Philippines’ MARINA upgrades ship officers’ training course

The Philippines’ Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has revamped the Management Level Course (MLC) to streamline the path for maritime officers aspiring to senior positions like masters, chief mates, chief engineers, and second engineers. 

This updated course, an essential component of the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) Convention, equips officers with the managerial and operational skills necessary to excel in the maritime industry.

In response to long-standing concerns from industry stakeholders about redundancy and extended training periods, MARINA has overhauled the certification process to make it more efficient for Filipino seafarers. 

The updated course aligns training requirements with industry needs while eliminating unnecessary topics previously covered in earlier training or practiced onboard.

Reduction in training hours

During a September press briefing, MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan and STCW Office Executive Director Samuel Batalla outlined the course revisions. 

For now, only MARINA-accredited maritime training providers will offer the training face-to-face. However, Batalla noted that future offerings may adopt a hybrid or blended approach.

Malaluan, meanwhile, assured that the shortened version of the MLC underwent thorough review to remove redundant or unnecessary topics.

She explained that these redundant topics had already been covered in college or practiced onboard as operational-level officers, making them unnecessary for those aspiring to become management-level officers. 

The course now emphasizes managerial competencies, streamlining the learning process while retaining essential skills and knowledge for management-level roles.

MARINA reduced training hours for deck officers from 425 (53 days) to 193 (24 days) and for engine officers from 565 (70 days) to 311 (38 days). According to MARINA, despite the reduced hours, the course still emphasizes the managerial competencies needed in senior roles.

Accredited institutions must submit updated course materials by December 31, 2024, for approval before the rollout.

A seafarer’s perspective: Less time, more value 

KC Abigail Chin-Sood, a 35-year-old second officer, supports the changes, believing that the shortened training will positively impact seafarers’ lives. 

In an interview with Maritime Fairtrade, she said: “Fewer training hours give us more time with our families. Those living in provinces won’t have to travel to Manila as often, easing the financial burden, especially for accommodation.

“As for me, I still need to take MLC Function 1, having already completed Functions 2 and 3. I think the option to finish only the remaining components is a fair approach, especially since we’ve waited a long time for this change.”

When asked about the revised course’s focus on decision-making, supervisory, and analytical skills, KC said: “I am confident that the administration has thoughtfully integrated all essential learnings into the newly revised MLC.” 

As a junior officer yet to complete the MLC, KC appreciates the balance between mandatory training and practical experience. 

“The skills required for management roles are primarily cultivated onboard. Each seafarer maintains a training record book, essential for their next promotion, which often provides a more comprehensive learning experience.”

KC also noted that the revised course better reflects real-world seafaring.

“While the MLC offers basic management training, onboard experience is where we truly learn to manage people and navigate complex situations. Nothing compares to the practical knowledge gained through onboard experience—this is where every seafarer truly learns,” said KC.

Ensuring global competitiveness

With the changes to the MLC, MARINA aims to help Filipino seafarers remain competitive in the global maritime industry. KC believed this is vital, as the Philippines continues to be one of the top suppliers of seafarers worldwide. 

However, she anticipated challenges as training centers adjust. “With MLC classes temporarily halted, a surge in enrollees may occur once the new system starts. The question is whether centers can handle the increased demand, especially with class size limits.”

KC is also concerned that course fees may rise but remains hopeful they will stay lower than the previous MLC. “For those of us who haven’t completed the course, these changes ultimately benefit us, allowing quicker certification without compromising training quality.”

Suggestions for improvement

When asked what improvements she would like to see in the maritime training system, KC emphasized the need for greater transparency and accessibility in MARINA’s processes. 

“As seafarers, we don’t always know what’s going on behind the scenes. We rely on memos and updates from news outlets or social media for information. I trust that MARINA is working hard to meet our needs, but it would be helpful if they could expand their workforce and open more branch offices to make their services more accessible, especially for those in remote areas.”

She also advocated for reinstating the attestation system for training renewals, which would eliminate the need for redundant refresher courses. 

“We already practice necessary skills onboard. Allowing renewals through attestation would save us time and money, especially for new seafarers, enabling them to focus on their development without the weight of administrative challenges,” she said.

For KC, understanding the full extent of a senior officer’s responsibilities comes from firsthand experience onboard. “It (often) takes several contracts to fully develop these essential skills, which are crucial for effective leadership in the maritime industry.” 

She added: “These competencies are most effectively acquired through practical, hands-on experience, as theoretical knowledge often diverges significantly from real-world application.”

As the maritime industry evolves, MARINA’s revamped MLC positions Filipino seafarers to maintain their status as global maritime workforce leaders. With full implementation set for January 2025, the course will help seafarers stay competitive in a dynamic industry. 

The revised MLC introduces a new chapter in maritime training in the Philippines, aiming to ensure that Filipino seafarers maintain a competitive position in global shipping while addressing the practical demands of their profession.

Top photo credit: MARINA. MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan (right) and STCW Office Executive Director Samuel Batalla.

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