As the world’s top supplier of seafarers, the Philippines remains crucial in sustaining global shipping by consistently deploying its skilled maritime workers to international fleets.
Knowing this demand, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) recently organized a mega job fair on September 22, connecting aspiring seafarers with opportunities on cruise ships and other vessels, highlighting the growing global need for Filipino maritime professionals.
Held at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia in Pasay City, the event featured 35 licensed manning agencies offering more than 3,000 maritime job opportunities.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac emphasized the importance of the initiative during the “Disenteng Trabaho para sa mga Marinong Filipino” Mega Job Fair, which was part of the 25th National Maritime Week and National Seafarers Day celebrations.
The National Maritime Week officially kicked off on September 22, with ships berthed across the country sounding their horns simultaneously to mark the beginning of a week-long celebration honoring Filipino seafarers.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac (right) offers his best wishes to applicants seeking maritime job opportunities during the job fair.
Strong demand for Filipino seafarers
Cacdac underscored the strong demand for Filipino maritime workers. According to him, the DMW issued 560,000 exit clearances for Filipino seafarers in 2023 — surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
Addressing job seekers, Cacdac said: “There is such a demand for Filipino seafarers. Those deployed to ships before you have demonstrated the quality, extra-mile loyalty, and competence of Filipino seafarers.
“Filipino seafarers have proven to be excellent workers, and we are fortunate to offer these opportunities because you are world-class, and you prove it every time you sail.”
The job fair, which was initiated by the late DMW Secretary Susan Ople, connected aspiring seafarers directly with licensed manning agencies. “We don’t want them to feel uncertain about where to go for services or deployment,” Cacdac noted.
Seafarer safety amid security concerns
In response to growing concerns over safety due to recent attacks on vessels in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, Cacdac assured job seekers that the government has implemented measures to ensure their protection. “We need to be extra cautious when sailing due to the current situation, but there are many safe routes,” he said.
Cacdac urged ship owners to reroute vessels away from high-risk areas and respect seafarers’ rights to refuse dangerous assignments. “Ship owners are obligated to assign seafarers who refuse dangerous routes to other ships or send them home with two months’ worth of compensation,” he said.
In addition, the DMW has allocated a P2.8 billion (US$50 million) action fund for 2024 to assist Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in need of legal, financial, or medical aid. “We will ensure you are not victims of illegal recruitment or human trafficking, and we will continue providing protection,” Cacdac said.
He also noted that each OFW in distress may receive up to P50,000, with P70,000 for those who fall ill and P100,000 for the families of workers who pass away while abroad.
Guide to seafarer application process
Hartmann Crew Philippines, one of the 35 recruitment agencies at the job fair, reported receiving 259 applications, with many aspiring seafarers applying for cadet and messman roles.
In an interview with Maritime Fairtrade, Arvin T. Condez, head of recruitment and crew relations, said the agency is actively seeking candidates for several high-demand positions, including master, chief officer, chief engineer, second engineer, and electrician or electro-technical officer for various vessels.
“We have open positions for chief engineer, second engineer, electro-technical officer, messman, ordinary seaman, and cook. Candidates with relevant experience, particularly those meeting our principals’ specific requirements, will be prioritized,” Condez explained, noting that Hartmann Crew Philippines currently has 12 available positions to fill.
Condez provided an overview of their recruitment process for seafarers interested in applying to the agency and explained how they manage and sort applications. “All applications sent through email or via our websites are manually encoded into our system and reviewed by recruitment staff based on our qualification matrix.”
He further elaborated: “Online applications submitted using the QR code provided in our live broadcasts or on our website are automatically added to the system and reviewed based on the qualification matrix.”
For walk-in applicants, Hartmann Crew Philippines offers a QR code for online applications, and computers are available in the waiting area for their convenience.
Once applicants meet the agency’s requirements, Condez said they are invited for an interview and a computer-based assessment. This is followed by a character check with the applicant’s previous agency, after which the final evaluation is conducted by the operations manager.
He added: “The applicant will then be introduced to the principal.”
Commitment to seafarer safety and welfare
Condez emphasized the agency’s focus on ensuring the safety of its seafarers, particularly in light of growing security threats in certain maritime regions.
“As mandated by DMW, all departing seafarers must attend an Anti-Piracy awareness seminar,” Condez explained. “Additionally, our company provides pre-joining familiarization, discussing recent incidents and actions to be taken when sailing in high-risk areas.”
He continued: “We are proud that our principal has decided to avoid transiting vessels through the Red Sea. Our Manila office also monitors all vessels through our vessel monitoring system.”
When asked about support services for seafarers during emergencies, Condez shared that Hartmann Crew Philippines provides a 24/7 helpline for their crew. “We also have a dedicated Corporate Communication & Family Center, and we offer training in both soft skills and technical skills to ensure their safety and competence for the job.”
Condez also welcomed the recently signed Magna Carta for Seafarers, emphasizing that, “It benefits both seafarers and employers by protecting the rights and welfare of Filipino seafarers. It also promotes fair opportunities in seafarer employment.”
The DMW’s job fair, which offered 3,146 crew orders from participating manning agencies, was held ahead of World Maritime Day on September 26. Filipino seafarers comprise about 25% of the global seafaring workforce, according to DMW data.
All photos credit: Department of Migrant Workers
Top photo: Filipino seafarers seek job opportunities during the 29th National Seafarers Day and 25th National Maritime Week Mega Job Fair at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
