers play a vital role as guides and mentors in channeling communication from the students to the captains in phrasing their queries, while captains and officers are trained to simplify complex maritime concepts for students. 

“I remember how hesitant the first batch was, no hands were raised when we asked if they wanted to become seafarers. However, during the closing ceremony, a noticeable number of students eagerly raised their hands, expressing their newfound interest in a seafaring career,” Dhingra shared.

“It was a clear sign that the 10 weeks of learning had made a meaningful impact, not only in expanding their knowledge but also inspiring them to consider a future in the maritime industry.”

He sees the Adopt-A-Ship program as a very effective way of increasing maritime awareness among students based on test results and of introducing students to the company. The interaction between students and seafarers forges a mutual trust.

Seafarer welfare through community initiatives

Dhingra shared that Anglo-Eastern has been operating in the Philippines for over the last 40 years and is still committed to strengthening the skills of Filipino seafarers. They continuously onboard 200 trainees every year for their trainee program. He said the true measure of success lies in its ability to inspire students to pursue maritime careers after graduating from Anglo-Eastern. 

Their training center in Makati focuses on imparting practical skills to its seafarers and captains. The maritime school provides extensive training on safe operation, ship management, and to seafarers before embarkation. 

The company also has an online learning platform to support continuous education while sailing onboard. The training centers on the safe operation and management of ships through teamwork and interactive discussion.

Dhingra shared that the company’s other welfare and outreach programs aim to facilitate and nurture authentic conversations between seafarers and their families. They introduced initiatives that are interactive, enjoyable, and engaging while still acknowledging seafarers’ contributions, whether they are onboard, on leave, or in transition.

This year, they introduced the Amplify voices, demonstrate Care, actively Engage, and Support (ACES) 2025 program, which reflects its holistic approach to welfare and education. He explained that they aim to amplify voices, demonstrate genuine care, actively engage, and support the seafarers.

“All our welfare and outreach programs are designed to foster authentic conversations with seafarers, their families, and the communities around them. We want to ensure that our seafarers feel supported, whether they are onboard, on leave, or anywhere in between,” he added.

Furthermore, Anglo-Eastern has donated computers and school bags to underprivileged schools and established the Anglo-Eastern Staff Satisfaction and Engagement Team, supporting seafarers and their families. The company also prioritizes mental health initiatives for young seafarers, engaging trainees and their parents in discussions about well-being at sea. 

Future-proofing maritime industry

Looking ahead, Dhingra foresees continued growth for the Philippine maritime sector, driven by new technologies, environmental regulations, and digital innovations driving demand for advanced knowledge and skills. He sees artificial intelligence playing a critical role in the optimization of key processes and equipment. He advised seafarers to remain competitive, they need to continue learning and be adaptable to the changing maritime landscape.

As the industry evolves, there is an urgent need for future seafarers to be adequately trained at sea. The Philippines continues to solidify its role as a leading supplier of seafarers, but persistent challenges in maritime training, particularly the lack of shipboard experience, call for the need for stronger industry-academic linkages.

Initiatives like the Adopt-A-Ship program play a crucial role in addressing these training gaps by providing students with real-world exposure to maritime operations and creating an early interest in seafaring careers. By expanding its reach, the program not only strengthens the country’s maritime workforce but also safeguards its position in the global shipping industry.

All photos credit: Anglo-Eastern

Top photo: Captain Neeraj Kumar Dhingra, director of Anglo-Eastern Crew Management, Philippines.